“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother” -Theodore Hesburgh
What’s in a name?:Besides getting pregnant I think the hardest thing during this pregnancy has been choosing a name. Once we found out it was a girl, I thought I had settled on a name, we had even chosen a nickname (Yaya). But, the more we researched the origins and said it out loud we felt like something was lacking. We went back to the drawing board and wrote down everything we wanted in a name: a biblical connection, a strong meaning, and we wanted her initials to spell out a word (weird I know, but both Byron and I have initials that spell words and we think it’s hilarious). I would present Byron with names every night and he would turn them down. After weeks it actually started to cause some tension between the two of us. After spending hours registering for the baby shower we sat and had lunch with my mom and sisters. We told them about the trouble we were having with choosing a name. They threw out a few that Byron shot down quickly (He wanted his baby girl to have the perfect name). And then it was like the stars aligned and my eldest sister said what about “Genesis”? Everyone at the table got quiet. “She is the beginning for you two, it has a biblical reference and a strong meaning”. I looked at Byron and he smiled! Of course we had to listen to my sister congratulate herself for naming her niece (LOL), but another beautiful story to share with our daughter about the love of her family.
Then someone said what about the initials? That is when Byron stepped in. He said “Her middle name will begin with an O to symbolize who we owe this baby to in the first place (G.O.D)”. And just like that I fell in love with him all over again. I told Byron he could have the honor of choosing her middle name with no push back from me. He still is working on the perfect name which he will reveal when he is ready. The funny part is that everyone in my family was so use to calling her “Yaya” that from time to time they still do. She will either be very confused or laugh a lot at this little unique nickname of hers.
Baby Notes / Gift Haul: This week instead of choosing a hot topic about pregnancy, I decided to take some time and thank everyone that has sent precious little gifts to Genesis and I. We have also had several friends that have sent gift cards, which have come in handy already (thank you Angela and Tiffany)!!!. I would also would like to take this time and thank everyone that has sent us such beautiful words of encouragement and prayers, came to visit, cooked us meals, and even sent books and movies to watch during my bed rest. I am just so humbled. The kindness you all share truly baffles me beyond words. I know I use the word “blessed” a lot, but please do not think I use it lightly. I am reminded of God thru you all daily.
Weeks 21-24: I have officially been placed on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy so I have picked up the art of sleeping in, shifting through Netflix and Hulu recommendations and gotten quite addicted to the game Restaurant Story. One exciting hobby I have started is crocheting ( I know! Who am I?). I am actually crocheting the blanket that I am bringing Genesis home from the hospital in. I am no Martha Stewart yet, but I love that she will have something hand made from her mommy. I also got to celebrate my first mother’s day. It’s a family tradition for the women in my family to spend the day in Palm Springs, but since I was restricted to very minimal movement we forfeited the trip this year and spent the day getting pedicures and watching movies.
Baby Updates:
We are into our sixth month of pregnancy!
Today the baby is the size of: a cantaloupe (on week 24)
Cravings: SWEETS! I am addicted to sour straws right now.
Next Appointment: June 6
Mochi Update: Mochi has officially been rehomed with some high school friends of ours. A few blogs ago I said that Byron and I were deciding if we were going to move and we have officially decided that we are (and we can not have dogs). Therefore we didn’t want to drag out the process of finding a good home for her. We talked with a few people and even turned down an offer because it just didn’t feel right. When Byron’s friend said he was looking it was perfect! He has two children and will reside only 15 minutes away from us when we make the move, so we get to see her whenever we want. Byron took her over to introduce her to the kids and she was already so happy. She has a backyard to play in and has already started sleeping in the bed with the kids. It’s almost like an open adoption for us. They send us pictures and updates all the time. Mochi will always be a part of our family and I am excited to take Genesis to meet her in the future.
Mommy feels: tired and achy! The reason I was placed on bed rest was due to pre term labor contractions and pelvic pressure. The pain has started to get much better while on bed rest, but they have not disappeared completely. Sometimes even walking around the house will trigger a contraction. It’s not fun, but I am glad that it still has yet to taint my love for being pregnant. Genesis has started to move a bit more these weeks and its exciting to feel her little kicks (except when they are on my bladder).
Thank you for joining us on this wonderful journey!
Always with love,
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SingingWithTheVolumeUp 