10 weeks to go!

I, once again, have fallen behind on catching up on this blog.  Such is the life of a toddler mom, especially a seriously pregnant one.  I decided that while I can still comfortably (somewhat) sit at the computer desk and still reach the keyboard, I should update.  In another month, my belly will probably be a bit of an obstruction.   Wyatt is 16 months old.  So hard to believe.

 He is learning new things everyday, although some days feel extremely long.  I think we are in a phase of mommy/daddy clinginess and he really prefers to be held or have one of our's undivided attention at all times..which typically ends up being me, bc I am always with him...It's cute, but def kind of draining!  I have heard this is a peak age for separation anxiety and toddlers feeling secure.  He goes to church nursery twice a week and the gym nursery at least twice a week- so I know he is ok with other people, just wants to be near mom at all times, when we are home.  I also think he is increasingly more ready for a sibling!  He LOVES having other kids around, regardless of the age.

 He just starts chatting up a storm and I can tell he is a very social little boy.  I am trying to get him around other kids as much as I have the energy to do so at this point and still keep my house from falling apart! We are still working on boundaries, yes's and no's, touch's, and don't touch's, making eye contact, and first time obedience.  I have really taken this whole parenting thing as more of a calling than I ever realized.  I truly feel compelled to see that I am raising my child based on biblical principles, with the help of girlfriends at church, and other wonderful resources I'd be happy to share if any of you are interested.  It gets exhausting constantly working on these things day in and day out but I am beginning to see the fruit of our labor.  Wyatt is responding to me almost every time I use his name as a command, he listens to instructions more than 50 % of the time...which apparently is really good at this age...), and is just overall a very loving, secure, and affectionate child.  I think he knows that I have his best interests in mind.  I am recording this more for myself than for any of you, just so you don't think I am trying to brag or anything- afterall he is still a toddler who pushes the boundaries all day...but I want to remember the positives and all the hard work as I move forward onto baby number 2!  I'll finish up this segment with listing the three books that have come highly recommended to me by other mothers in my church- the first of which is Toddlerwise, which obviously I attribute a lot of progress to the entire collection of the "On becoming...wise" books.  As far as routine, boundaries, scheduling a child's day as a stay at home mom, etc.  I will continue reading those as well....next up, "Shepherding a Child's Heart." by Tedd Tripp.  This book is probably counter to a lot of parenting techniques used today, because it is adamant about using God's word as the source for parenting and shepherding our children.  It is extremely useful for any age and I will probably read it again many times....Lastly, "Don't Make Me Count to 3."  By Ginger Powell (I think)....This is a piggy back to Tripp's book on Shepherding.  She emphasizes obedience, especially immediate, first time, obedience.  There is also very helpful information on giving biblical reproof and discipline as a parent, and never acting in anger or losing self control.  I am reading these things in advance hoping I can prevent a lot of things that I'd otherwise be chasing or correcting constantly later on. Ok enough about all that!

(We had a visit from the cousins over Nick's bday weekend...so fun! Went to Strawberry Festival, played all weekend long- were funny in their superman tighty whities!)

Let's get onto a more fun topic, baby number 2!  Most of you probably already noticed based on a few facebook posts or you are already close friends who knew the name we had selected for her.  If you haven't heard already, our baby girl's name is Ruby Kate and she will be arriving in May.  We will be scheduling a c-section most likely around the 22nd, I will know soon.  I had an emergency C-section with Wyatt, and there is a small chance of VBAC but most likely I will end up having the C-section again.  Not really looking forward to that, but trusting that it won't be as bad as the first time..that's what I keep hearing at least.  The name Ruby first came to me off one of those random baby names sites- and I immediately took fondly to it because it is old fashioned, kind of like Wyatt- and we tend to like those more classic names that haven't been used in a while. It also is a family name. There are a few things that Nick and I have made priorities when selecting a baby's name..1. The name must be easy to spell. 2. The name must be easy to pronounce. 3. The name must be obviously suited to a specific gender, not neutral.  (These are obviously not important to everybody, but they are our name rules!).  I let "Ruby" marinate for a few days before I mentioned it to Nick, I wasn't sure that he would like it being that it is very old fashioned.  I spent some time thinking on it- and one night while reading scripture I came across this passage and it just set me on fire!
"I will build you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires.  I will make your battlements of rubies, and your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.  All your sons (or daughters) will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace."  Isaiah 54:12-13. 

 Upon reading this, I just had that wave of emotion as a mom- I just knew this was what her name was supposed to be...sounds silly maybe- and I considered that it could be a passing fancy or thought, so we gave it some time.  After many weeks of letting it marinate and even considering other names, this just was it.  So, the full story behind Ruby Kate- her name is a sweet reminder of the majesty of our creator and our protector- He purposefully used "rubies" to describe the splendor and strength of His provision and also used many times in scripture to emphasis the greatness of wisdom, and I love that picture.  She will be dazzling just as the sparkling jewels should be!  We also really liked the fact that Ruby is a family name on my maternal side.  My grandmother, Kate Durham, had an Aunt Ruby.  I met her once as a child before she passed away.  Kate comes from my Nana, mentioned above.  She dazzles and has always been nicely "decorated" in sparkling gems...so it just fit!  That about sums it up!  We love that her name has deep historical and spiritual meaning, family heritage, and all the other requirements in a Hulling baby name.  Haha.  


Until next time!  T-10 weeks until C-section.  Pray for me.  Seriously.  HAHA.

Megs