Ethan’s name

Reposted blog entry from July 31, 2008

With my husband being gone the for most of this entire pregnancy, we didn't have much time to talk over baby names. Not that it would have mattered, Daniel didn't get his name until after he was born either. Both times we have known the gender since week 16. But even though Ethan was not named until several hours after he was born, his name was not pulled from a hat. He was named on purpose.

Ethan Raj means "Strong King". But the purpose of his name is because of who he is named after. We knew all along that our baby's middle name would be 'Raj' after his father. In the end we also thought it would be fitting that his first name would be Ethan.

You see, in the old testament, Ethan was a Levite assigned to be one of David's music leaders. He is the author of Psalm 89 which declares, "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." So we thought it was appropriate that the son of a worship leader would be named after a worship leader in the Bible.

(On a side note, when telling of how wise Solomon was, it is said that "He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan" -that means Ethan was well known for being wise too.)

Click on the image below to see the announcement for Ethan Raj.

Conversations with Ethan

Mom, can you buy me this?
    ~No.

When can you buy it for me?
    ~I'm not buying it for you.

No, when can you buy it for me?
    ~I am not ever buying it for you.

Can you buy it for me the other day?
    ~No!

Then when can you?
    ~No, not ever, no.  Which part are you not getting?

What is it?

There are questions and appointments.  There is waiting.  There are phone calls and paperwork.  There are referrals, and more appointments.  And more waiting.  There are symptoms or causes that may or may not be one or the other.  There are nurses, and doctors, and specialists.  Then there is waiting.  There are timelines and deadlines and stress. And lots of waiting. And lots of time to wonder, is it this?  If so then what?  What if it isn't?  What next?  There really is no point in those questions until we know, but until we know, all we have is questions.  The biggest question is when.  It's not waiting that I struggle with.  It's the not knowing.  And especially the not knowing when.

I should have known better

Reposted blog entry from Jun 7, 2008

I'm a white girl. A very white girl. (except when I stand in the sun for 10 minutes, then I'm red) I know this and yet still...!

Ok, let me back up. My husband's Weapons School graduation is on Saturday. Its a very fancy, formal affair and everyone will be dressed to the hilt (not a "slightly dressier than Sunday" occasion). So I had to find a formal gown that would fit over my baby belly and make a cute bump rather than a whale bump. As difficult as it was, I did manage to find the perfect dress (well, it will be perfect after quite expensive alterations to accommodate said belly). Its very sleek -almost slimming- and though not strapless, it is fairly backless.

So why did it not occur to me that sitting in the sun in a square neckline for 45 minutes the day after I bought this backless dress might not be a good idea? I don't know, but the bright red square that extends a third of the way down my back might as well be a huge sign that reads "moron".

Weapons School Graduation
8 months pregnant with Ethan