GWENDOLYN

My wonderful friend, Kelly, posted about baby names and invited people to share how they came up with their kids' names.

Of course, any time someone asks you to talk about your kid...it's a welcome request. I mean, usually I just talk about Gwen, uninvited, and hope someone will listen!!! What can I say...she is awesome, and people should know about it!

Anyway, at the beginning, Bic and I were pretty into having a boy. I really wanted one...until about after the first trimester...then, my desire to have a girl became increasingly stronger to the point that, when we went for the 19week ultrasound...I REALLY wanted a girl! God is good!

But, we had easily picked out three boys names...

Augustine Mark (Auggie)

Maximus David (Max)

Charlemagne (Charley...well, I like this one...husband is not so sure)

Anyway, I didn't want to give up my desire for an epic, out-of-the ordinary name, just because we were having a girl. Although, I'm also a sucker for strong, grounded names like Rebekah and Elizabeth.

We were watching, for the second time, The Importance of Being Earnest (a play by Oscar Wilde, turned into a movie). One of the character's names is Gwendolyn (well, Gwendolen). It sounded interesting, so we stuck it in our cap. Then I looked it up and there are a lot of similarities between the Jennifer and Gwendolyn names. They are Welsh. They mean something having to do with white (I don't remember, the meaning was pretty meaningless). Also, the Jennifer comes from Guinevere...anyway, they are close in origin and meaning...and that's fun!

It's kind of a name with attitude...and we think it fits our little Angel very well!

Great Bib for Baby

I always look into product reviews...I like to know what people have to say before I buy...and usually I just want to find the thing that works best (or better than most).

And, since I clearly think my opinion is pretty valuable ;), I thought I would pass along my own review... I really like this bib. At first I didn't buy it because it seemed a little bulky and expensive, so I left it in the store...but later (when we really got into the baby food) I ran back to get something that would work well, be durable, portable, easy to clean and help contain the mess as much as possible. I love this Kiddopotamus one! It's awesome! I can even roll it up and put it in the diaper bag and it's extremely durable (and BPA-free, in case that's something you look for in a bib).

Yes, I DO Know the Muffin Man...for Goodness Sake!

Yeah, so the Muffin Man is just fine... as are all those black birds that were baked in some pie. But Gwendolyn and I need a little JESUS around here!!! I think my 8 month old is a little bored with Derek Webb and Rich Mullins!

I'm looking for some fun, baby and kid Jesus music, and I know there are a ton of you out there who probably have some great suggestions! Just help point me in the right direction, if you will!

Also, if anyone knows of a kids album of Hymns...that would be awesome!

THIS is the Day That the Lord Has Made!

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10

I often have trouble with the "taking one day at a time" thing. I do not enjoy the ultimate time-line of ONE day. One day is short and the next, uncertain, day follows so closely behind it...and you have to start all over again.

I could go on to examine why I might be someone who doesn't like this...but, inevitably, that would just leave us unraveling the less healthy side to me and concluding that the Lord will surely continue to change me into someone who more closely resembles Himself. So, we'll move on...

Gwendolyn and I (and Dave The Dog) went on a walk this morning. It was 7:30am, which would normally be unbearable this time of year in Tucson. But, it was really over-cast this morning and there was no fiery sun to cook us today. I was loving it and really enjoying the time and thinking, "I wish it could be like this every morning so that I don't have to try and get out at 6am" (which I've been very unsuccessful at).

That's when these words in 2 Peter came to me...these words and the words of the song: This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made (which I sing to Gwendolyn when she is being really whiney).

We don't even know if we have tomorrow. For all I know, THIS is the last day on earth that I have, or the last day I have with my husband or child.

Now, I know that Jesus Christ died and was raised again, so that what waits for me at the end of this world is more wonderful than anything I will ever experience...but I want to enjoy my life while I am in it and live like there is a perfect God in charge of it.

THIS is the day that the Lord has Made! His blessings are abundant TODAY! I would be wise to gobble them up and Enjoy them...for today!

My Baby Is Annoying Me

I don't FEEL like being a mom right now. I FEEL like getting in the car and going to the grocery store by myself and leaving her to wine, alone. I'm pretty upset that she had a terrible nap at the very time I needed her to have a good nap so that we could have a good day doing what we need to do. We have no milk, meat, eggs, tomatoes and laundry detergent (amongst other things) and I need to go to the store. I just want to cry thinking about her little, obstinate body all contorted and arched as I try and put her in her car seat. SO annoying. I should have left her in that crib to cry all by herself. She needed more sleep. I'm always regretful at the decision to go get her. ALWAYS! Seriously, I'm not sure if I feel any love for her right now. I'm going to feed her and put her back to bed. I am going to shut her door and let her cry until she falls asleep. I wish I had purchased ear plugs.

LOTS of pictures of Us and our Crazy Angel