Quatro Needs a Name

Everytime someone asks me if I've picked out a name for the baby, I feel like such a failure. I want to say, "No, and I haven't cleaned my bathrooms in 2 weeks, and my sink's full of dishes, and my kids don't listen, and I yelled at them this morning, and . . . " You get the idea. I know they are just making conversation/are interested, but this is really hard for me. Not just because it's boy #4 and I feel like I've used all the names I like, but I've always had a hard time naming things more or less other humans. It's so final. Today, my doctor told me that next appointment, we're picking a birthday. I almost had a panic attack on the car on the way home. Pick a birthday? Certainly not yet!! I'm not ready. The memories of past c-sections, the stress of hoping everything goes ok and that he is ok, being in the hospital, recovering, all came flooding back. Can't be that close! I am looking forward to having a new baby, but the reality of that first week/month is drawing near. I've never been one to mush over newborns - I honestly just assume skip that part. And to top it all off, no, I don't have a name. So Chris and I finally narrowed it down. I'm stressing over it and could use some opinions, but be gentle. I'm hormonal.

Jack: God is gracious. This is the one I thought of a long time ago. I like it, but it has become very popular, lately. And Jackson is popular, too - we've got 2 kids on our soccer team named Jackson.
Abram: high father. I don't really get the meaning of this name - I know Abraham is father of many (or something like that) and I get that, but high father? What's that? I like this name because it's unusual but not crazy unusual.
Reagan: little king. Isn't that a cute meaning especially for the baby of a family? This one just made it on our list recently. Like many other names, it's been stolen by the female sex, but I think considering it's meaning, it's masculine enough.

So our first/middle name combo list is as such:
Jack Abram
Abram Jeremiah: Jeremiah means exalted of the Lord
Abram Jedidiah: Ok, you old people, I don't think I've ever even watched an episode of Hillbillies. Jedidiah means beloved of the Lord.
Reagan Jack
Jack Reagan
Reagan Judah: I really like Judah. I'd use it as a first name, but I have a niece named Judith/Judi - too close. Means praise. Would be perfect if we got a boy band out of all these boys.

I guess that's it. I still listen for other names because I'm really not sold on any of these. Any thoughts?

Ben's Two/To-Do Update

 Yesterday was Ben's 2nd birthday. We had a busy day scheduled already with CBS, piano lessons, a little bit a school, so his celebration was at breakfast. I made fresh blueberry coffee cake, muffin style.

He opened his present. . .

And got to play a little while. Last week, Papa (my dad) built the boys a sandbox under their "clubhouse" on the swingset. It had been so long since we had had a sandbox, the toys were mostly broken. So that's what we got Ben for his birthday. They really had a good time with them. Didn't want to come inside.  

Ben at Two:

• loves music
• doesn't say much, but wants what he wants
• says "ane" for Zane
• "uh, own" for up down
• "bye-bye", "nigh-nigh"
• Loves the word, "no" - says that one perfectly
• tries to be as independent as possible
• doesn't like it when big brothers run to momma - a little possessive
• likes to get undressed
• loves cooked apples
• still needs to be held sometimes
• follows instructions
• gets to sit in time-out for whining or crying for silly things
• loves his brothers and hates it when they go places without him

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On a completely separate note, I've gotten a lot of my to-do list done. There's still plenty left, but I think it's possible that I can get it all done before Quatro's here (naming baby is still on list). I've finished my baby bedding, birthday party this weekend, knocked our school days to 3 days a week, learned that music, and swapped out everyone's clothes but mine (boxes still in hallway). Left to do:

• name baby
• decorate nursery
• paint nursery
• move kids to their new rooms - build bunkbed, transition Z to bunkbed, transition Ben to big bed
• piano recital
• birthday party
• yard is still bad, but they may just stay that way - I have worked on it some
• birthday photo shoot for Ben and Ca
• swap out my clothes

Remember my socks from my last post? This is what they've become . . . .

a baby mobile

They were actually really fun to make. Most of it I did by hand with embroidery thread. Their wings are all different and I've got that one sleeping one. I just cut the animals off my old mobile and sewed these guys on. I think they turned out cute. The whole project cost about $3.

Laundry List

I'm starting to feel the pressure of a new one coming in May. That's two months! TWO MONTHS, PEOPLE! Here's my to-do list between now and then.

• Finish Nursery: I've finished the quilt this week, now for the rest of the bedding, painting, and all the decor. Here's a little quilt teaser.

• Learn this music: I was asked to accompany a violin student in a competition that's this Sunday. I was given the music 2 weeks ago. I've been trying to learn it, but I'm so not ready.
• Plan a piano recital for my students: I always do one in May. We'll be moving it up a month this year. I usually learn something to play in it, too. Too bad this one sounds strange without the violin.

• Room Swapping: This one, I'm really putting off. I'm keeping them all separate as long as I can, but eventually, we need to put together the bunk, get a box spring from a friend, and start rearranging everyone and their clothes. I'm not going to do any redecorating in the big boys room except to move their names that's on the walls. Ca really needs a bigger bookcase in his room, too.
• 2 birthdays this month: Ben's and Ca's. I'm not crazy enough to plan two birthday parties, but I need to plan one for sure. Ca said he wants a Toy Story birthday. Since Ben doesn't talk much yet, Ca gets to pick. I usually try to do a little photo shoot of them when they have a birthday, too. And I might ought to buy them a present or two.

• Taxes: need I say more?
• Our Yard: Remember that show, Malcolm in the Middle? Yeah, that's our yard.
• Spring Clothes Swap: Poor Ca's pants are all too short for him. We (read: I) really need to clean out our winter clothes and pull out the 4T stuff for him, 2T for Ben, summer clothes for everyone. And baby clothes for Quatro. I guess I should get all those baby supplies out of the storeroom, too. Like a carseat - might be important.
• Somewhat important: NAME THIS BABY!! We've got a list of names that I'm ok with but nothing I'm in love with. List includes: Jack, Abram, Gideon, Jeremiah, Jedidiah, Samuel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego . . . maybe I'll come up with an actual list and post it on my blog - get some help.

• I've got a project for the nursery having to do with these socks. You'll have to wait to see this one.

I know I'm forgetting stuff. And to top it all, I still need to keep up with everything else I'm already doing: homeschooling, keeping house, lessons, cooking, Bible Study, Preschool Co-op, grocery shopping, working out, and an actual laundry list. I know a lot of this stuff doesn't HAVE to be done, but really, 4 kids under 6 yrs. Will any of it get done after? I think not.