The Name Game

I know many of you are curious as to what we'll be naming Baby Mac. Sorry, but we're keeping it under wraps. I've had friends be told that the name they've selected is not acceptable by their mothers. I've had friends whose names have been stolen by other "friends." And, I must admit that I kind of enjoy having a secret.

Each week that there is an infant baptism, I hold my breath until I see that the name to be given the baby is not the name we've selected. I've checked the Social Security website for their lists of popular baby names as based on applications for social security cards. I don't want the name to be too popular. I've had too many classes filled with numerous Tyler's and Taylor's. It just gets confusing. When I was little I hated the fact that I could never find any items personalized with my name. It was tough not being able to find a "See Rock City" mini license plate that said "Miranda." As I got older, I was accustomed to being the only Miranda, and I resented the fact that the name gained popularity. I wanted the uniqueness of being the only Miranda. As an adult in the world of work, it is nice being the only Miranda. While I don't think Baby Mac will be the only boy with the name we've selected, I don't think he'll be one of four of five boys in his class with the same name. And, even if there is someone else with that first name, it is doubtful that there will be multiple "McLarens" in his class.

The name we've chosen is not a family name. Although, we've discovered that one might think this based on the initials.

And, so, with Baby Mac's arrival being imminent, we thought we'd tease you a bit with initials.

G R

Baby Mac Update

Had I posted the sonogram picture last week, my title was going to be, "They Call Me Big Mac" since baby boy is measuring about 7.5 pounds as of last week. But I didn't post.

We went to the doctor today. My blood sugar readings are mostly under control. The fasting (over night) reading is down where the doctor wants to see it. My feet are swollen, but not too badly. My blood pressure remains good; it was 118/80 today. Last week it was 112/72. Thankfully, my low blood pressure is a blessing. My weight gain remains low and steady, thanks to the gestational diabetes diet. I'm dialated 2 cm; I'm 25% effaced. I've had a few crampy sort of contractions, but nothing to get alarmed about. So, it could be any day now. How useful is that information?

Lent is Upon Us

This week is Ash Wednesday. As always, our pastor, Ken, has challenged the congregation to prayerfully consider the upcoming season of Lent and how we will respond to this time of year. To that end, he has offered suggestions for how we can draw closer to God during the Lenten season. One is to read the Bible daily and spend time contemplating what we've read. For this, he has started a blog: Ken's Daily Devotional. You'll see it listed in my "Blogs You Should Check Out Section." I plan to read along with him, read, reflect, and respond to the blog If you need a daily devotion to read, join in.

Ken also challenges us to fast. You'll see scripture references to fasting on the blog already. Last year Dave and I did the $3 a day Food Stamp diet with Ken. Dave hasn't decided if he'll try it again this year or not. I won't be able to, but I figure I've been fasting since January 5th as it is. There are lots of times, recently, when I'm hungry and just waiting for my next blood sugar check so that I can eat afterwards. Thankfully, I know my "fasting" is only temporary, and I can see the big picture of doing what's right for the baby. (Actually, I've been fasting lots of things for the baby since June, but again, it's all worth it.) Some members of our church who travel through the week and know that they can't do the $3 a day, are doing the Weekend Food diet. Our church has partnered with 2 elementary schools to provide food for students on free and reduced lunches to take home with them over the weekend to ensure that they have something to eat. Ken posted what kids would have to take home with them on his blog, as well. Whether Dave and I fast or not, I know that last year's experience was powerful to both of us. Hunger is a common human condition. I am thankful that I have never been truly hungry for more than a few minutes. (I should amend part of that, I will not be going on any kind of diet--I have Baby Mac to feed through Lent this year.)

So, with Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday approaching, I challenge you to think about what you will do to draw closer to God on your spiritual journey.

Getting Ready for Baby Mac

This weekend was busy at moments, but Dave and I both found time to rest. I came home from work by 5pm on Friday and laid down for a bit before cooking dinner and heading out to the stadium to be the administrator on duty for the girls' soccer game. This should be my last night time duty for a while.

Saturday we got up and headed to Babies R Us. We had 2 items to return, a few items to add to our registry, and a car seat to purchase. We also bought our diaper bag. Thanks to the generosity of co-workers, we paid $3 for the car seat. Actually, we didn't even pay that out of our pockets. We took duplicates and "changed our minds" items back to Wal-Mart on Monday and got $97 back in cash. After purchasing the diaper bag, we still have $73 dollars to use on items for Baby Mac. We'll go back to BRU when our next 15% off coupon becomes active. I think we'll buy our diaper pail then.

Speaking of diapers, we're seriously considering using cloth diapers. They're not the prefolded white cotton things you're thinking of. These are the new generation of cloth diapers. I've ordered and received 2 different ones: bumgenius and Tiny Tush. We plan to order a third candidate: Fuzzi Bunz. The nice thing is these are one-size fits 8-35 pounds. So, after our initial investment, we'll be set. (Plus, who can resist these names? And one of the sites I'm using is Soft Cloth Bunz.) Dave's not too sure about the part of the directions that says to "shake the solids into the toliet and flush", but I think he'll be fine. We're going to try out the cloth diapers along with disposables for the first bit and see. Right now we have 2-100 packages of disposables. If we're lucky, that'll get us through 2 weeks.

After a nap Saturday, I logged into Turbo Tax and started our income taxes. I was able to finish them after my Sunday afternoon nap. Thankfully, we're getting a refund this year, which will be sent straight to our second mortgage, and will almost pay it off. Our goal for paying it off was August; April or May will be much better.

And, back to the car seat. It rode around in the box in the back seat until after church today. Dave then read the entire owner's manual for the car seat and the part of my car's owner's manual regarding car seat installation. After that, he went out and got it all strapped in. We're just leaving it there so we'll be ready.

My trunk is filled with my hospital bag, Dave's bag, and 2 pillows. So, now we're just waiting. The baby has shifted into a heads down position and is dropping. We go to the doctor Monday. Only 3 (or so) weeks to go.

Baby Mac at 36 weeks

Only four more weeks to go!!! He is measuring a week ahead of schedule too. They estimated that he is currently at 7lbs 8 oz - he's also in the 90 percentile for weight. He's gonna be a BIG boy!

He doesn't look too happy...I think he is frowning - poor guy. It is getting a bit cramped in there, or maybe he is just camera shy like his Dad.

Baby Shower

Last night my work family hosted a shower for me. Dave and I are so overwhelmed by their generosity. We ate. We opened gifts. We "oohed" and "aahed." We had a great time. Thankfully, one of the teachers, Sherrell, took over my camera and captured great memories for me; I truly am grateful for her leading role.

This is me with Becky (left) and Sharon. It is a pleasure to work with these two ladies--and great moms.

After the food, we started with the mountain of gifts. I'm sparing you all the pictures. (Vainly, I chose the ones in which I look best.)

These cute little overalls are from Beth, my assistant. Just this week, we had an entire conversation about how I love overalls for kids. She had already bought these for me.
We got a few books. But we're going to need more. I think that will go on my request list for the party my cousin hosts in Georgia when we take Baby Mac back to be introduced to everyone.


Dave was a great dad; he dutifully smiled and oogled everything. Thankfully, Chris and Ted, were there for male moral support.

Vicki made these closet dividers for me. I saw some about a month ago in a store and decided that I could make some. In all my spare time, I didn't get around to it. Thankfully, Vicki came to the rescue. She has a new granddaughter who was up visiting from San Anton' but chose to come share with us. What a friend!
I think all my smiles were as big as this one. I got so many cute things, so many needed things, and so many thoughtful gifts. Keri got Baby Mac a hat to match his dad's. Can't wait 'til I can get a picture of them in their matching hats this summer. Keri was also a sweetheart and kept a record of all of my gifts.

While I was opening gifts, guests enjoyed cake.
Afterwards, I broke my diet and had a piece. After everyone left, I had another small square without the icing. It was so good. I thought about "forgetting" to take my post-dinner blood sugar, but was curious. It was 111; one of my better readings after dinner. (The target is 60-120). I can't figure this whole diabetes thing out. Dave and I are hoping the sugar jolted my pancreas to start making insulin. The trips up and down the stairs at home carrying gifts to the nursery might have helped. I'm really not questioning it too much.

When we got home, we unbagged everything and put it on the dining room table. What a haul! There are toys, bath stuff, and feeding supplies.


I got to bring these cute letters home. (See the hat in the background.)

Of course there were clothes. And, we even got our MacLaren stroller. Dave got a bit frustrated putting the sun shade on top. I'll admit the directions and photos could have been better.

In addition to what you see here, I received several gift cards to Wal-Mart and Babies R Us. We even got a gift certificate for newborn pictures from Poetic Exposure. A coworker used this guy for her Christmas gift to family. He does great black and white photography. He's no Tonya Marie, but she's in Indiana . . . This morning I went to his website and cried while I watched the slideshow he has posted of sweet babies and their families. I can't wait to see our own pictures. I'm sure there'll be more tears.

Afterwards, we carried stuff upstairs and started putting things away. The clothes dividers went in the closet immediately. I already had clothes in sections, but it's great to have labels. Dave made a list of things we are planning to buy this weekend. At the top are a car seat and a diaper bag. We also want to work on getting the nursery all organized and ready for baby boy. We really just need to hang stuff on the walls and continue to organize. We'll get there.

We are truly blessed.

I was Served by a Billionaire Today

Yes, you read that right. I was served a drink and was given peanuts by a billionaire on a flight to Houston today. Herb Kelleher, the founder and ex-CEO of Southwest Airlines was on our flight today and he was helping out the stewardesses in the cabin. He welcomed people onto the plane, talked to just about everyone in the cabin, served people, it was unreal. He took a minute to talk to me and the salesperson traveling with me.

He wasn't dressed to the 9's like one would expect. He had on a flannel shirt and some plain grey pants. Who would have ever known that this guy was a billionaire.

I almost felt sorry for the pilot who you know had to be nervous about having a smooth landing. Because you really really don't want to have a hard landing with your bosses-bosses-bosses-bosses boss riding on the plane.

I Think My Monitor is Greasy From This Site

Gross, but pretty entertaining none the less.

Thisiswhyyourefat.com

It has submitted pictures of things like Krispy Kream Bacon Cheeseburgers, Corndog Pizza and such....I think that I have seen quite a few of these fine foods at the Texas State Fair.

No Rest for the Pregnant (Or Her Husband)

It's been a busy week around here, and the upcoming week looks to be just as busy--if not a little more so. I haven't been posting a great deal lately. Part of that is because there doesn't seem to be anything "post-worthy" happening; another part of that is that Dave and I are sharing my laptop. The desktop computer has died. Dave has been shopping for a new laptop. He's actually ordered two: one he canceled because it was on backorder and OfficeMax couldn't give us an ETA, the second was out of stock by the time he placed the order and got the credit card approved. I keep thinking third time's a charm, right?

Monday morning Dave was surprised at work with a baby shower. Below is the haul from his office. Monday afternoon we had a doctor's appointment. We had to wait for more than an hour; once we saw the doctor she apologized, explaining that the ice day the week before had thrown the office off since all those appointments had to be rescheduled. Our visit with Dr. Allen was brief. She looked at my blood sugar readings, listened to Baby Mac's heartbeat, measured the height of my fundus--top of uterus to bottom, which in centimeters should equal the number of weeks--and scheduled a sonogram for the next visit on the 16th. We'll check the baby's size at that time; I'll be 36 weeks then.

Wednesday, I had an appointment with the dietician. She may recommend that Dr. Allen prescribe insulin to help me get my blood sugar readings down. Of course, I'll do whatever Ineed to, but I don't really think that Dr. Allen will prescribe the insulin since she didn't seem to be concerned when she looked at my numbers on Monday. Since Wednesday, my overnight readings have come down below 95 (the magic number); it was these overnight readings that were of concern. So, I'll wait to see how big Baby Boy is on the 16th.

As I was trying to leave Wednesday, two boys got into a fight. I was the only AP available to deal with them. So, I juggled them until another AP could help. Then, I dealt with one who happends to be in my program before heading out to see the dietician.

Wednesday morning we had 13 student athletes sign letters of intent for college. One of our football players is headed to Harvard. Our school typically has one or two kids headed to Harvard, Princeton, or Yale, but this is the first athlete that I've known to head that way. It's nice to see that "smart" kids can be successful athletes, too.

Thursday just before the first bell rang, I was out walking the halls and came upon the end of another fight. Thankfully a coach and some other male teachers had separated the two young men when I arrived on the scene. One had bloodied the other's nose, so we had to get the drops of blood off the floor and keep tardy students from trapsing through the blood droplets. Again, I was the only person available. Thankfully, our intern was in the office that day (instead of teaching) so she helped me. Seems these two didn't even know each other; it all started because one, who knows which one, was "mean mugging" the other. Gees. The kid in my office asked me where the other kid lived. When I responded with, "I don't know. Why?" his response was some mumble that included the word "die." So then we had the talk about making threats and how silly it would be to kill someone whose name you don't even know. I had the campus officer reiterate this sentiment as he wrote a ticket to the young man.

I had a great massage Thursday after school. Not only did I get some tension worked out of my neck and shoulders, but I also got a great reminder from my therapist, Cynthia. We chatted about pregnancy and many aspects of pregnancy. When I made mention that I hoped to be back to my regular size within 5 months when I had to return to work, she sagely cautioned me that, "It took your body 9 months to get this way. Give yourself 9-12 months to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight." My goal is still 5 months, but if I don't succeed, I won't be as disappointed because of her words of wisdom.

I was supposed to go to a basketball game Friday night with a co-worker to be crowd control. Sadly, several of our players are injured and wouldn't be playing, so Chris felt he could handle the crowd by himself, and he gave me the night off. I've got to stop tomorrow morning for a Dr. Pepper and some chocolate for him. It was nice to come home and put my feet up.

Saturday I ran errands before lunch, had a nap, then got dressed and ready for a 3-7 baby class; followed by the final performance of our school's muscial, Anything Goes, at 7:30. Dave snapped a quick picture as we headed out. I thought you all might be ready for a view of the new and larger me. I've gained just over 30 pounds. Thankfully, it seems to be concentrated in my tummy. (Should I be thankful? That means I'll have to work hard to lose all that weight in my tummy.)



If that shot doesn't give you enough of a look-see, here's one Dave snapped this afternoon after church.
Five weeks to go!

On the agenda for this week:
Baby Basics Monday and Wednesday from 7-9pm.
A shower Thursday after work.
PreValentine's Dinner Friday night.
A Valentine's movie on Saturday.

Keeping busy is good, right?

Ahhhh Fresh Smelling Doggie

Miranda and I have had enough of our stanky pooch. During the winter his bath time is greatly decreased due to the cool weather. For those of you unfamiliar with Mason's personal hygiene, he bathes in a kiddie pool in the backyard. But luckily this weekend we were blessed with gorgeous warm weather. Mason isn't a big fan of bathtime - it might be because of the water....we own a 100+lb lab that doesn't care for the water. Go figure. But he's a good pup that obeys, so he goes along with bathtime. And after some scrubbing and rinsing we now have a pup that smells a bit like bubble gum.