Christmas gift from Mémère

Choosing a name

We did not know the gender of our first baby before the birth.  (We tried, she was too modest!)  We easily decided on a boy's name and not a girl's name, and eventually settled on just waiting until after baby was here to make anything official (since it really wouldn't be official until then anyway).  With our second, we did know he would be a boy, but still had two names in a toss up until the final weeks.  We did not share it until after he was born.

I knew I wanted to do it differently this time.  With what little time she will be with us, and all the other emotional craziness that will be surrounding her birth, the last thing I wanted was to be stressing out over choosing a name.  Daddy chose big sister's name and I chose big brother's.  While I had some ideas, I decided that like her big sister I wanted this baby's name to truly come from daddy and not have it be him acquiescing to my wishes.

While waiting for him to come up with a name, I did get my heart set on one that he nixed.  Then he suggested a name that I nixed.  He then suggested a name that I thought I liked.  While my mom and stepdad were up here, we were able to go out on a date and I said that I liked the name and thought we should "finalize" it.  That name is Naomi.  It is Hebrew, a biblical character, and means beautiful, gentle.  He did not have a middle name at all and I suggested Grace, which he immediately agreed to.  I like the way the two names go together (along with our last name), and also as a testament of how God's grace has been shown to us throughout this pregnancy.

Another ultrasound (31 weeks)

After the 27 week ultrasound, the tech generously offered us to come back for free, any time we wanted to.  Ultrasounds are always special, but even more poignant when you know it might be the only time you ever get to see your baby alive.

I wasn't sure if we'd go back or not.  My mom and stepdad were coming up for a visit in December, and after a few weeks deliberating, I contacted the tech again to see if she could squeeze us in.  Living 8 hours away, we don't know how quickly they will be able to make it up here when I go into labor and give birth.  She was able to squeeze us in!  Dh could not come this time but I found going back a second time so soon, and knowing exactly what we would see, meant it was overall a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.  And wow, baby gave us lots of great shots!  She's got super chubby cheeks despite measuring small.  She even blew us a kiss. :)