What's in a name???

A hard decision!

For months we have been considering a name for our baby girl. I am Italian, have a very strong Sicilian influence via my Dad’s side, we have visited Italy and love the country (hope to go back!), so even before we knew it was a girl, we were considering Italian names.  To be honest, most Italian boy names are a little over the top for us, so I am not sure we will be able to find a boy name if we ever have a boy.

As far as girl names, there are many pretty ones, but many that are being used over and over, again and again.  We wanted something that is not too common, so we picked an Italian name that I think ranked in the 700s as far as popularity, so not common (great!). However, we (or maybe I should say I) hesitated because I know many people would mispronounce the name and it was also four syllables, which is kind of long.

More than that, though, I just didn’t feel like the other name suited this little one. Now, I think people kind of make the name, rather than the name making people, but I was never like, “This is it! This is her name!”  Ha, ha…maybe no one feels that way.

A few nights ago, as we were discussing it (again), J mentioned the name Lillian, and Lily for short. Now, Lillian breaks the top 100 and Lily (as her nickname) the top 30, so not as unique as I had hoped, but when J said Lillian and Lily, it just really started to sound like a good and sweet name for this sweet little one.

Anything could change when we see her sweet face. Maybe she won’t look like a Lily. Or, maybe she will be born on St. Patrick’s Day and be calling for me to embrace the other 50% of me that is Irish (Ireland is a cute name!).  I adore monogramming though, so I think I am going to start trying to find items with her “planned, we are 99% sure” name.

Still thinking about her middle name…

So, speaking of Lily, one of the reasons I began this blog is to one day create a journal of small thoughts of our children, so here are some about her…

Little Lily, I still don’t call you by your name. I call you sweet pea, baby girl and my little princess, and Daddy calls you his little girl. You are growing inside of me and I feel like I am one of your protectors right now, so sweet little nicknames really suite you.

Every few days or so I realize you are getting bigger because I am getting bigger.  I really don’t know how I can possibly grow to accommodate your next 7 weeks because I already feel like I am at my limit.

You take my breath away, literally! The past few weeks I have had difficulty breathing and some pretty sharp breathing pains. It’s all worth it, of course, but it makes daily life a little trying.

At my 27-, 30- and 32-week appointments, our midwife told me you were already head down. Not sure if you will stay that way, but you are such a good girl for heading in the right direction. Please don’t turn at the last moment. You are exactly where you should be.

You are not much of a kicker, or at least I don’t think so. I don’t have anyone else to compare you to, but you are more of a mover.  I started feeling you move early at 12 weeks, and now you move on a regular basis, but you don’t kick your mommy too much. You seem pretty mellow. I wonder if that will change when you make your debut?

One kick I would like to mention, however, is the first one your Daddy felt.  I am pretty sure you are going to be a Florida State fan because Daddy felt your very first kick the night Florida State beat Florida (Go Noles!). I guess you know when to get excited!!!

We are so excited to meet you, and we are praying for you! Regardless of your birth, your health, appearance, etc., you are such a gift to us from our Father. He is gracious and merciful, and your life right now and in the future is a blessing. 

We are also praying for each other as we begin this next phase in our life. We pray that we can be Godly and loving parents to you, but also that we can keep our focus where it should be.  It will be difficult not to make you the center of our attention and lives, but we are called to put God first and our marriage second, so we are praying about how we can do that while still being the loving parents you need.

We love you, little Lily!  Mommy is having fun planning and shopping for you!  I am trying to be good and not buy too much, but there have been a few things I couldn’t resist (well, I really could have but chose not to). :)

Lily Style!

I LOVE smocked outfits, which are kind of pricey, but I have managed to pick up a few on consignment that I know you will look precious and timeless in. 

Kind of old school - love it!

Thinking this may be your Easter dress

Not smocked, but love the colors in this one

Wool pea coat and hat, for when you are about 2. :)

Sweet gift from boss lady, J.  Love this dress because it's classy and the COOLEST team ever!

Had to add a pic of some of your cloth diapers (future post about this soon!)

 

 

Add if you are going to be in cloth diapers, homemade cloth wipes just make sense

 

Come on, March. :) Love you, Lily girl!