The finished baby's room

So, it's done. The saying is one the wall, diapers are in the diaper stacker, everything's where it needs to be. I do have his name to paint, still, and even bought the letters, but I'm not going to paint them until we're sure what we're naming him.

Last week, I would have painted the letters and had them hanging up already. This week, I'm going back and forth! Someday this baby will have a name! Then, I can paint the letters and hang them up right above the entertainment center.

I also have some picture frames that will go right above the light switch. We'll put his baby pictures up there, plus a pregnant one of me. So, it's as far as it can go right now. We really like this room, and hope that he'll find many hours of happiness in there! Enjoy!

My latest project

So, we have plenty of baby blankets, but I like each baby to have their own that they bring home from the hospital. As of yesterday, I hadn't gotten around to making one for the baby. So, since the house was clean, I decided to tackle it today. I had some material that I bought a couple of years ago, but as I was looking at it, I wasn't sold. So, I pulled out some other material that I bought last year to make and sell baby blankets, and fell in love with it. I asked Brandon his opinion when he came home for lunch, and he agreed! So, here it is!

Didn't it turn out cute?? I love it!

Choir practice and BB guns

So, on Saturday, Brandon helped me clean the house. I feel like I've had trouble keeping it clean - laundry and dishes pile up, vacuuming needs to be done, but to vacuum I have to clean up the floors of toys and blankets and "stuff" so it doesn't get sucked up into the vacuum. That'd be quite the site - all of this stuff getting sucked up just to have the vacuum explode into a big dustball. Hmm.

So, we cleaned. And I felt more organized and free to take on some other projects that I've been wanting to. But, more on that later. Sunday, I took Scott & Gavin to church. B had been complaining of a stomach ache for the past week, so we decided to keep him home. I had to sub for the Primary pianist, so I went for the first two hours, and then Brandon & I switched.

Lunch, reading, and then a nap before I had to get up for choir. Our choir director recently moved, so we're kind of in limbo. Because of General Conference, we've had a couple of weeks off, but started again on the 11th. The fill-in choir director (she's the music chairperson for the ward) and I were the only ones there. So, we planned something for Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, five people total (including me and our director) were there - one of which is recovering from a cold and can't sing right now. *sigh* I'm having a baby soon, and there's nobody else to fill in for me. Thanksgiving and Christmas might be interesting as far as the choir is concerned!

Anyway, we left choir early, so Brandon proposed a trip up the mountains to see the changing colors. So, we packed some snacks and headed out. My brother mentioned a road that cuts from the middle of Sardine Canyon over to Providence, so we decided to try it out. There were a few bumpy spots, but not bad at all. At least it didn't throw me into labor, so it couldn't have been too bumpy!

We found a little place to stop and let the boys get out and run around. Brandon had brought his BB gun, so we all took turns shooting at a, um . . . target. (Okay, it was really a styrofoam cup that we turned upside-down on a branch!) The boys had a lot of fun (all right, so did I), and then they went for a hike.

B shooting our "target"


Scott's turn - you can see our "target" on the left side

Daddy helping Gavin shoot! Gavin was in heaven!

Aren't they cute?

Flipping the safety off


Ready, aim, fire!!!

I went up a little ways, and then decided to head back to the truck. Hiking at 8 1/2 months pregnant doesn't feel so great! I sat on a rock outside the truck and just enjoyed the view. Gorgeous colors, the peacefulness of the mountains - I felt so relaxed!

The boys on their hike


Our latest family picture

Our Heavenly Father has made such a beautiful world for us, and I'm so grateful to live here where we do. And, that we have the means and the ability to get right up close and personal with nature.

The view to the east


The view to the west

Anyway, we came back home, ate some dinner, and then put the boys to bed. Brandon & I topped off our night by watching Josh Groban's concert (the original PBS concert) for a while, and then headed to bed. I love nights like that!

Silent Night

I'm exhausted! But, a good exhausted. Today, with the help of Brandon, my house got cleaned. Thoroughly. Dusted, swept, mopped, vacuumed, scrubbed, laundry done . . . I was even able to hang my whites outside because it was warm enough. Probably the last time this year that will happen!

And, now, Brandon's off playing tennis with his brothers. We were going to go hang out with them, but a certain someone (Scott) has been putting his homework off later and later and later. I finally told him he had no choice but to do it. We're trying to teach him to be responsible for his homework, and let him know that he had the choice of when to do it. Well, tonight, he wanted to go watch dad play tennis, and I said no. Homework wasn't done, so no go. He was pretty upset with me.

But, with Brandon gone, the boys in bed (although, I've seen Braden & Gavin up here at least 5 times - B with a stomachache), I've been able to unwind a little bit. I've been playing Christmas music on the piano. There's almost nothing that will help me calm down and unwind faster than Christmas music.

And, I don't mean the bouncy "Santa Clause is Coming" or "Santa Baby" or even "Sleigh Ride" although I do love those ones (okay, NOT Santa Baby - I can't stand that one, but it's a title that popped up in my head.) I'm talking about the sacred ones. "O Holy Night" and "The First Noel" and "Breath of Heaven." Songs like that. My absolute favorite, though, is "Silent Night." I've heard so many versions of "Silent Night" but it is still my favorite Christmas song by far.

I was playing these arrangements by Marvin Goldstein. If you can't play the piano, you should get a CD or two of his. (I've never actually heard his CD's, but based on his music that I play, I imagine it would be incredible!) His music is great. He's got everything from hymn arrangements, to Christmas, to arrangements from the children's songbook. I love playing his music. I've played others like David Glenn Hatch, and, in my opinion, Marvin Goldstein is the best.

So, there's no real point to this post. I'm just rambling really - helping me unwind this last little bit before bed. But, if you're uptight, wound up, stressed . . . head to your Christmas music, pick something that really speaks to you and that you know can help calm you down, sit quietly (if that's possible with kids and the noise in your head buzzing around) and just listen. It'll work.

Christmas is coming - soon. I'm not saying to listen to Christmas music everyday, already. That would drive me nuts. But, on those occasions when it just seems too much for me, I can always count on "Silent Night" to make me feel better. Who wouldn't feel better after listening to a song about our Savior's birth?

Two wheeler's rock, baby!

Gavin has been riding Scott's old bike for a while now (with the training wheels on), and is REALLY good. He stands up to pedal sometimes, he jumps it off the curb - you name it, he's probably done it! Anyway, we ask him from time to time if he wants to take the training wheels off, and his response is always no. So, we haven't pushed him on it - he'll learn when he's ready.

Today, though, in our neighborhood, we had one little boy trying to learn to ride a 2-wheeler, and then a little girl who picked it up quite quickly. I asked Gavin if he wanted to take the training wheels off. He said that if I could run with him, he would. I told him that wasn't possible, but that Daddy could. So, he said he'd give it a try.

Brandon helped him get on his bike and show him how to push the pedal down to get him going, and he was off. Literally! Brandon ran by him, but there was really no need. Gavin has this thing down pat. We left the training wheels high on purpose, so 95% of the time, the wheels haven't even touched the ground as he rides. The training wheels have really only helped him when he mounts and unmounts the bike. He's struggling a bit with getting it started by himself, but otherwise, he's doing VERY well.


Getting started down the driveway . . .


. . . doin' good - keep going!


He's got it - literally, the first time!

He can already stand up to pedal, he's not wobbly at all, he can go REALLY slow or REALLY fast, he can turn very well, he can ride with one hand on the handle bars and one hand off (although we keep telling him that for now he has to use both hands), he can coast, and he can sing while he rides! I got a cute video of him singing "la, la, la" as he's riding along. He's just got it! He's good!


Look at that grin!! "I can do it, Mom!"


Standing up as he rides - he's good!


You can hear him sing "la, la, la" as he's riding around!

Making a little progress . . .

So, I had a dr.'s appt. yesterday, where she checked for dilation. I'm already dilated to a fingertip! Yeah! Now, I use the word "already" because after 12 hours of labor with Scott, we headed to the hospital because my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart, and when the nurse checked me, she said, "You're about a fingertip dilated." Not, you ARE a fingertip - about.

So, the fact that I'm still 3 1/2 weeks away from d-day and am dilated a bit is exciting to me. I know it really means nothing - I could stay a fingertip dilated until the actual day, but it's nice to hear of some progress - especially with the contractions I've had this pregnancy!

But, now we have another problem. I told the boys we were pretty sure we were going to name the baby Connor. They ALL had a fit! Scott wants him to be named Kellan, and Braden wants him to be named Ashton.

When we asked Gavin, he said, "Kellan."

Braden protested and said, "Gavin! You don't want him to be named Ashton?"

To which Gavin replied, "Oh yeah. Actually, Ashton!"

Of course, Gavin will usually follow Braden's lead, so the fact that he changed his mind is not too surprising. The other sad thing (for me, anyway) is that the boys will not be allowed to see their new baby brother at the hospital. I'm not sure if it's IHC hospitals, or all UT hospitals at this point, but these hospitals are not allowing ANYONE under the age of 14 into the hospital at all. (Which makes me wonder, what happens if I have a dr.'s appt. at the hospital and can't find a babysitter. Am I supposed to leave my child in the car, or outside while I have my appointment?? I'm analyzing it to death, I know . . .)

Brandon keeps pointing out that it'll be just as exciting to meet their new brother at home, but there's always something almost magical (especially for the older kids) to going to the hospital to meet the new baby. Mom's been talking about this for several months - we'll go to the hospital, have the baby, you'll get to come meet him - and then to not be able to go to the hospital is kind of a letdown. I know it's for the health and safety of the babies and moms, but why not allow siblings if they're not sick or showing signs of sickness. I can understand not allowing OTHER visitors under 14, but my own kids? I'm a bit frustrated.

Plus, for me, I like some time when I get home to just have it be me, Brandon & the baby. No kids meeting the baby, then running around being loud and bouncy and boistrous and their normal little selves. It helps me feel more relaxed and able to cope with when they actually do come home. *sigh* We'll figure it all out!

But, for now, I'm progressing. I had contractions last night after my exam, and I've had a few today, too. She said that I don't have to be checked again if I don't want to be, unless I'm having contractions. We'll see how the rest of the week goes, and what happens by next Tuesday! I'll for sure keep my blog updated!

It's the most wonderful time (not) of the year . . .

Influenza, Swine flu, RSV, Strep, Pnuemonia, Bronchitis, pink eye . . . Need I go on? *sigh*

My poor nephew was diagnosed with Swine flu yesterday, my father-in-law thinks he may have had swine flu, three out of the five of us (the boys and Brandon) are in a very public, very germ-infested environment for most of the week (school). Our St. President is putting in place a "if you (or ANY of your children or household) are sick or feel sick AT ALL, do not come to church" program.

I'm nervous - especially where swine flu seems to target pregnant women. I think we'll be barricading ourselves as much as we can, and using a lot of hand sanitizer. And, this baby won't be leaving the house for several months after he's born. Hmm.

So, please pray for my nephew - he's one of four children in their family, one of which is just eight months old.

And, if you feel sick at all - runny nose, cough, fever, chills, non-energetic, you get the idea - please don't come to my house! :)

I'd really appreciate it!

Oh Love

I LOVE this song. I can't stop listening to it! The melody, the harmonies, the way their voices blend together, the words . . .

It's incredible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOy66X9-mwg

One month . . .

. . . until my due date. (Okay, so it's a month and two days . . . ) :) Last night, though, I was SO ready for him to come. I pulled a groin muscle a few weeks ago, and since then sitting has been a pain (literally) and I can't get up off the couch or the floor without Brandon's help.

Yesterday, my right leg quit working while we watched General Conference (courtesy of my last epidural - I'm positive), so I limped around the house for a while in pain. Then, the little bug pushed out on my stomach so hard that I got cramps and contractions. And, of course, I can't sleep at night without my hips waking me up because of the throbbing pain coursing through them. And, I swear I can feel him growing more each day because I can feel my stomach stretch - it feels so heavy!!!

Anyway, so last night I just wanted to head to the hospital, tell them to break my water, put an epdiural in so I could sleep right through it, and be done! Of course, that didn't happen, and, in truth, I don't want that to happen. I want to do this labor naturally. I recover better when I don't have to have an epidural. So, send me lots of prayers and positive thoughts that I can emotionally (and physically) be prepared to do this the hard way! Please? :)

Oh, and please pray that he'll want to come in a timely manner - not 12 days overdue like Scott was! I can handle a month - I'm not sure about a month and a half!

Seriously????

It's IMPOSSIBLE to find a maternity skirt. DI, Ross, Shopko, Classifieds - none of them have maternity skirts. My denim one is still wearable - but very uncomfortable because of the seam that runs along the bottom of my stomach. It's tight, and it hurts.

On the other hand, I have a nice black skirt that fits and is very comfortable. The problem? No shoes. My feet are so swollen right now that none of my shoes fit. I could, of course, just wear flip-flops, but on top of feeling uncomfortable wearing flip-flops in church, I imagine it'll be cold(er) by the time I have my little one and flip-flops won't be appropriate anymore.

I thought it would be easier to find a larger skirt than it would be to find some shoes that fit. Oh, skirts are around (rarely) - Motherhood Maternity - but I can't justify spending $30+ for something that I'll wear 6 or 7 times. *sigh* I've looked for maternity patterns, too, but more often than not, they're 60's styles and, um, unsightly. (Sorry, Mom!!!) :) So, I'm stuck.

Anybody have any seriously awesome ideas to get me through these last 6 or 7 weeks? Oh, and I don't like maternity dresses because I just look like an elephant in them - or, as my sweet oldest son put (when I was pregnant with Gavin): You don't look like an elephant, Mom. (Me, thinking, "Oh, how sweet." Then, he continues:) You look like a hippopotamus!

HELP!!!!

3, 2, 1 . . .

3 very LONG hours,

2 VERY sore feet,

1 VERY TIRED momma . . .

. . . 18 quarts of yummy peaches!

We're home from the hospital

Yesterday "Daaaaadd. I'm waiting for my lunch!

We're home and Gavin's doing great! We had a total of 3 1/2 hours in the hospital (much better than Primary Children's, although, we do LOVE Primary!) They checked us all in, then had us wait for a few minutes before they took us back. They then checked his temperature, his oxygen level in his blood, got him some surgery jammies, then took us back to the children's room - their pre-op and post-op room, not a play room.


Daddy & Gavin after checking in


Even though we got him up early, and he'd had NO breakfast, he was like this all morning.


Getting his temperature taken


He wasn't too sure about this oxygen monitor

We changed Gavin into his surgery jammies (although he refused to wear the cap - I don't blame him), and then waited for a little bit. A nurse came in to finalize things and realized that his b-day was wrong. Even though the hospital had called us last Monday to make sure everything was correct. It was wrong then, too, so I corrected them and supposedly they changed it. It was correct on some things, and wrong on others. *sigh*


Waiting for his turn in surgery

Anyway, the anesthesiologist came in, we signed his release form, and then they were ready to take him. No Verced or anything. You could tell he was getting nervous with all these people hovering around telling him it was time to go away from Mom & Dad. (We explained everything last night, but he was still a bit nervous.)

The nurse picked him up, though, and he was allowed to take his blanket and Jackson (his dog) back with him. He protested, but the nurse asked about Jackson, and that was that. He was fine. I admit, I had tears in my eyes. That's just what mom's do.

I also realized at this point, that (as Brandon put it) "Gavin has been through more in life than I have." I've never had general anesthesia. When I had my wisdom teeth out, I was fully awake. Just epidurals with labor. But, no general anesthesia! I don't know that I'm sorry! :)


Mommy & Gavin

So, I checked my email and read for a bit, and he was done! The dr. came in about 25 minutes after they had taken him to say he was done and in recovery. He said his tonsils were huge and nasty, and that he had found some (sorry for the visual) green pus on his adenoids which indicated a chronic infection. Which, to me, is ironic since he always seems to be the healthiest of all of us.

Anyway, he was brought back in and was silently crying, but the nurse put him in my arms so I could rock him. Brandon brought his laptop so we started Disney's Chip and Dale for him and he was content. We sat there for about 45 minutes, then they had him walk around for a bit to check his dizziness, then they sent us home.


Watching Chip 'n' Dale


I had to go to the bathroom after about 30 minutes of holding him, so had Brandon switch me places. When I came back, this is how I found him!


Kind of loopy after his walk

He's doing really well right now - he ate some oatmeal and is holding it down, his throat doesn't hurt yet (although I'm sure it will), and he's in good spirits. His brothers just got home from spending the night at Grandma's and he was happy to see them, but especially happy to see the smiley face balloon that Grandma brought him!

Thank you, again, for all your thoughts and prayers - we really do appreciate it. Now with the rest of Brandon's "day off" he's going to pick our ripe peaches (they keep falling right now and bruising when they hit the ground, and we've been SO busy that we haven't had a chance to pick them yet), then after peach picking, he'll be working on the yard so that we can get our grass planted before the first frost! Lots to do! Thank you again! We love you all.

~~~~UPDATE~~~~

So, after his breakfast of oatmeal at 11:30 - 12:00, Gavin started to get really cold. I have a mattress warmer on my bed, so I went and laid him down on my bed, turned the warmer on, and piled him up with blankets. He fell asleep, waking only once when I went in to check on him, and slept until 3:30 when I woke him up. By that point, he was really hurting, so we gave him some fresh peaches to eat, along with his Lortab. He rested in my arms for a bit (even letting me get a 20 minute catnap), and is now downstairs watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Brandon had to run to Home Depot a few minutes ago to get some stuff for the yard, and Gavin was just heartbroken that he couldn't go with Daddy. You can tell he's really not feeling well right now - as we expected! Thanks again for all the prayers.

Thoughts and prayers, please?

So, I don't have time to talk about TOFW right now, but I did want to post a quick post. Gavin is going in for surgery tomorrow morning (we have to be at the hospital at 6:45), and while it's a routine surgery (he's getting his tonsils and adenoids out), I'm still a little nervous.

Scott had already been through several surgeries at four years of age, but each kid is different. I'm worried that they're going to go to take Gavin out of my arms and he's gonna flip out. That'll just make it harder for me! I'm emotional enough with this pregnancy (I've cried everyday this last week - not sad crying, just pregnant, emotional crying), so this might be hard tomorrow. I'll try and update when I can. Thanks!

Update - baby and TOFW

Okay, my friend Jen reminded me that I needed to update. The boys did the dishes the night I was having contractions, and while they slowed down, they were still there. The next morning, they were gone, but I had a couple more that day and was INCREDIBLY swollen. I made sure to drink plenty of water the next day and was okay, but woke up in the middle of the night last night with BAD cramps. Like muscle and period cramps at the same time. OUCH! But, only a couple of contractions today, and baby is still very active, so for the time being I'm just taking it easy. Like, going up to TOFW.

And, as far as that (TOFW) goes, let me just say this: After listening to the presenters tonight, I'm more sure than ever that my Heavenly Father loves me. Me - Renee. I know this without a doubt. I'm still learning about the principles of the church, and the scriptures, and what it means to be a follower of Christ, but I have no doubt about His love for me. I'm also learning to appreciate Brandon more, and the love that HE has for me. My cup runneth o'er tonight, and I'm so looking forward to tomorrow!

Oh, and BTW, Michael McLean invited me to send him an MP3 recording of me singing for him to listen to. Now I just have to decide what to sing, and how to get it onto an MP3!

TOFW - Time Out For Women

So, back in April my sister and I were trying to arrange to go to BYU Women's Conference together. She was able to go, but unfortunately, the days that I would be gone, Brandon had to be at school - there was no way he could take the days off. So, she went without me, and thoroughly enjoyed the conference.

Then, a couple of months ago, I got my monthly flier from Deseret Book. Inside was a little excerpt about Time Out For Women - a yearly event in places around the country that is, well, a time out for women. I told Brandon how much I would love to be able to go this year. One of the events is here at the University, with one of my favorite people in the world - Emily Watts. Money wouldn't allow for tickets, though, because of our summer projects (garage, baby's room, yard work . . .). So, I sighed inwardly (okay, maybe it was audible) and put it out of my mind for another year.

Fast forward a few weeks when I emailed Emily about a Christmas program that she had helped me put together a few years ago. We emailed back and forth a few times, and then she asked me if I would like a complimentary ticket to TOFW, including lunch on Saturday with the presenters!!! Um, yes!!!

So, in just a few hours, I will be off to the university - no kids climbing on and off my lap (a lap I don't really have anymore), no kids asking when the meeting will be over, or fighting over the copies of the Friend in our church bag, or telling me halfway through a meeting that they "HAVE TO GO, MOM!!!"

I get to sit and listen to Michael McLean perform, and Emily Watts speak and sooth my soul as a mommy, as well as several other incredible people. I'm so looking forward to this timeout, and Brandon is being so awesome in letting me go and taking care of the kids tonight, and all day tomorrow while I'm gone.

Thank you, Emily, for this wonderful time out for me. Thank you, Brandon, for letting me go and refill my cup. I'm so looking forward to this! Now, I just have to get the laundry done before I go. Wish me luck!

Fresh peaches

Have I ever told you, my readers, just how much I LOVE to go out in my backyard in the fall and pick a fresh peach off the tree for breakfast? MMMMM! Love it!

Lots of contractions . . .

So, today, I ran some errands (note: NOT strenuous errands - I wandered around the library for a bit, then ran to the grocery store to pick up a few items like butter, chocolate chips, eggs - ooh, sounds like cookies.) Hmm - I digress. Sorry.

Anyway, while in the middle of Walmart, I started having contractions (maybe that's my problem - Walmart.) A couple of them were really strong - like sharp strong. They've continued throughout the rest of the day, occasionally backing off when I rest.

When I got up to fix dinner, they started up again - every 2 1/2 to 3 minutes apart. Yikes! I've tried to stay off my feet the rest of the evening, but even still, I'm having contractions. I'm starting to wonder if this little guy might want to come early. Hmm.

I did it again

I cut my hair - short. It was constantly in a pony tail, and hadn't been cut for several months, so it was time. I love it!

Cute, cute (at least, I think so - so does Brandon)

Gavin wanted to take a picture of me with his trucks!

Announcing the arrival of . . .

. . . my newest niece!! My sister-in-law had her "surprise" baby yesterday (they didn't find out the gender of this one), and she's a doll. 8 lbs. 2 oz and 20 inches long. They named her Brielle Jade!

Congrats, and welcome to the world Brielle!


Brielle Jade

Isn't she cute??

All things space . . .

So, a few weeks ago as we were leaving church, Scott asked me a question about some obscure nebula or solar system in space. Of course, I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him to ask Brandon. So, he did. Brandon's face lit up when Scott asked him, and then he and Scott walked out of church with their heads together like two little school boys planning their next adventure! They talked all the way home, and as soon as they were home, they both headed to the computer to check out space stuff. Pictures, facts - known/obscure - and all things relating to space.

Fast forward a couple of weeks. Brandon was at the church while Bishop was meeting with members of the ward (Brandon's the ex. secretary, so he gets to be there on those nights), when a ward member walked in. They got talking about space, and it turns out that her husband is a big space fan. He's got a few telescopes, and they regularly attend star parties. So, she invited us to have one of our own at their house.

We went over the next night to our "star party" and were able to see Jupiter with four of its moons lined up right next to it. It was pretty cool. We also looked at the moon, and then the boys were able to look at a nebula that our neighbor found. All in all, it was a fun night! Sly even followed us over to their house to be part of the fun. He ended up hiding from a tiny little kitten that was wandering the neighborhood. Scaredy cat!

A pretty close view of what we saw that night of Jupiter and four of its moons

The next Saturday, the St. R.S. presidency (which I'm a part of) put on a clothing swap in the stake, so I was gone for most of the day. Brandon noticed that our neighbors were having a yard sale, so they wandered over to check things out. Scott found a telescope and REALLY wanted it. So, for $5, they bought it. They came home, and then Brandon just walked around the yard taking pictures of their fun! (B got a small telescope for Christmas last year, so the two older boys each have one of their own.)

When I got home from the clothing swap, Scott kept pulling me outside to "look at this" or "check this out." It was so fun to see his little face lighting up with excitement over this telescope and the fun things he could do with it! Unfortunately, it's either been cloudy or smoky enough up here that we haven't been able to take it his telescope outside and look at Jupiter again. One of these days we will, though! Enjoy the pictures!


B setting up his telescope


Scott - hmm, what should I look at next?


B checking off his list of things to look at


Scott checking off his checklist


Scott's checklist


B's checklist


Scott focusing on the wood grain in the deck


B checking out the lilac bush leaves


The boys - working


Cute Scott


Cute B


Gavin, waiting for "his boys" to be done with their "work" so they can play with him again!

Need help with the baby's name!!!

Okay, serious input is wanted here. We had a name (almost for sure) picked out, and now it's kind of not being my favorite anymore. *sigh* So, give me some ideas for a baby boys name. Please! Oh, and for me, personally, for naming my kids, I don't like old-fashioned names (i.e. Bill, or Joseph, or Nicholas . . .) So, throw some names out there for me! Contemporary, unusual, popular, new-fangled, cool, preppy, nerdy . . . You get the idea! Thank you!