As I mentioned before, we’re pretty sure that our new baby is going to be a girl. Stuart and I have a few names that we *mostly* agree on, but for the most part, we are lacking in any real inspiration when it comes to choosing the name of our future daughter.
I really do find the task of naming a child quite daunting indeed. I’m sure that all the Bertha’s, Betty-Joe’s and Mary-Lou’s of the world are none-to-pleased with the choice that their parents made for them (if this is your name by the way, I do apologise, and offer my deepest condolences!) So I do not want to end up naming our child something that she will not like. I am so happy that my parents chose the name Catherine for me. It is classic, elegant and beautiful (if I do say so myself!)
When Liam was born, we left the hospital the next day, with our little bundle in tow, yet, he remained nameless for days. A new baby doesn’t always look like anyone really. They have yet to show you their personality, and you know virtually nothing about them. In retro-spect, I am glad we chose the name Liam for our son, and despite it’s seemingly enormous popularity, I really do think it suits him.
This being said, if anyone has a great suggestion for a girl name (not you Dad, “Lewanda-Fay” does not count! And Keep them coming Kristi!) please pass them on…we can use alll the help we can get 
A *huge* apology to all those who regularly ready my blog…I realise that it has been over three weeks since my last post… big ooops! All I can say is that life has kept me extremely busy and pre-occupied, preventing me from the regular updates you are all used to. First, we had new carpet installed upstairs, and amid the chaos that entailed, my former computer was un-hooked for a week. Then the business of preparing baby’s room ensued. After that fiasco, I had a few scary days worrying baby was going to come early, and was in and out of the hospital many times. Regular Braxton Hicks contractions accompanied by cervical dilation (too much information?) had my doctor and midwife quite concerned. I am taking things easy now, relaxing as much as being the mother of a toddler permits, and hoping our little one stays in there for a while longer…
Did I mention that due to a late ultrasound during one of my hospital visits, we are about 85% sure that we’re having a girl? Let the name game begin! We couldn’t be happier!
So, that about sums up my life over the past few weeks. I’ve been reading tons, e-mailing some, watching far too much t.v. for my own good, and trying to find comfortable positions to sleep in in these last few months of pregnancy.
One of the books I am currently reading has been quite enjoyable. Written from the perspective of a pregnant woman, “Bear With Me” by Diane Flacks has been an enjoyable and humorous read this week. Her writing style reminds me somewhat of my favorite author of pregnancy/child-rearing literature, Kaz Cooke. An honest account of pregnancy few authors seem to be able to accurately capture.
In the days and weeks to come, I hope to be “back in the saddle” and writing again. I’ve missed writing as much as my friends tell me they’ve missed reading!
One of the most wonderful things about being a mother is that you get to experience life through the eyes of your children. Seeing your child’s wonder at seemingly simple things makes you want to slow down, and examine them close-up.
This weekend, amidst the regular yucky “housework” and other not-so-fun tasks, we have taken Liam to two different parks in the area. The first, a local park called Nick’s Dragonfly Playground, which was created as a memorial to a Guelph youngster who died of Muscular Dystrophy. Liam had a fabulous time exploring these new surroundings.
Yesterday, to celebrate Canada Day, we took a trip up to Riverside Park. There were many exciting activities going on, including free carousel rides and a petting zoo. It brought tears to my eyes watching my husband and son riding the carousel. What a wonderful lasting memory…
As Canadians, I think we often take for granted the amazing country in which we live. Take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to live here, as you celebrate Canada’s 139th Birthday today. There are so many reasons I am proud to be a Canadian…here are five of mine:
1. Canada is a country so full of natural beauty. While I have only been fortunate enough to visit Quebec and Nova Scotia (and live in Ontario my whole life) the Canadian landscape provides some of the most captivating images imaginable in the whole world.
2. We enjoy freedom in so many areas of our lives. We are free to speak, dress and act as we choose. As a woman, I think this is particularily important.
3. We can safely raise our children, knowing they are getting a good education, and will have a promising future here.
4. We enjoy a wide spectrum of weather conditions and are very adaptable! In a country where it can be incredibly hot, followed by a cold front with hail stones the size of marbles, one needs to be able to adapt. At least we get to take it all in, and experience every sort of weather imaginable!
5. Canada is such a multicultural country. Being surrounded by such a mixture of cultures enriches everyones life experience in that we are able to learn so much from each other.
Happy Canada Day!
