Or So I Thought

On the way to dinner tonight, even though we had already discussed it, Justin told me that he really prefers the Soshee pronunciation over the Sochee pronunciation.....

Me, staring at him mouth agape: Are you serious?! Ok, fine, but you're telling Amy!

(I had just talked with Amy after about the bazillionth name, spelling and pronunciation change and told her So-CHEE)

If you're totally confused, don't worry... we are a bit too. In fact, we may sort of live our lives in a semi-constant state of confusion.

You just go ahead and call her whatever you want.

We're going to call her So - shee - chee.. shee.... or was it chee?

Baby Names Resolved

We (I - honestly, Justin just graciously sits and listens to me go on and on about it) have been going around and around with this sweet girl's name - spelling, pronunciation, middle name etc. Xoxie has been growing on us though and so many people have said how much they like it so we're going to go with it.

Here's the thing though - I'm a stickler for accuracy. Ever since A shared with us what she wanted her name to be I've been researching the spelling and the pronunciation. I was also searching for meanings and wanted to be able to somehow embrace this name. I kept coming up with different things and was bothered by the fact that much of the information I found pointed to this being the name of the Aztec goddess of fertility. A goddess complete with idol worship and sacrifices. Not quite what we really wanted our daughter's name to be associated with.

I've also been praying about it and asking the Lord to give us just the right name. After Adia's "name miracle" I had a hunch He might bring something special out of this situation. Yesterday, while researching yet again, I came across a blog of a young family. Several weeks ago they had a new baby girl and gave her the middle name of Xochitl. Xoxie is a nickname for Xochitl - which I have known - but the blog author shared some wonderful information regarding the meaning of the name that really reinforced our leanings toward what her name should be.

Here is what I learned:

Xochitl is a day (on the Aztec calendar). Xochitl is a day for creating beauty and truth, especially that which speaks to the heart who knows it will one day cease to beat. Xochitl reminds us that life, like a flower, is beautiful but quickly fades. It is a good day for reflection, companionship and poignancy.

Isn't that beautiful?

So Xochitl is actually the day, named after the word "flower." Xochiquetzal is the goddess (who was named after the day which was named after flower.... you get where I'm going?). The correct spelling and pronunciation of the nickname is Xochi (So-chee).

Since A had told us the name Xoxi I've been thinking and thinking of a middle name. I wanted something that would go with Xoxie, obviously, but also wanted something that she might be able to go by in the future if she ever wanted to go by her middle name. I had asked and re-asked my grandma about all our family names (or so I thought) but I guess I had skipped one because at my brother's birthday party Sunday afternoon I asked her what my great-grandma's middle name was.

Ellen

Nice. Feminine. American. Uncomplicated (unlike Xochi). It means: torch, bright light. Even better.

So now, we wait. 31 weeks and counting.... for our sweet baby

Xochi Ellen

Steele Says

Steele (age 3.5): I'm gonna saw my head off!!

Just what I always dreamed my son would say to our social worker as she was here doing our home study....


That's it! No more Bible stories for that boy!

*Special Announcement*

One Mr. Steele, age 3, of Washington state has commenced the lifelong endeavor of penning, independently, the totality of the uppercase characters of the English language.


This special announcement is brought to you by the letter "T" and the letter "L"

Another One Bites the Dust

Just when we thought it might be over...

Kumon @ Costco and Gardening in the 21st Century

Hey all -

Feeling much better over here. Almost 100%! Thanks so much for all your well wishes and prayers.

I came across a great find at Costco today. Pre-school and kindergarten Kumon books - 3 of them for $12.99. A steal of a deal. I first heard about Kumon books from Kendra at Preschoolers and Peace. Whether you're planning on home schooling or not, I think they're a great resource for kids and parents alike. Steele loves doing them and I enjoy the time we get to spend together as I help and teach him.

I also started a bit of yard work today. I was laughing at myself. I was sitting on my front prch with my laptop, using wireless internet, doing research on how to prune my maple tree. I'll never give up books but I sure do love the internet.

Are you watching Dancing With the Stars? What do you think? That Steve Wozniak has got to go. But I would be even happier if one more person went before him: Holly Madison. Blech, blech and double blech. That girl has no class and no rhythm.

I hope spring is springing wherever you are!

Again?

Me.

Throwing up.

Again.

I CAN. NOT. believe it.

At least I have a snuggle partner this time around. Steele, feeling much better now, has been snuggling on the couch with me and going upstairs to get things as I need them. I'm lookin' on the bright side though - at least I've been able to keep my Weight Watchers goal!

Our next door neighbors have it too. I haven't introduced you to them yet. They're this great young couple - the kids love them. Aaron was throwing up all last night and Adia was climbing all over him yesterday. She's doomed, I think.

Send me e-mails, post comments, anything! I'm a little bored here in the basement all by myself. Glad I have my trusty laptop and some daytime television.