What's in a name?

Toño and I have been trying to think of a name for this little girl for months and we cannot settle on one. We don't even have a list of names to choose from. Every time I think of an option, it is vetoed and vice versa for him. We just haven't found the "IT" name, the one that jumps out and grabs you for your child. Isn't that what happens?
It was different for Antony. We knew we wanted him to have his name from his dad's middle name, Antonio. But, we are really struggling with a girls name.
As time winds down I'm starting to feel a little anxious that we don't even have some to choose from. I think I have looked through the name book at least 4 times. This poor child is going to end up nameless for her first year of life.

First Snow

Today we had our first real snow. Antony got all bundled up and we went out with Ernesto to shovel the driveway. He LOVED the snow! He quickly learned that he could eat it and even catch the snowflakes in his mouth. Daniela watched from inside.

Big laughs in the snow.

Surveying the site.

Digging right in.

I was excited for the white landscape and enjoyed watching Antony get such a kick out of the snow. It took Ernesto about two and a half hours to clear the driveway. Hopefully that will go more quickly as we learn a new routine.

Closer to birth

As I get closer to giving birth, I find myself thinking about my birth plan. I know that some people don't even worry about it and just let things happen, and I know that some people have very detailed plans. I did not write one with Antony, but as I think back on his birth, there are a few things that I didn't like and I find myself wondering what my options are. I wonder about the hospital procedures and the things they do with the babies and I want things differently.

I have also been reading my friend's blog. She has chosen to have 2 home births and is currently one week ahead of me on her 4th child and third home birth. I just read her current situation and her description of home birth vs hospital birth. After reading her feelings, I find myself longing for the birthing freedom's of home birth. I want my child to be placed on my stomach and to be able to hold her as long as I feel necessary before they do anything to her. I don't like my baby put under bright lights, I don't like the poking and prodding. I don't want her to have to be taken away from me at all. I don't want a bossy nurse that has "done this since before you were born", or one that wants me to bottle feed my child when I am struggling with nursing. I want understanding gentle women that realize it is my experience with my child. And if I ask for something to be different, I don't want to worry that my care will be compromised and that they will talk behind my back.

I was able to labor at home for 33 hours with Antony. I think that is what made it so nice for me. I enjoyed that experience and I appreciated the privacy and the process. I handled the pain well and I really cherish that experience. It was the second they told me that I had to sit down on the bed that I realized I was in a lot of pain that I knew I couldn't finish the way I had been doing it. If I would have had the option, I would have continued to walk through the pain and tried to have him naturally. I did not like sleeping in the hospital, the bed was horrible.

After reading my friend's blog, I think I will be writing a birthing plan and I think that I will be more demanding. I have not been planning for a home birth, I don't have that option at this point, but I think I can make my hospital experience more like I want it to be. Well, I hope..