And her name is...

Callan Blair McFarland!

I used this quote in Campbell's name post and still love it:

Names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us to talk to each other. Names are a gift from God. They contain His power. They define things. They define us.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/the-importance-of-names/#ixzz1I09GZxua


Once again, this has been the hardest decision to make. I knew it would be because it took us so long finding the right name for Campbell. Knowing we would use a family name, my parents came across my dad's grandmother's name...Madelyn Blair. Beautiful! I really liked the idea of using Blair for this baby's middle name. Done. One part down.

But the first name has been a doozy. I loved the name Emerson, but Jacob nixed it. We liked Adyson, Emery, and Ellis...but I never had that feeling that one of them was THE ONE. I've been searching baby name sites for the past 4 months, and getting so close to her birth, I was beginning to get stressed out. I didn't want to compare it to Campbell, but I love her name and I didn't want to give my baby girl a name that is so popular that every other girl would have. I also didn't think I wanted both girls to have a name that started with a C, so I never really looked or thought about C names.

I finally just asked God to show me what her name is, because this is something He already knows. I wanted that feeling I had when I found Campbell's name. Earlier this week, I had a dream and very obviously I was calling my baby girl Callan.

This is a little ironic. I have loved this name for years. Actually I considered it with Campbell, but had a friend at work that had a daughter named Callan. We actually also have a second cousin with the name as well. And a college friend of mine named her little boy this. I guess I thought they would think I copied them, but after dreaming this, I knew this was HER name! I've been such at peace with it and Campbell is already calling her baby Callie/Callan!

I'm so thankful the Lord showed me what her name is. He continues to be faithful to me. He just wants me to trust Him. I guess I am a slow learner. I keep trying to do it all on my own. Bad idea.

So now, I am so ready to meet little miss Callan!

Callan is Gaelic...meaning flowing water...and also has a few other meanings of powerful in battle (Scandinavian), rock (Scottish), and chatter (German).

...because time is getting away from me...

As we get closer and closer to meeting this sweet girl in my tummy, I can't help but feel a little sad as the time comes that Campbell is no longer my only baby. Not that she acts or seems like a baby. She is a big girl...2 years old...with her little personality that cracks me up every day. She seems so mature right now. Yes, she is still 2, with her tantrums and meltdowns occasionally, but she talks to her daddy and me in full sentences and thinks about what she wants to say before she answers. She has an imagination.... She loves to sing and dance.

I've had a lot of one on one time with her lately because Daddy has been traveling, but we are hoping that is just about done for a little while, or at least until after baby girl comes into this world! Being pregnant, this one on one time can be exhausting, but it is also so precious to me. She constantly wants to "hold you momma." And she is now rubbing my tummy and asking when baby is going to be here. She wants to sit in my lap for hours watching Mickey, reading books, and just cuddling...and I LOVE IT!

I know that this stage of her being an only child is just part of the change of having a growing family, but I can't help but want it to slow down just a bit. Less than 5 weeks and her whole world is changing. I know she's up for it...she can handle anything. She's proven to be super flexible and go with the flow. And she won't remember the time before her baby sister was here. I pray she transitions well, and knows we love her so so much, even as we tend to a newborn. I know the love in my heart is only going to grow as I watch her become a big sister. But as a pregnant emotional mess right now I'm sad about it not being just her. But then again, I'm so excited and anxious to meet her little sister. Just mixed emotions I'm sure so many 2nd time moms feel.

But I am constantly reminded by God that she is not mine, but His. He has wonderful plans for her and I am just blessed to be chosen as her mommy. And that I am! She brings me joy that I never knew I could have! And He is about to entrust another baby girl into my care. I pray my girls will know Him and do great things for His name!

I'll leave you with a few pictures of my girl that most of you have seen on my Facebook. Her smile... nothing to describe the feeling I have as I look at her!

I will try to post an update on baby girl soon. I think we have decided FINALLY on a name (dream/details included) and I'll see if I can muster up the courage for another belly pic. Actually, my sweet sister is coming in a few weeks and I'm hoping we can sneak in a pregnancy/family of 3 photo shoot before we need to do our family of 4/newborn shoot!

Lately...and a 30 week update with baby #2

Well, the days/weeks are just flying by here. It's hard to believe I'm 30 weeks with baby girl #2 (well tomorrow I will be). And have yet to do anything. I guess that's totally 2nd child syndrome. I have grand plans...mostly for a big girl room for Campbell. That way we can give baby girl her nursery. I wish I could quit calling her baby girl and give her a name already...I'm really loving one name right now, but haven't gotten any official approval from her daddy...story of my life!

We are also prepping for Campbell's big 2nd birthday! In 2 1/2 weeks I will have a 2 year old...aaaahhhh!!!! So hard to believe! We are keeping things simple with a Minnie Mouse, family party, and she's gonna love every minute of it! We keep talking about her birthday and she's already pointed out a minnie tricycle that she wants....a girl down the street has one. So, looks like that's what mommy and daddy are gonna get her.

We've also been dealing with a little sickness with her this past weekend. She seems much better this week though. I'm thankful Daddy was here to help. He's been traveling and is planning another quick trip soon. I know he's trying to get it all done before I'm so close to having his second baby girl.

A little about the little lady growing in my tummy. She's got the hiccups like 5 times a day. A lot of the times it's when I'm eating, but dang, those hiccups can be annoying. I'm hoping she won't have them that bad outside of the womb. She also is quite the mover and squirmer. I guess she's taking advantage of it while she still has room left. She's probably about 3 pounds and 16 inches long according to my babycenter calendar; like a head of cabbage. I had my glucose test a few weeks ago and passed with flying colors, but was told to take some extra iron because I was low....which isn't a surprise, I've always been a little anemic and was with Campbell too.

I'm feeling pretty good still. I'm having to tell Cam I can't carry her as much anymore. I know it's bad for me and baby and it could put me into preterm labor and that's not something we want. She's not too happy about it though, and sometimes I do give in...but Daddy has been really good getting her when he's around. I have plenty of Braxton Hicks contractions...and I feel them more when I know I haven't had enough water to drink. I have to get better at that. I feel huge, but I guess what pregnant woman doesn't?! I'm excited for the weekend of Cam's birthday because we are going to have a 3D/4D ultrasound. My heartburn is outrageous. I feel like I have it after every meal...so all day long. And tums just isn't cutting it anymore. I have been taking a zantac every night...so I will be expecting this baby girl to have as much if not more hair than her sister did!

Enough of that. I hope you all have a great week. And just to put it out there, I am praying for all the victims and families affected by the bombing in Boston. This is/was the work of the enemy. But we all have to know that GOD has already won and overcome. He is always there for us in times like these. I pray our nation can come together under His great name and praise Him through this storm. I pray for peace and healing for these families and all of those now living in fear across the country. We as Christians need to be a light to those in fear. We CANNOT live in fear, we can't hide away in our homes and never leave. We can't shield our children from every little thing. We have to live the life God gave us. He knows His ultimate plan for us. He knows what our futures hold. He wants us to live a life of joy and be His light and love in this world. And so with that I am going to continue to pray for Boston and those affected all over the country...and those in need...and give the rest to God. He's got this people!

Only 80% sure...

Well, of course, baby wasn't the most cooperative. Just like miss Campbell in utero. But Dr. B is about 80% sure baby #2 is a..............................GIRL! He saw no boy parts whatsoever, but was never given a clear shot of the girly parts. We will go back in 4 weeks for another doctor appointment and to do a gender confirmation sono, but my heart is telling me I'm gonna have 2 girls so we are going with it! Of course, we won't do anything drastic until we know for sure :)

Baby looked so healthy and exactly how she should. What a blessing! I'm just a little overjoyed that miss Campbell is going to grow up with a sister. There is nothing like that special bond! I feel like I can start thinking about names and actually preparing to have another baby around. So, so thrilled. My heart is overflowing.

Thank you Jesus for this precious child!