Story behind his name....

When we found out we were having another baby, we already had a girl name that we'd had for many years.  In the beginning I didn't fell a lot of urgency though to pick a boy name. I thought we had plenty of time to figure it out.  We talked about it some saying names we liked as well as those that were on the definite "no" list. (Certain names get on that list when you are a teacher!)

I wanted the first name to be Matthew. My husband's name is John Matthew. We used John for Caleb's first name so I thought it'd be nice to use Matthew for the first name for this baby and call him by his middle name as we do Caleb. There was one name throughout the pregnancy that we thought we would use for the middle name. I didn't feel settled on how to spell it though. We were trying to use names of family members, but the spelling felt too girly and didn't seem right. A second option was always Matthew Titus, almost since the beginning of the pregnancy I think.

One night we were doing a family devotion. (I tried to find the date in my journal, but I couldn't find when it was.)  Caleb had been saying funny names we could use, like Alfredo Potato, since we told him we were having a baby. But that night we were reading in II Corinthians 7, and he said "Titus, that would be a good name for the baby." In the following days I went back and reread the verse. I was thinking how this baby is a joy and comfort to our family after our miscarriage in 2013 and also about all the prayers and comfort we received during this pregnancy.  The verse seemed to fit how I felt about this baby.  We liked the name Titus, and Caleb continued to say he thought it would be a good name throughout the pregnancy.

When April 12 came we were still considering both middle names, but after he was born Titus just felt right!

We have both boys' footprints in the Bible that was given to us as a wedding gift and used in our wedding ceremony.  Each is on the page with the special verse that has their name.

Caleb's footprint on Numbers 14:24  "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."

Titus's footprint on 2 Corinthians 7:6,7--"But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever."

Have a day of blessings!
 

How many?

As we are on the countdown to our baby's arrival, I keep thinking of things in terms of "how many."

How many more weekends together?

How many more Sundays at church?

How many more pay days does my husband have?

How many more Thursday snack days with my boy?

How many more lunch dates with my husband?

How many more trips for my doctor's appointments?

How many more meals together with just us 3 at the table?

How many more days of just having one child here with us?

How many more days at home doing chores and laundry by myself?

All of these countdowns make it seem so very close. :)

As the day draws near, I'm filled with many emotions.

Have a day of blessings!
 

LWG: Under Construction

At nearly 34 weeks pregnant I am amazed week after week to read the updates on baby sites that tell about the baby's development during that week.  There are constant changes and growth to prepare the baby for his or her arrival into the world.

We have had three ultrasounds between weeks 8 and 20.  Each one shows a little more detail and development of our baby. It is clear to see the baby growing.

One of my church friends gave me this little picture frame for one of our ultrasound pictures. I love the "Under Construction" at the bottom.

Read the rest today at Laced With Grace. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Besides U.S. Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week...what game have you played most recently, and who were you with? Have you worked a puzzle of any kind in the past week?  Last Saturday evening we played the card game "Spoons" with my brother-in-law and his buddy. It was Caleb's first time to play, and we had a good time.  My husband and I used to play "Spoons" and other card games in college with friends in the dorm lobby. I have not worked a puzzle in the past week.

2. What is one place you were thankful for this year?  I've seen a lot answer their home, and I have to agree.  I was trying to think of other places I am thankful for and thought of the library where I go quite often.  

3. Take a nap, watch football, go for an after dinner walk, or hit the stores...which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving day? For those of you playing along who aren't in the US, answer as it relates to any big holiday meal.  I guess relax and read and eat desserts.  

4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal? My Mom's goulash. At home I love my husband's chicken enchiladas or taquitos with guacamole.  

5. What product from an infomercial would you most like to own?  I haven't seen an infomercial lately so don't really know.

6. Christmas shopping? Have you begun? Finished? Will you shop on Black Friday? How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day? What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online? YES!  I have done online shopping this year and this was all by my front door yesterday.  

Funny thing is that it is not that much stuff, several things were one item per box.  I have more coming from Academy and also submitted a Kohl's order already too.  I have a few things left to buy...there are a couple we are giving gift cards (they asked for that for items for their new house as they need them).   I've never been a Black Friday shopper. We will be at a doctor's appointment this year and there is a consignment store I'd like to visit for myself.   I am sad for so many stores opening on Thanksgiving Day. It seems so many complain about it; if people would quit shopping on that day maybe the stores would quit opening. 

7. What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to your everyday life?  my husband and son and our new baby that I feel moving inside me.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Friday I have my "big" sonogram also called an anatomy scan.  We are not finding out the gender.  We are praying for a healthy growing baby with all the parts and organs growing as they should.  

Have a day of blessings!
  

Being still

As the weeks of this pregnancy have progressed, I’ve started to feel tiny baby movements. I wasn’t sure at first, but now I’m pretty sure the baby is what I’m feeling. Some days I realize it’s been a while since I’ve noticed feeling anything. I know at this point I won’t feel as much movement as when I’m further along. But I’ve noticed that when I’m busy I don’t notice them. I’m more likely to feel them when I’m still, sitting on the couch relaxing or at the table enjoying a meal.

Join me for the rest today over at Laced With Grace!

Have a day of blessings!

Encouraged by four little words

At the end of August we found out we are having another baby! We are thankful and excited, but I’ve felt nervous too because of our previous miscarriages. We went to our first doctor’s appointment on September 11. We saw our little baby, and it filled us with joy to see that little heart beating strongly on the screen.

Continue reading about how I've been encouraged the past few weeks over at  Laced With Grace

Have a day of blessings!