What's in a name?

For those of you who did not catch the news on facebook, Nathaniel and I found out yesterday that we are expecting a baby boy in January! It came as an utter shock to us, but we are overwhelmed with joy.

We decided some time ago that we would name our first born son Ford Edward. Ford is a name that I found on a list of "Popular 1800s names." I wanted something classic yet unique and masculine. Nate agreed that he loved the name. Well, during our trying to conceive journey, Nate and I were browsing in an antique shop (in November 2009). On top of a pile of old advertisements/ads, was a 1950s ad for Ford with a headline that read, "A Ford is in your future!" Nate and I bought it as a leap of faith and considered it a promise from God.

Well, yesterday, when we heard the news that it was a boy, we also felt a sense of peace and excitement that God sometimes gives us miracles and signs that are much more obvious than we deserve. Isn't He great?! A Ford IS in our future!! And let's be honest, our son will probably be the only kid born with his own slogan ("Built Ford tough"). :)

Edward also seemed like a natural choice for a middle name. Nate's middle name is Edward and my maiden name was Edwards. It kind of killed two birds with one stone. In addition, Nate's initials spell NEW and Ford's initials will spell FEW. Small detail, but still. :)

So, for those of you wondering, "Why Ford Edward?" There is your answer!

We are soooooo excited. We cannot wait to meet Ford face-to-face and to share him with all of our friends & family!!

Baby Wienert update.

Well, I am 18.5 weeks today. Time is actually flying. I know they say that the time goes by quickly for everyone except the one who is pregnant...but when I look back and realize that I am almost half-way finished with this pregnancy, I realize that things are moving rapidly now.

Except for last night, when instead of thinking, "Wow, I'm half way through," my attitude was more, "I am not even half-way through???" It really just depends on the day and time. Some times I feel wonderfully and look down at my belly and think, "Wow...life exists inside of me!" Other times, I'm too tired to walk, my back hurts, my stomach hurts, and I think, "Ok...21 more weeks...I can do this..."

But...all I know is...it will all be worth it. I have nightly dreams about our child and I wake up already in love with her/him. How is it possible to love someone that you've never met? Six months ago, if someone asked, "Do you believe you can love someone that you don't yet know?" I would say "Of course not." Today, my answer would be "Absolutely!"

And I can't help but correlating my love for this unborn child to God's love for us. The same miracle that goes on inside a mother's heart happens with God...except His love is even more perfect and even more magnified! If nothing else, pregnancy has helped me realize His love for me. I can only imagine that feeling will get stronger when I actually meet our child and see his/her face.

Well, in 8 days, Nate and I will know the gender of our baby! I really could care less if it is a boy or a girl, as long as he or she is healthy! It will just be nice to know so we can finally start preparing a nursery, shopping, and planning!

Until then...