William and Kate and the Half-Blood Prince

(Get it?  William is 100% royal, Kate is 0% royal. Baby is 50%.  Corny jokes for the win!)

Thank you, Valium.  I probably sound like a freakin' drug addict to people who don't know me with all of the different drugs I talk about on here, but seriously, last time I slept from 11:00 to 7:45 and only woke up once at like 4:15.  It was glorious.  The good news is my doc did up my regular sleeping pill, so hopefully soon I should be sleeping normally again.

Today was mostly consumed by the royal baby news.  I spent hours watching the NBC live stream.  Yes, I am one of those girls that is absolutely fascinated by the British Monarchy.  And I'm a history nerd, so the fact that a future king was born today is awesome, too.  But really, I've loved Britain and the monarchy for as long as I can remember.  It's a big part of the reason I picked London as part of my trip with my grandmother in 2005.  And everyone knows I'm obsessed with baby names, so I look forward to hearing the name of the new prince.  Plus, the whole thing gave people a reason to make this picture.

Which is just awesome.  The ciiircle of liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiife.

Remember how Blake almost broke my jaw a couple weeks ago?  Well, today, he almost broke my nose.  I need to avoid that kid's head.

Absolutely no GRE prep got done today.  And I'm okay with that.

I had a long and lovely chat with Caitie today.  Yay girlfriends.  Hurry up, November!

I seriously cannot wait to get out of this house.  27 days.

And um yeah, now I'm going to bed because my whole face hurts (thank you, random sinus attack) and I have an early and busy day tomorrow.

I think it's a requirement of Hollywood.

That is, to name your baby something completely bizarre.

This has come to mind because today, David and Victoria Beckham named their daughter Harper Seven.  Harper is pretty, Seven is just weird.

Apparently, this is a longstanding tradition.  In chronological order, here are just some of the ones that I could find.

• Frank Zappa has four kids named Moon Unit (girl 1967), Dweezil (boy 1969, his birth name was different only because the hospital refused to register "Dweezil", it became his legal name at age 5, it was the nickname Frank had for his wife's oddly-curled pinky toe), Ahmet Emuukha Rodan (boy 1974), and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen (1979).
• David Bowie named his son Zowie. Yes, Zowie Bowie (1971). He later changed his name.
• Bob Geldof, the man who started the Live Aid concerts, has a trio of just fascinating daughter names: Fifi Trixibelle (1983), Peaches Honeyblossom (1989), and Little Pixie (1990).
• Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran had a daughter named Saffron Sahara (1991).
• Bob Geldof's wife later had a daughter with another man named Heavenly Hiraaini Tiger Lily (1996). She went by Tiger.
• Jamie Oliver and his wife Jules' kids: Poppy Honey Rosie (2002), Daisy Boo Pamela (2003), Petal Blossom Rainbow (2009), and Buddy Bear Maurice (2010).
• Jason Lee's son is Pilot Inspektor (yes, the spelling is correct, 2003).
• Shannyn Sossamon named her son Audio Science (2003).
• Penn Jillette's daughter is named Moxie Crimefighter (2005).
• Victoria's fellow Spice Girl has a daughter named Bluebell Madonna (2006).
• Ingo Rademacher has a son named Peanut Kai (2008).
• In January some girl from Top Chef named her daughter Zuzu.
• A few weeks ago, Alicia Silverstone named her son Bear Blu.

Seriously, what is the point?  Do these people not realize that a name is forever and these kids are eventually going to have to get jobs and write their names on things like applications?  Imagine getting a job application from someone who says their name is Audio Science - you'd bust out laughing, wouldn't you?

It's now gotten to the point that my friend, who loves baby names as much as I do, make constant jokes when we hear celeb pregnancies about who will come out with the newest crazy name.

Anyway, it's pretty funny, isn't it?  I thought I'd post it to maybe make you laugh, too. :)  Happy Sunday, all.

So apparently the pain relief wasn't all-inclusive.

Because after only 5 hours of shopping, my feet are throbbing.

But hey, today was awesome, and I bought myself (and a couple friends!) some great stuff, so I'm stoked.  And the pain will be gone by the morning, so that's just fine.

After spending two and a half hours trying to get my mother out of bed (yes, she is always that difficult on her days off, haha!), we headed out.

First stop was Barnes & Noble.  I must give Mom public props because this is a woman who could literally spend an entire day walking around a bookstore, and we were in and out in about 45 minutes.  She bought herself a whole list of books, most of which I didn't even look at, and I bought William & Harry: Behind the Palace Walls, William & Kate: A Royal Love Story, a bejeweled orange S bookmark for Mom, and The Ultimate Fender Book for Matt.  I wasn't planning on buying him anything, but we found it and it just SCREAMED him.  Plus, not only was the bargain price $14.98, it was marked down 50% off that price, so I got what could easily be a $30 book for $7.50.  It is basically a biography about every single Fender guitar made from 1950 to now - and since Leo Fender, the creator, only started his business in the '40s, I think it's safe to assume that this book has information on almost every Fender guitar ever created.  I think it's also safe to assume that Matt is going to go absolutely ballistic when he sees this book. :)  I love buying things for people.

Next, we went to JC Penney.  Mom needed to get some new bras and pants, and I needed to get a new wallet because the one I had wouldn't close.  Plus, she bought a bunch of clearance stuff for Blake.  I got him a onesie that says "My Auntie Is Awesome." :)

After that, we stopped by Sam's Club to get a few things for the house.  By this point, my back, shoulder, and neck were starting to throb, so I sat at the food area and had a soft pretzel and a drink.

Last, we went to WalMart.  I bought: a new iPod computer connector cord, a new TV remote because somehow my remote magically disappeared, and gifts for my good friend Shannon who's having a baby boy in February: a Johnson & Johnson nighttime bath wash set that came with a towel and the book Goodnight Moon, a set of two bath towels - one hooded and one not, and a package of eight washcloths.  I spent twice as much money as I planned to, but I don't care because I could afford it and buying baby stuff is fun.  We're wrapping it all and putting it in Blake's old infant bathtub, and then Mom is driving me to take it to her Wednesday night.  :)  I'm so excited because Shannon and I were close in high school, but she was two years ahead of me so I haven't seen her in close to three years.  Mom bought Blake formula and rice cereal, some new socks because the ones he had don't fit right, a cute new pair of shoes, and a farm toy with money that my grandma sent for him.

I am thoroughly exhausted, so good night. :)

A Birthday and a Birth Day

First, I can't believe I forgot to mention that yesterday was Holly's 23rd birthday! I texted her just after midnight and dedicated my Facebook status to her all day yesterday. So happy (belated) birthday to my darling sister!

Second, YAY BABY! My cousin Melissa (my dad's oldest brother's daughter) had her second baby boy today! She's 28 and actually got married on June 17, 2005. We weren't invited because her parents really don't like my mom at all, and needless to say, my mom isn't exactly a fan of theirs, either, but anyway...We're Facebook friends. She had her first boy on February 23, 2009, Greyson Scott (I'd never seen the name spelled with an -ey- till him.) And today she welcomed

Rylan Cole
7 lbs 12 oz
20 1/2 inches
Isn't he cute? Not as cute as Blake, of course, but still pretty darn cute. ;) Haha! And I love the name Rylan, and was not expecting her to use it at all because it's uncommon. I've only heard it one other time in my entire life.

The funny thing about this was that her due date was December 13th. My mom's due date with Holly was also December 13th. So when she posted asking people when they thought he would arrive, I said December 3rd because it's Holly's birthday, and all. Well, arriving today meant that he was 9 days early, and I was 9 days early. And he was born at 2:37 pm. Chelsea was born at 2:38 pm. I just think all of these similarities are cool. (I know I'm a little weird, you don't have to tell me.)

Yay babies!

I thought they would stop by now.

Not long after we found out that Chelsea was pregnant, I started having dreams that I was pregnant.

Something weird, but normal, I figured. 

I also figured they'd go away once she had Blake.

Well, here we are. 

Blake is 7 1/2 months old, and I'm still having dreams that I'm pregnant.

There's nothing really bizarre about the dreams, except for, ya know, the whole me being pregnant thing.

But yeah, these dreams happen a few times a month.

Sunday night, I was having a baby shower.  I was very pregnant.

I was having a girl! Madison Claire. (Which, we all know, is my favorite girl's name.)

The one weird thing about it, though?

Matt was the father. *headdesk*  Heaven help me.

I just don't get why this is happening.  It's not like I want to get pregnant!  It's not like I'm trying to get pregnant!  And unless I'm the next Virgin Mary, I'm certainly not going to get pregnant any time soon!

Sigh.

Lovely

This weekend has overall just been lovely.
Chelsea's not picking fights.
Mom is chill because Chelsea's not picking fights.
I can sleep in.
I'm not stressing about anything.
Mom went out and bought grouper tonight just because I said I was craving it. (And we're going to Olive Garden tomorrow! We didn't make it to Jacksonville today.)

And, of course, best of all is that I've gotten in some quality snuggle time with my Blake man. I can't help but think about how strong my love for this little baby is when he's not even mine, and how much stronger it's going to be when I'm holding my own baby. (Which makes me pray about the "ovarian disorder" my doc has warned me I might have - being a mom is the thing I want absolutely most out of life.) It's also helped me to really understand how fast time goes by. It literally feels like it was yesterday that I was sitting in English class when I got the text that Chelsea's water broke, and now he's six months old!

Okay, cut the sappyness, Mal.

Really, though, this weekend has been exactly what I needed. :) I hope yours has been just as blessed.

Man, I'm tired.

Longest day I've had in quite some time.
Got up at 10:15.
Ate a bagel and got ready.
Helped Mom with Blake.
Left at 11:45.
Met Ms. Rachel in New Bern for lunch.
Went to WalMart.
Went by the Craven County Board of Education.
Went to a colleague of my mom's house to drop off some soup for another teacher who's in Duke.
Went to Ms. Rachel's apartment and hung out for a couple hours. (I finally got to meet her daughter Hannah!)
Came back to Swansboro.
Went to Walgreens.
Picked up chicken tenders from Hardees. (Yum!)
Came home.
Ate dinner.
Watched the two World Cup games we missed.
Brazil AND Ghana knocked out in one day...can you say AWESOME?!
And now...here I am.
Exhausted.
Good night!

Show Us Your Life Friday - Baby Names

You may not know this about me (as in I can't remember if I've talked about this before) but I have a massive obsession with baby names.  For as long as I can remember, I've had a list of the names I want to give to my future children, with the number of kids I want varying through the years.  (When I was 8, I wanted 12.  Blame Cheaper by the Dozen.)  However, for quite a while now, I've wanted 4 kids.  And yes, I have 4 boys names and 4 girls names picked out.  (My future husband is going to have quite a battle if he doesn't like these names! haha)

Boys:

Jayden Richard

Jayden is just a name I've loved for a long, long time.  Yes, it was even before Britney Spears named her son Jayden James.  I remember I used to like Jayden Marco, but then I realized I wanted all the middle names to be family related.  Richard, as you know, is my dad's first name.  It's also my mom's brother's middle name.

Elijah Robert

Eli was my maternal grandmother's dad's name, and my mom has always loved it.  However, he pronounced it E-lee, and my mom loved E-lie.  She's talked about that name a lot, and I realized I loved it, but wanted a longer name, Elijah, as the first name, with Eli as the nickname.  Robert is my maternal grandfather's name.  He passed away when I was 2, so I never really got to know him, but I know this will make my grandmother very happy.

Logan Keith

I started loving the name Logan after obsessively watching Gilmore Girls and Rory had a boyfriend named Logan.  As time went on, I loved it more and more.  Keith is my dad's middle name, and the name he went by.

Tyler Vincent

Again, Tyler is just a name I've loved for a long time.  I think Ty is a really cute name for a little boy.  Vincent is my cousin Stephen's middle name, and he's probably my favorite cousin on my dad's side of the family. :)  He got his middle name from his mom's brother who died from AIDS in the '70s or '80s.

Girls:

Madison Claire

Madison Claire is the one name I love that hasn't changed or been replaced with another name through the years.  It's also the one name that doesn't really have a family connection.  I think Madison sounds really cute with Mallory. :)  And she will be called Madison, not Maddie or anything.  Claire is my cousin Emily's middle name, and I love it, but she really wouldn't be named for her.

Isabella Paige

Yes, Isabella is one of the most popular names right now, but I don't care.  I love it.  And who knows? By the time I have kids, it may not be/probably won't be as popular.  I also have this weird dream of having twin girls so I can name them Isabella and Anabella.  Paige is my sister Chelsea's middle name.

Brooklynn Nicole

Brooklynn combines my love for New York City and love for my mom.  My mom's name is Sheri Lynn.  Nicole is my sister Holly's middle name.

Kiley Ann

I love Kiley.  The middle name I've put with it has changed through the years, but Kiley has always been on my list of favorites.  Ann is my middle name and my maternal grandmother's middle name (I was named after her), so it's important to me that I pass this on.

So there you have it!  I couldn't not participate in this SUYL.  It was nice to finally have a topic I could participate in!  What names do you love?

Here's a secret about me.

When I was 8 years old, I told my mom I wanted to have a dozen children. I even made up names for all of them, too.

The number went down slowly over time.

But when these people...



came into the news world big time, my fascination with babies and large families came back full force. No, I didn't want to have as many children as them all of a sudden, but I did become fascinated with the Duggars.

I memorized their names in order.
I memorized their birthdays.
I watched the news to see when they would have another baby.

As I got older, I got smarter, as my mom called it. ;) I settled on the number 4 as the perfect number of kids for my future family. But I couldn't stop watching the Duggars in the news.

This family has sparked a lot of controversy. I get it. This many kids looks weird to a lot of people. But here's the way I see it... They support their kids. They don't take government money. They are using their TV show to announce the love and grace of God to the viewers. They are taking "trust God with all matters in your life" and living it out completely. Don't we all want to be like that?

In September, Michelle announced that they were expecting their 19th child on March 18th. At first, I thought it was a bit weird, since her daughter-in-law was also pregnant, and I don't get the "having babies while your kids are having babies" mentality, and then I realized how wrong I was for thinking that way. Who am I to decide when Michelle Duggar needs to stop having kids? They've obviously done a good job of raising the first 18. So what if I don't agree with their (as I call it) extreme Christian views? It's not my family, and it's obvious that they are doing the best they can the best they know how.

Once I got over my judgement of their choices, I thought it was really cool that she was due three days after Chelsea. And then...last week, Michelle had baby 19 14 weeks early. Little Josie Brooklyn Duggar. And my love for babies and baby names flourished once again.

Then, I began to pray for this family. So what if you think 19 is too many kids? So what if you think they're crazy Fundamentalists? There is a tiny, tiny baby in an Arkansas NICU who needs all the prayers she can get. She didn't ask to be born this early. She's got a long road ahead of her, and her parents do, too. It's not about what others think anymore. If this were someone's 1st or 2nd or 3rd child who was born this early, nobody would think twice about praying fervently.

I wish people would stop judging. It's not your life. Yes, they have gone on TV, but they are doing it with good hearts trying to spread the message of God and teach how a good marriage and caring parents can raise good kids, no matter how many kids you have. I wish Christians would see that.

So no, I may not always agree with them, but I will continue to admire and pray for Jim Bob, Michelle, Josh (and wife Anna and baby Mackynzie), Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn-Grace (who is 1 year old today!), and especially baby Josie.


See, I told you I knew all their names. ;)

I'm all on my own!

My mom left for good a little less than two hours ago. Weird. I was pretty freaked at first, but I went and talked to my RA, Kayla, for a while, and she distracted me. I think I'm okay now. I think. We'll see. I'm sure I'll be okay in a couple of weeks; it's just the process of getting used to being on my own alone that's going to be hard.

-----

Only I can get hurt the day before my first college classes. My mom and I went to the bookstore to get a book for my Western Civ class that they didn't send to me, along with a few other school supplies. As you come out of our bookstore, there's a little ledge and then the steps start.

Well, I don't know if it was because I was so physically tired today or I'm just a klutz, but I totally did not see the little ledge and severely sprained my ankle. I fell backwards, luckily did not hit my head, and started crying just as a bunch of very hot guys walked by. Of course. So after dinner my mom drove to a neighboring (there's seriously nothing in Buies Creek) and bought me an ankle brace so I can survive walking for a while.

Oh, and to add salt to the wound, as I got up off the ground and sat on a bench waiting for Campus Security to come give us a ride, I stepped in gum. In my pretty Rainbows. Of course.

-----

So you wanna see my room? :) I went a little photo crazy, so there's quite a few, but they're of my bathroom, too, and I want you guys to get the full effect.

the best part of it all - my bed, along with my teddy bear, Helio Mark Maksim Hough. (the name is from a bunch of guys, one Season 5 contestant and three of the pros, from Dancing with the Stars)

the most comfortable recliner ever. We had to get it for in the winter when my asthma flares up and I can't lay flat.

my closets

inside the left closet

inside the right closet

storage unit, dressers, TV, microwave, fridge, and Taylor Swift poster

zoom in on TV, microwave, refrigerator

desk and door

zoom in on desk

bed again with the Jonas Brothers posters. I must have Jonas in the room. :)

the loudest, longest-flushing toilet in the history of the world! seriously.

shower. big, roomy shower. :)

Everything was picked out by my mom. I always thought she should be an interior designer because she has such an eye for that kind of stuff. And she arranged my room all by herself, literally. I can't help move furniture and the way she had gotten Holly and our friend Joe, who drove our moving truck, to help her set it up ended up not working, and they were gone by the time we realized it. She's absolutely amazing, I tell ya.

-----

Speaking of Joe, he is the husband of my mom's best friend, Rachel, and they texted us today and told us they're having another girl. Abby Grace is going to have a little sister. :) Hannah Elizabeth. Too cute. I've had baby names on the brain ever since I found out Chelsea was pregnant. Her picked names right now are Chloe Lynn and Blake Richard. Lynn is my mom's middle name, and Richard is my dad's first name. I really like them and am very excited to find out what she is having. Five to seven weeks left. (I'm not sure when it's going to happen.) I have this weird feeling it's a boy, but we'll see.

-----

I don't know what else to say. I'm exhausted, and my ankle is killing me, so I'm off.

Scared, worried, frustrated.

All words that could describe my current feelings.

Not only am I scared about the fact that I'm really leaving home next Saturday (10 days!), I got some crappy news today at lunch. My mom told me that my ENT's nurse called and said that the colleague she talked to told her not to put me on longterm steroids.

Ugh. Do these people not understand what being off steroids does? Within four days, I can't breathe. Like, at all! And being two and a half hours away from home when I finish this round of steroids is not going to be pretty! All they can say is "well, maybe the new environment will be better for you." And I say, "Well, what if it isn't?!" They're not giving me any alternatives. They're not giving me any help. Dr. G knows how sick I get every single time I go off steroids. The stupid little minor longterm side effects are worth it to keep me out of the hospital! Wouldn't you think?

All I know is this - I have an appointment with Dr. G next Wednesday. I need answers.

-----

My mom's best friend Rachel came into town today with her 6 month old Abby Grace. :) Rachel's due with baby #2 less than two weeks before Chelsea. (She wasn't planning this one, either.) It seems the only person who isn't scared about Chelsea becoming a mother is Chelsea. Oh Lord, help us.

I love my sister, and I love that baby, but I must say I am glad I'm not going to be here to get woken up at 3 in the morning by a newborn. :)

It was super cute, though. I got to feed Abby both a bottle and some baby food. I was kind of messy with the baby food, haha. But I figure, that's what the bib is for, right? My mom kept joking that maybe Chelsea's baby will be a good source of birth control for me for the next ten or so years. I quickly replied she has nothing to worry about for at least eight years. Trust me. No way that's gonna happen!

My legs are frozen!

That's what my cousin used to say whenever she wanted her dad to carry her because she didn't feel like walking. (And yes, it worked for ages. ;) haha)

Well, that's how I feel today. I feel like I was frozen to my bed, not having the energy to get out to do anything. I don't know what my problem is. Maybe it's from everything I did this past week. Either way, I've definitely caught up on rest today. I haven't slept a lot. It's just been nice to lay here, you know?

Confession time!

I have a weird obsession/fascination with babies and baby names. Said obsession with baby names leads to a fascination with celebrity babies and celebrities having babies. I frequently visit this site to help with that. And do you know what today is? The first birthday of the cutest celebrity babies in Hollywood.

Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt. They're so adorable. And for fraternal twins, they sure look a heck of a lot alike. (Side note: It's also the birthday of Jessica's son Elias.)

I love babies, in case you weren't aware. For as long as I can remember, the one dream of mine that has stayed with me is that I know I want to be a wife and a mother. But I want to have a good career, too, so you can bet I'm not going to be the woman who thinks she belongs barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. Too much to ask? I think not. This is a girl who dreams big.

And in case you were curious (which you probably aren't) I love the names Jayden Elijah and Tyler Vincent for boys and Isabella Rose and Madison Claire for girls.

Okay, randomness over.

For now, anyway.

I am not a mom!

Today, I went out to lunch with Kasey and her babies, Peyton and Logan. (Remember this post?) It was a treat for my birthday since she didn't get to come to my party on Sunday. She brought the babies into the restaurant in their double stroller, and they were sitting next to the table. Waitresses were constantly coming up to look at them, of course.

Well, Kasey went to the bathroom towards the end of lunch, and while she was gone a waitress came up and was talking about how cute they are, and she asked me what their names were so I told her, and then she asked, "So how do you like having twins?"
I just kind of looked at her and grinned and was like, "Uh, they're not mine. I'm 17."
Waitress: Really?!
Me: Yeah, actually, I just turned 17 yesterday.
Waitress: Whoa. I so thought you were like 23, and that they were yours. Lucky you, cause pretty much everyone thinks I'm 17, and I'm 22. I'm sorry!
Me: *laugh* Don't worry about it. I get it a lot.

And really, I do, because no matter what people I'm with, if I'm with a young kid, everyone automatically assumes the kid is mine. In fact, when I was 13, a lady thought my 6 year old cousin was my daughter. Yet, no matter how many times it happens, it never gets old or ceases to make me laugh. :)

It was so good to spend time with Kasey! Lately she's more like a sister to me than my own sisters. She gave me such great advice about lots of different stuff, and it was just nice to talk to someone who actually listened to me. And the chocolate cheesecake I had for dessert? That was just extra goodness.

-----

Speaking of babies, I think my mom is a psychic. She has predicted all three of Kasey's pregnancies (1 miscarriage). And about a month ago when her best friend Rachel got married to her daughter's father, she warned her to "be careful" because she had had a dream that Rachel was pregnant again. Rachel thought her two nephews who are 2.5 years apart were "waaaaaaaay too close together" and was adamant that she wasn't going to have another kid till Abby was at least 4. Abby and this new baby are going to be 13 months apart! She called my mom yesterday and said "Damn you and your dreams! Joe's getting a vasectomy!" They just found out about 15 minutes before she called my mom, too. And when I heard my mom laughing as they hung up, I came out of my room and asked, "Is she pregnant?" She was laughing about it for like an hour. We told Kasey about it, and she was like "You better not have anymore dreams about me!" Hahaha.

You know what they say - if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. ;)

yay babies!

Okay, so I'm not really around babies that much. Never have been. I'm the youngest in my family, and the extended family on my dad's side, and I was only 6 when my mom's brother and his wife had a baby, so I don't even really remember what that was like.

Well, yesterday, I got visited by a longtime family friend who had twins 6 weeks ago. :) And then today, my mom's best friend came over with her 3 month old, Abby Grace. So I was in baby heaven. It was the perfect way to relax from all these AP exams this week.

I have pictures! Of the twins. I forgot to take pictures today.

You wanna see? You know you do.

peyton elizabeth and logan thomas.

logan.

peyton.

They were soooooo precious! I've always known I wanted to be a mom, but being around them at this point in life, where I'm really thinking about the future makes me that much more sure of it. (And for any parents reading this blog---don't worry! It won't be for at least 8 years.)

Oh, and you finally get to see pictures of my new glasses and hair, though my hair is rather messy in these. Sorry about that. ;)