Baby

The tool load in has started. it sounds like its shouldn't be a big deal, but the table saw alone is about 600 pounds. Dad helped me get the trailer there and unloaded, no way I could have done it alone. I am planning on getting the rest of the tools in and set up today. The crib will be the first thing completed, followed by the changing table, mainly because the cribs is going to be significantly more difficult. I am planning on taking pictures of the progress and posting it on the site.
Today will consist of loading in the rest of the tools and picking up all of the lumber. Look for updates soon on the woodworking at hand.

Theresa was in town a few days ago, we went to lunch and shopping, just a casual afternoon. We went into the Children's Place, a kids clothing store, and found a really cool outfit for the kid. Apparently much of my days as a child were spent in overalls, so I figured it couldn't be terrible for my kid to have at least one pair. After all, I turned out ok... well, pretty much.




The QD Kid
Yesterday I was picking up a few things at the QD not to far from home. As I was collecting my change a blonde haired kid burst through the door and announced to the world "I can ride a 2 wheel bike that's why I am getting a slurpee!" His dad a bit behind him with that proud "yeah, I taught him how to ride his bike" type of look. Congratulations came from the clerks, but they didn't matter to the kid. That kid had an accomplishment, and a reward: a slurpee.
Before there were leaves on the trees this year, Kasar was out trying to learn how to ride his bike with out the training wheels. Kasar lives next door and is 5 years old. I worked with him for a little bit, and off he went. He by no means had it perfect by the end of that day, but once he got going... now its not uncommon to see him flying by with Ernie in tow. I hope some day I am able to walk proudly into a QD and buy a slurpee for my kid.




Naming the kid
Choosing a name for our unborn child has been a remarkable challenge. There are so many things to consider in making a decision that will impact someone whom we haven't met yet. Some people have told us that we can't name the child till we look at him. That being said, we have also been told that nearly all new-borns look like Walter Matthau. Walter really wasn't on our list of names.
We have been discussing this for what seems like forever. We would call each other and say "I heard this name on the radio I really liked..." We have a baby name book that is thicker then most dictionaries. Over a dozen little flags hanging out of the side of it all pointing to something we thought would work. Eventually we decided on writing all of the names on post-it notes and putting them up on the wall. Each of us would take one down that we didn't like. Good then, its settled, that's how we are going to do it. I started writing out all of the names that we had discussed as Sara was at the computer, but I couldn't remember them all. In substitute I wrote all of the charters I could remember to Gilligan's Island. I put them up on the kitchen cupboard and waited for laughter. As it turns out she liked the shortened version of Gilligan, Gill. A neighbor kid having the same name ruled that one out.
Finding out it was a boy was helpful in this process. Most boys would disown us for naming him Gracie, I picture a scene similar to the Johnny Cash song "A Boy Named Sue."
After all of this we think we may have finally decided on a name we both like: Eli William Hepfer

We just got back from our ultrasound appointment, and the pictures confirm we are indeed having a boy. It was really surreal to watch this little person on the screen. The Technician measured everything on the screen and said everything looks good. We are both really excited. It really didn't matter to either of us what it was, but it's really good to know! Click the Picture to the left to get a full sized version with all of the images.
Pat

We took mom for her birthday to Bravo, a really good Italian place in Eastwood town center, for dinner for her birthday. We invited Dave and Tracy and they were running a bit behind (some might say this is a common thing). We brought with us a present, very obviously a bottle of wine in a dandy gift box. Sara had picked up a Bottle of Piesporter, several handfuls of dove chocolates.She had also picked up a onesie in the Classic Pooh style, mittens and a little hat (click the picture to the left). She wrapped the wine in the onesie, placed that in the box and covered the top of the bottle with the hat, covered in the candy. After waiting on pins and needles for Dave and Tracy, we finally were able to give her the gift. She opened the box and started pulling out the candy, finally getting to the hat. She pulled it out, sat it on the table, picked it back up and sounding half joking said " is someone trying to tell me something?" At that point, after all of that suspense, all we could do was just giggle. She looked up with the most delighted look, "REALLY???" she screamed. All we could do is shake our heads yes in the laughter of relief. We hadn't told Dave, Tracy, or Grandma O yet either, so it was a really big surprise for everyone there. Dinner went remarkably well, we all had a really good time. After dinner we stepped outside, and commenced the calling of just about everyone. we all huddled around the speaker phone calling everyone we could think of, it was so much fun we hardly noticed it was so cold out... it was march 14th after all.

Since then it seems time has flown by. It seems like the last time I looked at a calendar it was mid April. Summer is almost here, I am really looking forward to preparing for this child to join our lives. We will be preparing for the coming months, though I am sure we will not be ready. The doctor told us only have one more ultrasound, and it the child is feeling modest, we might not find out if it's a boy or girl. Naturally the thought is, its our child, chances out modesty will not be a strong trait.

Pat