Hi Everyone,
Just felt like posting to let everyone know how we’re doing. Pineapple is doing very well and getting bigger every day. I’m approaching the 34th week mark, so it won’t be too much longer now (thank goodness). The current debate on names is between Lily and Elizabeth. Madie really wants us to name her Elizabeth, but Dean and I are partial to Lily. We are also debating on whether or not to make Lily short for Lillian or Lilith, or do we just name her Lily? If we go with Elizabeth, we would probably call her Ellie for short. Than there’s the middle name to decide. Do we go with the name Kay, since both Madie and I have it, so all the girls have the same? We could also combine Lily and Elizabeth into the first and last names. Feel free to share you opinion with us since we are at a stand still so far. Dean’s post about the Vegas trip was accurate. It was so nice to meet everyone and be able to feel whatever emotions overcame us without judgment. It was NOT the emotional train wreck that we had anticipated it might be. Many good things are going to come from this meeting, including making this an annual event. It’s unfortunate that there will be new parents to join us every year, but having such a wonderful support group will help all of us to heal. Special thanks goes to my mom for coming to our house and watching Madie while we were gone. She had a blast! September 8th (the day Ben was diagnosed) is quickly approaching, and I am dreading it more and more. It will be a year since the absolute worst day of my entire life. How do I acknowledge such a day? I would prefer to sleep through it and pretend like it doesn’t exist. I know that won’t work since sleep is ever elusive to me as it is right now. Should I try to turn it into a more meaningful day, or just let it be what it is and do my best to simply get through it?
Well, I guess that’s all for now. We’ll let you know if the great name debate gets resolved any time soon.
Take care everyone
Melinda
Posted by
at
15:49:40
I love you….and I like the name Lillian Kay, if I ever have a girl that Lilly would be the name I push for. Unless you snag it first. :o) Then we will have to find another route. hee hee
I attempted to avoid the first anniversary of the day my Mom died by going to Glennwood Springs with my hubby and pretend the day’s meaning didn’t exist. Which I had enjoyed the soak during the day, even laughed and enjoyed myself. But on the car ride home the realization of the what the day meant caught up to me and hit me like a sledge hammer, and I was a complete and utter wreck on the drive home, the rest of the night and well into the next day. I think that if I had just accepted what it was, it may have been less of a hit in the head.
I offer my arms for hugs, my shoulders for support, and my ears to listen to anything you want to say. I love you and if you would like to be surrounded by friends on this day, you only need to let me know. I will be there in a heartbeat, as I have enough vacation racked up to take the day off and help you in any way you need, want or desire!!!
Shan
I love the name Lily, either as the name or a nickname for Lillian or Lillith. I think that Lilly is more modern than Lillian or Lillith though. You could also name her Elizabeth Kay, and give her the nickname Lilly instead of Ellie. Or why not just give her all 3 names? Lilly Eilizabeth Kay or Lilly Kay Elizabeth? (I know, I’m probably the only person around who likes the idea of two middle names)
Whatever name(s) you do choose, I’m sure that she is going to be a beautiful, well loved little girl.
Love,
Cori
I am so glad I felt impressed to look here tonight! I have wondered and thought about you all many, many, many, many times and life and work and family have had me snowed under. I think things will settle down for a while.
I like the name Lilybeth or Scotish would be Elsbeth or Lily Beth or Lily Joy or Liza Joy or Ellie Joy or Elliejoy…you are doing great so keep on having fun with the names.
I know this will be the absolute worst day to come. You might use part of the day to paint a rock with words on it that have messages for Ben to read from heaven. Did you ever get a copy oif the book “Closer to the Light” by Melvin Morse? IF not, I PROMISE to get one to you!! So sorry! With my MS, I have been struggling with my horrific pain but a miracle has happened and I have some relief! Yea! Now hopefully I can do something useful in life. Please call 303-775-2584! I love you all so very much! I will now read Dean’s message about Las Vegas! Hope to hear from you guys! How is the memorial garden coming for Ben? Is there a spot at a school or somewhere special you could plant a tree in rememberance of Ben?
I still like my name ideas: Emajin…
Or this is so disorganized. I dare to rewrite it, I will just erase it.
Let me know if you would like some families to call that can discuss that very difficult day that is fast approaching, Sept. 8th If this little baby is born that day, you will for sure that she and Ben planned it that way! And you never know what can happen from heaven! Hey, there’s a name for you all. Heaven or Haven or Neveah (heaven backwards) enough from me.
val baker
1
I am with Cori on the three name idea. Jack has two middle names. I also think that Lily is a great nickname for Elizabeth. Lillian Elizabeth Steadman sure rolls off the tongue and sound just lovely too. I guess I am no help since I just said I like all of your options. But I am so glad to hear that baby pineapple is doing so well.
I know that there are so many dates that I still can’t let pass by without grieving after my Grandfather’s diagnosis, relapse, and passing on. All of those and his birthday and major holidays and even when I graduated and He wasn’t there. I am not sure what is best for everyone or anyone really, but for me… I found that doing something to remember him and celebrate him and then also having another commitment so I had to move on to something that took my mind off it before the whole day was just sorrow, really helped me. That’s what helps me heal. Like, He loved horseback riding so I would go riding and remember times we spent together on His ranch and things we laughed about. And then I would make sure I had a movie night or dinner date with friends and I would go to laugh and enjoy their company so I didn’t let myself be down all day. I guess I have it in my head that Papa Jack would have been really annoyed at me if I spent my whole day mopping. And He would have loved to think that I still tried to always remember the great stuff that we enjoyed together.
I hope that just knowing we will all be thinking about you and sending you strength and love on that day will bring you some comfort.
Big hugs!
Amber
I think of y’all every day…when I pass the church where you had Ben’s service, as I look at my orange plastic bracelet that is a donation to children’s cancer research, which I donated to in Ben’s name, lots of other things bring you to my mind and heart. I appreciate your continuing to post from time to time so we know you’re doing ok, or as well as can be expected considering the circumstances, really. I’m so glad the trip to Vegas was helpful to you!!!
We love you!
Lynne & Mitch
Hello, I hope all is well. I just love the way Lillian Elizabeth Steadman sounds. It is a very pretty name. Again if you need any help when the baby is born please call me. 303-833-0429. You all are always in our prayers.
Tina Steen
Bethany’s Mom
Attractive blog! I find myself back in your blog.