Naming Baby Baker

Finally a name post! When we first found out we were having a baby, there were no set names that we had already decided on.  The only name that I've loved since childhood is Parker, my mom's maiden name, but Parker Baker sounds like a used car dealership.  :) We just decided to wait until we found out what we were having before we came up with names. But, of course, once we found out we were having a boy we still hadn't made a decision!

The one name I really wanted to use was Owen.  Owen is my Papaw's middle name and I just really thought it would be special to name our son after him in some way since he's so special to us.  I wasn't sure if I wanted it to be a first name, even though I love the name, so we decided to use it as a middle name.  I feel like we were the only people in the world that picked out a middle name first!

In the back of my mind (and Jon & I had talked about this previously), I somewhat wanted to stick with a "J" name since both of our names start with "J".  There are so many popular names right now that start with a "J"--names that I absolutely love--but since Baker is a somewhat common name, I didn't want to have a full name that was super common.  A lot of people also recommended us looking at the Dugger's children's names since they use all "J" names for their kids.  Clearly there are a lot of names to choose from there. 

We struggled with coming up with names.  We looked at family names, googled names, looked at baby name books, etc.  We found names we liked and added them to our list, but nothing that we were really sold on for sure.  I downloaded 2 different baby name apps and laughed a lot when these notifications would pop up on my phone somewhat taunting us to hurry up and make a decision! Haha

 

As we were driving back from Hot Springs to Jonesboro one weekend, I was steadily looking at names and telling Jon ones that I liked.  I googled everything from modern to traditional to popular, etc.  Literally everything.  I googled Aviation names and Jett was the first one to pop up.  I told Jon that name, as I had been doing for the past hour or so, and we added it to the list. 

 

The more we talked about names, the more we loved Jett.  It's different, starts with a "J", works well with Baker and Owen, and for my personal request, can't really be shortened to come up with a nickname.   Once I started thinking about it, it completely made sense.   This little baby boy has already a been an airplane traveler too! Of all of my work travel, I've had to take several flights over the course of my pregnancy and never had any issues at all (thank goodness!)  Places traveled for work/fun with Mommy (because really...he had no choice):

• St. Louis, MO
• Providence, RI
• Fresno, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Oakland, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR
• Eugene, OR
• Dallas, TX
• Kansas City, MO
• Lincoln, NE

So, Jett Owen Baker it is! We can't wait to meet our little baby!

 



31 Weeks

Pregnancy Journal:

How far along? 31 Weeks -- Baby Baker is the size of a head of lettuce & is approximately 4 lbs.

Hello baby bump!

 

Total weight gain/ loss? I have a Dr. Appt tomorrow, so we shall see.  But I can tell that I've definitely gained weight over the past week. 

Maternity clothes? So, my fun stretchy jeans are getting a little tight this week.  And, my dress black pants, which still button, are getting a little tight.  I was telling my Mom that on the way to work Monday & her reaction was "it's about time!". 

Sleep? What sleep?! I think I told someone this week that I feel like an 80 year-old women getting out of bed in the middle of the night 1,000 times to use the bathroom.  My hips hurt when I lay on them too long & it's so hard to get comfortable.  Emma just sighs at me when I move constantly during the night.   

Best moment this week?  So many great moments this week.  But first with the not-so-great:  I've had to do several inventory observations this week for work, which are normally no big deal, but being on my feet constantly makes my feet swell so much.  Not fun at all. 

On Saturday we got to watch ASU win a back-to-back Sunbelt Championship.   It's a little bittersweet that footbal season (minus bowl games) is over.  We're still trying to decide if we're going to the Go Daddy Bowl that ASU is playing in.  I'm not sure how I feel about that being 36 weeks pregnant then.  I don't want to deliver in Mobile, AL!

This is how you tailgate at 7 months pregnant! 

On Sunday night, Jon & I went with Mom & Dad to the Garvin Gardens Christmas Light tour.  It was beautiful! We walked around the gardens and then went to the glass chapel where Jon & I got married. 

 

"Inside" the lights in the Garden

 

 Daddy, Me, & Jon

 

 Inside Anthony Chapel at Garvin Gardens.  Can't believe it's been over 3 years since we got married there!

 

 Loved the Christmas Trees throughout

 

Us in front of the lights towards the end

 

On Monday morning, Jon & I flew to Dallas from Hot Springs for a work trip.  Once we got to Dallas we decided to go to the Sixth Street Museum at Dealey Plaza---the Texas Book Depository & Grassy Noll where JFK was shot in Dallas.  I've always been a huge history buff when it comes to the JFK shooting.  Papaw was actually downtown a few blocks away when JFK was shot.  Hearing him talk about being there is so interesting to me.  Anyways, Jon & I walked around the area & went through the museum.  It was pretty interesting!

The Grassy Noll/Texas Depository

The view from the 7th floor of Dealey Plaza---

one floor above where the shots were supposedly fired. 

 



Inside the Museum

Tuesday I had my inventory in TX.  Jon was adament that we eat at Whataburger while we were in TX.  And Jon had to document my first ever trip to Whataburger.  Oh the memories!

On Wednesday morning when we were supposed to fly back, our flight got cancelled.  Long story short, we ended up renting a car & driving back to Hot Springs.  Once we got the rental car from the Galleria, I convinced Jon we needed to go to IKEA & get some furniture that we had seen there for the baby room.  I can't even express how much I LOVE IKEA.  We had a blast going through all the rooms that were set up throughout.  I wish we would've had more time/space to get things. 

Overall, Jon & I had a great time in Dallas.  We both fell in love with the city and all the things to do there.  I've really tried to soak up as much quality time with Jon as possible.  I know things will change so much in the next few months & this was probably our last trip away for a while.  It was fun getting to spend time together laughing, talking, and exploring.  I love our time together and our special memories we've made. 

Funny moment of the week:  On Sunday morning (after I'd hardly slept the night before--see above explanation) I was sitting up in the bed and Jon was trying to get me up so we'd make it to church on time.  Here's our conversation:
Me: "But Baby Jett doesn't want to get out of bed...he's tired!"
Jon: "But Baby Jett really wants to go learn about Jesus, so you've got to get up!"
Me: "Well played...I'm getting up." 

Miss anything? Sleep, comfortableness, my feet not swelling, etc. 

Movement? This has been the first week that I've literally seen Jett move around in my stomach.  Some days I feel like he's stretching out and just getting comfy.  I'm glad my belly makes a comfy home for now!

Food cravings? Chips.  And I never eat chips.  It's weird. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Have you started to show yet? Oh my gosh, yes.  People are finally noticing that I'm pregnant when I go in public!

Belly button in or out? In.  Someone told me this week that I'd know the baby was ready when my belly button was out.  I thought that was funny. 

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities? Jett Owen Baker

Looking forward to? Alpha Gam baby shower this weekend, Jon recovering from his tonsilectomy.  and Christmas parties.  Tis the season!  

Camden Baby Shower

We had our first baby shower in Camden on Sunday, November 18th.  Because I haven't lived in Camden for almost 10 years (wow!) and mom & dad have already somewhat moved to Hot Springs, I really wasn't sure who all would actually come to the shower; however, we were completely blown away at the people that came, gifts they brought, and wonderful food, hostesses, etc.  My hometown has always been there for me and I'm so blessed to still have so many great people in my life from there.  As soon as we got home, I went through everything again & arranged it in front of the crib.  Love everything we got!

Precious airplane cake.  It turned out so cute! And so yummy.  

Me & Hilary.  We've been friends for at least 15+ years! 

All the baby shower goodies.  So much cute, awesome baby items.  Can't wait to use them all!

Love the airplane & fishing outfits

Sock Monkey socks from Papaw & Hat/gloves from Chad & Leia

Bouncer, wipe warmer, detergent, etc. 

Cute airplane hat & shoes and polka dot crib sheet.  Also in the top right corner is a train burp cloth handmade by my long-time friend Jordan.  She did such a good job! 

Putting Together the Crib



On October 30 our crib finally came in.  Of course, I was chomping at the bits at my office the minute I found out that it was in to start putting it together.  Thankfully Jon knows me well enough to realize that every plan we had previously for the night would be put on hold until the crib was together.  We also had our carpets cleaned that day, so it was perfect timing!

 

On Monday we happened to go to Target & noticed that all their baby mattresses were on clearance.  For the price (and convenience) we decided to go ahead & just get a mattress while they were on clearance.  So that made me want to get the crib together even more!

 

The crib was obviously in a thousand little pieces when Jon opened the box.  I came home from work and this is what our nursery looked like:

 

Emma had to help with putting the crib together too!

 

 Jon putting together the crib

His "I'm so excited to be putting this crib together and not getting a nap before work" face

 

Putting together the drawer that goes underneath the crib

Our current "baby" testing out the crib & mattress

Final product! It looks so cute & is exactly what I wanted. My supervision skills paid off!

Oh...and Jon's ability to actually put the crib together :) 

 

26 Weeks

This week has been so much fun & jam packed! 

Monday I had my glucose/gestational diabetes test and an ultrasound.  I had the Fruit Punch drink & it was ridiculously sweet.  I had such a headache after drinking that especially since I normally drink all water.  I also had to have an ultrasound (again) because Baby Baker is a stubborn one.  At my last anatomy scan, he would not cooperate at all! They couldn't get all the necessary measurements, so I had to have another ultrasound.  Well, of course, this time he was equally as stubborn! They still couldn't get a measurement of his spine, so we'll try again at a later date.  I don't know which side of the family stubbornness runs on--definitely not mine! haha!

Tuesday we had all of the carpets in our house shampooed.  Seriously, it's the little things in life that make me so happy! Also the crib finally came in again.  Jon was at home when the UPS driver came to deliver it.  He told Jon that the box had a hole in it & he wasn't sure if he needed to mark it as damaged or leave it with us.  After several phone conversations (thank goodness for a patient and nice UPS driver), we decided to keep it.  We called Overstock's customer service & while on the phone with them opened the box to see what was wrong with it.  We figured out that it was the back side of the crib that had a few scratches on it, but since it faced the wall it wasn't too bad.  Overstock is sending us a replacement piece for the crib sometime this week.  Whew. 

Tuesday night we put together the crib. Okay, really Jon put together the crib while I supervised, but still.  It's so precious.  So glad that I can mark that off the to do list now!

Wednesday was Halloween & instead of dealing with the masses of kids that are normally dropped off in our neighborhood, we watched "What to Expect When Expecting" upstairs in our bonus room.  We laughed at the labor/delivery part especially because Jon told me that I'd definitely be the one that was the most dramatic and difficult.  At least he knows upfront!

On Thursday, the doctor's office called me.  They said they needed to update me on my test results, which I instantly thought they were going to tell me I had gestational diabetes.  Thankfully, my thyroid was off a little so they only increased my medication.  And, my glucose testing came back in normal range.  Whew. 

Friday my mom came into town.  We stayed up until at least 1AM sewing the bumpers for the baby bed.  They turned out SO stinkin' cute.  I'm so impressed with her being able to make them for me.  She loaded up my Mamaw's sewing machine & we figured out the bumpers slowly but surely.  It was so special sewing with Mamaw's machine too.  We laughed so hard at trying to figure out how to cut the material, sew it the right direction, etc.  It's a miracle that they turned out so cute.  Can't wait to post a blog soon about the nursery. 


Pregnancy Journal:
How far along? 26 Weeks

Total weight gain/ loss? No weight gain yet... Went to the Dr. on Monday of this week & he asked if I was actually eating. If he only knew!

Maternity clothes? None yet....but my clothes are getting a little be tighter :( 

Sleep? Sleep is getting better this week.  Now if only I could sleep without getting up to go to the bathroom 20,000 times a night!

Best moment this week? SO many good moments this week.  We got the crib in (and put together), our carpets in the house got shampooed this week, I had a good Dr. Appt, and Mom & I made the baby bedding for the nursery.  Everything is coming together & it's so exciting getting ready for this sweet baby. 

Miss anything? No

Movement? Lots of movement! I feel like he's doing flips constantly!

Food cravings? Pumpkin still.  And bananas.
 
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Most entertaining thing you've been emotional about this week? Too much happiness for this week to be emotional

Have you started to show yet? My belly is definitely sticking out now

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities?  I think we've actually settled on a name! Announcement coming soon!

Looking forward to?  Thursday my college best friends are coming to stay with me! Laura G. , Lindsay, & Laura M. will be here for the ASU home football game & to catch up. Can't wait for the 4 of us to be reunited! Mom & I are also going to the Holiday House in LR this weekend. Always a favorite of ours. 

25 Weeks

This week has been eventful. We finally got the first piece of our baby bedding figured out (see below), got to spend time with Mom & Dad, and I cleaned the house quite a bit. I think my "nesting" may be kicking in now. :) Jon had class for work one night this week & I decided it would be a good idea to pull everything out of our bathroom cabinets & drawers and reorganize. I think the bathroom looks much better now---now on to the other rooms!

I was anxiously awaiting the crib coming in this week. It was supposed to be in on Tuesday & I was so excited to track it and see that it was out for delivery right on schedule. When I checked the tracking again a few hours later (I was being a little obsessive....) I noticed that the status had been updated to "damaged" on the tracking. After multiple calls and emails, we're still not sure how it became damaged along the way or what was even damaged on the crib-- it was sent back to the Company without us seeing it. The company immediately sent out a replacement crib that should be in on Tuesday. I really, really hope that this time in comes in one piece & everything is okay with it. I'm really looking forward to getting it set up in the nursery and getting started on putting everything together. 


Pregnancy Journal:
How far along? 25 Weeks

Total weight gain/ loss? No weight gain yet... Someone told me this week that I was that pregnant person they all despised because I haven't gained any weight!

Maternity clothes? Still in my regular clothes minus my (still) awesome stretchy maternity jeans.  

Sleep? I seem to be waking up at 4AM on a consistent basis.  :( 

Best moment this week? Spending time with the parentals! Jon & I went to Hot Springs to see mom & dad on Friday.  I had just got the baby blanket I ordered from Etsy in & I was eager to try and get baby bedding nailed down.  Jon & I feel in love with the airplane material, but finding the rest of the pieces to go with the bedding has been challenging.  I was so excited that the blanket came in (super fast too!) and I loved it in person just as much as looking at it online. 

Baby Blanket from Etsy (SugarDoodleBoutique)

After searching for material, looking at a ton of baby things, etc. Mom & I have decided to sew the rest of the bedding (minus crib sheets) ourselves! We started by making a precious sock monkey blanket just to test out the sewing skills.  It turned out perfect!

Material we used for the blanket.  We also put a "minky" backing on it.  So cute!

After FINALLY deciding on material to use for the rest of the bedding (seriously...we went to every fabric store, website, etc.) we finally got started.  I had to order the airplane material online that we are using for the bumpers, but it should be in this week.  We got the materials to make the cording for the bumpers, the bumpers themselves, and the crib skirt.  We also got material to make 2 crib sheets, which we'll be taking to a lady in Hot Springs to make.  I can't wait to see the finished product!

Mom cutting the material for the cording on the bumpers

 Mom sewing away! Love her so much.  

Miss anything? No

Movement? Lots of movement!

Food cravings? Pumpkin....Mom & I had pumpkin fudge, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin coffee.  Ya know...all the stuff I'm probably not supposed to have at this point!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope.

Most entertaining thing you've been emotional about this week? I was so sad to leave mom & dad on Saturday night.  But, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them the next 2 weekends. 

Have you started to show yet? More & more each week

Belly button in or out? In


Wedding ring on or off? On


Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities? A couple...but not sharing them just yet :)

Looking forward to?  Finishing the baby bedding, getting the crib in on Tuesday (hopefully), getting our carpets shampooed on Tuesday, & only one more week until my college best friends are coming to stay with me! Laura G. , Lindsay, & Laura M. will be here next Thursday for the ASU home football game & to catch up.  Can't wait for the 4 of us to be reunited!

24 Weeks

This week has been crazy so far.  I've played with carpet, hardwood, etc. for interior design for the AGD house, traveled for work, & will be having a fall outing at a local horse riding arena on Friday with co-workers & our families.  Yesterday, I had to get up at 3:00AM in order to head to an inventory observation in MO 2.5 hours away.  Needless to say, I was exhausted & wanted to crash as soon as I got home last night.  I have one more work trip in December to Dallas & I'll be glad to have out of state traveling over with by then!

Pregnancy Journal:
How far along? 24 Weeks --- Baby Baker is the size of an Eggplant this week & weighs about 1.7 lbs.  Crazy!
 

Total weight gain/ loss? No weight gain.  I still feel like one day I'm going to wake up & gain a ton (no pun intended) of weight overnight. 

Maternity clothes? Still in my regular clothes minus my awesome stretchy maternity jeans.  Some of my shirts are starting to get a little short, though. 

Sleep? Sleep is just blah.  I feel like this little boy is preparing me for when he's born! 

Best moment this week? ASU Homecoming was so great.  There were so many college friends of ours at the game & I love catching up with everyone! Jon was able to catch up with his college roommates (and their sweet wives) & after the game, we ended up getting ice cream from Andy's (pumpkin pie concrete! woohoo!) and talking until after 11pm.  I had a blast hearing stories of theirs from college.  Even though we were all at ASU at the same time, I never was around (or had meet) any of them until Jon & I started dating so I was definitely entertained!

 

Me & Lauren at the Alpha Gam Tailgate!

Miss anything? No

Movement? Lots of movement & frequently

Food cravings? Ehh..nothing really this week that stands out

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope. 

Most entertaining thing you've been emotional about this week? I had a small breakdown in Babies R Us this weekend because we couldn't find a crib we loved.  I've been looking online, in Jonesboro, etc. and was just getting frustrated.  When I randomly starting crying in the furniture section it was all Jon could do, I'm sure, to not laugh.  And then, of course, I started laughing too because it just came on for no real reason.  BUT we did finally order a crib, so now I'm ready for it to come in!

Have you started to show yet? I can definitely start to see a bigger belly. 

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities? A couple...but not sharing them just yet :)

Looking forward to? Hopefully a relaxing weekend at home & cleaning up around the house.  And...we're getting our carpets shampooed next weeks, which is so sad that I'm excited about that. 

23 Weeks

This week has been a busy one so far! The sorority houses at ASU are underway which means lots of meetings.  Alpha Gam's interior designer came in this week to help with all of our choices, so it's been fun picking out items for the future house.  It's also Homecoming Week at ASU & that means tons of friends coming to Jonesboro! And....it's tax extension deadline at work. 

Pregnancy Journal:
How far along? 23 Weeks --- Baby Baker is the size of an Ear of Corn this week

Total weight gain/ loss? At my appointment last Thursday, I've lost 5 lbs so I'm back to no weight gain. 

Maternity clothes? My Gap maternity stretchy jeans are awesome! Still in my regular clothes though.  I feel like one day I'm just going to wake up & gain 20 lbs all at once.   

Sleep? Not sleeping good at all.  Last night I went to bed around 10:00.  I read on my Kindle for a little bit & then crashed.  At 2 AM I was WIDE awake.  For whatever reason I decided to get up and fold laundry from the dryer & wash all the bathroom rugs in the house.  At 3:00 I text Jon (since he was working) & he came home for his "lunch" break.  He left around 4AM & I then decided to start reading my Kindle again.  I think I finally went back to sleep at 5:30AM.  Whew. 

Best moment this week? Jon & I went to Camden to see my parents & Papaw this weekend.  I had the best time just getting to spend time with them.  I miss Mamaw so much. There's so many times that we would be at their house & I would think about her not being there.  It was wonderful, though, getting to spend time sitting & talking with Papaw. 

 

Emma missed Papaw too!

 

 

Also, I was on the search for any old Sock Monkeys that Mamaw may have made.  I remembered a few from when I was little & we finally found one right before we left. 

 

Sock Monkey made by Mamaw, Outfits from Popsicles, & the rocking chair that my mom & I had when we were little.  It was yellow & I repainted it as soon as we got home. 

 

Other than that, Jon & I went to Popsicles last Thursday and oh my! at the stuff, people, etc.  Everyone keeps telling me to not buy clothes, but it's so hard not to when there is so much precious stuff that is inexpensive! I have to stop buying clothes!  

 

A few of our Popsicles finds! I've decided that little boy clothes are so fun!

 



Miss anything?  No

Movement? Definitely feeling the kicks!

Food cravings? Bananas and my favorite fall item---pumpkin!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week, thank goodness.

Most entertaining thing you've been emotional about this week? Nothing so far...but it's only Wednesday :)

Have you started to show yet? Not any more than last week, but oh the strech marks.  Eeeek!

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities? A couple...but not sharing them just yet :)

Looking forward to? ASU Homecoming this weekend! I'm helping with the Alpha Gam Member/Alum tailgate in Tailgate City & am so excited about seeing old college friends.   

22 Weeks

Pregnancy Journal:
How far along? 22 Weeks

 

Total weight gain/ loss? 2-3 lbs

Maternity clothes? Gap/Old Navy was having a huge online maternity clothes sale last week, so I ordered some stretchy jeans---super comfy! Other than that, still in the same clothes, just fitting a little bit differently. 

Sleep? And the constant trips to the bathroom are beginning again with a vengeance... This morning I was awoken to my sweet little baby kicking my belly.  Makes for a fun wake-up call...especially for someone that is not a morning person at all!  

Best moment this week? I came home on Monday to find a FedEx box on my door.  I didn't think we were expecting anything in the mail, so I was super excited when I realized it was our first baby present! My sweet HS friend, Leslie, and her mom sent us a box of goodies.  We're so thankful to have wonderful friends that are spoiling Baby Baker already!

 

Presents from the Martins

 

Other than that, ASU Football game last Saturday, finding some awesome baby sleepers on super clearance at Target, and....my sweet Emma pup coming back home to us after an over-extended stay with my parents!    

 

We missed that little pup!



Miss anything?  Nah...not really

Movement? Oh yeah. The baby has started moving like crazy. 

Food cravings? Bananas & fruit, cereal

Anything making you queasy or sick? Certain smells make my nose go crazy.  This week I've been a little sickly though with allergies.  Tis the season.

Most entertaining thing you've been emotional about this week? (new one!) Watching people make it to the next round on X Factor.  Yeah...people I don't even know.  That happened.  Dang pregnancy emotions. 

Have you started to show yet? A little more this week!

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding ring on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy!

Name possibilities?  A couple...but not sharing them just yet :)

Looking forward to? Deciding (hopefully this week) on a crib, bedding, etc.  And, I'm looking forward to going to the Popsicles consignment sale this week.  And...going home to see my parents & Papaw this weekend in Camden.