A Name!

At the Lake House with Cindy's family and, suddenly, a month before the due date, Cindy's water broke!  Cindy and I took off for Bronson Hospital; Ari stayed with grandparents and cousins. 
Arianna's little sister was born at 5:00 the next afternoon, July 23.  We still didn't have a name!
   

Of course, as someone once said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." And, though small, yes, she was a beautiful little girl and certainly sweet.

Even though "premature" the baby weighed nearly 6 lbs.  When Cindy's family came to visit the next day there were 15 visitors!

The hospital wanted to keep the early baby an extra day to make sure all was well.    

But, eventually, they wouldn't let us out of the hospital without a name. Cindy and I finally settled on Alexandra Rose Webb.  Alexandra alliterated with Arianna, and left many possibilities for nick names.  Rose is Cindy's grandmother's name, just as Adelia (Arianna's middle name) is my grandmother's name.

A day after we got home we received a call from the hospital: Alexandra has a rare genetic disorder, PKU, that prevents her from metabolizing a key protein.  Thank goodness the infant screen identified this condition and we have already started her on a careful diet that will allow her to grow up without negative effects.  More on this topic, I predict.

A dedicated big sister, Arianna is solicitous of "my baby." She frequently checks on her, covers her up, and worries how she is doing.  With mom or dad sitting next to her, Arianna can hold Alexandra and feed her a bottle.  

The name question might not be entirely settled. Arianna told me this morning that she would like to call her little sister "Dorothy."  "That's a good name for my baby," she says.  As you can see, in addition to Peter Rabbit, Ari is also a fan of The Wizard of Oz, many years ago her big sister Jessica's favorite.

We are so excited that Jessica will be back from Chile in four days -- all three sisters together for the first time!  And we get to see Nathan, too, in September.

Names A to Z

We have spent the last few days at Papa and Nana's house at Lakeside, where there are wonderful sunsets and views out over Michigan-Huron (largest lake in the world).  132 steps down from the lake house is the beach.  Going down is OK, but for Cindy, now only six weeks from her due date, going up must be taken slowly.

We are still working on a name.  One school of thought is that alliteration is attractive, e.g. cousins Reese and Rylan, so an "A" name like Arianna's, such as Amelia or Audry would be an admirable approach.  Other options include Livia, Jena, or Zoe.

"Aunt" Becky -- her family is also at the lake house -- mentions that she has a friend systematically labeling her children with one letter of the alphabet after the next.  Her friend is now up to H.  Wow, let's see, that would be 8 children so far, with 18 name slots left to fill!  "She already has a big family." Becky explains.  "She is an adherent of Quiverfull."

If we went with Zoe would give us A to Z, Arianna to Zoe -- only two children, and, with Nathan and Jessica, a full quiver as far as I am concerned.

Arianna has just gone to sleep after a reading of the Eeyore's birthday chapter in Winnie the Pooh.  Cindy read it to her, but I remembered the details from Nathan and Jessica days. It is hard when no one remembers your birthday.

"Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily.  "If it is a good morning." He said.  Which I doubt," said he.

Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton Tail and Peter

I remember brother George and I lying down on each side of my mother as she read to us before our afternoon nap. George always wanted Peter Rabbit.  My mother had it down by heart -- we would hear from George when Mom forgot to turn the pages.

Peter Rabbit was a regular in the reading to Nathan (now 27) and Jessica (now 24), and, in the eternal return of my life, to Arianna -- who will be 2 1/2 tomorrow.

Ari would like to have her new baby sister named "Peter Rabbit."

"Peter is a boy's name and Mopsy  -- or Flopsy or even Cotton Tail -- might be a better choice," I explain.  Ari stands by Peter.

I tried to interest Cindy in the name "Mopsy."  Clearly, choosing baby names is tricky, and we haven't settled on one yet.

Today I inaugurate "Mopsy and Me," focused on my soon to be three daughters and one son.  Cindy will be in the blog, too, but does't yet fit the part of "Old Mrs. Rabbit."  Though seven months pregnant she is sleeker, more youthful, and keeps a better eye on her children.

Me? I'm just hoping to stay out of Mr. McGregor's pie.