Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

I never thought I'd say this, but I miss working out.  I used to have to drag myself out of bed in the mornings to go the gym.  I miss those mornings.  Although I've begun feeling better, I still can't fathom any sort of aerobic exercise.  I hope things change soon!

So, while I'm stuck on the sofa in the evenings, I've been looking at all sorts of baby things.  I know it's too early to put together a baby room, but I'll be ready when the time comes!  Although not in my baby budget, I love love love Restoration Hardware!  I would decorate my entire house from their store, if I could afford it.  Here is my favorite room...although it seems a little feminine, I think it could easily work for a little boy, with some tweeking!

In addition to baby room brainstorming, I've been baby name brainstorming!  If we have a boy, we've got the name in the bag.  If it's a girl, I'm stumped.  I've always loved the name Grey for a girl, but Jeff loathes that name.  We both like Natalie and Meredith.  Jeff thinks our little girl should have my middle name, Roan (if this happens, I will definitely add an "e" to the end!), which I think is pretty darn sweet of him.  So, here are our ideas:

Boy:

Whitten Minor Sparks

Whitten was Jeff's grandfather's name, and Minor was my grandfather's middle name.  This name is so special to Jeff and me that I almost hope we have a boy just for that reason.  

Jeff's grandfather was a hard-working family man.  He raised his five children, worked as a coal miner and was a respected preacher in their town in southwest Virginia.  Jeff remembers him as warm, loving and gentle.  One of Jeff's fondest memories with his grandfather was their trips to cattle auctions together.    

Although I was too young to remember my grandfather, my mother speaks so highly of him that I know he must have been something quite special.  Growing up on a farm in rural Louisa, Virginia, survival superceded education, and he never received a formal education past the 3rd grade.  Yet, he went on to start a successful bus line, which is still in operation today (Winn bus lines, Richmond, VA).  One of my most prized possessions is a small glass piggy bank that he filled to the top with buffalo nickels he'd find on the bus after daily routes.  

Sadly, neither Jeff nor I spent enough time with our grandfathers, as Whitten was taken by black lung and my grandfather by cancer when we were young.  But, we hope they each grin from above while they watch little Whitten Minor grow.      

Girl (only 2 ideas so far!):

Meredith Emerson Sparks

Natalie Roane Sparks

I clearly have more brainstorming to do with girl names...or, maybe not.  Maybe one of these will work!

Ok, it's almost time for The Bachelor finale - goodnight!