Friday, February 26, 2010

Two Weeks' Notice

Wow. Two weeks old tomorrow. I'm afraid she's going to be 16 before we know it. Scary. Until then, however, we will continue to adore her. Our little Jolie.

{{ Side note: On the name... we wanted to name our little girl something French. I was a French major and therefore speak French as well. We both are madly in love with Paris (and had possibly our most romantic adventure there in '06). And really, a French name would be pretty rockin' for a sweet little girl. Unfortunately, French names are very French, and we didn't think "Françoise Anderson" would cut it. I liked Margot, but Derek said it was too old-lady and wouldn't even consider it. (I still like it; tell no one.) And one day (pre-James, actually) I thought of using a non-name as a name: Jolie.

In France, "jolie" is not a name. It's an adjective. It means "pretty." I suggested it, but Derek embraced it. Pretty much the man has veto power and lacks any suggestive creativity. But once he likes a name, he sticks with it. (Though I suppose he came up with James Russell... so maybe the "lack of creativity" comment is unjust.) Anyway, we liked Jolie... but what middle? Or would Jolie BE the middle?

We played around with lots of names and eventually decided on Elizabeth as a middle. Naming a kid "pretty" is nice, and you hope your daughter is... But I was hung up on the paranoia of what if she thinks all she IS is pretty? I wanted a middle name of substance. Elizabeth fit. I mean, really... Queen Elizabeth I was uber-substantial. A hugely important monarch. Amazingly independent and strong. Loved by her people even today... and not cause she was pretty. It worked. Then there's Elizabeth in the Bible. And Elizabeths throughout time. It's a name with a good amount of history behind it. It makes her name more classic, so that James Russell and Jolie Elizabeth don't sound too clashy. And Elizabeth Ann was my doll's name as a child. She's currently napping in my hope chest in New Mexico. Really, it's totally fitting.

Other side-notes to my side-note (which is very long; sorry): My mother's middle name is Joanne. Derek's mom is called Julie. Joanne + Julie = Jolie (nice to conclude since James is absolutely and undeniably named after his grandpas).

So Jolie Elizabeth it is. }}



Okay. Dang, I'm long-winded. Here are pictures. I'll go easy on the commentary.

Post-bath (first one at home)
She loves her fingers... especially for dinner.
Here she is sucking on her index finger and thumb.
The posh sleep set-up. (Our kids are spoiled.)
She sleeps with us, either between us or in our arms.
I know she's super spoiled that way, but shoot- if
she'll sleep 4-5 hours at a time that way, she's
spoiling us, too! It's only fair to return the favor. :)
I LOVE this series of photos.
James + Jolie = Best Friends Forever!


What's up with the nudie cop? Hm... (Cute, though, no?)
This is how we roll. :)
Here's a super-cute video of my kiddos. If you can't hear
clearly, at the beginning James is saying, "Smile! Cheeese!"
He doesn't get that she can't ham it up like he can. Also,
apparently Jolie is Momma's Darling and James is
Daddy's Good Boy. Glad we sorted that out. :)
Jolie and her adoring fans
Yes, I painted her nails. Already.
Cherubic. Man, I love this girl.
Daddy feeding (and dabbing drool off) Jolie.
Derek really is wonderful. He wakes up when I do.
He feeds her, changes her, loves her... and still
does all the "manly provider stuff" too. I'm a lucky girl. So is she.
Thank you, Grandma! :) Grandma Marilyn came
and stayed with us for a couple of weeks and was AMAZING!
Really, she deserves a post of her own. I didn't know she
(or anyone, really) was capable of being absolutely and
totally devoted to taking care of other people. She put
110% of herself into helping us... and I really don't know
how we'd have done it without her.
Anyway- I love you, Mom.
And thanks.

Here are James and Jolie with a few gifts my mom got
while out shopping. James "gave" Jolie her present.
Luckily he knew not to put it right on her face!
Here's Grandma Marilyn with our kids. (Weird... kids.)
And here is perhaps my very favorite pic of Jolie so far.
She. Is. So. Beautiful.
Like I said before, we're all quite smitten.
Really, though, can you blame us? :)

13 comments:

katie said...

So cute! Thanks for posting more pictures. We love seeing stuff you are doing and Jolie is sooooo CUTE! Or should I say, Pretty?

Johanna Markworth said...

All I can say is..gorgeous! She is such a doll! Can't wait to meet her.

Missy W. said...

thanks for posting more photos! I got to hold her, and I can verify that Becca is telling the truth - Jolie is really beautiful

Li said...

she's adorable! Thanks for more pictures! :)

echolsfamily said...

Moms are the best huh? I don't know how we do it without them. I'm glad she was able to come up and help you out. I think you did great on the name. I assumed you would use Jolie, but I don't remember you saying anything about Elizabeth. It sounds very pretty together, perfect for her! :) She really is adorable; love her little chubby cheeks.

bart said...

Again, thanks for sharing all of the pics and video -- it helps us feel like we're missing out a little bit less.

It's cute to see James being a big brother. Hopefully he'll continue to like the role!

SweetPea said...

What a doll! I am glad that ya'all are happy and healthy!

Richelle said...

I loved Jolie's little hiccups on the video! So cute to hear baby hiccups. Give Darling and Good Boy a squeeze from me.

BiggsFamily said...

Oh my!!! I want a girl SO bad, she is so dang cute I just can't get over it!! And I think the name is a prefect fit for her!! And I totally thought you named her middle after mine,:)! ha ha jk!! And I have actually thought about Margot if I ever have a girl and call her Maggie-love that name!! :)!! but yes so cute, and James-adorable with her!! good job becca!!

Shanna said...

I can't believe you already painted her nails! So pretty. Congratulations! Sorry I was out of town for your shower. I will have to stop by sometime to see you both. Can't wait until you are ready to come back to book club, it isn't the same without you!

Jamie Younker said...

Oh my gosh, there are so many cute pictures to comment on! I'll just sum it up and say I LOVE HER! She's perfect! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the name! I'm glad James and Jolie are getting along :) Having two is so fun!

katie said...

POST MORE PICTURES PLEASE!!!!

Anonymous said...

No, I cannot blame you! She is absolutely beautiful!! My heart was melting over the pictures of Jolie and James- sooo sweet! I am gonna say it- and I will deny it if you quote me, but I am feeling some crazy baby -hungry feelings after reading this. Ut oh!