Chit Chat....

[luvinmykids]

Can you share the decision with us and we can give you some scriptural support? It's ok if you can't..just wanted to see if we can encourage you specifically.

Of course! I received a major paycut at work (25% of my salary). I was praying and studying to get answers as to where I should go and what I should do and what would be the best decision for our family as far as work goes and I just keep getting this, I don't want to call it nagging, but a nagging feeling that I need to be home. I need to be home and taking care of my family. I wasn't even praying for that specifically. While I would love to be home taking care of my husband, the kids and the house, it just doesn't seem feasible in our situation. Then I thought, maybe it's for my own selfishness (I have always wanted to be a SAHM). But the more I study, the stronger that feeling goes about staying home and about homeschooling.

Anyway, thanks for listening and thanks for any input you all can give me. I just don't see how it would work out and I would love to talk to DH about it...just not sure how.

**Sorry, this is kinda jumbled all up. I didn't want to write a whole novel. **

[pants]

Staying at home and homeschooling are very good things your desire. It is very hard work and you don't see the reward quickly. But you will be blessed. I do not want to look down on working moms though because there are situations that require a mom to work. In this situation it isn't really cut and dry. But there are a number of questions you can hash through with your hubby

Have you thought about maybe working part time so you can homeschool your children too and still bring in enough to keep you guys afloat?
Could DH get a job with better pay or ask for a promotion at all?
What does your hubby think about it?
What is your reason for staying at the job you have?
I can tell you this, that the Lord does provide for your needs, your daily needs. There have been times that I can remember that we had a few bucks in our checking account until the end of the week and the fridge and cupboards were running low but somehow we made it.
Have you sat down with DH and put together a budget? It's amazing how a lot of times you really can do it. You may have to sacrifice something though. Example: if you have two leased cars you may have to give one up in leu of something for 500 bucks as a point a to b car to save on that bill. You may have to ditch the high tech cell phone plan with data packages. You may have to nix the cable down to bare bones. Things like that. If the material things are holding you back from staying home, then maybe that's your answer. Your putting material things before your responsibility to your children. If you already have cut out what you can and the rest are necessities like water, electricity, a roof over your head and still can't make it then maybe you can think about scaling back to part time and working out a budget. But I would not suggest you having hubby get a second job. His children need him just as much as you. It would be better you work some and have the kids see both parents then hubby overwork and never see the family. And neglect on his responsibility to his wife.

[pants]

double post sorry

[luvinmykids]

Staying at home and homeschooling are very good things your desire. It is very hard work and you don't see the reward quickly. But you will be blessed. I do not want to look down on working moms though because there are situations that require a mom to work. In this situation it isn't really cut and dry. But there are a number of questions you can hash through with your hubby

Have you thought about maybe working part time so you can homeschool your children too and still bring in enough to keep you guys afloat?
Could DH get a job with better pay or ask for a promotion at all?
What does your hubby think about it?
What is your reason for staying at the job you have?
I can tell you this, that the Lord does provide for your needs, your daily needs. There have been times that I can remember that we had a few bucks in our checking account until the end of the week and the fridge and cupboards were running low but somehow we made it.
Have you sat down with DH and put together a budget? It's amazing how a lot of times you really can do it. You may have to sacrifice something though. Example: if you have two leased cars you may have to give one up in leu of something for 500 bucks as a point a to b car to save on that bill. You may have to ditch the high tech cell phone plan with data packages. You may have to nix the cable down to bare bones. Things like that. If the material things are holding you back from staying home, then maybe that's your answer. Your putting material things before your responsibility to your children. If you already have cut out what you can and the rest are necessities like water, electricity, a roof over your head and still can't make it then maybe you can think about scaling back to part time and working out a budget. But I would not suggest you having hubby get a second job. His children need him just as much as you. It would be better you work some and have the kids see both parents then hubby overwork and never see the family. And neglect on his responsibility to his wife.

Thank you so much for you insight. DH and I spoke last night (he actually brought it up) about the possibility of somehow having me work PT somewhere (if not at my job, which I don't think is a possibility). We have a few months to figure some things out before we really start to "feel" the paycut. We have talked about cutting down cell phone costs (get rid of one of the cells and have a home phone to combine with internet and cable). We have a car that is paid off and another one paid off in just over a year. I am couponing like crazy for groceries. Maybe the next step is to sit down with DH and really figure out a STRICT budget. We kinda have a budget right now, but I think we really need to crack down on it. I am at my job right now cuz it WAS paying really well for what I was doing AND it has great health benefits. Now that they cut my pay SIGNIFICANTLY, it's like, why stay? I could go somewhere brand new and make a good chunk more STARTING! I have been here 8 years. The only thing I worry about is the health and dental coverage.

DH has actually suggested him getting a second job and I nixed that idea right off the bat. I don't want the kids or me to NEVER see him. I totally agree with what you said.

Anyway, I think the next thing is to really sit down with DH and go over our money situation.

Thanks again for the thinking points.

ETA: DH is totally on board with homeschooling, it's just finding the time to do it (with the job I have now).

[KC's wifey]

I have a book called Women Leaving The Workplace. Its from a Christian perspective. I haven't read the whole thing (I'm so bad about that! ) partially because I was already a SAHM when I read it. But it had a lot of good insight about staying at home and HOW to go about the change from working to staying at home. It does not advocate just quitting and hoping it all turns out. It talks about things you can do to cut down on your bills, doing a trial run where you live on only your DH's paycheck for several months and put your paycheck in savings, so you can safely see if you are financially ready to go to one paycheck, etc.

Here are some of the issues it talks about from the cover:
* Preparing to live on one income
* Developing and living on a budget
* Dealing with the lack of self-esteem
* Coping with an unsupportive spouse
* Creating income while staying at home
* Being willing to make sacrifices
* Homeschooling the children
* Reentering the work force

Like I said, I haven't read the whole thing through, so I can't say I agree with everything in it (its rare to find a book like that anyway) but it might have some helpful tips and perspective as you think and pray about your decision. If you want, I can ship it to you.

[caligirl07]

One way that we decided I could stay home was once I was pregnant with Tristyn, we budgeted and only lived off dh's income, I still worked till she was born, but everything I made went into savings, it was eye opening, but we realized it was possible.


God has taught me so much being at home, it really is a calling for me, I have realized how lost in the world I was, we had to strip down to only 'needed things' in the budget for a few years (we are blessed its not the case anymore) but we learned that we actually prefer the simple lifestyle. We went to 1 car because we HAD to, but now we have 1 car because it works and saves us so much money that we put the extra towards family trips that we would have never been able to do with even 2 cars paid off (from registration fees, gas, and insurance).... Anyway keep praying and see where God is leading you! His ways will never lead you astray!

[luvinmykids]

I have a book called Women Leaving The Workplace. Its from a Christian perspective. I haven't read the whole thing (I'm so bad about that! ) partially because I was already a SAHM when I read it. But it had a lot of good insight about staying at home and HOW to go about the change from working to staying at home. It does not advocate just quitting and hoping it all turns out. It talks about things you can do to cut down on your bills, doing a trial run where you live on only your DH's paycheck for several months and put your paycheck in savings, so you can safely see if you are financially ready to go to one paycheck, etc.

Here are some of the issues it talks about from the cover:
* Preparing to live on one income
* Developing and living on a budget
* Dealing with the lack of self-esteem
* Coping with an unsupportive spouse
* Creating income while staying at home
* Being willing to make sacrifices
* Homeschooling the children
* Reentering the work force

Like I said, I haven't read the whole thing through, so I can't say I agree with everything in it (its rare to find a book like that anyway) but it might have some helpful tips and perspective as you think and pray about your decision. If you want, I can ship it to you.

One way that we decided I could stay home was once I was pregnant with Tristyn, we budgeted and only lived off dh's income, I still worked till she was born, but everything I made went into savings, it was eye opening, but we realized it was possible.


God has taught me so much being at home, it really is a calling for me, I have realized how lost in the world I was, we had to strip down to only 'needed things' in the budget for a few years (we are blessed its not the case anymore) but we learned that we actually prefer the simple lifestyle. We went to 1 car because we HAD to, but now we have 1 car because it works and saves us so much money that we put the extra towards family trips that we would have never been able to do with even 2 cars paid off (from registration fees, gas, and insurance).... Anyway keep praying and see where God is leading you! His ways will never lead you astray!

Thank you both so so much for lending your experiences and thoughts on this subject. I will be talking to DH tonight to see what is possible and see what we can work out. I would really like all this to happen by the time the new year rolls around, but I really am just giving it up to God. I hadn't talked to DH about it until last night and I was really nervous about talking to him about it cuz of the situation we are in, but HE brought it up and was all for it if it's something we can do. So there is a blessing in and of itself already.

[KC's wifey]

So, OT but at the ultrasound the other day DH brought up names. He asked if I thought Carter was ok for a boy or girl. I said possibly, but I really love the name Emily Carter for a girl. He said "Yeah, I was thinking that. I think we could do that".
I don't think that makes it official, nothing will be official until its on paper, but still makes me happy.

Its weird to me that Emily Carter and Lilyan Michelle both have the same number of syllables. Emily Carter seems so much shorter. (I always wished I had a longer name)

[luvinmykids]

So, OT but at the ultrasound the other day DH brought up names. He asked if I thought Carter was ok for a boy or girl. I said possibly, but I really love the name Emily Carter for a girl. He said "Yeah, I was thinking that. I think we could do that".
I don't think that makes it official, nothing will be official until its on paper, but still makes me happy.

Its weird to me that Emily Carter and Lilyan Michelle both have the same number of syllables. Emily Carter seems so much shorter. (I always wished I had a longer name)

I love both names. Carter for a boy and Emily for a girl. Either way...SOOO Cute.

[Sakura]

So, OT but at the ultrasound the other day DH brought up names. He asked if I thought Carter was ok for a boy or girl. I said possibly, but I really love the name Emily Carter for a girl. He said "Yeah, I was thinking that. I think we could do that".
I don't think that makes it official, nothing will be official until its on paper, but still makes me happy.

Its weird to me that Emily Carter and Lilyan Michelle both have the same number of syllables. Emily Carter seems so much shorter. (I always wished I had a longer name)

When will you get your results?

[pants]

I have a book called Women Leaving The Workplace. Its from a Christian perspective. I haven't read the whole thing (I'm so bad about that! ) partially because I was already a SAHM when I read it. But it had a lot of good insight about staying at home and HOW to go about the change from working to staying at home. It does not advocate just quitting and hoping it all turns out. It talks about things you can do to cut down on your bills, doing a trial run where you live on only your DH's paycheck for several months and put your paycheck in savings, so you can safely see if you are financially ready to go to one paycheck, etc.

Here are some of the issues it talks about from the cover:
* Preparing to live on one income
* Developing and living on a budget
* Dealing with the lack of self-esteem
* Coping with an unsupportive spouse
* Creating income while staying at home
* Being willing to make sacrifices
* Homeschooling the children
* Reentering the work force

That book looks good! We did the same thing Katie did and that was to live off of DH income while I was pregnant with Isaiah. And we just learned how to do it. IT was actually great for our marriage to sit down and work out a budget and stick to it. And figure out what is most important (cable TV or our kids KWIM). I totally suggest going to a cash only system for spending money. Put say 50 bucks a month in an envelope for each of you for spending on non necessity items and if it's gone then you can't get anything else that month. If you save it then it stays and you have 100 the next. It's a great way to see how much your actually spending. We did that for a while until we got a hold on our spending. Now we made an agreement to call each other before we purchase something over 50 bucks and see if we can work it into the budget. So that helps.

But the big thing I am glad this book looks like it covers, and I know may creep up that you may not see coming is that this has been your life for 8 years. once you leave it it's like you leaving a part of you behind. After you have stayed at home all day, barely got a shower, didn't talk to anyone over the age of 5, you may start to feel a little lost or slightly depressed. A sense of loss of self-worth. It's hard to explain but make sure you are aware of that may happen and have a plan to deal with it or at least bible verses and asking the Lord to help you through. I personally have down days. And I know on those days I HAVE to get out of the house. Even to go to the library. Something to just lift my spirits and breath fresh air. If not i'll start to really sin in my thoughts. I too worked for 8 years in a career. And at the beginning I hated it but as the years went by and I climbed the corporate ladder I started to really love my job and traveling and stuff. When I got pregnant I knew I would be a SAHM...but I didn't realize how much I would feel "tied down" (for lack of a better word) to my house and my child. While I love them very very much I did feel like I was starting to really make great money, travel, enjoy life. Then i'm stuck at home changing the billionth poopy diaper, breastfeeding until my nipples are sore, and wishing I was on some beach basking in the sun. But then I got a grip on myself and realized how selfish those thoughts were. But they do come back from time to time. The Lord has given me a deep love and appreciation for being a SAHM. Just understand those thoughts are normal and may start to creep up. In those dark days I read verses like

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:28

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

[KC's wifey]

When will you get your results?

My next appointment is Sept. 20. We will do the big ultrasound then and hopefully s/he won't be shy!

[pants]

Polly CUTE names!! LOVE IT....

[pants]

SPeaking of budgets.....I thought you ladies would like this

Best national budget email I have ever seen!
·


• U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
• Fed budget: $3,820,000,000,000
• New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
• National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
• Recent budget cut: $ 38,500,000,000


Let's think about these numbers in easy terms, remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget.

• Annual family income: $21,700
• Money the family spent: $38,200
• New debt on the credit card: $16,500
• Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710
• Total budget cuts: $385

[KC's wifey]

I *think* if we have a boy the name will be Carter Robert. Carter after my DH's uncle, and Robert after my Dad. Does it sound ok that way? I kind of think it flows better as Robert Carter, but we would want to call him Carter.

I'm not a huge fan of the name Robert, but I LOVE my dad. Plus, DH's family has already been represented with DD's middle name. And DH really wants the name Carter, which is also for his family. I don't want my family feeling left out. lol (Emily is after my grandmother). If we don't go with Robert, I would love to do a biblical name, like Titus or something. I dunno... Carter Titus?

Picking names is so difficult.

[KC's wifey]

SPeaking of budgets.....I thought you ladies would like this

Best national budget email I have ever seen!
·


• U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
• Fed budget: $3,820,000,000,000
• New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
• National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
• Recent budget cut: $ 38,500,000,000


Let's think about these numbers in easy terms, remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget.

• Annual family income: $21,700
• Money the family spent: $38,200
• New debt on the credit card: $16,500
• Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710
• Total budget cuts: $385

Wow, that puts it in perspective!

[pants]

I *think* if we have a boy the name will be Carter Robert. Carter after my DH's uncle, and Robert after my Dad. Does it sound ok that way? I kind of think it flows better as Robert Carter, but we would want to call him Carter.

I'm not a huge fan of the name Robert, but I LOVE my dad. Plus, DH's family has already been represented with DD's middle name. And DH really wants the name Carter, which is also for his family. I don't want my family feeling left out. lol (Emily is after my grandmother). If we don't go with Robert, I would love to do a biblical name, like Titus or something. I dunno... Carter Titus?

Picking names is so difficult.

You could always do Robert carter and still call him carter. My friend's son's name is David Benjamin but they call him benjamin/ben.

[KC's wifey]

You could always do Robert carter and still call him carter. My friend's son's name is David Benjamin but they call him benjamin/ben.

Yeah, we thought about that. I'm trying to decide if Robert Carter is enough improvement over Carter Robert that I would want to do that. I know people do it, but it seems a little confusing for the child.

[caligirl07]

Love the names Polly! My only input is don't name a kid something you don't want to call them... My name is actually Kathleen, but everyone called me Katie growing up, I HATED having to correct everyone for the first 2 weeks of school, every dr. appt, everything... I hate it! so I don't even like going by the middle name, because they'd still be correcting all the time. Just my opinion though, which means nothing if you love a name!


Very interesting budget perspective Brenda!

[KC's wifey]

Love the names Polly! My only input is don't name a kid something you don't want to call them... My name is actually Kathleen, but everyone called me Katie growing up, I HATED having to correct everyone for the first 2 weeks of school, every dr. appt, everything... I hate it! so I don't even like going by the middle name, because they'd still be correcting all the time. Just my opinion though, which means nothing if you love a name!


Very interesting budget perspective Brenda!

Thanks for your insight!

[caligirl07]

Thanks for your insight!

Hope I didn't come across harsh, if YOU like something go with it if a kid doesn't love their name they can always change it when they are an adult, just sharing my situation... Actually after my dad passes Im going to legally change my name, It bugs me that much, but it would emotionally kill him, so Im going to wait... crazy huh!

So it looks like we are going to be in our house for at least another 5 years, Im kinda bummed, we bought it with the intent of it being a starter home, but the market sucks, and we are fine with the payments, but there is no way we could sell... so I've spent my day researching large families in small houses I really don't want to stop with our # of kids just because our house is small, but at the same time, I don't want to be so crowded we all hate each other in 20 years...

[Sakura]

So it looks like we are going to be in our house for at least another 5 years, Im kinda bummed, we bought it with the intent of it being a starter home, but the market sucks, and we are fine with the payments, but there is no way we could sell... so I've spent my day researching large families in small houses I really don't want to stop with our # of kids just because our house is small, but at the same time, I don't want to be so crowded we all hate each other in 20 years...

We're kinda in the same boat. With the market being down, we just don't want to sell right now. So, we're going to fit 6 people into a 3 bedroom, 1 bath house until at the earliest 2013. We're going to just make due. My SIL said something that put a good perspective on it, though. She said, we still have more than many many people in this world. She's right, and we're thankful that we have this sweet little house.

[caligirl07]

We're kinda in the same boat. With the market being down, we just don't want to sell right now. So, we're going to fit 6 people into a 3 bedroom, 1 bath house until at the earliest 2013. We're going to just make due. My SIL said something that put a good perspective on it, though. She said, we still have more than many many people in this world. She's right, and we're thankful that we have this sweet little house.

So true! Part of me thinks God is working on me and separating me more from this world.... I mean it's the world that says my house is too small for more kids, I'm sure there are some larger families in Africa that would give anything to trade their one room hut for our "tiny" house...


Our house is weird we really have 1600 sf, just separated the 2 bedroom 1 bath house is 800ish and the garage with another giant living room/ playroom is outside 20 ft away from the house, that is another 800 sf, so really I'd use that playroom s a big kid bedroom if my kids were older, it's closer then it sounds, but at the same time I wouldn't put someone out there till closer to 12...

And we probably could come up with enough cash to either add 1 room or a bathroom but not both at the same time, so I'm trying to think of what would be more valuable... Even that is 2-3 years down the road...


So yeah our family thinks we are crazy for wanting another baby eventually, but I'm getting used to being the weird girl

[twinmom34]

Of course! I received a major paycut at work (25% of my salary). I was praying and studying to get answers as to where I should go and what I should do and what would be the best decision for our family as far as work goes and I just keep getting this, I don't want to call it nagging, but a nagging feeling that I need to be home. I need to be home and taking care of my family. I wasn't even praying for that specifically. While I would love to be home taking care of my husband, the kids and the house, it just doesn't seem feasible in our situation. Then I thought, maybe it's for my own selfishness (I have always wanted to be a SAHM). But the more I study, the stronger that feeling goes about staying home and about homeschooling.

Anyway, thanks for listening and thanks for any input you all can give me. I just don't see how it would work out and I would love to talk to DH about it...just not sure how.

**Sorry, this is kinda jumbled all up. I didn't want to write a whole novel. **

As far as this situation goes, it sounds like pp have given you some great ideas. I would suggest Dave Ramsey. I did his program almost 2 years ago and have paid off $50,000 of debt (part of this is our house, our cars and buying 2 new cars for my sons; not credit cards, I am not a fan of credit cards). We had the same income for 3 years before that and never paid anything off! It was an eye opener to see where we wasted money!

[twinmom34]

Brenda, that was a depressing national debt breakdown!!!!!!! What a mess we are in! Do you or anyone else reading this understand the appeals court striking down the new healthcare reform? I saw it was struck down but am curious b/c my 22 y/o ds has REALLY high cholesterol and the only way we can afford his meds is insurance. I was blessed to be able to keep him on my insurance b/c of the new healthcare reform rules!


Polly, just my 2 cents that might be worthless...My parents named me Shannon and called me Dee Dee!!!!! I have despised Shannon ever since grade school b/c of all the snickers from classmates when a sub or new teacher would call me Shannon. A cardiologist and I had a conversation one night about how much we disliked our first names although they were decent common names. It was from a childhood of teasing about the names. And my other opinion...I LOVE the name Carter for a boy or a girl!!!!!

[KC's wifey]

Katie - What would you change your name to? Would you legally have it changed to Katie?
And I think you have great perspective on your house and having kids. It might be difficult, mostly because of American standards, but totally doable. We lived on Airforce bases growing up, one in Cali specifically for 5 years. We had a 2 bedroom house, so the three of us girls shared a bedroom for many years and we are all still close and love each other very much. (Had one of us been a boy, they would have given us a 3 bedroom. )) As a kid it was just normal to me.

Dee Dee - As for the appeals court striking down the new healthcare reform, from my understanding the reason they struck it down is because it is unconstitutional. Specifically the part where it would be federally required for ALL citizens to BUY health insurance. The federal government is allowed to SPEND the money they get from taxes to support programs that they decide are good for the public, but they are not allowed to require everyone to spend their OWN money to BUY a product. That is beyond the limits of their power.

[luvinmykids]

That book looks good! We did the same thing Katie did and that was to live off of DH income while I was pregnant with Isaiah. And we just learned how to do it. IT was actually great for our marriage to sit down and work out a budget and stick to it. And figure out what is most important (cable TV or our kids KWIM). I totally suggest going to a cash only system for spending money. Put say 50 bucks a month in an envelope for each of you for spending on non necessity items and if it's gone then you can't get anything else that month. If you save it then it stays and you have 100 the next. It's a great way to see how much your actually spending. We did that for a while until we got a hold on our spending. Now we made an agreement to call each other before we purchase something over 50 bucks and see if we can work it into the budget. So that helps.

But the big thing I am glad this book looks like it covers, and I know may creep up that you may not see coming is that this has been your life for 8 years. once you leave it it's like you leaving a part of you behind. After you have stayed at home all day, barely got a shower, didn't talk to anyone over the age of 5, you may start to feel a little lost or slightly depressed. A sense of loss of self-worth. It's hard to explain but make sure you are aware of that may happen and have a plan to deal with it or at least bible verses and asking the Lord to help you through. I personally have down days. And I know on those days I HAVE to get out of the house. Even to go to the library. Something to just lift my spirits and breath fresh air. If not i'll start to really sin in my thoughts. I too worked for 8 years in a career. And at the beginning I hated it but as the years went by and I climbed the corporate ladder I started to really love my job and traveling and stuff. When I got pregnant I knew I would be a SAHM...but I didn't realize how much I would feel "tied down" (for lack of a better word) to my house and my child. While I love them very very much I did feel like I was starting to really make great money, travel, enjoy life. Then i'm stuck at home changing the billionth poopy diaper, breastfeeding until my nipples are sore, and wishing I was on some beach basking in the sun. But then I got a grip on myself and realized how selfish those thoughts were. But they do come back from time to time. The Lord has given me a deep love and appreciation for being a SAHM. Just understand those thoughts are normal and may start to creep up. In those dark days I read verses like

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:28

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Yes, I have thought about that. Of course, right now, I can't see how that could be possible that I would WANT a break, but I DO know it happens with mom's that stay at home and I am NO exception to that.

Thank you for the scripture references.

As far as this situation goes, it sounds like pp have given you some great ideas. I would suggest Dave Ramsey. I did his program almost 2 years ago and have paid off $50,000 of debt (part of this is our house, our cars and buying 2 new cars for my sons; not credit cards, I am not a fan of credit cards). We had the same income for 3 years before that and never paid anything off! It was an eye opener to see where we wasted money!

I have heard of the Financial Peace University and even know someone who has been through it and have heard nothing but good things. I have heard him speak (briefly on a radio station)about part of his program. It sounds great. I may need to talk to DH about maybe doing that.

[luvinmykids]

Polly: I LOVE Carter Robert. I don't think it sounds bad at all. You guys do what works for you. If you want to name him Robert Carter and call him Carter..then do it. But I really don't think Carter Robert sounds bad at all. And sorry, I kinda want you to have a girl cuz I LOVE the name Emily. Always have. And how cute...Emily and Lilly!!!

[KC's wifey]

Polly: I LOVE Carter Robert. I don't think it sounds bad at all. You guys do what works for you. If you want to name him Robert Carter and call him Carter..then do it. But I really don't think Carter Robert sounds bad at all. And sorry, I kinda want you to have a girl cuz I LOVE the name Emily. Always have. And how cute...Emily and Lilly!!!

Thank you!
If I had to pick just based on names I would want another girl, too!
Kinda funny, but if we do have a girl and name her Emily, all our names will end in the "E" sound. KC, Polly, Lily, Emily. Hahaha. Unintentional, but kind of cool, I guess.

[Sakura]

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/for...d.php?t=328076