April 22 - The Name Game, Start Playing Now!

The Name Game

Do you think you know what moniker Hot Lips will end up with? Or maybe you have a fab name you want to suggest..either way, this contest is for you!!

Submit your entry via e-mail per the instructions below. Only 1 entry per person! We don’t guarantee that anyone’s submission will be used-but you never know!

The winner (or winners if multiple people guess the correct name) will receive delicious homemade baked goods from yours truly. Depending on your geographic location, you’ll receive banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and/or yummy cake. You’ll also be the happy recipient of an adorable framed photo of Hot Lips once she arrives (seriously..with all these great prizes, how can you not enter a name??)

Naming Suggestions (encouraged, not required)

1. Incorporate wit, whimsy or thoughtfulness into your entry.
2. Consider a character name from a book, TV show or movie, or an historical figure. The name should have a story behind it, something we can sink our mental hooks into.
3. The baby's name should not be too crazy because her last name is uncommon (she should be able to spell her full name in kindergarten without trouble). I urge you to use the name lookup services at the US Social Security Administration to gauge the popularity of the name.
4. Avoid names meaningful to you because of your own family history. We really don't care that your grandmother was named Wenceslas. Sorry.

How to Enter the Contest

1. Send an e-mail to Christine.yamokoski@gmail.com with the word "CONTEST" in the subject line

2. Propose a first name for Hot Lips. (We already have ideas for the middle name but you are welcome to make suggestions)

3. In your own words, tell us about the baby name.

**The contest is open until August 1^st**

The Winner

The winner will be announced after Hot Lips arrives. Remember: J.D. and I will not be disclosing the name until she arrives to anyone (for those of you who attempt to pry the name out of us, our lips are sealed!)

Happy Name Guessing!!

April 7, 2008 - Sisterly Bond

Fab news everyone-Hot Lips is kicking!! Both J.D. and I felt her for the first time on Friday, April 4th. It was very exciting-I have been waiting to feel the light 'fluttering' that everyone talks about but never did (which I'll admit was concerning me a little) but I'm definitely feeling firm kicks now. If you put your hand on my stomach you can totally feel them. It is unbelievable! She is swimming circles in there having a great time.

However, the most amazing thing is that Hot Lips seems to have bonded with Amelia, they are on similar cycles! She sleeps when Amelia sleeps and is active when Amelia is up and about. Even more incredible-she kicks strongly when Amelia cries (yes, our canine baby is very vocal). They are forming a sisterly bond already!

April 1- A Universal Adventure

Baby Yamo isn't born yet but I suspect she has done more in utero than most kids under age 5. Seriously, a cruise, road trips, business trips, visits to various cities in the southeast. She is an accomplished traveler already. Now we can add "Orlando Vacation" to her list.

This past weekend, one of my friends from Austin came into town and we went to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Of course, I am limited due to my current state, but I was able to do a few virtual rides (Shrek and Terminator) as well as catch some shows (Fear Factor, special effects and makeup, singing and dancing monsters [which was cheesy, but I'm a total cheeseball so I loved it]). Although I couldn't ride any coasters, we still had a blast. Needless to say, I can't wait to take Baby Yamo on the real rides (the kid rides in the next 5 years or so, and the real rides when she is tall enough, assuming she is like her parents who LOVE rollercoasters).

In terms of the pregnancy, I am thrilled to report that the nausea has more or less passed. I even cooked last night for the first time in four months (stuffed peppers, they were delish. I even made a fruit salad!). Physically, my lower stomach ligaments feel like they are stretching. Well-to be honest, they are definitely stretching-I've woken up in pain the last few nights!! I think I'll be sporting a basketball belly sooner rather then later. I will not be one of those women who doesn't show until month 7 (if they truly exist). I continue to meet women who tell me they didn't show until month 7...but I'm beginning to suspect some consider 'wearing maternity clothes' synonymous with 'showing.' Because I'm pretty certain I can buy bigger regular clothes for a long while without going maternity, but I will definitely be growing in the midsection!!

Have a great April Fools Day everyone!
*Tootles*