What is in a name?

After we found out we were having two boys, your dad and I went to work trying come up with two boy names that we like that also weren't to twinny sounding. (I REFUSED to name you matchy twin names.) But all the names we liked didn't go well together.

We liked Andrew and Jackson, but didn't want people to think of the former president Andrew Jackson.

We liked Michael and Jackson, but DEFINITELY didn't want people to think of Michael Jackson (The pop star) 

We just couldn't think of a combination. 

Right away, I told your dad, "I LOVE LOVE LOVE the name Anderson." 

This shocked him. We both typically loved traditional names. And while Anderson isn't that far out there, it also wasn't a traditional first name.  It surprised me how much I loved the name Anderson. He emphatically said he did NOT like the name. He would say, "Let it go! It's not happening!" But I just couldn't let it go. I think it was your spirit whispering to me that it was in fact suppose to be your name. It's not a name I had ever even considered or thought of before becoming pregnant with you.

After trying to get your dad on board with the name, and him absolutely refusing to agree to it, I finally left it with, "I'll tell you what. Let's just wait until we see the boys in person. If you still dislike the name after seeing the boys, I promise to let it go." 

The night before we were scheduled to go to the hospital to have you boys delivered, we decided that for sure one of the boys would be named Jackson and we'd decide after we saw you two what to name the other baby. 

The moment I laid eyes on you, I KNEW your name was suppose to be Anderson. It was this overwhelming confirmation and strong feeling. When your dad brought the other baby over, I said, "So is this baby Jackson?" and he said, "You know what? I think his name is suppose to be Jacob." This surprised me, as we had never really considered the name. But I instantly fell in love with it and said, "Can we call him Jake?" Daddy smiled and said, "Sure." 

Now for the big moment. I wanted your dad to have his own realization that you were suppose to be named Anderson so I just asked, "And what do you think we should name the other baby." His reply was music to my ears, "His name is Anderson. He is definitely an Anderson. I love the name." 

And that, my sweet boy, is how you became our sweet Anderson. 

IT'S TWO BOYS?!?!?!

Do you want to know a secret? It's not something that I'm proud to admit. But let me tell you a backstory first....

When I first found out I was pregnant with you and your brother, I asked my doctor how many babies were inside me. I needed to know FOR SURE. He assured me it was just one. And I'm not going to lie, I was a little sad. I saw the bond that David and Emily had, and I was hoping to have that same twin experience again. I truly loved having twins. So in order to be happy about being pregnant with just one baby, I started focusing on all the good things (which also turned into all the negative things.) I would be able to snuggle just one baby. I'd get more sleep. And don't even get me started on potty training twins! One baby would be sooooo much easier this time around!

Daddy and I went in for a gender ultrasound check, we were in for the shock of our lives to find that once again, there were TWO BABIES INSIDE ME! I laughed hysterically. Loud, screaming type of laughter. Unfortunately, they were unable to see the genders of EITHER BABY!

Now here's were the secret comes in...

I secretly hoped for a boy and girl again. I loved seeing their unique bond. I loved seeing their divine nature shine through. I loved that they were best friends, but also had their own interests that being different genders natural brings. PLUS! I had everything I needed for boy/girl twins!

So when I when I went in for another ultrasound to find the gender of the babies, and I found out it was TWO BOYS. I cried. and I mean I UGLY CRIED. HARD. UNCONTROLLABLY! I couldn't stop crying. I went from thinking I was having one baby girl to finding out I was having TWO BOYS. Daddy was at work when I had the ultrasound so he was able to listen in on the phone. He heard my sobs and tried to remind me that as long as they were healthy, there was nothing to be sad about. That comment DID NOT HELP. I cried even harder. Pretty much, a was hormonal, pregnant HOT MESS.

But I quickly came around and was very excited about having two boys. And looking back, I see that it is all as it should be. I wouldn't trade having you two boys together for anything. I have no doubt that you two were meant to come to this earth together, and I couldn't love you more!

Welcome to your Special Place

My Dear Sweet Anderson,

I've created this blog to be a special place for you.  A place where I can record my thoughts, feelings, and share stories about just how incredible you are.

I am so unbelievably grateful to be your mother.

I love you now. I'll love you always.

Mommy