40 And Pregnant: What’s In A Name

By: Shon Gables

Right now, my husband irritates the heck out of me.

He says it’s my hormones… I say it’s him. The truth is, I guess, somewhere in the middle.

I have 8 weeks left according to the doctor and I am officially miserable. I consistently keep a good charlie horse in my foot… (despite eating a ton of bananas)… although “charlie” has found a new location… the outside of my knee… ewwww, its brutal!

And the baby is pinching some kind of nerve… her favorite, targets the bah-dunk-a-dunk… other words, my butt. By the time I get off work, I feel like I’ve ran a half-marathon. No rest for the weary!

And my insides, can I really get any bigger? Thanks to television cameras… my family (gotta love ‘em) are ever so kind to call me after my newscasts, and kindly inform me that “your cheeks sure are lookin full”… oh really? I thought it was the make-up.

Right now, I am trying to balance expectations with reality. The doctor believes I have 8 weeks left, but historically I’ve been two weeks late with both of my sons, so this baby may not come until September 1st!

I was hoping to have a husband who would just cradle me in his arms, hug me and say, “you’re beautiful” and rub my feet for 12 hours. What does he do… he says “man up – its almost over”.

Yeah it is, but… still, I think every woman wants to be pampered. Me, maybe more than most. But I’m tired, and cranky and wishing… I could understand the male species better. Or at least get them to give me a foot rub… for 12 hours. He! He!

The Name Game

We asked and boy did folks respond! Beautiful names were suggested for our little girl and we are so grateful! Especially since naming our daughter is a task that Anthony (my husband) and I don’t take lightly. One reason is due to my belief in etymology… the history, purpose and meaning of any given word.

I believe that words, and especially names, are powerful… perhaps even prophetic.

For example, my name, “ Shon” means God’s Grace. And every time someone calls my name—they speak inexplicable favor over my life. How do I know? Because I live it!

Here’s proof: I was told I would never be a news anchor—God’s Grace. I was told I’d never escape poverty—God’s Grace. I was told Anthony and I would have trouble conceiving a child—God’s Grace. I was told my past mistakes have ruined me—God’s Grace. Trust me, I am not deceived. Hard work alone is not what catapults me towards my dreams… some of it is favor, faith, grace and mercy.

Which brings me back to our baby… What will we speak over her every day?

Here’s a look at some of the suggestions: Chloe, Crystal, Skylar, Jasmine, Priscilla, Aiden, Arianne, Liam, Jayden, Harper, Hunter, Mira, Winter, Dakota, Arianna, Renaldo, Rachel, Rhett, Leilani, Haven, Jordan, Aven, Chandler, Aubrey, Mika, Antoinette, Latrice, Jada and Ti’ Ajah Denise.

So far I LOVE Winter and Dakota… Anthony stands undecided. But the most ridiculous has to be my own brother’s suggestion: Shanthony. (SMH)

I just hope he’s joking. But in the meantime, keep the suggestions coming… and click here sure to look up what your name means. You may find yourself more appreciative in the future when detractors speak of you so often. They’re blesssing you every time!

Read more on Shon Gables journey here.

Shon Gables is a News Anchor / Reporter for WFAA TV ABC 8 in Dallas, TX with more than 13 years in broadcast journalism and multiple Emmy nominations. For more of Shon’s blog go to soulsummer.com