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Laura Thieme

Bizresearch President – 10 years - 2007

Fisher College of Business Lecturer on Search Marketing

OSU Russian Studies Grad – 1993

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30th July 2008

Tears of Joy - Crying When You Feel Your Baby Girl Move

My mom sent a poem today that I had read a long time ago, but enjoyed reading again.  It talked about why women cry, and how God made women strong enough to handle all the challenges of being a woman, including having children. 

I mentioned the other day, while I have not had a lot of tears during pregnancy surprisingly, I’ve had a few tears in the five and a half months I’ve been pregnant:

1) Walking one evening in my neighborhood not long after my dog died, and finding out I was pregnant - I was approached by a stranger - dog and owner, where the dog pulled the owner across the street to greet me with incredible gusto, gave me a warm wagging tail hug, and I became immediately overwhelmed with emotion.  I recalled Cody’s love - just like the kind where she’d come up to me, nuzzle me, and wag her tail with such furry love and intensity - it made me think of her and miss her so terribly.  I started to cry - and then apologized for crying - poor lady and dog - must have thought me quite strange.  I do miss Cody often, and at times terribly so.   Part of me thinks that was Cody letting me know that she was okay and missed me too. 

2) When I found out I was having a baby girl - about 5 minutes later - walking out into the parking lot - and being overwhelmed with joy - such amazing emotion.

3) Placing my hands on my belly in recent days, and realizing that baby Melina is moving about after I eat and drink - and enjoying the quiet time spent with her - the last three evenings have been wonderful - feeling her move about - gurgle, and breathe - yes, I can feel her breathe.  As I was watching my belly, I then looked up above the couch and saw a photo I’ve adored for 20 years in an entirely new light.  I’ve always loved this historic painting of four young girls, all different personas, one of whom is in the middle of the rug sitting, with a doll, and looking right into the artist’s eyes.  She has long auburn brown hair, blue eyes - while her older sister looks on in the background.  There are two other young girls back by the grandfather clock.  I’ve always loved the innocence of that young girl.  I wonder how my daughter will look of course, and hope she will have that innocence and wonder about her.

I began to think about what I hope for her - and then I began to cry - but such nice tears!

I thanked God for the blessing of such hope, and began to think about a dedication of love to her in some form - for my thoughts, my musings, my hopes, my reflections for her life - and tears flowed pretty easily for a while longer.

4) Lastly, the other day, a close friend whom I’ve reconnected with recently - we were looking at baby shower invitations, and waiting for the store owner to return with the goodies we’d selected.  We recognized the value of our re-acquaintance - and what was so great - we easily expressed what that meant to us.  How wonderful!  Communication at its best. 

29th July 2008

Melina Francis Thieme - Honey Raspberry Savior of Animals

Yesterday was quite the day - I learned something wonderful from my sister-in-law.  We were talking about when Melina is due, and making plans accordingly.  She asked if I was keeping with the baby name “Melina”.  I said yes.  The more my friends say it, and I say the name - it sounds so good.  My sister-in-law shared the meaning of Melina with me, in Polish.  It means “raspberry” -

Picture of raspberries
Image of raspberries from Wikipedia

 I really got excited about this, because since I became pregnant I immediately had to have raspberries.  I’ve always liked the fruits, but it became a quest to seek out organic raspberries, which are not always easy to find - must be refrigerated without moisture, and have a rather short latency period.  I soon learned that pregnancy teas were often with raspberry leaf, and supported uterine health.  Many organic pregnancy books that talk about acupuncture and other forms of alternative health suggest raspberry leaf during pregnancy. 

At five months pregnancy (22 weeks this week), I’m enjoying the naming process and sharing Melina’s name with close friends.  So, you can imagine my delight when I learned that Melina in Polish (and Russian) means “raspberry”.  It would be spelled slightly differently - ”malina”, transliterated. 

It’s of Greek origin, but it happens to be my middle name - and Mom and Dad said it was after an Italian actress.  I remember looking that up many years ago - as I’ve loved the name for many years.  I always figured I’d name my daughter Melina if given the chance.   In Greek, it means “honey”.  In fact, raspberries are a great source of nectar for honeybees, which we need in an eco-friendly way (without pesticides, please).

“Francis” comes from my adoration of St. Francis of Assisi, whom I’ve written about a few times in the past three years on my two blogs (www.laurathieme.com and www.bizresearch.com/searchmarketingblog).  You can read the Catholic’s history on St. Francis.   I was properly introduced to St. Francis by my eye doctor in December about three years ago, when my cat Misha disappeared.  My cat was missing in six degree weather for about two weeks - his brother Max (who died this past January 2008) got an eye infection, then I got it - and so I went to the eye doctor who shared with me a great story of his belief in St. Francis. 
Max and Misha (tabby cat) in healthy condition around 1996
Max and Misha, brothers, in healthy years circa 1996

I prayed to St. Francis, and my cat Misha came home that very night (after missing in ice, cold, and snow - with frostbite, six pounds lost, but present).  He slowly recovered but he made it - and I owed it to St. Francis, well, that and a little faith in believing miracles are possible that Christmas season.

Misha right after his brother Max died in February 2008
Misha and Monroe, after Max died (Jan 2008) at Vet

Ever since, I’ve been a fan of St. Francis - my office got me a wonderful statue of St. Francis - and he sits in my foyer - watching over my many animals.  He is the patron of animals, as well as the environment.  My neighbors know this part of me well - one of my neighbors says I should build an Arc - for Noah’s Arc - as I walk my latest rescue dog, Lucky.  I’ve fed the starving robins (and blogged about them here), in February for the past two years, and am always one to rescue a cat.  Lately I’ve had a neighbor’s cat named Bentley following me on my dog walks.  He now sleeps on my porch, and when I open my door he comes running, if he happens to be staying somewhere nearby.  It must be quite the picture to neighbors -

Can you see a growing pregnant lady walking dog with white himalyan kitty cat following her - just imagine her with a stroller (no picture yet available)

Bentley - the latest rescue
Bentley - the latest rescue effort - a neglected neighbor cat

I owe my rescue of animals, my compassion for any animal in distress, to my mom - who always rescued cats.  Growing up, while we had two cats and a dog, and at times, three cats and a dog, there were occasionally a litter of cats that would adopt my mom, and thus she would adopt them.  They were outdoor cats, but mom would feed them.  I remember this in Tallahassee - especially hard when we had to adopt the kittens out.  All of us kids have a thing for animals as a result - and we tend to have a few cats and dogs. 

So “Francis” is something I want to pass on to my daughter - it’s origin, the respect of all animals (domestic and wild), and its Catholic saint origin. 

Nicole, a great friend of mine, is quite interested in the monogram :-)

MTF - Melina Francis Thieme

In the meantime, I like the fact that I’ve been growing a little honey raspberry in my tummy who can learn the meaning of taking care of others, especially animals - as they can provide much joy in our lives.

I’m beginning to enjoy those nightly movements - Melina moves a lot after I have something to drink - I could feel her breathing in my belly last night - what a joy!  Such amazement the first time you feel these things - but perhaps never to feel less than amazed each time you feel you daughter’s movement.

Thank you God for such a joy already.  I went to Papyrus the other day, and looked at birth announcement cards - I saw one that made my cry - I knew I had to get that one.  I don’t cry much - but it’s the oddest times that something so simple - like an announcement card with a photo of what will some day be Melina - looking back at me - with a smile - wow - what wonder and anticipation she can bring already.

Lastly, for those women of you who are asking - my baby registry is complete now at www.babiesrus.com.  You should be able to search “Laura Thieme” and my registry will come up.

I ask for one thing - please no toys made in China - they are not on my registry for a reason.  If you are able to find eco-friendly organic toys that are natural and NOT made in China - you’re welcome to add it to your list -but out of concerns for lead and the recent news re China and lead in many products - I ask that you refrain from any toy made in China.  By the way - Gerber now has an organic line - but I noticed it was also made in China - see if you can find locally made or US made organic products which could replace a China-made product.  Thanks :-)

Baby shower invitations are going out to many of you ladies who have long supported my quest for a child - regardless of your location - plan September 7th for the baby shower.  The night before, we’re having a PAJAMA party!  Fun stuff.

24th July 2008

Babies’R'Us Baby Registry - Almost There

How much fun!  April, a girl friend of mine, and her daughter Sophie, and I went to Babies’R'Us and began the baby registry process.  I think we got about halfway there. 

 Things that I won’t likely put on the registry, the crib, etc.  Bedding yes, but crib no.  Can’t decide on a high chair or pack n play.  Some look a little flimsy, or have mobiles that you cannot detach. 

Had to get some girly clothes - but mostly onesies.  Hope online selection has more to choose from for winter stuff soon - because stores obviously only have summer selection. 

Very exciting -will post pictures this weekend.

21st July 2008

Baby Registry, Baby Shower - The Planning Stage - The Fun Stuff 3 replies

Ah - the fun of the second trimester - planning for baby girl - and planning for baby shower - where to register, etc.  I’ve never been one to do much traditional, so what is proper etiquette for a baby shower? 

Baby Shower - It's a Girl!

A close friend of mine who has always wanted to host the baby shower, and plan it, is going through a really difficult time.  I have two other friends who’ve offered to help, although one is far away and it’s not easy for her to get here.

If you plan to do something non-traditional, what’s wrong and what’s right?  Is there a wrong and a right to a baby shower?  I haven’t done much traditional yet, so why start now, in my humble opinion. 

Here’s what I want to do - I want a couple of close friends to throw the baby shower - no surprises - and am thankful that I have two friends offering to do whatever is needed, and even an employee who has offered to help.  At the ripe age of 40, friends are scattered across the country, and in various stages in their lives.  The idea of someone preparing a bunch of food right now does not seem exciting.  So, I was considering a restaurant instead, a fun location, but wondered about proper etiquette.  Can I suggest, hint, the location?  Second, can I ask for everyone to be on their own for a Sunday brunch, cost-wise.  Of course, you’d never ask for a gift, but this is my first baby, so I think it’s figured you are bringing a gift - but in a tight economy, many can not afford to shoulder the cost of fancy gifts, or arrange something like this - so is it okay to ask everyone to do their own thing, financially?  No decorations needed, none of that frilly stuff - just a meal, a drink, and possibly a gift (the latter not stated, however?)

Baby Shower Invitation

 Any baby shower I’ve ever attended included soft drinks, a cake, baby shower games, and some wierd contraption of bows attached to something.  No thanks to the soft drinks, cake, baby shower games and bow contraption, not to mention streamers, etc.- what purpose does that serve?  Can we opt for something like Bon Vie restaurant where the menu includes Eggs Benedict and has a Sunday brunch until 4 p.m.?  We can drink, for those who can or want to, and I’m not talking about soda pop.  I’m talking about the fun stuff.  Is that gauche?  I went to a bridal shower at a restaurant and we bought gifts, and paid our own way. 

Drinking for Fun at Baby Shower

I need baby shower etiquette - and then after it all- suppose I can still do it differently, as long as friends are not offended.  After all, baby shower is for your closest friends who support the baby phase, and thus, would probably not be offended, hopefully. 

Here are some non-traditional concepts on the baby shower - a ceremony of sorts

Miss Manners weighs in on in-laws not throwing a baby shower

Another set of rules on baby shower etiquette - two of which I’ve already  broken - no surprise there

In the meantime, I’m figuring out where to register.

Other non-traditional thoughts in terms of the baby shower:

I love books - and am really looking forward to reading to my daughter at night, rocking her in the chair (today - it’s a “glider”), and reading all the great fables, as well as new ones. 

Is it okay to ask people to bring their favorite children’s book, used is okay too?  In a bad economy, and in the world of eBay and Craig’s List - isn’t gently used okay, if I say it is?  One person offered me something her daughter had - I think that’s wonderful.  Crazy?  Gauche?  Weigh in please!

The New Rocking Chair - the Glider

17th July 2008

It’s a Girl! A Baby Girl - WoW! 6 replies

I had my gender ultrasound today - I figured for sure I was having a boy - as they tend to run in the family - two boys and a girl in my family, my brother has three boys and a girl - so I just figured for sure the baby is going to be a boy.

I get my checkup first - and then begin the ultrasound process to find out what I’m having.  The first anatomy shots are always interesting.  The baby’s development always looks so strange - yet so cool in some photos.  The photo below - yep - you wonder what I’m having?  A seahorse, if you ask me?  Check out that spine!

Baby Girl - A Seahorse Lookalike

Then you get lucky, and you get a wonderful shot like this one - look at that foot!!

 Baby Girl's Foot

Then we got to see a great baby face - where you can see an eye - just turning towards us. 

Laura's 1st Baby Girl

 But we could not see whether baby was a girl or a boy.  The tech tried to get the baby to move in such a way that we could see between its legs - well I’m proud to say that my little munchkin was quite proud, stubborn and didn’t want to show us that.  But eventually - SHE showed us her little rump!

Baby Girl - For Sure!

It’s a Girl!  I walked out of the ultrasound room in to the waiting area - and announced to all the strangers in the room that I was having a girl!!!  Such excitement.

Then I walked outside, beaming, and promptly began to cry - no really cry - such emotion, such excitement, such joy, peace - I’m having a girl.  I’m going to have a daughter - a daughter - yummy.  Thank you God.  Thank you so much.

I’d like to name her Melina, after my middle name - I’ve always loved that name.  Well, as a kid, I didn’t because it was too unique.  I’m not sure if I’ll change my mind a million times between now and November 30th, or first week of December when baby is due.  But, us girls are happy, doing well, healthy - and smiling deeply right now.

6th July 2008

Silverback Gorillas Have It Rougher Than You Think

Silverback gorillas have it rough in the Congo.  Dian Fossey brought awareness to the plight of the silverback gorilla 30 years ago.  Her story was told in Gorillas in the Mist, where Sigourney Weaver portrayed her life and demise.  I watched this movie a few months ago for the nth time.  I’ve watched it several times, but for some reason this  movie always brings me to tears every time I watch it.  Her work continues through The Gorilla Fund, and through other wildlife efforts. 

Tonight, a repeat episode by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes was featured, with an update about how the park rangers in Congo have not had access to the silverback gorillas for over three months now.  The fate of 200 silverback gorillas is not known.  Several gorillas had been shot, execution style, two of which were mothers.  So what’s the reason for killing these gorillas?  In Dian’s story, gorilla parts were taken by poachers for illegal sale in the market.  Others might go to zoos, for up to $5,000 or more.  What about in this area - why are they killing silverback gorillas?

It’s for charcoal - believe it or not.  Locals go into the forest, previously protected by the park rangers, and burn ancient trees for charcoal, which is then used to cook food.  If silverbacks are in the area, perhaps fear of the gorillas initiates the desire to kill them.  Orphaned gorillas were left behind.  One baby gorilla was found clinging to her mom’s corpse.  Vetinarians are still trying to revive these orphans to replace the mother’s milk.

The Dian Fossey Website - Congo Crisis Update

Story featured on MSNBC - where two silverbacks were killed in 2007

UK Telegraph reference to story on silverback gorillas

See Wildlife Direct for updates on the gorillas in Congo

Why should you care about the silverback gorilla?  There are only 700 or so left in the world.  Imagine that 200 or so are in the park in Congo where rangers have not been able to protect for three or more months.  Ten had been killed when CBS first featured the story in December 2007. 

For blog updates - visit the WildlifeDirect Gorillas page

I guess the story was recently aired on NatGeo, however, here is the link referencing the premiere of the gorilla story.

I’ll continue to follow this story online.