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.

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