I have this *thing* where I like to have baby names picked out ASAP. Ideally, I prefer to have them figured out even before the ultrasound where gender is revealed, because I love being able to start connecting the name as soon as we know who we’re going to be welcoming into our family.
With my first, we had his name picked out before I even got pregnant. His first name is one I’d loved for years (since I saw Steel Magnolias the 1st time, in my teens) and I was set on using it, despite it’s rising popularity at the time. His middle name was my father’s first name, and it only seemed right to honor his memory. My husband was on board with the name and we had no discussion at all…I suggested it and that was that! I still love his name and it suits him perfectly.
My second was a bit harder. We’d had a girl’s name picked out since before I conceived, but I’d already used the boy’s name I loved. We knew what the middle name would be if it was a boy (obviously, it was my father-in-law’s turn) but first names had not been considered at all. We finally narrowed it down to 3, and asked our oldest son which was his favorite. He was about 3.5 years old at the time and didn’t hesitate. It was probably my least favorite name on the list, but he was very sure that it was the right name. So we used it because we couldn’t really agree on anything else. I’m still not sure it was the right choice…I definitely have naming regret. But it is a neat story, and few people can say that their older sibling chose their name!
This time, I’ve been throwing out names gradually, but my husband is not into it. He wouldn’t care if we waited until we get to the hospital to decide a name and that does NOT work for me. I’ve been gradually going through boxes of books, hoping I would run across my copy of the Baby Name Wizard which I loved last time we were going through this. My anxiety levels regarding the name have been increasing, and I thought being able to just go through the book and get some ideas would be soothing. The format is unique, and there’s all sorts of lists and ways to cross-reference names. I got to the last book box this evening and was devastated when I didn’t find it. So in a state of panic I headed straight to trusty Amazon.com and placed an order.
And might have even paid for one-day shipping. Maybe. Because right now baby names are my Xanax.
