Name Game

As we get closer to whittling down our list of "top names", people are getting antsy about our decision. I understand, I do. I've been one of those people who like knowing what people are going to name their babies, mostly because I'd be working on a scrapbook for them.

But we're keeping this one between us until her big arrival. Why? Well, for the same reason some people keep the sex of their baby to themselves. It gives us something to unveil on the big day. After all, we already let everybody know that we're having a girl. The even bigger reason is this: we're the ones naming her. If we let outside influences sway us, then her name becomes something not genuinely from us. Does that make sense?

I found an article that perfectly explains it. If you want to read more from this author, Barb Dehn, RN, MS, NP, here's the url to her blog: http://barbsdailydose.typepad.com/barbs_daily_dose/2008/10/baby-names.html
I'll just copy and paste her post below for your convenience:
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October 11, 2008

Baby Names

How many times have you asked a pregnant couple what they plan to name their baby, then after they proudly let you in on thier decision, without realizing it, you find your foot squarely in your mouth. Yikes.

This is a minefield

Be careful wading into this particular pool of conversation. If you don't have a credible "poker face" then might want to practice a big smile and a quick and enthusiastic response, such as, "I love it."

What ever you do, please don't cringe or give unsolicited advice on names as it can have long lasting and devastating consequences to new parents, which I hear about during the prenatal visits. I've known moms who were so traumatized by comments from family members that they are reluctant to share any possible names for fear of being dissuaded.

What not to say

I had a dog with that name.

You're kidding,right?

That's my cousin's name, and he's a real jerk.

You should name your baby…..and then fill in the blank with your own preference.

For new parents

This is the advice I give my patients, have a list of names that you'd never in a million years consider for your precious new baby. Names like Bathsheba, Osgood, Thurston, etc. When someone asks, you can throw that name out and watch their reactions.

During my pregnancy, my patients and friends couldn't help themselves , there was so much unsolicited advice, comments and suggestions, that finally I announced that we were naming the baby, Sparky. It was plausible enough to stop their comments, and since that wasn't my real pick, I had no emotional reaction to the range of shocked and un-diplomatic responses.

It worked for me.
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I have my 28 wk appt this afternoon. Really, I'm 27+5 wks today, but my doctor's schedule is blacked out for next week, so I scheduled for today instead. I don't expect a lot of updates from it, I'll most likely post something about it. :)