Ethel, Maud, Laree?

I get on my son Ryan for being so picky. He is picky about everything. Food, clothes, food, temperature, food and so much more. He is bad but I know where he gets it from.

As I sat at the playground today enjoying the summer-like weather, I heard parents yell out names. In my head I kept saying, Nope. Won't work. Can't name my child that name. Not even on the list. No way.


I find it hard to believe that I don't like most names. When I look at the top 1000 names and cross off what I don't like, I am left with a small list. I wish I wasn't so picky. I do. But, I am.


I am starting to freak out a bit because I am heading into the third trimester. I have a long time to go until my due date. But, I also know that at any time, I could go into labor and the baby would survive. I keep picturing the hospital yelling at me and making me choose a name. Ever wonder why there are so many children named "Baby" on the Social Security top 1000 names of the year?


My husband and I have created a process where we both write down all of our favorite names. We then take turns crossing one off of the master list. It worked for us before and I am sure we will use this process again. But like all good procrastinators, it is too early for us to even create the master list. I have to feel the fear of the birth lurking in the shadows to get down to business.

I have played around with naming sites online and have printed out the Social Security list. I don't know if this makes it harder or easier. I now know why there are so many Marys and Josephs. Good ol' traditional names that made you feel better after naming the baby. I am just glad this is the last time I have to do this. It was so much easier naming baby dolls as a child. I usually just went with my middle name, Laree. Hmmmm. That doesn't sound so bad. Maybe I will add it to my list.