Names Names Names

It might come as no surprise that Duane and I think a lot alike.

We write letters to each other, and even though I never can write as often as I like, I am amazed at the fact that I will get a letter within a week from him that will contain exactly what I had been thinking of.

For example: This last weekend my friend Tara and I went out for lunch. While contemplating where we should go, I thought of Duane and how much I miss going to dinner with him. It was one of the things we loved to do - trying new restaurants. Our tastes in food are nearly identical. Today I open a letter from him and read this: "I miss an infinite number of things about being home, but strangely, eating with you either at home or out somewhere always seems to be high on my list."

I know I shouldn't be surprised considering how often this occurs, but I always am, and pleasantly so.

Another thought that has been crossing my mind daily is the subject of a name for our unborn daughter. We haven't had the chance to talk about it yet, but I am eager to get started. I can't do that without him! I talk to a lot of women on Cafe Mom who say that the mother should have the final or even the only say in choosing a name for the child, but I can't agree. This is his daughter too! We are building a life together, and creating a family together, how could we not choose a name for our daughter together?

We have always had the name Alexander in mind, after his great grandmother (her last name). I thought about Alexandria and Alexandra, but I just can't do it. BLECH! A few weeks ago the name Vanessa popped into my head. I don't know anyone named Vanessa... I never have. The only Vanessa I know of really was the sea witch when she is transformed in the Disney movie The Little Mermaid. (I have a 10 month old.. leave me be.)

I looked up the meaning... there isn't one. Vanessa has no meaning. It is derived from literature. This is what I found.

This name was coined by Jonathan Swift for his friend Esther Vanhomrigh. Other famous bearers include actress Vanessa Redgrave, singer Vanessa Carlton and actress and singer Vanessa Williams.

Vanessa is also the name of a genus of butterfly that includes the Red Admiral and Painted Lady. The genus was named after Jonathan Swift had coined the name. Although the name might be bestowed because of the butterfly connection, Vanessa does not "mean" butterfly. Honest.

Every site I visited says the same thing. I don't have a problem with it, but NO meaning? Aidynn means "Little Fire" and Grace.. well means "Grace". Hrm.

In the letter that Duane wrote me, he talks about names! (Another pleasant surprise!) He asked what I thought of the name Selene. *scrunches face* It reminds me of Celine Dion. I can't do that to my kid. At least it has a meaning though - "Moon".

*sigh*

So, I am still looking for the perfect baby name for our next daughter. I am open to suggestions if anyone has any. Of course they will be run by my husband for his approval as well. I was 8 months pregnant when we finally decided on Aidynn Grace. I still love her name.

It annoys me that people assume that she is a boy - since it is an androgynous name AND usually she is right in front of them and dressed in pink or lavender. Then again how I feel about that situation says a lot about what I think of most people in general.

So if anyone has any ideas for names please send them to me! I will appreciate it - and who knows? You might have a hand in naming the next beautiful Little Miss Stevens! ^_-