Baby names

      I have always taken naming my children EXTREMELY serious. After all our children will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. And I don't want my children to resent my choice that I have made. So here are a few things I consider when choosing a name for my kiddo's.

1. How does the name sound ?
     When choosing a name I always say a potential name out loud. Does it sound pleasing ? It doesn't sound like something unpleasant ? ( I liked the name Ashlynn but hubby quickly said when some people say the name it sounds like they are saying Asslynn) I also see if it goes with my other children's names. Some names just don't sound right when saying all the kid's names together. I also try to think about if when the child reaches school age is the name teasable ? Yes I said teasable ( again the name Ashlynn LOL)

2. The meaning of the name
      To some this is very important, to others it is not. For our family it is not a "important" factor. But at times we have used this as a tie breaker if we can't choose between 2 or more names. I do know a few family's though that take this part extremely serious and even have name meaning themes for their children.

3. Is the name gender appropriate
       Even though I know that it is rather common today for unisex names ( and actually have a few on my list this time around) You surely wouldn't want to name your beautiful daughter Larry, or your handsome son Anna LOL.

4. Is the name popular ? But not to popular ?
     I have noticed that a lot while out in public hearing more then one child within a hour named the same name. At the gym daycare there are several children by the same name. In this case I noticed they are called by there first and last name (which seems to be very confusing for preschool age children) I have chosen several names off of the most popular names list, but am seriously reconsidering it now !!!

5. Is the name age appropriate for all ages ?
     I always try to remember that my child will be living with this name for their ENTIRE lives. When considering a name I try to picture my child in several stages of life. Is the name fit for a Infant, toddler, elementary age, teenager, adult, and when they become a grandparent ?

  6. Does the spouse like the name ?
      Joel and I have always chosen our children's name together. Yes at times we both like completely different names, but we always move on to another name that we BOTH agree on. Sometimes it takes awhile but I don't want to choose a name for OUR child that my hubby does not like.

7. Don't let others discourage you
     When choosing a name for your child don't let family and friends discourage you from a name that you and your spouse really like. Everyone has different tastes in names, and if you and your spouse have chosen a name and someone says they don't like it don't let it change your mind. I recently shared some names we were considering with a family member and they told me they didn't like any of those name and the proceeded to give me a list of names they liked. I was hurt that they didn't like the names we were considering. But later realized so what we like those names and that's what counts ! A way I am preventing this from happening from now on is not sharing our baby's name until after he or she is born.

8. Have fun
    Last but not least Relax and enjoy choosing your baby's name with your spouse. I love laying in bed at night rambling of names to each other. Just have fun and don't stress over it !!