What’s in a Name?

I haven’t really talked about it too much on the blog, but getting Nick to talk about baby names had been like trying to pull teeth. 

Every time I’d bring it up, he didn’t want to talk about it or said he wasn’t ready. 

It frustrated me to no end. 

I gave him a list of names I really liked and asked him to write me a list. I figured we could compare lists and narrow down some options. I told him I didn’t think it’d be one quick conversation and baby would be named. It would likely evolve over time. 

When I mentioned his writing me a list, he said there was no need. There were some names on my list he liked, and one he really liked. 

“Great!” was my response. “Which one did you really like?”

“I’ll tell you,” Nick said coyly. “Eventually.”

Me: **Rolled eyes**

Something about Nick you might not know is that he LOVES surprises. Even with the most mundane things (think, he’s off for a weekend he was originally scheduled to work, or he’s getting a haircut). Every. Little. Thing. Has to be a surprise. 

Now, I love surprises – for big things. But it can get frustrating when it’s the little stuff. Or stuff I think is really important to know (like what you might potentially name your child!).

And I have a history of losing patience and getting fed up right before the surprise happens. (Mature, I know. And I promise, I’m working on it.)

I had a suspicion Nick was waiting until Christmas to talk to me about names, but I was getting bombarded with questions from everyone – friends, family, coworkers – and it was starting to get frustrating. 

One coworker had suggested we try the “Kinder” app. It allows you to swipe right on names you like and swipe left on names you don’t like. It then compares what you and your partner liked and shows you your favorites. 

I thought this might be a fun app for both Nick and I – even if he did have a surprise up his sleeve, but he wouldn’t budge. 

So, as per my usual, I got fed up on Christmas Eve. I went up to our room, locked the door, took a two-hour nap, and then took a shower.

After that, I felt somewhat better. And while I know it’s not the most mature reaction, I’d also like to remind everyone there are some pregnancy hormones I’m currently dealing with. 

Anyway, after my nap and shower, I got over myself and got back in the holiday spirit. 

The next morning, we opened up our presents. Nick had bought me a nice purse, but he was sure to point out there was something else in the box. And, sure enough, there it was. My list of baby names!

I knew he had texted my sister asking about family names, so I was curious which of those family names would make it to his list. 

The #1 name on his list was Rowan (it was his favorite from my list), and #2 was Dennis. Dennis was the family name; it was my grandpa’s name and is my dad’s middle name. It hadn’t really been on my radar before reading Nick’s list.

And then I read them in order: “Rowan Dennis.”

I’d heard from some friends that when you hear the name, you just know. And I was honestly a bit skeptical… until it happened to me. 

I said it again, “Rowan Dennis.” 

“Rowan Dennis is a nice name,” I told Nick. 

“I thought so, too,” was his reply. “And I like that it’s the same initials as my brother – RDJ.”

And just like that, Baby Jackson has a name!

For anyone who’s curious, here’s both of our lists. Nick’s started to get silly toward the end. He even admitted as much.