Baby Names?

By popular demand (mostly just from Kristen), I'm sharing with you one of the most difficult parts of having a baby. The name game.

Good gracious, is there a lot of pressure with this. So many unspoken rules... you know what I'm talking about.

You have to come up with something that not only you can easily live with for the rest of your life, but your child too. It's can't rhyme with anything obscene (because of the name game song - you know how kids are.). It can't sound too old-fashioned, too boring, or too made-up. It can't be too trendy or too off-the-wall. It has to fit well with your last name and the rest of the family. The last sound of the first name can't be the same as the first sound of the last name. It can't be a duplicate of any other family member or close friend. And it most certainly can't remind you of anyone who brings up unpleasant memories. Like that one guy in high school who used to beat you up, or the girl in your kindergarten class who used to pee her pants at nap time, or your great-aunt who, to this day, still smokes pot (btw, that's a true story for another time).

Plus, there's the issue of you and your spouse both agreeing to the name. Because as I've discovered from past experience, it can take months to convince a husband you were right in the first place about the name you always wanted for you son. :)

So, taking all this into consideration, I tossed out the idea to Manny that we should each make a list of our top favorite names secretly. Then when we compare our lists, if there are any that appear on both, that's the name. It should be easy to decide that way. Only problem here is that he has to "think about it" long and hard before even writing down his list. And since I know the chance of his reading this blog is about as likely as his volunteering to paint my toenails (and boy do they need it bad!), I'll just share what I've come up with so far.

I reserve the right to change my mind at any time. And without further adieu... (not in any particular order)

1. Judah
2. Isaiah
3. Malachi
4. Ezra
5. Asher
6. Gideon
7. Jude
8. Israel
9. Ephraim
   
10. Josiah
11. Reuben

Ok, now I'd like some feedback. Suggestions? Ideas?
Please and thank you.

P.S. Happy 18 weeks to baby "G". Belly shot coming soon.