When I got pregnant for the first time, I knew right away what the potential names were going to be: Addison David for a boy, and Ella Katherine if it was a girl.
These are names my now ex-husband and I began talking about as soon as we started trying to grow our family and it was just…easy.
Addison was his great-great-grandfather’s name and David was my father’s name, as well as his brother's. As far as Ella was concerned, it wasn’t a family name, but we are both Ella FItzgerald fans and I adored the name.
And the names weren't a secret — I told anyone who would listen
I wasn’t shy about talking names, nor was I afraid anyone would use them. I knew with all my heart and soul those would be our kids’ names. Even if 10 of my friends decided to "steal" our names (PSA: You can’t steal a name, they are free for the taking), I wouldn’t have wavered. I know this is an unpopular opinion and if you want to keep your future kid’s name to yourself until they're born, that's your choice. It just wasn’t the choice for me.
I couldn’t wait to find out the sex either and told anyone who wanted to hear. The way I looked at it is this: If they were wrong and told me it was going to be a boy when it was really a girl (or visa versa), it would just be another surprise. Also, does it really matter? Kids get to decide what sex they are when it comes down to it.
Same goes for their names. My son can change his name if he wants. Not to mention, no one calls him by that name anyway. The nicknames are plentiful in this house and among his friends.
I just had other things on my mind when I was pregnant
Like when I could eat another brownie, and if I had enough clean underwear to make it through the day because I peed my pants at every turn.
If someone wanted to name their baby the same as mine, that’s great! After all, I went to high school with about 10 Katies and it didn’t alter my life in any way at all.
Our kids are resilient
They don’t care if someone has their name — it seems to be the parents who are the ones that are bothered.
My three kids are named Addison, Anna and Jack. I can’t tell you how many people we know with the same names, and guess what? It hasn't made the least bit of difference in our lives.
So, I’ll gladly share my kids’ names. And I won’t care if you want to give your kid the same name. I guess I’m just a good friend like that.
However, the sharing stops at my french fries and desserts. Don’t ever suggest I share those things with you, or I’ll pop off like you’ve never seen anyone pop off before.
The names you can take, but the food? You better get your own.
