How fun is it to name imaginary babies? And how STRESSFUL can naming real ones be?! I am almost half way through my pregnancy (next week will be 20 weeks), and William and I have known we were having a boy for about 6-7 weeks. Over the last 6 weeks, I cannot tell you how many times we have tormented over names with each other, with family, and with Google. Lol. We still don't know for sure what we are naming him, but we do keep coming back to one or two names in particular over the last several weeks. We have been tossing one of them around with different middle names, making up nicknames for him, and imagining how our 2 year old, Hanson, will pronounce his name or what he'll call him. But, we haven't quite bit the bullet on one. We've discussed our thoughts on this name with some family and it is so heartbreaking when they don't share the same sentiments as us, and so much fun when light fills their eyes and you can tell they genuinely love it. I know it shouldn't really matter what anyone's opinion is, and that they've either had their turn at naming babies or will probably get that chance in the future, but I think the approval I'm seeking in others is really just my deep desire to do this baby boy justice in every way that I can as a mother, even down to the name I choose for him. When naming our babies, we really want to name them something unique, but not weird, and special, but not necessarily name-saking them after anyone. It's important to me for them to feel like they have their own chance to make an impact on the world, but we have had some incredible family that we would also love to honor. And many of them have really cool names as well. It's a very tough balance to make. This past week, I put up the question feature on Instagram for cool name suggestions and I got so many responses and requests to share the list. I compiled them on a document and I'll attach them below. One suggestion I repeatedly receive is that we should name him after my father, LaRue. His death still just stings so bad that I'm just not sure I can call anyone by that name, but I'm warming up to using it as a middle name. The way I feel is hard to explain! I wish I could. And, no. The two names we've been thinking about are not on the list :) Out of all of the suggestions I've gotten, no one has suggested it, which either proves that it's unique and perfect for him, or that it's too ~weird~ and that I probably need to reconsider. To be determined at a later date! Thank you to all who participated! This was so much fun to do. I would love it if you left a comment on your favorite from the list or if you have a new addition to it that I should consider. xoxo, Holly Harrell