Well for my little family it's because of several things. One: I don't want the name to remind me of someone else. Two: Charlie's a cop. So he says the name can't be the name of someone he's arrested. And Three: Naming the second kid of the same gender is just flat out harder.
With Paisley, it didn't seem this difficult. I had always loved that name. However, when I loved it, it wasn't quite as popular as it is now! I still love, love, love Paisley's name and I think it suits her perfectly. But now, my assumption that she would be the only one in her class or school with her name, is becoming more and more unrealistic! Which is OK. But now, with baby girl # 2 on the way, it seemed like more of a struggle. I felt like I needed to have "that feeling" again, like I did with Paisley. That "this is her name, no question" feeling. It took awhile for me to realize that I wouldn't. As little girls we grow up naming our baby dolls and even through junior high and high school we have "that name" for our future babies. But it's normally a boy name and a girl name. Not two girl names or two boy names. So once we found out the gender of baby number two, the struggle began.
My mom didn't have a problem with it being baby girl # 2. Nor did she have a problem coming up with and suggesting a name, or seventy two. :) There was one name she suggested at the very beginning and Charlie was on board right away. I, however, was still waiting for "that feeling". I would throw out some name ideas, and Charlie would shoot them down and vice-versa. But he always came back to that one name my mom suggested. I wasn't convinced. Then, one night we were sitting on the couch shooting each other's names down and talking to Paisley about her baby sister. Charlie, once again, said he was set on my mom's name suggestion. So, I looked at Paisley and asked her if she liked the name "______". Without hesitation, she pointed to my belly and said....
"Gutheee!"
It was like God said "ok, you really need to have 'that feeling'? I'll show you feeling!"
And, that was it. Her name was, without a doubt, going to be Guthrie....or Gutheeeee! :) Guthrie Caroline to be exact!
No, we didn't just throw random letters together to make up a name. It's a place on the map. A real place.
It's a place of about 1,500 people. More importantly, it's a place that holds a special place in the hearts of my family members. And, we're all about special heart places in this family. Paisley's middle name is Joyce, after my great grandma who turned 87 last week! We're beyond blessed to have 5 generations and cherish the fact that Paisley knows who her Great-Great Grandma is!
My Great Grandma and Great Grandpa used to claim a portion of that little population. "Guthrie" was a word I heard a lot of growing up. My Great-Grandpa's job led them to Kentucky and they lived there for several years. My Mom, Aunt and Grandparents spent a lot of time there visiting them. A lot of memories were made and a lot of photo's are cherished from that little ol' town.
Being able to give both of my girls a name that means something, was important to me. Knowing they're both named after their Great-Great Grandma is something very special. And as they grow up, when someone asks about their name, they'll have a great story to tell and a wonderful lady to reference.
Not only am I extremely grateful for my Great-Grandma, I'm also extremely grateful for my Grandma who just so happens to be an awesome crafter, sewer, seamstress, embroiderer, etc. From the moment I found out baby #2 was on the way, she started making bibs and burp cloths and blankets! My children will always have a monogrammed holiday shirt to wear and a personalized burp cloth to spit up on and I totally love it!!!!
And, just possibly my favorite of them all...
Do you remember our "Family Number System"? You can refresh your memory here.
So, there it is. Our big name reveal for our sweet Guthrie Caroline. Only about 5 more weeks (or less) until she makes her big appearance! We're getting more excited by the minute. And, more nervous too, considering our remodel is still a work-in-progress!
Hope y'all have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by today!
