Several have tried to guess. About six people have claimed they just want her initials so that they can get her gift monogramed. None of these people actaully could tell me what they were going to get monogramed. Some of my friends are down right irritated as if not telling them is a betrayal. "You can tell MEEE!" they whine.

It's no secret, however, that I love unusual names. Every child is unique and what better way to show your appreciation of your child's unique gifts and personality by giving him/her a name that is easily remembered and has special meaning and sentiment?
Names I adore-

Rhett = my friends Geno and Michelle's new son
Israel = a minister/counselor I knew in OKC
London = the new daughter of fellow poet Kevin in LA
Garland = real first name of my friend Mitch in TX
Petra = daughter of scientist and friend Anthea in OKC
East - my current neighbor
Willow - woman in my birthing class
Jubei - friend in Detroit

If it weren't for the recent arrest of Leif Garrett, the name Leaf would still be on my top ten list.

I realize our daughter stands a good chance of hitting that "I hate my name" phase like many kids do. For a while in junior high I thought my mother had made a serious mistake by not naming me Jessica. Luckily, I had just enough confidence to snap out of it and appreciate the fact that I would almost always be remembered easily - if only beacause there is never more than one "Penny" at a party.

I like to think that our daughter will turn to me one day and sincerely thank me for honoring her individuality right from the start. I know I've told my mom this more than a few times. Seriously anyway - Jessica's Milk Memo's just doesn't sound as cool.

The behavioral scientist part of me wants to know, though - How/ why did your parents name you what they did?