A Grandparent Before 40: And Adian is His Name-O

When you have a surprise baby, there's no planning. You're not able to prepare for the big things, like a crib, high chairs, changing tables, diapers, blankies, booties, ear wax removal kits (everyone gets one of those, right?).

There's also no time to choose a name.

I guess it's lucky, then, that Nikki didn't have to suffer through the "name game" ordeal. In fact, I think Nikki may have had the easiest time choosing a name than any other parent I've known.

After arriving at the hospital, establishing that both Nikki and her baby boy were okay, naturally, the first thing I asked her was, "What are you going to name him?" I don't remember the exact name she suggested. All I remember was that it was awful!

Of course, I didn't want to hurt Nikki's feelings, so I made the mmhhmm sound and stayed quiet for a minute. Then I said, "What about Aidan"? This was a name I loved for many years, and since my husband's roots come straight from Ireland, I thought it was a good fit.

Nikki thought for about half a second. Then she said, "Aidan it is!" About three seconds later, she looked at the tiny baby in her arms and said, "Hello Aidan Lee McCormack." And that was that.

Did any of you spend agonizing hours trying to find the perfect name? Trying this one and that one on for size? Did anyone else pick a name and then try to find the most horrible rhyming words possible to help your child avoid being bullied at school?

I hope so. Otherwise, I feel very alone! Share your naming nightmares and help me feel a little better about the stress I brought on myself while I was choosing names for my daughter.

I guess it's only fair that since she endured hours of labor alone, on a bedroom floor, that Nikki had an easy time picking a name. I feel honored that Nikki barely had to think about choosing the name I suggested. Lee, in case anyone is wondering, is Nikki's dad's middle name. So Tim and I were privileged enough to have some influence in the name of our grandchild.

With all the names and spellings in the world today, I thought it'd be nice to post a link to a baby naming website. This site not only suggests names, but gives advice on how to choose a name, and gives meanings, origins, and inspirations for baby names. It's called Baby Center. Feel free to pass it on. Facebook it, Twitter it, Google+ it, or Reddit it! Most of all, Aidan says have fun with it.