What's in a name?

I am taking a short break from my "clutter clearing, house organizing, furniture sanding, life altering home make over nesting" mania to vent about my latest mental challenge. I am completely conflicted over the name of this baby! We have narrowed it down to two, possibly three combinations. Why is this so hard for me? Why can't I just pick one out of a hat and be happy? I have never struggled over names like this. The first two ( Sara Kolby and Rhett Thomas) were easy to come up with for us. We agreed immediately. I love my kids names.

There were some grumbles when I insisted that Kolby be called Kolby and not Sara. I like the name Sara and all, in fact it was a tribute to my sister Sari and the many Sarahs in my family tree. But I wanted her called Kolby. Originally I wanted to name Kolby Shelby, but there were lots of Shelbys and my cousin named her dog that. I couldn't name my first born after a dog. I came across the boy name Colby and decided it sounded like a girl name to me. I also wanted Kolby to have my initials, SKG. AND Kolby Sara just didn't sound right. So, much to my in-laws chagrin, we call our daughter by her middle name. Who made the rule that you had to be called by your first name? Think outside the box people! (end rant)

Rhett's name was also easy. As far back as I can remember I have always loved the name Rhett. I had a good friend named Rhett. He was one of two people who I had a class with every year from first grade until we graduated from High School. Rhett was the life of the party and the nicest, most fun, guy. He was actually related to some of my relatives, so we kidded about being cousins. Rhett was the kind of guy I would have loved to have had for a brother. He reminded me a lot of my cousin Robby. Everyone liked Rhett. Tragically, Rhett was killed in a car wreck in college. I wrote his sweet Mom and Dad when my Rhett was born. They were thrilled to hear of another little Rhett and we still keep in touch now through Christmas cards. Thomas is Rob's middle name and my sweet grandaddy's first name...Although he was called Caskey, his middle name, his whole life. Rhett and Rob share the monogram RTG.

Now here we are on baby number three. Again one of my family member's has named their dog a name I would really like to use. Rob doesn't want his daughter sharing the name of a dog. The name I like the best is beautiful but again, I want the baby called by the middle name if we use this one. Rob isn't too sure he wants to do that again. Then there are some family names, but I'm not so sure I like them as much. Kolby likes my favorite name, Rhett likes Rob's preferred name of the moment...Though it is really Rob's third choice name because I nixed the other two. Rob said he would be fine with whatever I decide...but I want him to like the name as much as I do.

So we have six weeks to decide and I have no idea what will change that will make us pick a name. Would it be too much to give the baby 4 names? Yeah, I thought so! Let me know how you decided on your kids names. Any secrets or hints?

Back to the nesting phase....
Have a great weekend!

PS Want to see how common or uncommom your name is? Go look at this site! I have been spending lots of time here lately!