mr wrigglebot » Top 10 http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog The epic adventures of the mum and the wrigglebot. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:46:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 10 guidelines for naming your child (remembering that baby grows into adult) http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/10-guidelines-for-naming-your-child-remembering-that-baby-grows-into-adult/ http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/10-guidelines-for-naming-your-child-remembering-that-baby-grows-into-adult/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2007 05:36:11 +0000 chelle http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/10-guidelines-for-naming-your-child-remembering-that-baby-grows-into-adult/ I found it a huge weight to be responsible for naming a child. Names have such power and connotations and when one is named generally that name stays for life and perhaps even longer into history. Here is the process that I came up with, I do tend to over analyze a little.

1. How does the name sound? I like soft shh sounds, and I don’t like the harsh ch but it is about the whole package.

2. What is the meaning of the name?

3. How popular is the name? This shouldn’t really matter but I wanted my baby to feel unique in his name if possible.

4. Does this name bring up any bad connotations for me? In other words does anyone I dislike have this name and thus I would always be reminded of them.

5. How could the name be shortened? What will the initials be and what words is it similar to or rhyme with? This is an extremely necessary step as your child should go through schooling without being bullied or teased.

6. Can your child be both an actor and a lawyer with this name? You couldn’t imagine a Poppy as a UN representative for example.

7. Do you want to honour anyone with your child’s name? Middle names are a great place to do this.

8. How do you want to spell it? I personally prefer traditional or phonetic spelling (this coming from a teacher who is sick of getting roles and not knowing whether Rion is Ryan or if it rhymes with Dion).

9. Do you and the father agree? You really don’t want an ‘I told you so’ when the child reaches puberty.

10. Are you excited about telling people the name? If so you probably have it right.

Sorry I forgot my main bold italicized guideline that I made up for my husband:

No names from Star Wars or Lord of the Rings
And so after this lengthy process my husband and I decided that if our baby was a boy then he could have the say in the name (with some consultation, see above stipulation). He came up with Oxford Lewis. Lewis after CS Lewis and Oxford because he wants our son to be called Ford after Harrison Ford of Star Wars and Indiana Jones fame (it was only just allowed); he didn’t want the car connotation from just calling him Ford and so Oxford it was. Yeah we do get some funny looks because everyone has an opinion but now the name has settled down and people are used to it and he did become Ford and not Oxford. I must admit here that I am secretly scared that he will end up getting called Ox but I think I kind of deserve that one for not taking into account one of my own guidelines.

]]> http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/10-guidelines-for-naming-your-child-remembering-that-baby-grows-into-adult/feed/ 1 Top 10 Usable Baby Gifts http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/top-10-usable-baby-gifts/ http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/2007/top-10-usable-baby-gifts/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:02:48 +0000 chelle http://mrwrigglebot.com/blog/?p=15 I have boxes of presents that I recieved from wellmeaning people at the time of the birth that are still sealed and unused. From unpractical clothes to a zillion bottles of baby lotion and powder to at least five little cutesy photo frames that I would never dare put on public display. So in the interest of those who don’t want to put on fake smiles and say an insincere thankyou here are my top ten baby gifts, some aren’t exciting but will be used.

1. Cloth nappies- I don’t use them as nappies but you always need something to quickly wipe up a spill or spew, I never leave home without one.

2. Grow suits in a variety of sizes- Forget cute clothes with zips that cut and flaps that they suck, simple grow suits or jump suits are the best, easy to change baby as well.

3. Baby sleeping bag- As Mr Wrigglebot grew there was no way to keep him confined under blankets hence the sleeping bag and he squirms his night away in warmth.

4. A play mat- Otherwise known as carpet protection for before they are mobile.

5. A Jolly Jumper- Endless hours of entertainment for the baby, encouraging mobility and coordination and it is fun to watch not to mention it gives you time to get the dishes done.

6. A good nappy bag- This will be carried around for at least two years so it is an idea to get something that is not cringe worthy and has plenty of room.

7. The beginning of a library- Any books are great, they can grow into them, for boys I particularly like ‘The Dangerous book for Boys’

8. A cookbook for baby and toddler foods with baby sized tupperware (or similar) containers- It won’t be used straight away but will be invaluable when eating begins, look for simple but varied recipes in the cook books.

9. Baby moniter- Only if house requires this.

10. Disposable nappies and wipes- If you are really stuck these will definately be used.

Now I admit that some of these are quite boring but they will be used. Other options include a tree or a star (have it named after the baby). So feel free all my friends to refer to this list when the next baby comes along and if you feel like being creative and wacky please ask yourself, will this be used? Can a nappy be changed easily with this clothing? Does this take only a little space? and if the answer is no to all of the above then it better be very very very cool or able to be sold on ebay.

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