You all are the best. Thank you for sending in so much help with naming our baby. Now, let’s have some fun. In case you don’t want to read through the few dozen name suggestions, I will give you the highlights in no particular order:

Best variety
Mrs. Jo with seven different ways to spell Alaythea.

Best encouragement
Roberta with, “I’m sure as soon as you see her all thoughts of vomit will be far from your mind.”

Best “now why didn’t I think of that” comment
Senga with this: “You could follow the old tradition in my homeland - the Shetland Islands - and just add -ina to your boy’s name e.g. Thomasina, Peterina, Hughina (or maybe not!!!).”

Should write her own baby naming book
Amie with 22 suggestions

Best play for a prize
Cathy, who probably doesn’t stand a chance with Elizabeth, The Monk’s Wife, and Valerie in the crowd

Biggest stretch
C. Hays with “Carolina” because “Weren’t the Carolinas on your short list of places to look for land? As for meaning, you could tell young Carolina that her family *almost* moved there when she was a baby, but you chose Kentucky instead, and Kentucky just doesn’t sound right, even though it possesses the three syllables, and could be meaningful, but Kentucky Scott?…”

Least shame
Elizabeth, who was the first of dozens to suggest her own name

No words…
Connie at Smockity Frocks with…Medulla Oblongata

Menfolk who are apparently secure in their masculinity
Nigel, Tim Challies, Greg (who called the contest null and void in comment #95), and Occasional Male Reader

Best effort
Rachel with this entry: “‘Aumoe’ means ‘time to sleep’. Plus it can be used for either gender. (Maybe you should just tack it on the end of everyone’s name. Kinda like a built-in insurance policy.) ‘Quiterie’ apparently means ‘quiet’, which could be really helpful. And now saving the best for last: ‘Junko’ apparently means ‘Child of obedience’ in Japanese. I say you should name this one (whether pink or blue): ‘Junko Quiterie Aumoe Scott’ and you’ll have created the perfect baby.”

Utter disregard for rules and civility
Heather with: “Erica Hope Scott….And she shall be born on Nov. 10, which is my husband (Eric)’s birthday. When this comes to pass, and you name her Erica, we shall bequeath to you our docile outdoor cat, in exchange for your dog.” Heather, the dog is free; no need to be a winner!

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Please send your protesting to amy@fake-email.com and I will address your concerns promptly! Seriously, thanks for your kind words, suggestions, and thoughtfulness. A change of plans means that we’re going to the hospital for this birth, but I plan to send updates as we’re able. Family and friends, don’t make me say, “Don’t you read my blog?!” or at least don’t screen my calls out, alright?

Alright. I’m ready.

Baby name

I didn’t steal it: Used with permission.