Names

A lot of other blogs/bloggers use nicknames for their kids.  A way to protect their privacy I suppose.  Keep them safe from a bunch of creepers reading about them, seeing pictures of them, AND knowing their real names.  Maybe I just don't love my kids enough that I use their real names here--though Greg and I put a lot of thought into their names and have only used family names specifically so that our children have something to live up to--high expectations--don't shame the name.  I don't really want to change their names.

But if I were to use an alias, what would it be?

My first thought for Alice was Wonderland because that's what I tell people when I introduce her.  This is Alice, like Alice in Wonderland.  (Helps people remember and, as I have been constantly reminded since I moved out of California and especially since I married a southern, I speak too quickly and I mumble, no one can understand me.)  Then I thought, well that's lame.  It's nothing new or interesting and Wonderland says nothing about Alice and her personality.  But then again it tells everything.  She is a Wonderland.  Have you ever really sat down and thought--I made that baby in my belly?  Weird yet wonderful.  At the same time, have you ever seen a baby look at anything--their hand, a toy, Daddy, a piece of dust.  Everything is fresh and new and fascinating and wonderful to babies.  So if I were to use aliases for my children, Alice would be Wonderland. (It either that or "It's a made up family name.  Greg can't spell it either and Grandpa Baker can't pronounce it" [Alice's middle name is Chlotelle] but I thought that was too long).

 When I introduce Rex, I vacillate between saying, "You know Rex, like the dinosaur."  Or "Rex, like King in Latin."  So I guess I could call Rex 'Dinosaur' and it fits.  He is everything a two-year-old boy ever has been, is, or will be.  He is energetic, crazy, destructive for the fun of it, naughty, and pushing his boundaries.  But he is also ever so sweet.  He gives hugs and kisses when needed and loves to play with his sister.   So I guess Rex be Dinosaur if we're talking about Dinosaur Train or Land Before Time dinosaurs, but those shows are irritating so I'd rather not have to think of them every time I log into Blogger.  I think of my options, King fits Rex best.  He is definitely in charge--hence he has abandoned his room entirely and now sleeps on a cot in a tent in the dining/bike room (he slept in our bed for a while and then on the cot in our room before moving into the tent). Rex decides who says the prayer at dinner.  Rex will not be bribed into anything, including but not limited to pooping on the potty (though to be sure, he has recently decided that pooping in the potty is no longer beneath him).  Some of his favorite sayings as of late, "Dad, Mom beat me all the time"--"Hold me with two hands"--"Get out of bed!"--"MILK!"--"Soun like a plan?"  To which Greg and I usually respond, "As long as he's not crying."  So yes, Rex, like any other two-year-old, rules our house.  He is the King.

Rex's cheese face.  He really wanted to play and not take pictures.

Now for Greg.  The occasional mommy blogger also blogs about the husband with such clever names as "Daddy" and "Husband." Both of which apply to Greg.  He's a good daddy.  Plays with Rex; coos at Alice.  I have Greg in my phone as "Husband"--in case I ever get sent to the ER and the doctors need to notify someone it'll be easy to figure out who.  C Jane calls her husband Chump.  Cute.  And I suppose it suits him. I do not know him.  But, I think, for Greg "Mr. Patience."  And I mean that in all seriousness, especially since we moved here.  He puts up with a lot from me.  When I get lost.  When I find evidence of a critter.  When I don't get a nap.  When I want to take pictures of everything.  When I let Rex sleep in our bed.  When I refuse to get out of bed when the baby's crying.  He's a patient man.  So, yes, Mr. Patience.

Look at that face--tolerating my silliness.

As for me, I will just stay "I."  I'm pretty sure I've never used my own name in this blog.  Besides, aside from the title, it's really about me and what's a better name for an egomaniac than "I."  So I, I will be.

And, no, I will not be posting a picture of me, because, like I said, I am the picture-taker in the family so there are no pictures of me.