Two years ago, Nina was six months pregnant with Caroline. Caroline hid the goods every time Nina had an ultrasound, so Nina did not yet know whether Caroline was a girl or a boy. Not wanting to call Caroline "it," Nina gave Caroline the gender-neutral nickname "Squishy," which could be either "Squish-he" or "Squish-she."
Fast forward nearly two years to the early stages of our pregnancy. I immediately began referring to our tiny baby as "Little Littlefield," but as if "Littlefield" isn't enough already.... As Nina & Lital were in on "the secret" practically since the day we discovered we were pregnant, they began brainstorming for a shorter, easier-to-say, gender-neutral nickname for Little Littlefield.
Nina, knowing that I am a huge Winnie the Pooh fan (in true Miller family fashion), generously gifted a Classic Pooh Newborn Cap, Pacifier and Pacifier Attacher with an adorable Winnie the Pooh card that read: "A little something for your little pooh-bear." I loved it! (You can bet the Newborn Cap is going to be packed in the hospital bag!)
At about the same time and completely independent of Nina, Lital also gave Little Littlefield her own nickname. Tired of saying and writing "s/he," "him/her" and "it," Lital simply began referring to Little Littlefield as "Peanut."
I subtly tested the two nicknames on Prescott and my mom by using them in conversation. I have no idea why, but Lital's nickname "Peanut" stuck. (And I am afraid that no matter what name we choose, in some circles, Peanut will forever be known as Peanut).
No comments:
Post a Comment