Now that my daughter's friends are having babies, it seems only natural that our conversations of late have encompassed all manner of pregnancy, parenting, and choosing baby names.
This baby-naming talk led me to remember when my daughter was born. My dad had decided that my husband Stan and I (known as Con by my family and friends) should name her Opal so that the three of us could be referred to as Constantinople.
Dad was so pleased with himself for this bit of wit; he always had a quick comeback for everything. The two of us had such fun trying to outdo each other in the witty department. He died sixteen years ago and I still miss him so much. He certainly was not the perfect parent, but I realize how very fortunate I was to always be assured of his love.
When it comes right down to it, most of us will agree that the hardest part of having babies is actually doing the parenting. In truth this is the most difficult job most of us will ever have to do. No matter how well one has prepared, the only sure way to attempt this awesome task is to look to the ultimate Father, the Giver of unconditional love.
LOL - Bapa was quite a witty man in his humor!
ReplyDeleteI surely do wish I could have known him better, as I was only 9 when he died. I know Jared doesn't remember him at all, so at least I have some vague memories.
Needless to say, I'm glad you didn't name me Opal.
I'm glad I am not one of my friends having a baby. I don't feel ready right just yet for a number of reasons, but Ben and I do realize as you are pointing out that one is never truly prepared. We will be looking to God, for certain.
Oh, my word! Constantinople? I laughed so hard I choked! He must have been a truly humorous individual. Somehow, I can't see Tara as an "Opal".
ReplyDeleteYour dad sounds like he was a really neat man with a fun sense of humor. Constantinople made me laugh! I can't even begin to imagine Tara being named Opal.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHA!!! I'm going to start calling Tara Opal just to see her reaction. Oh man...Tara is a much better choice, but this is a fantastic memory.
ReplyDeleteMy parents liked the name Amanda...until they realized that my initials would be A.S.S. :) Needless to say, I'm glad they chose Becky instead. At least now I can enjoy initialing things (BS). :)
As one of "Tara's friends having babies," I just want to say that I appreciate this post, because it's true - the scariest part of all of this is the part that comes after the most physically painful aspect: the labour. Being a good parent is every parent's dream, and we are no different. But I truly believe that it's those that stress and cry and pray about it that do a much better job at it than those who think, "Wow, this is a cinch! I'll be fine!"