What's in a name?

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet."

Every year I teach Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet to freshmen. I'm teaching it right now. It's a challenge, but I really enjoy it. Most students end up getting a big boost of confidence as they make it through and understand a Shakespearean play. Some of the lines we look at are the ones above about names. One of the reasons their love is doomed from the start is because Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet; their families are long standing enemies. As they quickly fall in love, they wish names weren't important. The lines above explain that a rose would still be a beautiful rose even if it was called something else. Unfortunately, it's not so simple for them. I think we all know how it ends.

Names are of course taking on a whole new meaning for us right now. I'm pretty sure we have a name selected for our "Little Stinker." It's a big responsibility! At this point, sometimes I question our choice, but I think it's only when I focus on the enormity of the decision. Jon seems more sure, so that is comforting.

For those of you wondering and haven't asked yet, we have decided to keep his name a secret. I get asked by curious students everyday at school. And my mom wins the grand prize for trying to figure it out. She asks questions such as: "What letter does it start with? How many letters are in the name? The nickname?" In Disney World, she also offered to buy a really cute name print for us, but we would of course had to reveal the name. Both Jon and I have resisted the pressure, and we haven't slipped yet either.

Our three year old nephew, Braden, also weighed in on the name topic this week. When Pam asked him what he thought his new cousin's name should be, he replied "Pablo" without hesitation.

Thanks for all of your concern this week about my cold and Jon's thumb. We're both on the mend, and we are LOVING this warmer weather. We're at the Raterink Cottage putting in the dock and shore station. Well, I'm not any help and Jon isn't contributing 100% either, but on days like today you realize that summer can't be far off.

Enjoy your warm weekend!