With my sweet Sophie Lu (who was all dressed up in her pettiskirt for a photo shoot)! She is SO excited to meet her baby sister and is having a hard time waiting. She says, "Waiting is so hard, Mama!" *I took these photos with my remote... I only wish I could get Ollie to be still for 30 seconds... :)
36 weeks pregnant!!! And these pictures don't show nearly how HUGE my belly is- I really am getting big. Only one more week and I'll be considered "full-term"! The kitten weighs around 6 pounds and is about 18 1/2 inches long! I'm starting to feel better- both physically and emotionally. Actually, I'm kind of glad I got so sick (our whole house was sick) because I got it out of the way and will probably have a healthy household for a while after the kitten is born. We also got the earthquake out of the way- so hopefully no shaking for a while either. :)
We had our last pre-labor meeting with our Doula this morning and saw some very interesting movies. ;) Tomorrow, I have an OB appointment- she will check the baby's position and also test me for group B strep. I really hope I don't have it, because if I do- I probably won't be able to labor at home for as long as I'd like to (because I'll be getting IV / antiobiotics). I heard the rate of GBS positive is around 60%, so the odds are not in my favor. We'll see what happens, though- I think the results take several days to come in... In any case, if anything interesting is revealed tomorrow, I'll post an update to this post right away.
I'm not sure if anyone else experienced this, but for some reason- I have a hard time referring to the kitten as "Annalisa". And when other people do it, it doesn't sound right to me! This didn't happen with Sophie or Oliver, so I'm wondering if we chose the right name. I still really like Sasha (even though half of the world seems have a pet with that name), and I also like Lili (but Sophie, Ollie, Lili- I don't know if I like all three names to end w/ the same sound). You know, I think I'm really liking Sasha the best now. Sasha Li. Or maybe even Sasha Lili. Sophie...Ollie...Sasha... It sounds pretty to me, and I love the letters in that name. Also- the three first letters spell SOS- which is funny and appropriate for having three kids- lol. :) I just don't know what to do, and I wish I felt free to give her a name based on how I feel when she arrives. But Sophie Lu is SO stuck on Annalisa. Yes, I'm the one that came up with that name, but she really likes it. She won't hear of any other names. She would get over it though, if we changed the name, right? I still love the name Annalisa but it just isn't feeling right, and I'm very worried that it will get shortened, and I do NOT want that. Any thoughts? And just for fun- a poll on the right... :)
Thanks again to everyone for the sweet words and kind wishes regarding my kitty Alex, etc. The comments/emails really helped me feel better. :)
*name info update: Dale just sent me this link she found on Jonni's blog. Dale, like many others, thought Sasha was mostly a boy's name, but here is what the site revealed:
"There are 15,243 people in the U.S. with the first name Sasha.
Statistically the 1495th most popular first name.
More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name Sasha are female."
I do know that Sasha is a nickname for the name Alexander in Russia- but here, it's really a girls' name. That makes me feel even more better about it! Thanks, Dale & Jonni!
137 comments:
What beautiful pictures. You are getting so close and are looking great. You always have that beautiful "glow" to you!! Sophie is going to be a great big sister to the baby. I cant wait to see a updated picture of Ollie....he must be getting so big!!!
As for the name......I like Sasha the best too. I'm not a fan of Annalisa (too many names in there), but Sasha Li is beautiful!! And Sophie, Ollie and Shasha sounds great!!!
I had Kenzie picked out for Channing. I too had a hard time saying the name and hearing the name sounded aweful. So thats when I changed to Channing. No regrets!!!
Take care & good luck.
Can you name her Annalisa Li and just call her Lili for short!! That way you keep the name Sophie loves and you get Lili too! Or what about Annalisa Sasha Li! Our daughters are named Caroline Victoria and Lindsey Marie. And if we had had another child I LOVE the name Isley. Just some ideas! So happy that things are going better now. YOu look positively radiant and Sophie Lu does too!!
Susan in Boston
How about Serena. It sounds dainty and peaceful...and beautiful...and goes well with Sophie and Ollie.
I believe Annalisa will be shortened to Anna or Lisa by people. At the very least, it will require you to be correcting people often...which is only a problem if you mind.
I have to remind(I don't mind) people to call me Elizabeth...most still try to call me beth,liz, liza.
I always get...do you have a nick-name...as though the extra letters are too much to say.
If you are worried about Sophie not liking your name choice, you can adopt a pet just for her before the birth... that is surprisingly :) already named Annalisa. I know you just recently lost your beloved kitty, and it might be too soon to add another pet...just a thought.
Can't wait to see your precious baby...take care.
Elizabeth
Honestly, yes, she will get over it. I would advise to name her what you feel is right. My SIL let her daughters name the siblings and they had names like Yeshua, Jedidiah, etc. Not easy names for the the brothers!
I voted for Sasha because if you are feeling that strongly now, it probably isn't going to change. I would hate for you to regret not naming her the name you really love. How about you go out and let Sophie choose a really sweet new baby doll that she will receive the day The Kitten arrives that she can care for and she can name Annalisa. She can have a diaper bag and all the essentials. She will get used to the name Sasha very quickly and she will be so in love with the baby that she won't care in no time!
Keri
I am so happy for you. I love the pics. You and Sophie are so beautiful! I like the name Sasha and Lilli and Annalisa... guess I am no help huh? Hey, how about Mary? LOL- Actually my favorite name is Sarah. I think it is nice for a girl and a woman. Here in Texas you just have to imagine yourself standing in the back door of your double wide hollering the following"{fill in the name}, get in that back yard!"
Beautiful photos.
What about Sasha Annalisa? That allows Sophie to maintain her connection to the name she loves as well as still having the honor and pride of being able to help name her baby sister.
All of the names are nice but I think that Lili and Ollie are too close.
I voted for Sasha! I think it's a beautiful name. Would you still be adding the Chinese name? Sasha Li Shan is soooo beautiful. I think Sophie will "get over it" quickly when she sees her little sister. :-)
M.
so glad you are feeling better...
i had so many different names everytime I thought I was going to get pg for the various deters I took before we adopted T..and every time i mentioned a name I was considering and someone used it I stopped using it. So I did not tell a sole what T's name would be until we got her referral photo. Even though I heard many silences on the other end of phone lines. But it was her name the name that my hubby and I agreed on and it was right for her and I love it and now everyone else does too. All of that to say I am so not into revealing names before and getting everyone's opinions for so many reasons. I think it is fine to wait until she is born and you will find the name that feels perfect. Also not that hard to keep a full name that way you just keep correcting people until they say it right!
You look radiant!
K.xx
Shana,
Just wanted you to know that I have prayed for you every time you came to mind! I'm so glad that you're feeling better!
Our daughter was 'Baby Girl Churchill' for 3 days before we settled on her name: Kathleen (shortened to Katie) Elizabeth Churchill. (ok.. before my husband agreed to the name I wanted haha! - he had an aunt with one tooth that had the same name and he had this aversion to the name for some wild reason! hahahah)
I think once she is born and you see her, the name will come to you. I do like the blend of Sasha with the other two names. But you'll probably get 100 different opinions! you'll know what's best!
Thinking of you and excited with you over the birth of your baby!
A friend in Ontario, Canada.
Carol.
p.s. You are looking absolutely beautiful!
I'm glad to see you smiling and hope it's not just for the camera. I too like Annalisa and then maybe Lili for short. Why not meet her and then choose her name? Sasha is cute but it's predominantly a boy's name and having a boy's name myself, it's just not fun. The OB/GYN's office called to remind me of my appt. and even said Mr.------Can you imagine? Tonight when I went to get a rx they asked me and "What's Dale's dob?" Oh, that would be me....Love the new pic. of Sophie too. She is getting so grown up! Have a good week. XXOO
Shana,
You look radiant! I LOVE the picture of Sophie hugging your belly...darling!!
I am glad you are feeling bettter and I hope the (short) rest of your pregnancy passes with no complications...you are really getting down to the wire!! What a wild ride!!
So back to names...I know I mentioned it here, but am certain you wouldn't recall...but I have changed names THREE times already for our second China daughter. Lia was able to make the change the first time and hopefully we didn't scar her for life or anything. I am sure she was a bit confused...and I actually worried about that aspect quite a bit. Of course as our wait and my confusion about a name increase, The few times we do mention our baby sister we don't call her by name. It is a different situation...but my point (and there is one!) is that I think Sophie is old enough to understand and when the baby comes home, I feel sure that she would make the adjustment fairly easily. Maybe if you took some time to go out with Sophie and buy something for the new baby with the new name on it. Also...they would have the same first and last initials...and oh...I guess middle initials too...they could get matching monogrammed items. I really think Sophie would get over the name Annalisa and accept a new one. My own experience has been that once a name doesn't feel right...it is really hard to convince yourself it is the right one. You don't want to have to pull a Meg Ryan and change the name once the baby is here!!!
Kate
You look amazing and I adore that pic of Sophie with your bump. Just precious!
Sasha is a very pretty name and goes so well with Sophie and Ollie. You'll know when you see her what her name should be. We changed Jacey's after getting her referral, the first name we chose just didn't fit.
Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy and hugs for the loss of Alex.
I voted for Sasha Li.
The photos are so beautiful and you look like you are sooo ready.
I agree that Sophie will accept the name change. Once she sees her sister, the name will not be important imho :)
You are amazing with the camera and absolutely beautiful (I hope you don't think I am odd). Seriously - who looks that radiant when pregnant - and taking your own pictures to boot! I am impressed.
As for the names - you are a brave woman to put a poll out about it. I honestly can't decide. I really love all three of your name choices! If you don't want Annalisa to be shortened, I think you will just have to remind new people that you don't prefer for her to be called this or that. I wish you the best of luck with the decision and with your appointment tomorrow!
And, in my opinion, yes, Sophie will "get over it" in no time :)
I don't think it's unusual to be torn on names AT all. My co-worker and her husband are waiting for the call from the birth mother to adopt their 2nd and are changing constantly.
I thought I would call Amelia, Emmie - it lasted 30 seconds after I met her.
I would wait until you meet her to decide. As for Sophie's disappointment, I was 8 when my brother was born (to give you a little background he was the youngest of 8 kids, I was #7) I was IN LOVE with a particular name our family had talked about.
I was SO disappointed when my parents picked the name Andrew...it wasn't the one my baby was supposed to have. I got over it quickly! I can't tell you now what that other name was. I do have a nickname for my brother which no one else uses, Drew...that is what I call him, it's our special thing. Do what your heart calls you to do. Sophie and baby will have SO many other special things.
Sharie
(Could have been Sarah, but Dad got to name 1 out of 8)
Shana, you and Sophie look so pretty together!! I am glad you are feeling better. I love the name Annalisa but I also love Sasha. Can you combine them somehow? Names are hard!! I have full confidence that you will pick the perfect name for your kitten.
Debbie
Oh, I LOVE the name game!!! I vote for Sasha too... and Sasha Annalisa is a good compromise too!!
Sophie will get over it... probably as quickly as she holds her new baby sister in her arms for the first time... you could even put a little ribbon around her blanket that says, I love you Sophie and Ollie, from your new baby sister, Sasha. A true gift from God!!
I like the special doll or new kitty (LOL) idea!!! In the end... do what sounds the best. I still have regrets for two of my kids names that I listened to others and did not do what was in my heart...
You look beautiful by the way! I love Sophie hugging her baby!!
Shana,
You know that Antonino's name used to be Massimo. We call him Nino now and I love that but when we originally named him Massimo we wanted people to call him Massimo and nothing else. Well...nobody could say Massimo and everyone started calling him Max and that was not OK with me.
Luckily, we were able to change it and "Nino" definitely fits him a whole lot better and it definitely feels right. If we gave Gia the chance to name him. his name would have been "Little A$$hole"...you know how she loves her brother...not.
Good Luck!!! I too think that Sophie Lu will get over it rather quickly. She is going to be interested in that baby girl no matter what her name is.
:)
As soon as you mentioned names Sasha was my first thought! I was a little surprised when you said it was one of the names you were tossing around as I dont know anyone with that name. I think its a beautiful name and gets my vote!
The photos of you and Sophie are just beautiful! I think you just have to go with which name feels right to you - and that may mean that you wait until you meet the kitten to determine her name. I think that Sophie will adjust easily - she will just be so excited that her sister is finally here! You ccould explain to Sophie that Annalisa is a beautiful name, but you are just not sure that it is the right name for her sister. You can explain that mommy and daddy will choose the name that they feel is just the right one - just like they did for Sophie and Ollie. I think she is old enough to understand, and even if she is disappointed I think she will recover quickly.
Beautiful pictures! I like all the names but Sasha is my favorite. Good luck! Naming can be a difficult task.
Shana~ I completely sympathize with you about Ollie not standing still. Madeline is a month older then him and I literally have to chase her and take at least 100 photos to get one or two good ones...
I really like Sasha Lili. I love that it has the same initials as Sophie Lu. I think it "goes" better as well.
I love the other posters idea of adopting another pet and naming it Annalisa. What about a kitten... you refer to the baby as kitten, so how perfect to adopt a kitten and name her Annalisa.
Good luck!
Shana,
So glad things are better for you. You should feel free to name the baby after you see her! It doesn't really matter what any of us think, Sophie is a different story though. Here's a thought, how do you feel about Sasha Annalise (or Annalisa, I thought the 2 names ending in a was a bit much)honoring Sophie with Annaslisa instead of a Chinese name since she is so attached? Whatever you decide I am sure you and Michael will know just how to make Sophie feel special. Keep us posted, it won't be long now!
I can totally related to your dilema, 3 years ago when we started this China adoption process we decided on Jaidyn, but lately it hasn't felt right to me, but my husband won't hear of a different name!
Annalisa is beautiful. And the most lovely part about it is the bond it represents between you and Sophie (because of her passion for it), and the bond she'll share with her new sister because she called her by name even before she was born.
Sasha is pretty, but like you mentioned, it sounds too much like a pet's name, particularly in the midst of such other delicate names like Sophie and Ollie.
As for it not feeling right yet, I couldn't call my daughter by her name until she came out either. It's just a difference between pregnancy and adoption....the existence external to the womb makes it that much more real. And when she comes out, you'll feel the urge to name her. Go with your gut.
Hi Shana,
I have two biological boys and we adopted a baby girl from China last year. While I was pregnant with my oldest son (18 years ago) we had a name picked during my entire pregnancy and ended up changing it the week before he was born. I think that is totally normal - go with what you feel! I really like the name Sasha!! :) I'm also sorry to hear about your kitty. I know how hard that is!
You're in my prayers!
Wendy
In Colorado
I love the pictures : ) they are so sweet. You will always treasure them...especially the sweet belly shot.
Names are so hard. Every time I thought I had a perfect name for one of my children I changed it. My son Tyler had about 20 names before he was born. If the name doesn't feel right then that's a sign not to use it. Yes little Sophie will get over it. My daughter Olivia "Livi" was Shaylee Grace up until we got her referral photo. I took one look at her sweet round little face and thought, nope not a Shaylee. I had everything under the sun monogrammed with the name Shaylee LOL but oh well, she was a Olivia Grace. So I say change it! And Sasha is a beautiful name. I don't think it sounds like a boys name at all...when we chose the name Addison Claire for daughter I knew that Addison was technically a boys name but I still think it sounds more feminine and Sasha sounds very feminine to me.
Shana,
You look so beautiful, no kidding! Sophie looks so happy and I know she wants her sister to be here soon. You'll know what to name her when you meet her, don't worry about that. Just listen to your heart, and it will be right.
hugs to you and your Sophie Lu,
Betsy
Hi Shana,
Go with your instinct.........it will not misguide you. Sasha is a very nice name. Praying that you experience a wonderful delivery.
Melissa
I hope your last weeks are perfect in every way.
Name your baby whatever feels right to you when you are looking into her beautiful tiny face. Your precious Sophie will have children of her own someday and perhaps one of them will be Annalisa.
The bond between you and each child is strong and different. Not more or less...just different. Let your heart guide you. You and she will never regret it.
Best wishes.
Shana,
You and Sophie Lu look so beautiful in those pictures. I am so glad you are feeling better. I hear you about Sasha being named after pets. I LOVE the name KiKi and don't you know I have 2 friends with dogs named that!!! Oh well. I lOVE Sasha too that was my choice in the poll!!! Good lucky and keep healthy and i'll keep praying!!!
Bobbie
group b strep is only in 10-30 percent of women so you'll probably be ok! I LOVE Sasha and only know girls with that name. Jerry Seinfelds dd is sasha btw
Good luck with the name. Sasha with a C - Sacha, is for a girl, I think.
You'll know when she's here, what her name will be. You just can't tell beforehand - sometimes you just have to see them and then know, in your heart.
Keep on keepin' on Shana. And thank you for being so very open with all of us through your pregnancy. It has been fun to follow along vicariously and without the rib poking! Believe me, as miraculous as it was having them twist and turn inside me, I don't miss that (or having to get up eleventy times a night to use the loo!)! ;) Yes, it's all worth it, of course.
I really like the name Sasha Li. I think Sophie, Ollie and Sasha sound great together and Annalisa doesn't quite fit. Like one other person said Sasha Analise sounds quite good. I also think the fact with Sasha Li she'll have the same initials as Sophie :) and i'm sure Sophie would 'get over it' quickly too.
Well - you know what I think :D
Go with your heart - you will know the right name. As you know, Li Li is not the name we called her all those months we waited. We tried and tried to look at that picture and call her the other name, it just didn't work, God had given her the perfect name. As with Kitten, very soon you will look into her beautiful new eyes and smile and god will share the perfect name with you. Everyone will see it!
BTW - I have never seen you look for radiant or beautiful - I am so happy for you and Michael. Time is almost here :D
Ladybug hugs,
;D
Your pictures are absolutely stunning. I am happy that you are feeling better too.
I love the name Sasha. What about a double middle name to include Annalisa, such as Sasha Li Annalisa. That way Sophie gets the name in there and you all will be happy. Just a thought.
About the GB strep. Be sure to ask your mom about that too! :-) There is some interesting info out there on that. And I am sure that your doula showed you some VERY interesting videos, esp since you want natural childbirth! :-)
Remember to enjoy EVERY moment from here on out and treasure them. And remember that for your labor too. You will do great.
Lots of wonderful stay put baby vibes heading your way. The last few weeks are so important for their lung and brain development, so keeping her inside will help tremendously......
WOw, you look beautiful. Those pictures will be treasured forever.
As for names, if it doesn't feel right, chances are it's not right.
Sophie Lu will get over it, it's just a matter of what your parenting style is if with her.
You can get another kitten and name it Annalisa, after all, the little one has been called the kitten. Hmmm second thought, that might confuse Sophie, she'll think kittens are really in the belly.
Sophie Lu has been involved in the name all along, so "telling her" now that the name is not Annalisa, probably won't work. Unless your parenting style is to tell her things, and let her know that there are some things that just are that way, because mom and dad said so.
Kinda like mom and dad are in charge of keeping her and Ollie safe, wearing seat belts, look before you cross the street. Might work without being an iron hand.
If you pray with her, you can pray that God will help her understand the name. Just a thought.
Blessings as you approach the last month,
Gail
Go with your gut!!! If Annalisa doesn't sound/feel right to you, then don't go for it! Keep all the names ready, and when you first take a look at your kitten's face, one of them will "fit" the best. Can't wait to see pictures!
i have a friend named annalisa and everyone calls her anna....makes her mom nuts....im liking sasha.....julia?...jules?
Keep pondering those names! It can be fun- and difficult but I had Jordyn and Kelsey picked out before my daughter when born then when she arrived and they placed her in my arms, I just knew she was more of a "Kelsey" than a Jordyn. Now the name just fits her perfectly. We wonder about that with our adoption, too- We have Sydney chosen now for our Chinese Adoption, but we wonder what she will look like once her referral comes :O) -- wonder if we will change her name?? too soon to tell. You look great!
Goregous Picture. When my best friend was pregnant with her last baby, they had decided on Lillianna Grace. However, she like you just could not get comfortable with the name. Her 6 year old was adamant that the baby's name be Lillianna. They decided to change the baby's name to Saylor Grace and Madison continued to call the baby Lillianna up until the day she was born. As soon as she looked at Saylor she said, "mommy you are right, she really is a Saylor." So, don't worry about Sophie, she will come around. Go with your heart. A mother's heart will never lead her astray. :)
for what it's worth, i absolutely LOVE the name Sasha! I have wanted that for a baby girl (we're trying to get pregnant) but my husband wants a hebrew name instead. anyway, i think Sasha goes better with Oliver and Sophi than Analisa does. also, people won't automatically shorten Sasha. and Sophie WILL get over it if you pick another name. she's only 3 afterall, and she'll forget after a little while that it wasn't her favorite to begin with! a BIG vote for Sasha from me!!
Picking a name is very hard- I agree. My oldest daughter named my younger after hearing me say it-but it all worked out, sometimes it does help to meet the baby first.
I think it would be nice for the baby to have a name that starts with an "S"- Shana, Sophie and the baby, all "S"! Sasha isn't my favorite though, it reminds me of a pet or maybe a Russian male- sorry, that probably isn't helpful.
This is my first comment to you- but I enjoy your blog and watching your family grow- all the best
We know a Sasha and HER name is short for Alexandria (she is of Russian descent). IMHO I would bet that Annalisa will be shortened. It always happens. In my experience anything longer than a two syllable name gets shortened automatically -unless you emphatically insist it not be shortened. Heck, even two syllable names get shortened too.
Good luck.
C
We have 5 children. One of them was 11 DAYS OLD before we named him. And... it was really awkward! So, I guess, a cautionary tale... ;)
I like what Susan suggested. Lili is such a pretty name and I really don't think it matters about the 'ie' sounds at the end of Sophie, Ollie and Lili, in fact I think its rather nice because it creates an immediate bond/closeness between the three! You look gorgeous as ever - if I look as good as you do now when I am as far gone as you, I will be sooo chuffed!
All the best for the next few weeks!
Have you got any updated pictures of the nursery or clothes or anything?
You look absolutely stunning! So does Sophie Lu – she is a doll. I voted the name the first time and I vote the same 2nd time, Sasha Li. Sophie Lu and Sasha Li, that sounds great for the sisters’ names. If you don’t like them to have the same initials, Sasha Annalisa sounds good too. Name your baby whatever feels right to you. What's daddy’s opinion?
How about Sasha Annalisa Li...sounds good to me then Sophie wins and so does Mom.
Best Wishes
Becky
Sophie would be fine if you decided on another name. My nephew (who was five years old)was totally stuck on one name for his new baby brother. They had been calling him that for months before his birth. Then my sister and her husband decided on another name right beofre his birth. Big brother was frustrated at first but it was quickly a non-issue.
Why not call the baby Anna? Annalisa Li for the proper name, but Anna (or even Anna Li) as the nickname?
Lori,
I have a step-daughter named Anne- she goes by Annie, but still it's too close to Anna. :)
what about Leah? (lee-ahh)
I have been a lurker for some time since my sister in law Marla (Emilys Mommy) showed me Sophies video..4 of my 6 kids were named after birth and 2 were changed after we came home from the hospital..
Ashley became Alexandra but is called Lexie no matter how hard I corrected people..Emma became Katie, Conner became Hunter, and Noah became Maxx..so spend a few days getting to know your baby and use all the names you like and one will come to you that feels right, even if you have to name her AFTER you leave the hospital...I think Sasha is pretty but is not to feminine..however Lili is definatly my favorite..
Sophie, Ollie and Lili..great sounding..
Blessings for a fast and safe delivery.
Stacey
Shana,
First, you look so great! Not fair, I was swollen from head to toe with my son, not pretty!
I love the name Sasha, and if you feel it in your heart, and she is resting right below it, then you know her name :) Sophie will be so excited to have a baby that I bet she will get over it, maybe she can get a new special baby doll when her sister is born and you can name "her baby" Annalisa.
Erin :)
Shana,
I think all of the name choices are beautiful, although I too tend to lean toward Lili or Sasha. I like that all the kids names would end the same with the addition of a Lili! As for Sophie being so set on Annalisa, she will be so excited that her baby sister has arrived that I think the name will be less important to her. My sister just had my nephew about three months ago. They had settled on the name Henry(1st name) Beck(middle name), but had all agreed to call him Beck. When he arrived my sister looked at him and said to her husband "he is a Henry, not a Beck." Although his name is still Henry Beck everyone calls him Henry. This was fine for everyone except my six-year old niece, Sofia. She couldn't understand why his name changed and insisted on calling him "Baby Beck". Although at first she was upset with the name change it took all of about 2 days for her to go along with the rest of us and call him Henry! She, just like your Sophie will be, is just excited to be a big sister!
Wishing you wonderful times until your family is blessed with another daughter and sister! Ashley
Ohhhhhhhh the picture of Sophie with her head on your belly is just the sweetest!!!! Love it!!!!
I too voted for Sasha, but you must do what YOU feel in your heart is the right name for your daughter. I would wait until she is born and see what you and your husband feel when you first look at her. (Who knows it might be one totally different:) It is beautiful how Sophie feels is so important to you and that you want her to have a part in naming her too so I completely understand how you are feeling. Maybe you could take Sophie shopping for her to pick out a new baby doll for her to give to her baby sister and name the baby doll Annalisa???Just some thoughts.
The important thing is that everyone is healthy and happy!! What ever name is given to her will be just perfect! I think names is something we all struggle with as parents. Many blessings!!!!
I say go with your gut instinct. Maybe the only reason you have been settling with "Annalisa" was because Sophie loves the name so much. She may continue to give you some resistance, but once she meets that little kitten, she will be in love, and she will quickly start to love her name as well. My friend had also hesitated until the last minute to name her daughter the name she really loved ( which was "Zoe" ), because her family & friends gave her such a hard time telling her it was a pet's name. But when her baby was born, she was just convinced she had to be "Zoe". & now everybody agrees that her name is perfect. -So I say, name your little kitten "Sasha". It's so sassy.
What about the name Alexa Rae. I just thought it sounded pretty. You refer to the baby as the kitten and your cat was named Alex.
I love the names you picked, I wanted to name my daughter Annalisa but thought found it a little too long, I also love Sasha. Short and sweet and so cool.
Once you see that cutie pie...it will come to you.
I was a carrier of the Strep B and passed it on to my daughter. I was given antibiotics during my labor but it happen rarely but my daughter got it. The bacteria was dormant for 7 weeks in her body. After 7 weeks my daughter was fussy and caught a mild fever, anyway, to make a long story short, thank God I brought her in the hospital right away, and the doctors started her on antibiotics because 24 hours later she would have died. We had to stay 2 weeks in the hospital.
I don't want to worry you, I just wish someone had told me more about the subject, the doctors test you at 37 weeks but nobody told me why or anything.
By the way, you look radiant.
I wish you all the best.
You know that Sasha has always been my favorite :O)
What ever you guys decide will be the sweetest name....I am sure it will all come together when you see her for the first time.
I know you are a teacher like me and remember when children remind their friends or other teachers to call them by their full name they do so I don't think you will have a hard time with the name shortening.
Love your photos with your big girl!
I am so happy for you that it is getting so close!!!
xoxo Michele
I like the idea of Annalisa Li and calling her Lili if both you and Sophie are adamant in your likes. I really like the name Sasha. I'd looked at 's' names for my daughter but my son begged for her to have the same initials as him. I let him name her (Jessica) although I did retain veto rights (his first choice had been Jamal).
I love all the names you picked. I get the feeling that people will try and shorten Annalisa down to Anna or Lisa and I think you'll have to keep correcting them over and over and OVER again.I'm sure Sophie will learn to love another name. In. time. =)P.S. I vote for Sasha.
Shana
You look great! We would never know any of the things you were going through just by looking at your pictures, you look radient! And Sophie is getting more and more beautiful each day!
As far as the names I like Sasha and Lili. I agree with some who say Sasha Analisa Li, that sounds beautiful together and there is meaning behind it. However I have always been a fan of the name Lili!
I dont have children but everyone says you kinda just know when you see them. Sophie will be So excited about having a sister I think she will forget about the name quickly if it does change :)
Michelle- Canada
I have a friend named annalise and everyone calls her anna so if your afraid of people shorting it, the probley will.
Names are so difficult maybe when you see her you it will just come to you.
Loved the pictures they are amazing!!!!
Who cares if people have a pet named Sasha...you have been referring to your baby as "the kitten within", right? Maybe there is a connection---a name that is fitting for how you viewed your sweet one! As far as being a boy name, it sounds and looks very feminine. In the U.S., it is more acceptable as a girl name. It's pretty; not masculine! The name Annalisa just did not fit IMO---with your family's names---Sasha is a nice fit and so easy to look at and say. Now, Lili is adorable, but seems really close to Ollie. And Sophie won't even notice the change. She probably got hooked on the name Annalisa when you first mentioned it. The more you say Sasha, the more she will attach to that name! Oh, all girls will have an "S" name---that's nice =) That is a a connection they will have forever...even if they choose to change their last name when/if they marry.(Sorry to bring that up =)
If you have another DD one day:
Sonya
Shay
Sistine
Sidney
Suri-yes, I know, but it's cute ;)
Enjoy these last days....
Erin
You look beautiful. I am so glad you are feeling better and getting so close. I think the names you haven chosen are going to be wonderful. But the way Sophie - Ollie - Sasha sounds is just beautiful.
Can't wait to hear more about the kitten.
Roberta N
5-18-06 LID
I say go with your gut! You know I had Nicholas picked out for my son since I was like six. Then everyone said to me "every boy with the name Nicholas is a brat" so I was all distraught and picked a whole whack of new names.....But soon as he was born and they laid him on my chest and looked at me.....he was so a NICHOLAS. So think of your options but don't make a decision till you see her. Don't worry what anyone thinks. Your her mother and you will always know best! You didn't disappoint with Sophie and Ollie! By the way you look gorgeous!!! And I wish you the absolute best in your deilvery!!! I follow all the blogs faithfully!!!
All the best!
Tracey Antonioni (Canada) :)
When I was pregnant with Josh, I didn't know if I was having a boy or a girl. 16 years ago... military hospital... yeah... no one was going to allow an ultrasound without a definitive reason.lol But we did have a boy name and a girl name ready to go... then when I saw Josh's face for the first time I looked at him then my husband and said NO! His name should be Anthony! TONY! My husband talked me back to reality and reminded me that we had, with a clear head, already decided the names and within 24 hours (post c-section drugs etc) Joshua was indeed the right name for our little boy. SO my point, yes, there is one here, is that maybe you should go with your first instincts and keep the beautiful Annalisa as her name. Also, I had a hard time calling babies by name before they are born. I think it's different with the children who were born in our hearts. I had no problem referring to our daughter as Gracie... even before the ink was dry on the application! But I couldn't call the baby in my tummy by name (even though I didn't know the sex). If you change it now, after you had set your heart on it... You may regret it later. Just my 2cents. :)
Hugs,
Lisa :)
I love the name Lili - but I like it spelled Lillie...just my opinion.
I do love the name Sasha. It is such a pretty name.
I think once 'kitten' is born, you will 'know' her name.
We just brought our beautiful daughter home from Russia 3 weeks ago. We had to take 3 trips to Russia, the first to visit, the second to go to the court hearing and then back a third time to bring her home after a 2 week appeal period. On the first trip we had to pick her name so we could apply for a court hearing. After spending more time with her on that trip I just knew we had picked the wrong name. Although we loved the name it just was not her name! We had to ask the judge at the court hearing if we could change her name! Thank God they agreed and approved the adoption!
It does not matter what you name your child, some people will just not get the name right. Our son's name is Luke. You would not believe the number of people that call him Lucas!!!! Seriously!
I love Sasha and I think Annalisa is pretty too! I also like the idea that many suggested using Annalisa as a middle name. Sasha Li Annalisa?
Mary
I think Sasha is beautiful and it's definitely not just a boy's name. It IS a nickname for Alexander in Russian, but also Alexandra - we have a female friend who is called Sasha as nickname.
I know what you mean about feeling right...we struggled for the right name while waiting and I wanted Lily from the start after my Mom's mom. When we decided to use Kate, we put them together and knew it was right and she became LilyKate. When we found out it was twins, we loved Eleanor and thought we would shorten it to Ella or Ellie, but we still love Eleanor and call her that - at least for now.
You may not know until you see her face, but you'll know when you know :)
The pictures are gorgeous of you and Sophie Lu!
best,
Susan
Sasha and Annalisa are both beautiful names, that go well with Li. Or, just an idea: what about Sasha Annalise? "Li" is part of Annalise (or Annalisa). And Annalise (not Annalisa) just to flow with Sasha. Just a thought. Another comment suggested Annalisa Sasha Li, that's beautiful too. Whatever you choose, it will be the right name for the kitten and your family. Sophie will adjust (though maybe easier if Annalisa/e is part of the name!). :)
Wishing you and all your family the best!
Amy
All of these names are beautiful. Coincidently, my top names for our adopted daughter coming early 2009, is Annalisa and Lilly! :) Really great pictures of you and Sophie!
P.S. Someone above also suggested Sasha Li Shan, that's lovely too. And wanted to add that Sasha is a wonderful name, and doesn't at all seem like a boys or pet name. Of course, our cat is Isadora...! Go with what seems right to you, and it will be perfect. :)
Amy
When you see your new daughter, you will know what name is her own name. If you start telling Sophie now that you have more names picked out and you'll choose one once you see what the baby looks like, she'll be fine and be prepared. Also you might tell her that it's up to mommies and daddies to pick the name but that sisters can give ideas for names.
It's perfectly fine to take oral antibiotics before labor and your baby will be protected. This is something done in other countries.
We had narrowed our names to a few when we got the referral call. Over Chinese food that night, we were down to Olivia and Sophie. EJ really wanted Olivia, but K and I felt strongly about Sophie. She cried for a few minutes about it over the next few days, but now thinks Sophie is the perfect name for her little sister..."it fits her" she says. Now, she was almost 8 at the time, so I'm not sure how a 4-year old would deal with it!
BEAUTIFUL photos!!
My vote is for Sasha...such a pretty name! I have a very good friend, named Annalisa, but NOBODY calls her that (much to her dismay)...her name got shortened to simply, Anna; in my humble opinion, it doesn't hold the same exquisite beauty as Annalisa. That's my 2 cents! ;)
I get it entirely....Norah was Sadie for a long time.... (Until the 16th pet owner siddled up to us and said, "That's my dog's name!)
But I remember how names felt good or not....
I love sasha....
And I never liked being called "Anna Banana"... And no
one called me Anna-Marie. So, I changed my name's pronounciation at 15....
Anyway....
Sophie will be OK
Go with your heart on this...
How fun you are playing with names {still ;)
hugs,
Anna-Marie (pronounced Ahna, but not spelled that way...)
Hi Shana,
Congrats! Remember your preterm labour at 26weeks? I am thrilled that now you are just a week from being full-term! YAY!
You look so so beautiful! Also, your garden can really grow very pretty and big roses. The one in Sophie's hand is stunning! Love the shades of white and bright pink... it goes so well with Sophie's dress.
Hey, your belly has no stretch marks whatsoever... I was as fortunate too, haha, check out my 36wk belly pic I took early in Jan...(http://savouringthegirls.blogspot.com/2008/01/35-weeks-belly.html)
I was GBS+ when I had my 2nd baby, but not my 1st & 3rd.... anyway, no worries as long as you get IV/antiobiotics, just may need to go in early for that, let's hope and pray that you don't have it :)
Praying for a smoooooooooooooooth and safe delivery for ya! Oooo... it's getting nearer, imagine the excitement for everyone!
Lyd
I never felt "right" about my daughter's name until she was born. I had so many different (some crazy!) ideas for what her name should be all throughout my pregnancy. But then once she was born- I just went with the name that we had thought of in the beginning and it suits her just beautifully. So just wait and see- when you see your babe you will know what is the right name. I personally really love Annalisa- and love that Sophie chose it for her.
You'll know the right name when you see her. I was 90% set on certain names for both of my kids, and the instant I saw them, I knew the names weren't right and we went with something else.
Good luck!
I'm not sure Sophie will get over it all that easy because even though my name is Heather because my Mom loved it. Here it is 32 years later and I still get called Amanda and Vanessa.
I don't think Sasha sounds masculine at all. If anything i just can't get used to hearing the name on a guy because it just sounds too feminin to be a male name, just like guys that are named shannon or mischa in my mind sound like they have a girl's name
I always thought Sasha was the perfect fit. And, I love the idea of someone's post saying to get another kitten and name her Annalisa!
You are absolutely beautiful. In every way!
I would go with the name that your heart chooses! I happen to love Sasha for a girl's name -- not only is it feminine, but strong.
Why not buy Sophie her own little baby doll that she can then call Annalisa? It was a trick that worked for my daughter when I was surprised with boy and not a little girl as expected!
Good luck :o)
Amy
I like picking names:
I like Isadora, Laney, Emma, NIkki Jo, Courtney, Amelia, Olivia, Johonna which means gift of god, Allie,Kaylee,Brianna, Marley, Audrey, Adrianne, Sydney, and Madision. Sasha is cool too.
Glad that you are feeling better. Nice pics.
Naming is so tough, especially when you've never seen the baby. Sophie will get over it if you don't go with your original choice. You should feel confident about your new child's name. What does your husband say?
When I was pregnant with my daughter Lucy, we almost decided on Audrey. I walked around for a while thinking of her as Audrey...but it just did not feel right. I love the name, but I just knew in my heart it was not right. So we chose Lucy and once we did, I just KNEW it was right. And now that she is 2 1/2, wow, she is such a Lucy and so NOT an Audrey. So I think we chose well and I am glad I followed my instinct.
Here's a thought...a name I have always loved is Sashi. It is Indian/Sanskrit and it means moon. I think it combines Sasha with Lili very well -- sort of the best of both! And it is most definitely a girl's name. Maybe you could name her Sashi Annalisa? Or Sasha Annalisa. That way, you could honor Sophie by using her choice as the middle name, and you will also have the Chinese "Li" part within the middle name. Those are my thoughts!
You look beautiful and if I didn't see your belly I couldn't even tell you are pregnant...not even a hint of puffy face. You are amazing!
I just thought of something that was very helpful to me in knowing whether a name felt "right"...go to www.tinyprints.com and do a mock-up of a pretty birth announcement. It will let you preview it with all your information on it (keep clicking through until the order page and then you can click to see a large version of the preview). I did this before my second daughter was born (Phoebe Grace) and it really helped me to see the name in writing on an annoucement with the rest of our names, etc. Plus, it is fun to look at all the pretty girl announcements!
Beautiful pcitures! I think you should go with the name that feels right to you. Sophie will get over it. I like Sasha Li....I even like Sashalisa Li! Combines the two names you both like and would be shortened to Sasha. Ta da! Good luck and best wishes.
I voted for Lili. I have Emily, Baylie, Lily and I think they sound pretty together. I just think Lily is such a sweet feminine name :) You have to be happy with it though.. she is yours :)
Kelly
This is YOUR baby. Name her what you and Micheal want, not what Sophie wants...just some real practical advice.
You never mentioned, but what name does Micheal like???
The two of you should decide, not Sophie.
Love the pics. I think if you changed your mind, Sophie would eventually get over it. Maybe if there's a way she can understand "the baby's telling you that names not right." I don't know. I'm sure you know a better way to explain it. I think I like Sasha better than Annalisa just after hearing the way you explained it.
Lots of luck over the next few weeks!!! I can't wait to hear the official announcement of your kitten's birth!
Annalisa is beautiful but too hard...we all know someone who has to spell their name repronounce their name etc etc. Both Sasha and Lili sound right..Annalisa doesn't sound real and like you I fear shortening and people saying it wrong ALOT. Good Luck.
Emily
We had the same thing happen with the name we picked. We were sure our girl would be Layla (named after the Clapton song) but we could just never get our arms around it. We named her another name that we love and although we still love Layla, we were glad we didn't go with it. Sometimes, it just doesn't fit, even if you think it's the right choice at first!
What wonderful photos! I normally wouldn't post a comment but felt compelled due to the subject. My husband and I named our first born a name that we thought we loved, but like you, the name NEVER felt right to me (while I was pregnant and even after he was born). In fact, we somehow never called him by his name and had a million nick names for him instead. And when people would call him by his name I would seceretely cringe. We ended up legally changing his name when he was 5 months (and had to deal with so many judgements and the sheer embarassment of not REALLY thinking about the name and what we loved before he was born!) I just wanted to share my story in case it helps you at all....Sophie will certainly forget about the name once that baby is here! Good luck!!!!!! (And for what it's worth I think Sasha is adorable! How about 3 names...Sasha Li Annalisa?) Best of luck!
Well since you mentioned it, yes i think it is normal to questions something as important as a name. I'd say if you keep going back to sasha then sasha it is... Sasha li or sasha lili sounds just lovely and you are right in how well it goes with sophie and oliver. Go with your heart. Good to hear things are going well for you and the kitchen.
waiting see the kitchens first photos
dawn in sac
www.talesfromthebigtomato.blogspot.com
Not to confuse your thought process, but .... Sophie and Oliver have such beautiful, traditional, ever-lasting names, but Sasha and Annalisa, while both pretty, just aren't of the same mould. Have you considered any names that have also been around for generations? Names like Julia or Juliana are just as beautiful but seem to stand the test of time like the names of your other cuties, you know?
Eagerly waiting to see the pics of your new kitten!!
Shana,
Great pictures! Sophie will be such a good big sister, again.
The names you're considering are all nice, I especially like Sasha, and it goes so well with Sophie & Ollie. I'm sure when you look at her for the first time, you'll know the right name.
Way to get everything out of the way- sickness, earthquake, ...
We were at Disneyland at the time and that was the most thrilling ride of all :). They had to shut down the rides for awhile. Glad all is well!
Hugs,
Dianne
Love Sasha! I'm so sorry about Alex. I lost my dog when I was 7 months pregnant. Very tough time. An idea for Sophie could be to get a kitten or fish in the future and name it Annalisa if she'd like to. I don't mean that in the replace your kitty kinda way but in the let Sophie have control over the name.
Glad you are feeling better and I can't wait to see pictures of this gorgeous bundle of joy on the way.
Laurie
Since you asked: Sasha without a doubt!
Although I think it's sweet (and maybe have your own personal reasons) that you want to make Sophie feel included, I really think that the ultimate decision on what to name your baby should be yours and your husband's.
Patti
P.S. You look gorgeous!
Hi Shana :) You may have to wait until you SEE your baby. What name/s does Michael like best? I agree with others that Sophie will "get over it" and love whatever new name you choose.
I agree with others that while Annalisa is a beautiful name, she'll have trouble with people calling her that. Since you've asked, I'll toss in my two cents: I don't think Annalisa "fits" with Sophie Lu and Ollie. It's a bit of a mouthful.
It is a bit of a tongue twister to try to say "Shana and Sasha." I don't think adding another "E" sounding name is necessarily a bad thing. As in Sophie, Ollie and Lilli (or Lily or Lilly, etc).
The only Sasha I've ever heard of is Sasha Cohen Baron. (Borat) When I first heard of him, I thought it sounded like he had a girl's name. haha So, I wouldn't worry about Sasha sounding like a boy's name. Besides, I think girl names that sound like boy names are really cute. Like "Alex" as a nickname for Alexandra.
What about family names? I think it's be meaningful to give her Rae as part of her name. Your little ray of sunshine! :) I love last name, first names. So, if you or Michael have any family names it'd be nice to honor your family that way. Just ideas. :)
It sounds like you're feeling "Sasha" and I say go with your "gut" and choose whatever name you and Michael feel fits your kitten best.
Best of wishes as you await the birth of your baby girl!
Hugs :) Melissa from Arkansas
Hi.I love that second picture...it's so unreal....so beautiful...looks like a perfect world...You can forget about all that is bad when you look at it.:))
It will be nice to go into labour on 29 august and the Kitten to come on the 30 august,no???
That will be nice,close to your birthday.
Her name it will come to you,don't worry.TYou will FEEL what it the right name foar her.Maybe when you see her for the first time..
Shanna,
You look absolutely amazing. I also love the name Sasha. Sasha Li fits so perfectly. Sasha & Shanna.
Oh by the way, could u email if you don't mind and let me know what websites you use to get your templates. I am looking to set up a blog for my impending Chinese adoption - 30 month dtc with Holt as we speak. I hope u can help me out. Thanks so much and God Bless You and Your FAmily.
Yvonne
We had named our third son well before he was born, had things monogramed, painted his name on the wall, etc. We changed in in the delivery room after he came out! Austin didn't feel right, he was definitely a "Will." His 2 big brothers got over it. I love the idea of getting Sophie a kitten named Annalisa! Good luck & many blessings!
What beautiful photos!!! I have a remote and I love it!
I love any of the names you mentioned. Go with what feels right to you.
Hi Shana,
Sasha is a beautiful name and it was the 350th most popular girls in the USA in 2007. This info is from to the Social Security website. Here is the link.
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/
Best wishes, Cindy
The girl's name Bianca \bi(an)-ca\ is pronounced bee-AHNK-ah. It is of Italian origin, and its meaning is "white, pure". Variant of Blanche (French). The meek younger daughter in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", a courtesan in "Othello", and the subject of a song in a spin-off musical "Kiss Me, Kate". Also made famous by former Rolling Stone wife Bianca Jagger, who was a Nicaraguan fashion model, peace worker, and diplomat. The name is appropriate for a fair-haired baby. Blanca is the Spanish form.
Bianca Li
Just throwing that out there....
LindaJ
I am not a big fan of annalisa, even though it is a nice name, but it is a little fussy?
I love Sasha, and know 2 little girls called Sasha.
My daughter from china is called Ruby, and right up until a week before referral we had insisted on the name Amy after my granny, even going as far as telling my pregnant cousin that she could not use it!! Luckily she had a boy so I did not feel so ad when i changed my mind. The week before referral the name ruby kept popping into my head, and I had previously not really liked that name.
I decided that when we saw the referral photo we would decide, and lo and behold she truly is a Ruby ( precious Gem, red)!!!
I think it is common the experience the feeling that the name does not fit. When I told my Mum that we had decided on the name Ruby she huffed and said she hated it an thought of it as an old persons name. Needless to say she now adores it and denies ever saying it. She is SUCH a Ruby now!
I Love love love the name Lucy, but could not use it as a few of my friends had used it, but also adored Lucia (Spanish version Loo-see-a). I think it is very pretty and Sophie, Oliver and lucia sounds lovely. Anyway good luck and love your blog, have been an avid reader since day 1!!!
Meadow
I have met so many dogs, cats, horses, and even a pig with the same name as my daughter (Molly). But my girl is definitely a Molly who just happens to share her name with a few pets! Go with the name you like. I was deciding between Molly and Bronwyn - for years my first girl was going to be Bronwyn, but 2 months before referral, I thought of the name Molly and it stuck and is perfect!
You look fabulous! Yeah, its almost time. I'm a little partial to Annalisa, I just finally got the daughter of my dreams in March, she was almost a year old and named by her birthmom, so I left it. Her name is Ana Cristina and I grew to love it, Ana's are precious and special. Why not wait until you look into that little ones eyes and decide then? No one needs to know before she is here! My son is named Anthony after my Dad who was a "Tony", we refuse to let anyone call him Tony, there are many in my family. People will follow your lead, don't worry about them nicknaming her. If you call her Annalisa, so will everyone else. I come from a large Italian family, my MIL is Anna, so many of the cousin, really all are Ana this and Ana that. My niece who is named AnnaLisa is gorgeous!
Best to you and yours~Melissa
http://www.babysites.com/sites/bellagirl/
I feel I can't really comment on the name Sasha! I do love it but it was the name of my beloved dog that passed away 3 years ago at the age of 16.
I do love the name Lili, how about Lili Annalise? ;)
You are so close now! And still gorgeous! I love the pics of you and Sophie so precious!
Hope the days pass happily and swiftly!
Blondie
How about Maliah (pronounced Ma LEE ah)
Shana,
You should totally name the kitten what your heart is telling you; and you may not know until you see her precious face :) Don't feel any pressure by anyone or any site or any statistics - this is YOUR kitten! What does Michael say? I love all three names, as I know you do. You'll never regret what you decide :)
Best,
Sara
First of all, you look beautiful and I love the pictures with Sophie. I prefer Sasha over Annalisa. Even though Annalisa is a beautiful name, I am sure people will shorten it, since there are so many syllables. Of course, that is just my opinion :-) You should name your child whatever you want to.
You are getting so close and I am so excited for you!
We seriously, seriously considered the name Sasha for our daughter. It is a beautiful name.
You should absolutely feel free to wait until you see her to give her her name. (We didn't tell anyone what our son's name would be, because we didn't know if he would be Gabriel or Sebastian until we saw his face. He was a Gabriel all the way.)
Shana I do not know what to tell you...LOL. I had my heart set on Salome (I call her Sally for short and because many people do not know how to pronounce it) and when the time drew near, I wanted to call her Paloma. I still think Salome is beautiful, absolutely beautiful but I should have gone with my gut instinct. Both your names are lovely, honestly. Just do what is in your heart. Sophie will understand.
Choose the name for your baby that you and Michael love the best. Sophie Lu can call her any nick name she likes. It will all work out ;o)
Shasha is a popular DOG's name. Not a pretty name for a precious child. See below:
http://www.seefido.com/html/popular_dog_names.htm
There are beautiful girls' names out there that aren't Dog names, too.
Anonymous,
Well, apparently I like dog names because Sophie is listed there too. And so is Shane, which is the name we had chosen if the baby had been a boy...
I haven't looked at all the other letters of the alphabet, but I'm sure that many of our kids names are on there...
In any case, I think the poll speaks for itself. I'm not the only one who likes Sasha.
i do love Sasha Li!! as you said, Sophie, Ollie and Sasha sounds very well...
take care Shana... hope you're fine
Karine (the french good girl ;o)... now i am a child's clothes creator, my e-shop is calling "Bulles de Lune" if you are interested to view creation ask me ;o) )
Holey Moley, look at the score for the name pole. Wow, ask for what name people like, and you get a lot of participation !!
Hope all is well with you.
Update ??
((((Hugs))))
gail
Hi Shana,
I LOVE the name Sasha, we have dear friends who have a daughter named Sasha and she is a delight!
Apparently I like dog's names too because my dd has a popular dog name! What a strange thing for someone to say. Oh well, hope all is well with you and you are taking it easy these last few weeks.
Stacy J
I haven't seen posts so I am thinking you had the baby. I hope everything is good and you and your baby is healthy.
I already voted for the name but I thought I would explain why I LOVE LiLi so much. My daughter's name is LiLi! She was adopted from China in 2004. She is going to be 5 in October and she is my world! Her name in Chinese (Li) means beautiful. I was told that when they double it (LiLi) it means very beautiful...and she is.
Best wishes and I can't wait to see the pictures!
Sharyn
You asked so... now you have to name her "SASHA LI" hahaha
What does Michael think?
Good luck,
Kay
How about Anelise instead of Annalisa? Maybe it's the 4 syllables that's giving you pause. Either is beautiful, as are Sasha and Lili. I don't think you can go wrong.
Congratulations on your growing family!
To anonymous (re: the "dog name")... could you not think of a kinder way to phrase your opinion? Honestly? (I'd put a link to my blog, but I don't want "anonymous" to stop by my "front porch", and leave a nasty note) Erin
Dear Anonymous - Thank you for posting the site for dog names. I have at times found it frustrating to have a name that is more frequently for boys but I have never been concerned that I have a dog's name. Now I see that I do! Thank you. And my parents thank you too ( :
Hey Shana-
I might not have this story 100% correct, but I believe there is a Native American belief that when a baby is born, the name is whispered by the wind from his or her ancestors.
Maybe you could find a book (or create one) for Sophie that explains this idea. You could read it to her and get her excited about what the name will be when the baby is born. Explain to her that even though you both like Annalisa now, the winds may tell you a secret name on the day of the baby's birth.
Good luck! I know Liam picked Emeili's name (Emily) and it was hard for him to admit another possibility!! Casey
Dear Shana,
I've been out ten days with my family in a little town in the mountains ( no internet).
I'm very sad because of your sweet cat has passed away...He has lived a nice life with your family.
As usuall Sophie and Ollie are nice and happy and the Kitten is growing and growing....
I think that you must choose the name you decided....The three names ( Annalisa Li, Shasha Li and Lili) are very very beautiful names....perhaps you have to stay to see the kitten's face to decide the name.....Sometimes it helps¡¡¡
A very very big Kiss,
Belén
How about Olivia? or Madeleine? or Ema? Sasha is a Russian name and can be an abbreviation for name Natasha. Sometimes Alex is called Sasha too.
:) Maybe you should wait till the little one comes and then perhaps the name will just come:)
I was giggling a bit when you mentioned the pet named Sasha because we did have a dog named Sasha. We currently have a wonderful golden retreiver named Sophie. So in our house the doggies were Sasha and Sophie. They were actually Sasha Jo and Sophie Jane, so we did the same middle letter too. Yes, I know, they are dogs, but eveyone in my family has full names! Just to make it a little better, my daughter's name is Lily!
My oldest son, Dax, I was sure we'd know the name when we saw him. We still didn't. But we decided maybe Dax was the right fit, because we'd never met a Dax. I honestly struggled for the first month with his name, but once I got to know him it was the perfect name. My second little guy, Finn, I knew his name before he was born and I never had one problem thinking of him with that name.
Whatever you chose will be perfect, but I totally get the stress, I'm a bit of a name freak! I honestly was stressed with Finn because we did know ahead of time and I thought that couldn't possibly be the right name because it was too easy and I'd worked so much harder on the others!
Perhaps someone already commented on this (there are so many comments :) But in Russian Sasha is not only short for Alexander, it is also short for Alexandra. It's not a boys name.. its sort of unisex, like Kelly or Darcy etc.. :)
WOW you look so gorgeous in your photos. As for the big name debate my first little girl was going to be called Xanthe and about 2 weeks before I had her I saw Mia Farrow on TV and I had to have that name..... The same thing happened with my second little girl... she was going to be called Zoe' and yet again 2 weeks before I had her I didn't like that name anymore... It must be the hormones. I am 19weeks pregnant now and my husband is saying he gets to name this baby as he didn't get to name the girls. He likes Sam.
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