I realize I am terribly behind on posts, so I will make it my mission to provide a more thorough update soon. There is much to write! As for now, I will keep it short(er) and simple(r).
I have been thinking lately about all the different names we have for Aiden. I laugh at how often we call him something other than Aiden! I have tried to notice on what occasions we use what nicknames and who tends to use that nickname the most.
Formal Name: Aiden's legal name is Aiden Matthew. However, if I could have used every name given to Aiden before he was born, his full name would be..
Aiden Austin Logan Hayes Cameron Matthew Tanner
Quite a mouthfull, isn't it? Since we were a little slow in picking Aiden's name (like, finalized it on the way to the hospital), we found that people started naming him on their own. I called him "peanut" most of the time. The 8th grade cheerleaders I coached through most of my pregnancy decided to call him Logan. The 8th grade cheerleaders I coached in the last half of my pregnancy decided to call him Austin. (In their words - "We've never met an Austin that isn't cute.") Hayes is one of my grandmother's maiden name and one of the names we were considering as his first name (until one of Matt's close friends named their little boy) and then was the runner-up for Aiden's middle name. The students I taught in my class decided to call him Cameron - mostly after Cameron Newton, Heisman winner and Auburn's quarterback for their national championship season. I enjoyed going through each day and having my baby bump constantly checked on and renamed every hour - "How's Cameron?" "Is Logan kicking?" "Can I feel Austin kick?" Aiden: Matt and I ultimately went with Aiden - a name we both liked since the beginning. (It is not an easy task for a teacher to name a child and find the perfect name that is not already designated to a former or current middle school student - especially a boy name at that!) After seeing Aiden at the first (unofficial) ultrasound and watching our very active, kicking, twisty, squirmy, bold little boy, we began going through the baby name book we bought that night. When I got to the name Aiden, Matt asked what it meant. The book said "fiery one." Matt looked at me and said, "I think the kid just named himself."
A-Man: Not sure where this one originated, but Matt and I both use this one. Matt usually uses A-Man more in an email than he does in person. I seem to call him A-Man when I am in a more playful mood and we are being silly.
Booger: Matt and I both love this one when we are around the house. It almost sounds silly to say it unless it is in that high-pitched baby voice!
Buddy: This one comes out a lot, especially when Aiden is crying and we are trying to soothe him. It is usually soft, almost in a whisper, and usually accompanied by "shhhhhh."
Cricket: Aiden has this funny little habit of kicking his feet back and forth while he is sitting up. He has done it for months, especially in his swing and bouncy seat. We thought he would outgrow it when he started sitting up, but we were wrong. Matt says "Cricket" is Aiden's super hero alter-ego and his superpowere is starting fire with his feet. While that might be going a little far, it is amazing how fast he moves his feet (and how quickly it tears up his socks!).
Lollipop: It is no secret that Aiden has a large head (95th percentile) and very small body (5th percentile). Lollipop just seemed fitting to describe his big head on his little bitty body. We don't use this one much, unless we find that one outfit that he can't wear because it won't fit over his head.
Matt's Nicknames: There are a few nicknames that only Matt uses with Aiden. Some of the usual ones are Stinker, Poo Poo Pant, and A-Train. While 2 are obvious, A-Train usually comes out when Matt is in a silly mood.
My Nicknames: There are a few nicknames that I use and Matt would never dare say. One is the name Booginhead. His pacifier strap is made by a company called Booginghead and I am not sure how the name stuck for me. I always seem to call him My Little Man at night when I get to rock him to sleep and hug and snuggle with him.
Grandmother Nicknames: Let's not forget about these! We all know that a grandmother is going to find her own nickname for the grandbaby, as he will find his own name for her. Matt's mom calls Aiden "my precious little angel" and my mom calls Aiden "doodle bug."
Any way you name it, he is certainly our sweet little boy!
