BABY NAME REVEAL!!!

The Story Behind Our Son's Unique Name: A Journey of Discovery and Love

As we embarked on this journey of parenthood, Ryan and I knew that choosing a name for our son would be a crucial decision. We wanted a name that was not only unique but also easy to understand and pronounce for our child's entire life. After months of searching, we finally found the perfect fit – a name that reflected our love for each other and the universe.

The Origin of the Name Aan

Our journey began when Ryan, an avid NFL fan, suggested we choose a name inspired by his favorite team, the Ravens. We took the "r" off and came up with Avens, which we immediately fell in love with. However, as soon as we introduced the name to others, it became clear that it was more commonly associated with girls than boys. Undeterred, we wanted a name that stood out, but also one that would be easy for our son to pronounce and spell. We started researching alternative names that fit our criteria.

The Starbucks Test

To test the ease of understanding our chosen name, Ryan went into a Starbucks to use it as his pseudonym. He confidently walked up to the counter and said "Aan." The barista looked puzzled, but instead of writing down "Aan" on the cup, she wrote out "Avon" – a completely different name! We were disappointed, but not deterred. We continued our search, determined to find the perfect name.

Evan: A Turkish Name with a Universe Theme

Our next contender was Evan, a Turkish name that means "universe." This resonated deeply with Ryan and me, as we both love cosmology. However, when we put Evan to the test at Starbucks, it didn't quite pass. The barista thought he said "Everett" instead of Evan! We realized that we wanted a name that wouldn't be difficult for our son to pronounce or spell throughout his life.

The Final Name: Carter Gray Thomas

After much contemplation and testing, we finally settled on the name Carter Gray Thomas. While it may not be as unique as some other names, it feels right to us – easy to say, easy to pronounce, and easy to spell. The middle name Gray is a personal favorite of mine, and I love how it flows with the first name. We're excited to see how our son will grow up with this name and make his own mark on the world.

A Nursery Reveal: A Universe-Themed Space

Our nursery reveal was a special moment for us, as we incorporated a universe theme into every detail – from the starry night sky on the walls to the constellation-patterned bedding. It's a reflection of our love for cosmology and our desire to create a space that sparks wonder and curiosity in our child.

A New Chapter: Welcome to Carter!

As I write this article, my due date is just around the corner – January 10th is when we'll finally meet our little bundle of joy. We're excited to share updates on his arrival, including the exact time, weight, and any other details you'd like to know. Stay tuned for a series of posts on social media, starting soon after Carter's birth. We can't wait to introduce you all to our beautiful baby boy!