Me? I'm too young to be thinking about babies... right? I mean I have friends who have babies... I guess I'll just have to admit that its a state of mind and has nothing to do with how much time has passed since I left the womb myself. I'll just leave the baby making to others... for now...
Although I'm not ready myself, this past week has been pretty eye opening. It all started in June of 2011 when my sister Noa went into labor. After hours of waiting, my family was finally introduced to the first member of the next generation of kin - Itamar.
Personally, I was kind of shocked! Noa had a baby? Whoa! I still remember Noa coming home at midnight from her shift at the restaurant, just to change quick to make it to the bar by 01:00 (it was ladies drink free night, I suppose). Now she has a baby?! Itamar was more then just the first baby in our family since..... well, ME! He was the first baby in my life! After being forced to disinfect my hands, wash my face, cover my clothing with clean towels, and use mouthwash, I got to hold Itamar, my baby nephew. I remember not feeling right about it, uncomfortable... I also remember Itamar sensing how uncomfortable I felt. Holy crap!!! A real, live BABY! Is he comfortable? Is my arm pushing into him? Is he cold? What if I drop him?!?! I must confess, I was a mess...
When I arrived to Palo Alto a year later, I really saw how my relationships with premature humans has changed. I got to meet the 2nd member of the new generation - My niece, Anashe (accent mark missing). I was able to lift her with ease and instead of cries, I saw a gentle smile glisten from her face towards her uncle... That's me.
The next day Noa and Uriel arrived with Itamar. My life quickly transformed from single man to family man, joint roller to baby soother, caring about nothing to caring about nothing BUT my niece and nephew. There was no avoiding them. Where ever I went there seemed to be babies. In the streets, in the stores, in the park, on TV... Babies were EVERYWHERE! Was this because I notice them more now, or am I just more inclined to go to baby oriented locations?
These events quickly evolved into thoughts of my own future. The most interesting aspect was how I will name my first child? How do I define a person I still have not met with just a few letters? It really is a personal matter that defines yourself rather than your new family member.
Noa and Uriel went with a classic Israeli name that extends their personalities and dedication to Israel. I like to think that the name Itamar translates directly to Date Island. And when I picture this island and its single date, I think of all the logistics this small plot of land must provide... Rain, land, wind all for this one date. Without this date, this island would be senseless. That is Itamar - The reason for existence.
Yaniv and Katrina surprised us all with the name of their baby girl - Anashé Nina Gelnik. Just like her parents, Anashé's name is complicated and simple. We get to see something new, different, strange, and perfect. Part Maa, part Gelnik? In Maa, Anashé means she who I am grateful for. And if you met her, you would feel exactly that. A content baby that makes you feel good about yourself. Although not everyone pronounces it correctly (the wrong emphAsis on the wrong SyllAble), everyone seems to come up with their own nick name. Anashena, Anashé-shé, Anosh, Anashi, and so on... But no matter what you name her or how you pronounce it, Anashé will always be something to be grateful for.
I like the idea of stepping out of the generic names we select for our children. So what if my kid can't find his name on a wall of refrigerator magnets?! There is something beautiful about finding the perfect name that belongs to you... and only you. My friend Zoe was showing me pictures of her friend's baby - Zoozoo Danger (first name). Just this week, I met 2 year-old Hawkeye (no relations to the M.A.S.H. character). And even my friend Sharifin has a name worth thinking about (although he Isreafies it to Rafi from time to time...)
This doesn't help me choose my child's name, though... This just limits my options! But in my opinion, the search for the perfect name comes from within' and not from those around us... I think I'm getting a little ahead of myself... First I got to find a lady! And then convince her to name our first born something like Biggens or Minisip (two names I approve).
Although I'm not ready myself, this past week has been pretty eye opening. It all started in June of 2011 when my sister Noa went into labor. After hours of waiting, my family was finally introduced to the first member of the next generation of kin - Itamar.
 |
| Itamar - Moments old... |
When I arrived to Palo Alto a year later, I really saw how my relationships with premature humans has changed. I got to meet the 2nd member of the new generation - My niece, Anashe (accent mark missing). I was able to lift her with ease and instead of cries, I saw a gentle smile glisten from her face towards her uncle... That's me.
 |
| Washing Baby Anashé |
These events quickly evolved into thoughts of my own future. The most interesting aspect was how I will name my first child? How do I define a person I still have not met with just a few letters? It really is a personal matter that defines yourself rather than your new family member.
Noa and Uriel went with a classic Israeli name that extends their personalities and dedication to Israel. I like to think that the name Itamar translates directly to Date Island. And when I picture this island and its single date, I think of all the logistics this small plot of land must provide... Rain, land, wind all for this one date. Without this date, this island would be senseless. That is Itamar - The reason for existence.
Yaniv and Katrina surprised us all with the name of their baby girl - Anashé Nina Gelnik. Just like her parents, Anashé's name is complicated and simple. We get to see something new, different, strange, and perfect. Part Maa, part Gelnik? In Maa, Anashé means she who I am grateful for. And if you met her, you would feel exactly that. A content baby that makes you feel good about yourself. Although not everyone pronounces it correctly (the wrong emphAsis on the wrong SyllAble), everyone seems to come up with their own nick name. Anashena, Anashé-shé, Anosh, Anashi, and so on... But no matter what you name her or how you pronounce it, Anashé will always be something to be grateful for.
I like the idea of stepping out of the generic names we select for our children. So what if my kid can't find his name on a wall of refrigerator magnets?! There is something beautiful about finding the perfect name that belongs to you... and only you. My friend Zoe was showing me pictures of her friend's baby - Zoozoo Danger (first name). Just this week, I met 2 year-old Hawkeye (no relations to the M.A.S.H. character). And even my friend Sharifin has a name worth thinking about (although he Isreafies it to Rafi from time to time...)
This doesn't help me choose my child's name, though... This just limits my options! But in my opinion, the search for the perfect name comes from within' and not from those around us... I think I'm getting a little ahead of myself... First I got to find a lady! And then convince her to name our first born something like Biggens or Minisip (two names I approve).
You are amazIng!! ;)
ReplyDelete