Stuff People Google 33

Rosie Pope's speech impediment has been a pillar of this blog.  The number of posts I've written (here, here, here and here) and the amount of web traffic I receive just from this issue is mind blowing.  Sophie the Giraffe has also been the subject of a fair amount of posts (here and here) and viewership.  This search phrase confused the two Next Stop Baby regulars and I got a good laugh out of it.

does sophie pope has a speech problem

2012 New Year Resolutions

It's time to consider, reconsider and commit to a few resolutions for the new year.  The magical year of 2012 is almost upon us (in 2.5 days) and no time is better than RIGHT NOW to figure out the changes you'll make, bad habits you'll break and goals you'll achieve in the next 365 days. 

Before you do so, let me tell you a little about 2012.  I'm not psychic, just quick with my Wikipedia research.

• The Year of the Dragon - According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.  It will be a year marked by intensity and enthusiasm.  Contrast that with 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, which is was marked by serenity and tranquility.  For those of you who just thought, "yeah right...serenity and tranquility my ass....", this first point might not impact your resolution making.
• Leap Year - February 29th exists in 2012.
• The Hunger Games - I couldn't end the year without another reference to this book and the entire trilogy.  For those keeping track, I will now reveal that I've finished all three books.  While I'm tempted to share my thoughts, they're not really "Next Stop Baby" relevant....though I could be persuaded.  The first movie, The Hunger Games, is due out in May 2012. 
• Summer Olympics - London will host the 2012 summer olympics, from July 27 to August 12, making it the first city to host three olympic games.
• Presidential Election - On November 6, 2012, the good folk of United States will elect a new (or the same) president.

Let's make some resolutions.

For the Baby Crazed individual, trying to simmer down in 2012 probably won't work.  You're baby CRAZY (not baby happy) and it's the Year of the Dragon.  Maybe resolve to put your energy toward something that will benefit your future offspring - learn to knit baby booties? 

For me, the relatively new blogger (it's been almost a year!), I've resolved to write at least two posts a week that are focused on story telling, quirky observations and deep thoughts.  Through the process of writing for Next Stop Baby, I've also become a blog follower.  In part, I wanted to see how other people did this blogging thing and, in part, I was genuinely interested in the subjects.  Blogs that post often have a certain appeal because you can count on a daily (or near daily) fix.  But, I'm a bigger fan of blogs that post quality content.  As an avid follower, it's easy to tell when a blogger publishes a cop-out post...I'm sure you've been able to spot my cop-out posts over the last 11 months.  So, I'm vowing to write quality posts only.  This will inevitably mean that I will post less often, but I'm cool with that.  I hope you are too.

What are your 2012 resolutions?

Your Baby Looks Like....

Your baby looks like David Letterman. 

Ever met a baby that looked so much like David Letterman that you absolutely needed to make the comment?  Thankfully, I haven't.  Not exactly.  I have wanted to say: your baby looks like an old man.  The baby was a little girl and I did actually say it.  Outloud.  But, I was alone on my couch perusing through Facebook photos so it didn't much matter.

I try to keep these type observations to myself.  Or, to the empty rooms of my apartment.  I've decided that any reference to a baby looking older than 6 months should be avoided.  Even if the baby looks like an adorable senior citizen, even if you mean it in the kindest way possible, it might not be perceived as a compliment.  I get offended when strangers comment on my dog's appearance.  Just last week, a youngish, hipsterish fellow told me that my dog looked like Baxter from Anchor Man.  I was pissed, though I thanked him.  Baxter's a fine looking dog, but he is a HE and my dog is a SHE.  And, my dog's looks far exceed fine.

Keeping it classy.

Consider this scenario: a baby who looks EXACTLY like one parent.  This little bundle defines the gross term "spitting image".  Do you comment about the obvious likeness? It seems like a no brainer - Yes.  It makes sense (genetically) and what parent doesn't want there child to look like them (or their spouse)?  Think again.  There are parents out there that don't appreciate your opinion that the baby looks like anyone other than them, the other parent included.

One final, even trickier, scenario: a baby who looks like no one.  Your brown hair, brown eyed friend and her brown hair, brown eyed husband introduce you to their blond hair, blue eyed baby.  The baby's nose is an original and her mouth is somehow the exact opposite of both parents' mouths.  There's a slight similarity between the shape of her eyes and the shape of one parent's eyes, kind of...not really.  Overall, this baby may have been switched at birth because the resemblance is shockingly absent.  Do you comment - where did this blond beauty come from?  Do you make a joke of it - someone was sleeping with the mailman.  Do you throw the question back at the parents - who do you think she looks like?  Do you ignore it altogether?

I've encountered all three of these scenarios at one time or another.  I've met the baby who looks like George Bush Sr.  I've met the mother who doesn't like people commenting that her baby looks like her husband.  I've met the baby who looks like neither of his parents.  Being that I'm not typically quick on my feet in the face of potentially awkward conversation, I've managed to say the wrong thing in all situations.  The lesson that I've learned and the most simplified rule of thumb is to always choose the path of least resistance.  When it comes to babies, even a slight bobble of words can create a highly offended parent.  It's a sensitive subject and understandably so.  What is this non-resistant path?  Just say "she/he is a combination of both parents."  If this is a complete lie and you're not comfortable with that (by the way, paaaaalease, it's so not a big deal), then just don't make any look-a-like comment.  Stick with general terms like "cute" and "adorable" and "perfect". 

Ever been in one of these situations?  Have any words of wisdom to share?  Moms (and dads...if you read...) how do you feel when someone makes a comment about your baby's appearance or resemblance to someone else?

Stuff People Google 32

There are probably some left field reasons for searching this phrase, but the reason why someone found Next Stop Baby is my reference to a scene from Pregnant in Heels in a post from May (here).

girl in wedding dress getting peed on

Hollywood Does Baby Names

Here are some of the more unusual baby names chosen by the celebs that we love...ish.  Look at these cute babies!!!

Ever Imre Morisette-Treadway
(Alanis Morisette's son)

Indiana Hawke
(Ethan Hawke's daughter)

'

Locklyn Kyla Vaughn
(Vince Vaughn's daughter)

Aleph Portman-Millepied
(Natalie Portman's son)

Cree Taylor Mowry
(Tia Mowry's son)

What is the most unusual baby name 

you heard this year?

Holiday Gift Countdown...over

Back in November I had this genius idea of posting 25 holiday gift ideas for the special baby in your life.  In my excitement of showing you these gifts, I forgot that you have to purchase and wrap the gift in advance.  And, that many of you (including myself) exchange gifts before December 25th.  I exchanged some gifts as early at December 10th this year.  Realizing this just the other day, I decided to bring my genius idea to a halt a bit early...today.

So, here is one last gift idea - not because I think you'll have time to purchase it in time for Christmas (if I'm being honest), but because it's the cutest thing and my bestie WW laughs every time she looks at the photo below.  It's a bearded hat and it's fantastic.  The Esty crafter who makes it (By Laura) also has adult sizes.  Get crazy.

Bearded Hat By Laura ($39)

Stuff People Google 31

I thought this was something that only happened in critically unacclaimed romantic comedies featuring Lindsay Lohan (did anyone actually see Labor Pains?).

pillow stuffed under her shirt

First Name + Middle Name + Last Name = Awkward

You knew I couldn't last long without a baby name post.

A little while back (here) I raised the issue of choosing a first name that combines badly with a last name.  This could play out as Rose Petal, a name that's a common noun, or Julia Child, a name that's a well known person.  With either of those first name/last name combinations, your daughter is going to get a lot of feedback about her name...for the rest of her life.  Whether that feedback is good or bad is sort of beside the point because in either case it's going to get annoying after a lifetime of repetition. 


Today, I have two more issues for you: rhyming names and awkward initials.  Ever met a woman named Cheryl Merril?  I have.  It was impossible not to smirk during the introduction.  If my last name had been Padilla (pronounced Pa-dee-yah), it wouldn't have been as cool for my parents to name me Leah.  Leah Padilla sounds like a cartoon character, not a person.

Awkward initials are, well, just as awkward as a rhyming name.  If your last name is Smith, avoid naming your son Adam Steven...you'd be making as ASS out of him (and you).  Another example would be a girl named Faith Uma Kingston.  FUK, while not the properly spelling for the expletive that we all know and love, still gets the message across and would be an unfortunate monogram for a third grader's backpack.  Do you really want your cutie patootie daughter's initials to spell PIG?  Pamela Isabel Gray, get yourself to the dinner table and eat yourself silly like you always do!  Ugh.

Choosing a name because you love it, because it's just right is always a solid foundation.  But these few issues are worth consideration.  You'd be pissed if your mom told you that she hadn't thought of the fact that your initials spell POO or that you share your name (since birth) with award-winning actress Meryl Streep.  The good news is that these unfortunate names are rare realities, the bad news is that when they are it's pretty much a deal breaker.   

Any additions to our list?

• Names that are common nouns (i.e. Ruby Stone)
• Names that are famous (i.e. Oprah Winfrey)
• Names that rhyme (i.e. Cheryl Merril)
• Names that have inappropriate initials (i.e. Adam Steven Smith)

Holiday Gift Countdown - Days 15 and 16

Today's (and tomorrows) choice holiday gifts are a cell phone teether and a remote control teether.  These eco-friendly toys are handcrafted by 3 Princesses Engraving, a Canadian based Etsy shop.  Both can be personalized and both retail for $12.  It's never too soon to introduce your child to technology, I suppose.

Pregnant Ladies on the Train

Let's start today's afternoon post with a brief discussion on the many words that are substituted for "subway" depending on where you are in North America:

New York - Train

Chicago - L

Boston - T

San Fransisco - Bart

Atlanta - Marta

Montreal - Metro

That wasn't so much a discussion, as a list.  Moving on.  This morning on the train (reference list above), I couldn't help but notice an adorably dressed pregnant woman.  I loved everything she was wearing from her heeled suede booties to her beaded hoop earrings.  I came close to asking her where she got her striped cotton shirt (because I wanted it) until I realized that it was definitely maternity gear - she was that pregnant.

As I suppressed my need to ask about each item of her clothing, I realized that my fellow train riders were doing the opposite.  Well, not the exact opposite, which would be not suppressing their need to ask about each item of her clothing.  But, where as I was sort of stalking the hot mama-to-be, everyone else was completely avoiding her.  All eyes turned intentionally away.  Why?  Because no one wanted to give up their seat for her.  They seemed to be following the old Manhattan proverb: if you don't make eye contact, it never happened.  If they could pretend that she wasn't there, then they could pretend that they weren't assholes by making her stand while they sat.

I was standing, so I had no seat to give.  Meanwhile, many seemingly able bodied New Yorkers cozied up in their plastic chairs.  None were interested in standing, not even for a very hip and very pregnant lady.  Not one.  Ms. Preggers seemed to be following a different old proverb: if you stare at something long enough, it will eventually look back.  She glared up and down the row of commuters.  No one looked back.  Realizing that her tactic was failing, she upped the ante to belly rubbing.  She pushed aside her wool trapeze coat and started rubbing that big belly.  She was rubbing and staring and rubbing and staring.  At last, the deadly combo got some middle aged guy to stand and wave her over.  She gave a fake smile (he deserved it) and sat.  I sighed with relief and returned to considering her outfit.

Moral of the Story - If you're a pregnant woman on the subway/train/L/T/Bart/Marta/metro, don't mess around with subtle gestures.  Cut right to the belly rub and make those non-pregnant train riders feel like the assholes lazy people that they are.

Holiday Gift Countdown - Days 10-14....

Okay, it's probably no secret that I've been a little delinquent on the holiday gift countdown...and posts in general.  Tis the season for some after work drinking, chocolate chip cookie making and holiday movie watching.  I've fully indulged in all three and fully slacked on the post front.  Tis also the season of forgiveness?

Let's jump back into the holiday gift countdown with a brief look back at the gifts so far:

1. Handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope
2. Money pots by Uncommon Goods
3. Finger puppets by Restoration Hardware
4. Personalized pillow by Comfy Heaven
5. Red bow knit hat by Nita Mae's Garden
6. and 7. Origami crane mobile by Spare Bedroom Studio
8. Wool slippers from Garnett Hill
9. Chan Pie Gnon (friends of Sophie the Giraffe)

Today, for gifts 10 through 14, here are five amazing ornaments to celebrate a/your/some baby's first Christmas.

by Aphrodite's Canvas ($22)

by This Fine Day
($14 without custom engraving, $19 with)

by Rustic Blend ($6)

by Susabella ($28)

by Your Keepsake Co. ($20)

Stuff People Google 30

Another Friday, another search phrase that left me totally confused.  What was the context here?  Is there another kind of pee that I'm not aware of?

definition of pee

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 9

Christmas is 16 days away and Hanukkah is a mere 11 days away.  Where has the year gone?  There's still plenty of some time to order gifts online and even more time to shop in store.  So get on it.  Here's another idea for the baby (or babies) in your life: Chan Pie Gnon.  You've met Sophie...now meet her friends, chan pie gnon (in blue, pink and yellow).  They're made of the same natural rubber as Sophie, but shaped like mushrooms.  They retail for as little as $12.89 on Amazon.com.  

(COME BACK AT 12 NOON FOR TODAY'S EDITION OF STUFF PEOPLE GOOGLE!)

Baby Shower Partay...Whoop Whoop

I'm a Gleek.  No, that's a slight exaggeration.  I'm not quite a Gleek.  Gleek status requires a Glee obsession and, truth be told, I've missed a few episodes.  But I do watch nearly every week and thoroughly enjoy it whenever I do.  Immediately following Glee is New Girl.  It's the new half hour sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel.  And, while it's no Glee, it's pretty good.  I first started watching it accidentally because I was too lazy to change the channel after Glee.  Holy couch potato Batman.  But in recent weeks it's been a conscious choice.  New Girl is kind of funny and kind of cute.  Plus, Justin Long just joined the cast as the boyfriend of Jess (Zooey Deschanel's character), which bolsters the shows Rom/Com credibility thanks to his starring role in She's Just Not That Into You.

You know Justin Long.
He dated Drew Barrymore for a while.

This week on New Girl, one of the male characters (Schmidt) attended a baby shower.  It was at some outdoor, pool, patio, potted tree locale.  It was at night, which was evident because it occurred after the work day and it was dark outside.  All the lady guests were sporting stilettos and evening attire.  Everyone was mingling around high top tables and sipping martinis.  In fact, it was quite the boozefest.  Schmidt and all the ladies, with the exception of the lady of honor, were three sheets by the end of the sitcom baby shower.

Bullet-pointed Review:

• Swanky locale - Fairly normal in a Los Angeles type way
• Night time - Slightly less normal, baby showers are more of a Sunday afternoon event
• Stiletto and cocktail dress guest attire - Slightly less normal for a baby shower, but highly normal for a night time event in Los Angeles
• Boozefest......wha????

Read only the bold words - sounds like a bachelorette party, not a baby shower.  So, why did I just recount a baby shower scene from a new (and arguably mediocre) sitcom?  Because art often mimics life often mimics art.  I'm wondering whether cocktail party baby showers the new, hot trend?  

Before I judge, let me confess that I've only ever attended the mid-afternoon tea and cookies type baby shower.  Now I'll judge: the boozy baby shower seems like an bad odd choice given that the mother-to-be is supposed to lay off the sauce.  It would be like throwing a peanut butter party for someone who is allergic to nuts.  Or something like that.  Does the pregnant honoree mind drinking sparkling apple cider while the guests chug champagne?  It just seems that when a baby shower turns alcohol-induced, it stops being about the mom-to-be and starts being about everyone else.  Thoughts?

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 8

Garnet Hill makes these adorable boiled wool slippers.  They each retail for $44, but are on sale now for $33.  And, there's a free shipping promotion for the holidays.  And, I'm pretty sure if you search around the internet you could find yourself a coupon code for an even deeper discount (if you do share the wealth in a comment).  Sizes start at toddler (4-8) and go up to kids (1-3).  My favorites are the monster and the shark.

I Saw A Baby...In A Bar

This past Saturday night, I had a lovely dinner with six of my favorite friends.  Our reservation was for 8 p.m. and we managed to arrive right on time, a rarity.  We started the night with some champagne (it was a special occasion) and ordered a bunch of appetizers about a half hour later.  By 9 p.m. we were munching on edamame and finishing our second bottle of champagne.  By 9:30 p.m. we had finished the yuba dumplings, spicy tuna and...you guessed it...our third bottle of champagne.  We were gossiping and giggling and having a grand old time when unexpectedly, from the bar, a baby started screaming.  It was sudden and loud, in the range of blood curdling.  I nearly dropped my salmon and avocado roll.

This image of a salmon and avocado roll
made me realize why sushi is served
in dimly lit restaurants.
Sushi isn't all that attractive. (image here)  

I think most will agree that the sound of a screaming baby is a less pleasant sound.  On the scale of 1 to 10, definitely below a 5.  Even when it's your baby, you can't tell me that the screaming is cute.  You just can't.  The cooing is cute.  The screaming is not cute.  And when the baby isn't your baby, it's especially not cute.  And when it's at a restaurant and interrupts your champagne toasting, it's the worst.

Back in July, I wrote about an airline that was considering banning babies from certain first class flights (here).  I bring this up not because I want restaurants to ban babies, but because on Saturday night I really did wish that the parents had left their little screamer at home.  It didn't ruin the night, not by a mile.  But, the group collectively thought - party foul.

How do you feel about babies in restaurants?  Does the kind of restaurant matter (swanky and high priced versus casual and economic)?  Does the hour matter (early bird special versus late night apps)?

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 7 (and 6 too)

I skipped Day 6 of the holiday gift countdown.  Did you notice?  I'm making it up with THREE gifts today.  All are made by Spare Bedroom Studio.  I've shared many a nursery mobile in the past (here, here, here).  But this mobile might just be my favorite.  The origami cranes are made of vintage music sheets, vintage maps and novels.

They're Baaaaaack...

The new season of Teen Mom 2 is premiering tonight on MTV (10 pm/9 Central).  I think I'm even more excited about the return of these ladies than I was about the return of the Teen Mom ladies back in July (wrote about that here).  The Teen Mom 2 cast may not have been the original, but I think there's a strong argument that it's the most beloved.  They're the Godfather II of the Teen Mom empire.

I watched the Teen Mom 2 recap just yesterday to insure that the drama of last season is fresh in my mind.  By the way, can you believe there's only been one season of Teen Mom 2?  First there was 16 and Pregnant Season 2A (yeah...2A...), which opened with Jennelle Evans on February 16, 2010 and the others followed throughout the season.  Then, the ten girls from 16 and Pregnant Season 2A were cut down to four.  Those four were then featured in the first season of Teen Mom 2 that aired on January 11 this year.

That quick history made me realize that the lives of the Teen Mom 2 cast members have drastically changed in a very short period of time.  While we (the general public) were briefly introduced to Jenelle, Chelsea, Kailyn and Leah in spring 2010, we've come to know and gawk at love them just this past year.   And what a year it has been for them, both on and off screen.  This thought motivated me to search the world wide interweb and collect some off-camera happenings of the four mommy superstars.  Here is your one-stop shopping for what Jennelle Evans, Chelsea Houska, Kailyn Lowry and Leah Messer have been up to on the off season.

Jennelle Evans - Jennelle spent many of her off-camera hours hanging out with police officers, judges, attorneys and rehab counselors.  She was arrested on March 28, 2011.  The alleged crime?  Assault.  The truth behind the allegation became quite clear when a video surfaced.  The assault (aka Jennelle beating the crap out of another female teenager) was caught on tape...NOT by MTV (they wish), but some drunk teenager witness.  The video is below (thanks TMZ).  It's pretty vicious, in a haymaker, hair-pulling kind of way.  Keiffer Delps, Jennelle's on again off again, crazy again crazier again, boyfriend was most recently arrested for assault and is currently serving an 8 month jail sentence.  I couldn't quite get his legal history in chronological order, but it seems there's been a bunch of arrests in a bunch of states.

Chelsea Houska - Chelsea's friend and former roommate, Megan Nelson (who was featured in a few Teen Mom 2 episodes) had a baby on July 4th.  She NATURALLY delivered a BIG boy (9 lbs. 8 ounces).  Chelsea's pug named Pixie went missing on July 7th and I couldn't find any word that the little bugger was ever found.  Sad.  That was all I could gather about Chelsea, she seems to keep the lowest profile of the Teen Mom 2 ladies.

Kailyn Lowry - Kailyn started selling Amway products online.  Weird.  Check out the website (here) if you want to support her and buy Amway.  While your at it, head to Kailyn's personal website (here) and read posts about Isaac (her baby) and her other business (Isaac's clothing line).  I'd specifically like to direct your attention to the July 14, 2011 post entitled "Isaac was conceived...".  Weird.  Finally, just yesterday, Kailyn came to the rescue of Kourtney Kardashian.  Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham had criticized (via twitter) Kourtney K's announcement that she was pregnant with baby number two.  I guess Farrah was upset that the pregnancy is out of wedlock?  It wasn't clear.  Kailyn came to Kourtney's defense (also via twitter).  Weird.

Leah Messer - Leah Messer and Cory Simms were officially married on October 17, 2010.  We all watched the wedding on the season finale of Teen Mom 2 on March 29, 2011.  A couple weeks later, in April 2011, Leah filed for divorce.  Leah's decision to file for divorce was filmed by MTV and we will likely get both sides of the story during the new season.  In the meantime we can speculate about the breakup based on the two reasons that have surfaced: Leah cheated and/or Corey stole $19,000 from Leah.  The divorce was finalized in June 2011.  Also in June 2011?  Leah was rumored to have rekindled her relationship with ex-boyfriend Robbie Kidd, scandalous.

This past summer, Leah Messer with Robbie Kidd
and without post-divorce blues.
(image here)

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 5

It's a girly gift day with this adorable crocheted "red sparkle bow holiday hat" (actual product name) by Nita Mae's Garden ($24.95).  There is a one to two week turn around time between your order and receiving your gift, so no time to waste if you want to make this a Christmas gift.

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 4

This personalized pillow is not the first personalized pillow I've featured on Next Stop Baby (other feature here).  I think they're nice gifts because they will be appreciated and cherished long beyond the nursery years.  If it's a holiday gift for an unborn baby and there is no chosen name, Comfy Heaven (maker of this pillow) will personalize the pillow with any word you'd like - Loved, Baby, Happy, etc.

by Comfy Heaven ($24.99)

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 3

Puppets hold a dear place in my heart.  Seriously.  I have a good friend who is a puppetry guru, she's incredibly talented, and being her roommate for a number of years left me with lasting memories of...puppets.  Plus, A Muppet Family Christmas is one of my favorite holiday movies.  I always thought the Swedish Chef was highly underrated, so seeing him shine in this movie was a real treat.

These six tiny finger puppets ($18) are sold by Restoration Hardware and would be a fantastic stocking stuffer for the toddler in your life (intended for ages 3+).

Stuff People Google 29

Today's edition of Stuff People Google is a term that first appeared on Next Stop Baby back in April 2011 in a post entitled The Things I Don't (Want to) Know.  I had hoped it was folklore, but learned that it's an actual, physiological occurrence.  Ouch.

uterus resizing

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 2

Another day of December, another gift idea.  These are money pots from Uncommon Goods.  They would be a great gift for an expecting couple or a baby that has already arrived.  Each money pot is handmade in Italy.  Once a coin goes in it can't come out.   When the entire pot is filled it is then broken open and the money is used for the growing child.  Each pot comes with a "fortune coin" that is already inside.  The fortune coin is a memento to keep after the pot is broken and no longer in use.  

Check back at noon for this week's edition of Stuff People Google

Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 1

Everyday (or nearly everyday) from today through Christmas Eve I will post holiday gift ideas for the babies in your life.  A gift per day.  The gift post will go live at the regular time (8 AM) and on some days a second, more substantive post will go live at 12 PM.  Double the Next Stop Baby, double the fun.

The internet in general and Etsy as it's own magical website make gift shopping a pleasure.  There are so many lovely choices.   Yet, with all the lovely choices it can feel overwhelming.  So, hopefully my gift ideas will help the process.  Please share your great gift ideas in comments or email me (nextstopbabyblog@gmail.com) and just maybe I'll include your suggestion!

The first holiday gift suggestion is this handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope ($39.95).  It's intended use is for one baby.  The four similar hand prints with all the varying colors make for a very Andy Warhol feel.  I think it could also be perfect for a family of four (mom, dad and siblings), a family with four children, or to save over the course of four years and make a new print each year...a work of art in progress.

A New Top 1,000 List (seriously)

Yesterday I gave my Top 20 list of the most popular girl names from 2010.  The list was based on the social security administration's statistics, but lumped all spellings of the same name together.  Today, I'm ready to discuss my Top 20 list and give you the full and newly calculated Top 1,000 girl name list.  Technically, it's not 1,000 names because after combining all the different spellings of the same name (Haley, Hayleigh, Hailey...etc.) the list was shortened to a mere 672.

First, how interesting is it that Isabella wasn't the most popular girl name of 2010?  Since May, we all (admit it) whole-heartedly believed that Twilight's Isabella Swan was an unmatched pop culture phenomenon.  Little did we know that all the Sofias and Sophias were the real dominating force.  Actually, the percentages were very close between the Top 2 names: 1.3784% of girls born in 2010 were named Sophia/Sofia and 1.3121% of girls born in 2010 were named Isabella/Izabella/Isabela.  Meaning, we can still credit Stefenie Meyer and Kristen Stewart for programming our brains enchanting our socks off.

The purpose behind this wildly tedious project was to find the true percentage of the population that chose each name, regardless of how each member of the population decided to spell it.  By combining the multiple spellings, the percentages for many names increased.  But, even the increased percentages didn't come close to the percentages of the most popular names from 100 years ago.  In comparing the newly calculated 2010 stats to those from 1910, the difference is still glaring.  The top name in 1910 (Mary) boasted %5.4454 of the little lady population.  All the Top 10 names claimed over 1% of the population in 1910.  Last year, only Sophia and Isabella beat the 1% mark.

That's a lot of math...maybe a visual aid will help?

Top girl name 2010 = SOPHIA (1.3121%)

versus

Top girl name 1910 = MARY (%5.4454)

another visual aid:

(Sophia Loren)

versus

(Mary J. Blige)

Popularity really isn't what it used to be when it comes to girl baby names.  A hundred years ago nearly 20% of the girls born were named one of the Top 10 girl names.  Last year, less than 10% of the girls born were named one of the Top 10 girl names.  Relatively speaking, Mary was a more popular name in 1910 than Sophia was in 2010 even though both were the most popular name of their year.

Next up: boy names.  By "next up" I mean in the next few days weeks.

Below is my newly calculated Top 672 girl names.  Like yesterday, where I found more than one spelling for the name, the most popular spelling is capitalized and the alternative spellings follow in order of popularity.

1. SOPHIA - Sofia
2. ISABELLA - Izabella, Isabela
3. OLIVIA - Alivia, Alyvia
4. CHLOE - Khloe, Kloe
5. EMMA
6. EMILY - Emely, Emilee, Emmalee, Emilie
7. MADISON - Maddison, Madisyn, Madyson
8. AVA - Avah
9. ABIGAIL - Abagail, Abbigail, Abigale
10. HALEY - Hailey, Haylee, Hayley, Haleigh, Hailee, Haylie, Hayleigh
11. ADDISON - Addysin, Addyson
12. ZOE - Zoey, Zoie
13. LILY - Lilly, Lillie
14. RILEY - Rylee, Ryleigh, Rylie
15. LAYLA - Laila, Lailah, Leyla, Leila, Leilah
16. MIA - Miah
17. NATALIE - Nataly, Nathalie, Natalee, Nathaly
18. ELIZABETH - Elisabeth
19. KAYLEE - Kayleigh, Kailey, Kaylie, Caylee, Kaleigh, Kailee
20. KAITLYN - Katelyn, Caitlyn, Katelynn, Caitlin, Kaitlin, Kaitlynn
21. ELLA
22. ALLISON - Alison, Alisson, Allyson, Alyson
23. BRIANNA - Briana, Breanna, Bryanna
24. MAKAYLA - Mikayla, Michaela, Mikaela, Mckayla, Micaela
25. ARIANNA - Ariana, Aryanna, Aryana
26. SARAH - Sara
27. PEYTON - Payton, Payten
28. KYLIE - Kylee, Kyleigh, Kiley
29. AALIYAH - Aliyah, Aliya, Aleah, Aleigha, Alia
30. ALEXIS - Alexus
31. SAMANTHA
32. BROOKLYN - Brooklynn
33. MADELYN - Madeleine, Madilyn, Madalyn, Madelynn, Madalynn, Madilynn
34. GABRIELLA - Gabriela
35. MACKENZIE - Mckenzie, Makenzie
36. JASMINE - Jazmin, Jazmine, Jasmin, Jazmyn
37. LEAH - Lia, Lea
38. MAYA - Mya, Maia, Myah
39. ANNA - Ana
40. ALYSSA - Alisa, Alissa
41. HANNAH - Hanna, Hana
42. GRACE
43. AUBREY - Aubree, Aubrie
44. AVERY - Averie, Averi
45. LILLIAN
46. KATHERINE - Catherine, Kathryn
47. ASHLEY - Ashlee
48. EVELYN - Evelynn, Evelin
49. SAVANNAH - Savanna, Savanah
50. NEVAEH
51. VICTORIA
52. TAYLOR
53. ISABELLE - Isabel, Isabell
54. JOCELYN - Joselyn, Joslyn, Jocelynn
55. CAMILA - Kamila, Camilla
56. AMELIA
57. CHARLOTTE
58. CLAIRE - Clare
59. LILIANA - Lilliana, Lilyana, Lilianna, Lillianna, Lilyanna
60. BELLA
61. KAYLA
62. LAUREN - Lauryn
63. ALEXA
64. SYDNEY - Sidney, Sydnee
65. AUDREY
66. JORDYN - Jordan, Jordynn
67. BAILEY - Baylee, Bailee
68. JULIANA - Julianna, Giuliana
69. JULIA
70. GIANNA - Giana
71. SOPHIE
72. JADA - Jayda, Jaida
73. MELANIE - Melany
74. KAELYN - Kaylin, Kailyn, Kaylynn, Kaylyn, Kaylen, Cailyn, Kaelynn
75. ADRIANA - Adrianna
76. CARLY - Karlee, Carley, Carlee, Carlie, Karly, Carleigh, Karli
77. DESTINY - Destinee
78. MORGAN
79. ALEXANDRA
80. LONDON - Londyn
81. KIMBERLY
82. MOLLY - Mollie
83. MACI - Macy, Macie, Macey
84. BROOKE
85. NATALIA - Natalya, Nathalia
86. TRINITY
87. FAITH
88. CADENCE - Kaydence, Kadence, Caydence
89. LUCY
90. MADELINE
91. ANDREA
92. NAOMI - Noemi
93. ADALYN - Adalynn, Addilyn, Adelyn, Adelynn
94. AUTUMN
95. SCARLETT - Scarlet
96. MARIAH - Miriyah
97. SERENITY
98. KENNEDY -  Kennedi
99. STELLA
100. MARIA
101. RACHEL - Rachael
102. CAROLINE
103. GENESIS
104. EVA
105. ASHLYN - Ashlynn
106. JESSICA
107. DANIELA - Daniella
108. ANGELINA
109. VALERIA
110. JAELYN - Jaylynn, Jaelynn, Jaylin, Jaylyn, Jaylen
111. GABRIELLE
112. ANNABELLE - Annabel
113. JADE - Jayde
114. RUBY -  Rubi
115. REBECCA - Rebekah
116. CALLIE - Cali, Kali, Kallie
117. JAYDEN - Jadyn, Jaiden, Jaden, Jaidyn
118. NORA - Norah
119. PAIGE
120. CAMERON - Kamryn, Camryn
121. LILA - Lilah
122. MEGAN - Meghan
123. ELLIE
124. VANESSA
125. KEIRA - Kiera, Kierra
126. REAGAN - Regan
127. MARY
128. ALAINA - Alayna
129. JAYLA - Jaylah
130. LYDIA
131. STEPHANIE - Stephany
132. AMY - Aimee
133. MALIA - Maleah, Maliyah, Maliah
134. ANIYAH - Aniya
135. VIVIAN - Vivienne
136. ALANA - Alanna, Alannah
137. LYLA - Lylah
138. AMAYA - Amiyah, Amiya
139. KENDALL - Kendal
140. SADIE
141. JENNIFER
142. HARPER
143. NICOLE
144. VIOLET
145. JACQUELINE - Jaqueline, Jacquelyn
146. MICHELLE
147. GISELLE - Gisselle
148. ALLIE - Ali, Ally
149. GRACIE
150. SKYLAR - Skyler
151. REESE
152. JENNA
153. ALINA - Alena, Aleena
154. PIPER
155. CHRISTINA - Kristina, Cristina
156. ELIANA - Elianna
157. LESLIE - Lesly
158. VALERIE
159. ELISE - Elyse
160. CHARLIE - Charlee, Charley, Charli, Charleigh
161. ARIEL - Arielle
162. DAISY
163. CHEYENNE - Cheyanne, Shyanne
164. VALENTINA
165. JULIET - Juliette
166. SIENNA - Siena
167. KIRA - Kyra
168. CASSIDY - Kassidy
169. LEXI - Lexie
170. MELISSA
171. MARLEY - Marlee
172. ANGELA
173. KATIE
174. HAYDEN
175. JANIYAH - Janiya, Janiah
176. ELENA
177. SUMMER
178. MARISSA - Marisa
179. ELEANOR
180. MAKENNA - Makena
181. CLARA
182. JILLIAN
183. ALICE
184. ALICIA - Alisha
185. ABBY - Abbey, Abbie
186. MIRANDA
187. MILEY - Mylee
188. EDEN
189. MARGARET
190. SHELBY
191. JOSEPHINE
192. DELILAH
193. KELSEY - Kelsie
194. KINLEY - Kynlee
195. AMANDA
196. AYANA - Aiyana, Ayanna, Aiyanna
197. DIANA
198. BRIELLE
199. ANGEL
200. DANIELLE
201. TEAGAN - Tegan
202. KARA - Cara
203. CECILIA - Cecelia
204. MELODY
205. KYLA - Kylah
206. PENELOPE
207. AURORA
208. MARIANA - Mariana
209. ANNABELLA - Anabella
210. CASSANDRA - Kassandra
211. Laura - Lara
212. ALEXANDRIA
213. KENDRA
214. DELANEY
215. KATE
216. MILA - Myla
217. ERICA - Erika
218. LOLA
219. TALIA - Taliyah, Thalia
220. ERIN
221. HADLEY
222. SIERRA
223. SABRINA
224. TESSA
225. CHELSEA
226. ANYA - Anaya
227. AMBER
228. BRYLEE - Briley, Bryleigh
229. HEIDI - Heidy
230. MAGGIE
231. CRYSTAL - Krystal
232. KARINA - Carina
233. MCKENNA
234. COURTNEY - Kourtney
235. KARLA - Carla
236. PAISLEY
237. DANICA - Danika
238. ELIZA
239. TIANA - Tianna
240. ALEXIA
241. LINDSEY - Lindsay
242. EMERSON - Emersyn
243. HOPE
244. KAREN
245. NADIA
246. ALONDRA
247. HARMONY
248. QUINN
249. NYLAH - Nylah
250. FIONA
251. KAIA - Kaiya, Kaya
252. JAZLYN - Jazlynn
253. JOSIE
254. EMILIA - Emelia
255. ZARIAH - Zaria, Zariyah
256. HAZEL
257. LUCIA
258. DANNA
259. ESTHER
260. LELIANI
261. REYNA - Raina, Rayna, Reina
262. FATIMA
263. XIMENA
264. CAMILLE
265. PRESLEY
266. CORA
267. ALEJANDRA
268. GENEVIEVE
269. ANNIKA - Anika
270. BIANCA
271. MALLORY
272. ESMERELDA
273. LENA - Lina
274. ARIA - Ariah
275. BRYNN
276. DAKOTA
277. JAYLEEN - Jaylene
278. WILLOW
279. VERONICA
280. ISLA
281. IVY
282. MIRIAM
283. JOANNA
284. KELLY
285. KINSLEY
286. HALLE - Hallie
287. PHOEBE
288. TIFFANY
289. EMERY
290. JOURNEY - Journee
291. LANEY - Lainey
292. CARMEN
293. IRIS
294. NINA
295. GEMMA - Jemma
296. SANIYAH - Saniya
297. ADELINE
298. HEAVEN
299. KIARA
300. GEORGIA
301. PARIS
302. GUADALUPE
303. SELENA
304. BRAELYN - Braelynn
305. EVANGELINE
306. LIANA - Leanna
307. TATUM
308. ROSE
309. AUDRINA
310. FERNANDA
311. LUNA
312. SASHA
313. SAGE - Saige
314. ANGELICA
315. LORELEI - Lorelai
316. RUTH
317. AYLA
318. ANABELLE - Anabel
319. AINSLEY
320. YARETZI
321. RAEGAN
322. ATHENA
323. MONICA
324. TATIANA
325. GRACELYN - Gracelynn
326. ANASTASIA
327. NOELLE
328. JULISSA
329. BETHANY
330. IMANI
331. KENZIE
332. RAELYNN - Raelyn
333. JAMIE
334. APRIL
335. YASMIN - Yazmin
336. CYNTHIA
337. ALESSANDRA
338. JANE
339. CASEY - Kasey
340. ARABELLA
341. MIRIAM - Maryam
342. NAYELI
343. CAROLINA
344. JULIE
345. GIA
346. JANELLE
347. ANNIE
348. ELAINA
349. JIMENA
350. LYRIC
351. SHANIYA - Shania
352. FINLEY
353. DULCE
354. RYAN - Ryann
355. ANNE - Ann
356. ITZEL
357. HOLLY
358. ANGIE
359. ELLE
360. ESTRELLA
361. ELLIANA
362. SARAI
363. BRENDA
364. BRITTANY
365. HARLEY
366. DAHLIA - Dalia
367. ADELAIDE
368. HELEN
369. KARISSA - Carissa
370. CIARA
371. JOHANNA
372. LACEY
373. SHAYLA
374. BRIDGET
375. TERESA - Theresa
376. LILIAN
377. PAOLA
378. SERENA
379. CELESTE
380. TENLEY
381. NATASHA
382. AMARI
383. BRISA
384. DANA
385. PARKER
386. AILEEN
387. NIA
388. BRENNA
389. KIERSTEN - Kirsten
390. DESIREE
391. JALIYAH
392. ANAHI
393. DAYANA
394. KAYDEN
395. LANA
396. LUCILLE
397. IVANNA - Ivana
398. LOGAN
399. VIVIANA
400. JOY
401. PRISCILLA
402. DAPHNE
403. DENISE
404. SKYE
405. ROWAN
406. FRANCESCA
407. ELISA
408. AMIRA
409. LIZBETH
410. KENLEY
411. KIMORA
412. GLORIA
413. MELINA
414. BRYNLEE
415. LIBERTY
416. ARACELI - Aracely
417. CLAUDIA
418. MIRA - Myra
419. SANDRA
420. JAYCEE
421. NANCY
422. MIRACLE
423. ANNALISE
424. AZARIA - Azariah
425. CINDY
426. MARISOL
427. YARELI
428. ELOISE
429. ASIA
430. HELENA
431. MAEVE
432. JUSTICE
433. WHITNEY
434. OLIVE
435. MARILYN
436. CLARISSA
437. FARRAH
438. ADA
439. AMANI
440. JANESSA
441. SYLVIA
442. MCKINLEY
443. SKYLA
444. BRISTOL
445. GWENDOLYN
446. KALIYAH
447. ROSA
448. TORI
449. AYLIN
450. DYLAN
451. KRISTEN
452. MARIE
453. KIANA
454. RIHANNA
455. WENDY
456. REGINA
457. EVE
458. ROSALIE
459. SLOANE
460. AMYA
461. KATHLEEN
462. JUNE
463. ASPEN
464. ELSA
465. PERLA
466. MEREDITH
467. RAQUEL
468. SAMARA
469. RAVEN
470. VIRGINIA
471. JAYLEE
472. PATRICIA
473. SHERLYN
474. SHILOH
475. ISIS
476. LINDA
477. ANGELIQUE
478. PAITYN
479. ANSLEY
480. DIAMOND
481. MARINA
482. TABITHA
483. SELAH
484. ELSIE
485. LEIGHTON
486. HAVEN
487. AMARA
488. ARELY
489. SARIAH
490. AMERICA
491. BRINLEY
492. TARYN
493. MILAN
494. GRETA
495. MERCEDES
496. PHOENIX
497. CHRISTINE
498. ELLEN
499. VERA
500. TARAJI
501. KEYLA
502. SIMONE
503. AMELIE
504. AISHA
505. CATALINA
506. HEATHER
507. SHANNON
508. JESSIE
509. ZION
510. LUCIANA
511. ADRIENNE
512. IRENE
513. YESENIA
514. PALOMA
515. JANAE
516. JOLIE
517. AMINA
518. EVIE
519. BARBARA
520. MARTHA
521. ABRIL
522. DEANNA
523. ALANI
524. KENYA
525. SONIA
526. ZARA
527. LISA
528. ROSEMARY
529. PAULINA
530. ELIN
531. ARIELLA
532. CORINNE
533. JAKAYLA
534. CHAYA
535. CAROLYN
536. CELIA
537. EMMALYN
538. LUZ
539. ZANIYAH
540. ILIANA
541. GIADA
542. CHERISH
543. GIOVANNA
544. CAMPBELL
545. LARISSA
546. FELICITY
547. JULIANNE
548. TAMIA
549. INGRID
550. YOSELIN
551. BRIA
552. DEBORAH
553. HARLOW
554. TARA
555. FRANCES
556. JENNY
557. SAWYER
558. MORIAH
559. RYLAN
560. SANAA
561. YARITZA
562. SUSAN
563. LIBBY
564. ELAINE
565. MATILDA
566. PATIENCE
567. ANALIA
568. SHARON
569. ALIANA
570. MARITZA
571. TESS
572. KARSYN
573. CHANEL
574. ARMANI
575. AZUL
576. CHANA
577. PAULA
578. EDITH
579. ALIZA
580. AMIRAH
581. EMBER
582. LIVIA
583. LEIA
584. AKIRA
585. BEATRICE
586. EILEEN
587. IRELAND
588. KENNA
589. HADASSAH
590. DEMI
591. MALAYA
592. MICAH
593. ALAYAH
594. ALMA
595. ANGELINE
596. AYLEEN
597. CHARITY
598. NOLA
599. MAYRA
600. BELEN
601. BELINDA
602. BREE
603. KATRINA
604. MARA
605. MILLIE
606. RENEE
607. JOYCE
608. KYNDALL
609. LILIA
610. SHYLA
611. JUDITH
612. MEADOW
613. SALMA
614. TANIA
615. NEVEAH
616. RAYNE
617. SARAHI
618. BRIELLA
619. JANET
620. LANIYAH
621. STACY
622. KARMA
623. LIZETH
624. MARLENE
625. PRINCESS
626. RIYA
627. DOMINIQUE
628. ADELE
629. BRITNEY
630. ADELINA
631. DIYA
632. ESME
633. KAYLEEN
634. DIXIE
635. ROSELYN
636. YAMILET
637. ARYA
638. DAMARIS
639. JEWEL
640. MATTIE
641. YAMILETH
642. EMMY
643. AUDRIANA
644. ESPERANZA
645. JAMYA
646. KINSEY
647. KAI
648. PRECIOUS
649. KIMBER
650. LORENA
651. MINA
652. PEARL
653. WILLA
654. JASLENE
655. JOLENE
656. KAIRI
657. RIVER
658. SHAYLEE
659. INDIA
660. MILAGROS
661. ZURI
662. AMIAH
663. DEVYN
664. DONNA
665. MAE
666. PAMELA
667. XIOMARA
668. LEONA
669. LILITH
670. ALAYSIA
671. VIOLETA
672. DANIA

Lesson learned: the silent "h" is almost always the less common spelling.  Other lesson learned: this was the most difficult project I have undertaken in the name of Next Stop Baby.  So, when I wrote earlier that you could expect the boy name equivalent in weeks, make that months...

What did I miss?  Did I lump any names that you would have kept separate?  Should I have lumped more names together?

A New Top 20

I have come up with a new Top 20 most popular (girl) baby name list for 2010.

Last week I received a new comment on an old post.  The post (here) was about how the meaning of "popular" has changed over time when it comes to baby names.  In 2010, 1.0756% of the baby boys born were named the most popular boy's name, Jacob.  In 1910, 5.4920% of the baby boys born were named the most popular boy's name, John.  And so, it would seem, that names are more unique nowadays.

Now, here is the comment (by "S"):

As Katie pointed out with Isabel(le), variant spellings are popular and might mask how common a name is, just going by the statistics.  Also, a lot of people might be going for the same nickname, but choose different longer names.  Like all the Belle/Bella names, the Ella/Ellie names, the Emma names, etc. You still might avoid duplicating names on the coat hanger if they use her full name, but not if you're yelling the nn out in a crowd.  Also, the stats are for the whole of the US.  Frequency of the names can vary by state and region.  You can look up name stats for your state on the SSA website to get a better idea of which names are popular where you are.

A gratuitous picture of Bella.  
I figured with all the Katniss talk lately
(here, here and here) 
she deserved it.

The comment raises three interesting points:

1.  One name can be spelled many ways

2.  Former nicknames are current full names

3.  Name popularity by state and region

I've already addressed #3 in a prior post (here), which is one of my favorite posts of all time because it featured one of my favorite website discoveries of all time.  Points #1 and #2 are interesting ideas that I hadn't thought of when I originally wrote Most Unique Name Ever.  Being the Type A personality that I am, I couldn't just acknowledge the insight and move on.  No.  Instead, I decided to revisit the statistics and check out both theories.  

I started with the consideration of uncommon name spellings.  I looked at the entire Top 1,000 list of girl names (from 2010) on the Social Security Administration website and clumped together single name pronunciations that were spelled multiple ways.  SEVERAL hours later I realized that I wasn't going to get to the boy names any time soon, much less get to point #2.  But I will...some day.

I did eventually finish analyzing the girl names, a few apple cider donuts helped the process.  Big shout out to Stew Leonard's for those delicious treats.  Below is a new Top 20 most popular girl names of 2010 list - my list.  It's more accurate than the list on the SSA website, or so I think, because it accounts for multiple spellings of a single name.  The most popular spelling is listed in all capital letters and the other spellings follow.  Where there is no list that follows, there were no alternative spellings.

1. SOPHIA - Sofia
2. ISABELLA - Izabella, Isabela
3. CHLOE - Khloe, Kloe
4. EMMA
5. OLIVIA
6. EMILY - Emely, Emilee, Emmalee, Emilie
7. MADISON - Maddison, Madisyn, Madyson
8. AVA - Avah
9. ABIGAIL - Abagail, Abbigail, Abigale
10. HALEY - Hailey, Haylee, Hayley, Haleigh, Hailee, Haylie, Hayleigh
11. ADDISON - Addysin, Addyson
12. ZOE - Zoey, Zoie
13. LILY - Lilly, Lillie
14. RILEY - Rylee, Ryleigh, Rylie
15. MIA - Miah
16. NATALIE - Nataly, Nathalie, Natalee, Nathaly
17. KAYLEE - Kayleigh, Kailey, Kaylie, Caylee, Kaleigh, Kailee
18. ELIZABETH
19. KAITLYN - Katelyn, Caitlyn, Katelynn, Caitlin, Kaitlin, Kaitlynn
20. ELLA

There is much to discuss about the list above - how it compares to the list on the SSA website, how the percentages have changed by combining multiple spellings, how there are 8 ways to spell Haley.  And, above is only the Top 20 list.  I have the full 1,000 to show off.  But, for today, I'll leave it at that.  Stay tuned (likely tomorrow) for some deep-ish thoughts on all of the above.

***Don't forget to enter the Little Partridge giveaway (HERE)!!!

UPDATE (11/29/11...some hour past my bedtime): After a few more calculations (joining a couple more alternatively spelled names) I have a slightly updated Top 20 girl name list.  Most notably, Layla joined the Top 20 and Ella was booted.  Olivia also beat out Chloe for the 3rd spot.

SOPHIA - Sofia

ISABELLA - Izabella, Isabela

OLIVIA - Alivia, Alyvia

CHLOE - Khloe, Kloe

EMMA

EMILY - Emely, Emilee, Emmalee, Emilie

MADISON - Maddison, Madisyn, Madyson

AVA - Avah

ABIGAIL - Abagail, Abbigail, Abigale

HALEY - Hailey, Haylee, Hayley, Haleigh, Hailee, Haylie, Hayleigh

ADDISON - Addysin, Addyson

ZOE - Zoey, Zoie

LILY - Lilly, Lillie

RILEY - Rylee, Ryleigh, Rylie

LAYLA - Laila, Lailah, Leyla, Leila, Leilah

MIA - Miah

NATALIE - Nataly, Nathalie, Natalee, Nathaly

ELIZABETH - Elisabeth

KAYLEE - Kayleigh, Kailey, Kaylie, Caylee, Kaleigh, Kailee

KAITLYN - Katelyn, Caitlyn, Katelynn, Caitlin, Kaitlin, Kaitlynn

Cyber Monday Giveaway (Thanks Little Partridge!)

WINNER IS KIM!!!

Thanks to everyone for participating in the Little Partridge.  Kim, the second ("anonymous") entrant emailed me her name and email address (she had trouble using the comment function, damnit!!!).  She loved the nautical pieces from Little Partridge.  Congrats Kim!  

Next Stop Baby is participating in today's cyber Monday fun.

Just in time for the holidays, Little Partridge is giving away a Baby's 1st Christmas set (below).  The set includes everything you see: a long sleeve onesie, a festive tutu, a burp cloth (the cupcake) and gerber daisy hair accessory.  The winner will choose the size of the onesie (0-3 m, 3-6 m, 6-12 m, 12-18 m) and the onesie design (either the heart you see below or a personalized letter monogram).

  
Prize: Baby's First Christmas set (onesie, tutu, burpcloth, flower hair accessory).
How to enter (and win): Go to the Little Partridge Etsy Shop and check out all the adorable, handmade baby products.  Then post a comment (on this blog, BELOW) about your favorite.  And that's it. One entry per email address.  "Anonymous" entrants won't count, so leave a name.
Enter by: Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at 5 pm (EST)
Number of Winners: One
Shipping: US only
Winner Announcement: One winner will be selected using http://www.random-draw.org/ and posted by Friday (12/2/11). So, check back!


Here are a few of my favorite Little Partridge items: football onesie, gender neutral burp clothes, toy and pacifier clips.

Stuff People Google 28

Today's Stuff People Google hit home-ish for me.  I have a friend who asked how much money he or she (I'm not giving this away) could expect in wedding gifts.  Said friend wanted to make some future spending plans based on their upcoming nuptials.

how much money do people get at their first baby shower

For the record - POOR TASTE.

Gender Neutral Nursery - Brainstorm

I've written plenty of posts on gender neutral nurseries (plenty = five).  There was yesterday's post on an orange nursery (here) and earlier posts on a gray and yellow nursery (here), a fish themed nursery (here), an owl themed nursery (here), and a neutral toned nursery (here).

Remember all these lovely products and images?

Orange and white everything

Grey and yellow art

Fish pillows

Owl bedding

Neutral colored everything

It seems I've instinctively focused my nursery suggestions to color and animals.  Meaning, I've left a lot untouched - polka dots, plaid, Winnie the Pooh, fabric textures, jungle, ocean...and a lot of other stuff.  What have you seen lately by way of gender neutral nurseries?  What unisex scheme did you choose or will you choose?  Do you agree that owls are way overplayed in nursery decorating and baby products in general?

I on purpose accidentally forgot that I also wrote about a Peter Rabbit themed nursery (check it out here...if you want).