My partner and I have settled our list. Do I love the names? Mostly. There are a few that will need to grow on me a bit more. But seeing his excitement over them and having them picked makes them special.

— g i r l s

• Olivia, "Ollie"
• Pearl
• Mae / May / Mamie

— b o y s

• Darwin
• Howard, "Howie"
• Jasper

— m i d d l e s

• Joseph / Josephine - after my father, Olivia Josephine / Darwin Joseph
• Howard - my maiden name; may honor Houa, his mother
• Lavender - his suggestion, Mamie Lavender
• Emily - my suggestion, Pearl Emily