The first time I became pregnant I waded through sickness and fatness and bided my time before scouring name books. A system developed that has served us well through two births and one adoption. I wrote down all of my favorite names from the thousands I pored over. The list stayed close by so when my husband was in the mood to discuss the names I was ready. He eliminated the ones he didn't like, and in our firstborn's case we were left with only one name: Evan.

   We slid my husband Todd's name in the middle and the job was done. A few more options made the final cut when our daughter was born. My husband's preference became her first name and I chose a middle name. We grew to like both names, and Nina Moriah seems so natural now.