Naughty or Nice?

About a week ago, I had a friend send me a Top Ten list of worst-behaved girls’ names. Our daughter’s first name, Caitlyn, (the list spelled it Caitlin) and middle name, Olivia, happened to make the list. Talk about a double whammy. 

At first, I brushed the list off as rubbish. Sure, our kid annoys the heck out of me by nagging at me and being a tattle-tale, but if that’s the worst she does, it doesn't seem half that bad. I've seen other kids whose names aren't even on the list throw tantrums, hit, bite, and be way worse than ours. Perhaps this list didn't know what it was talking about.

Then I read an online news headline about a 21-year-old girl who was suing her family for college tuition. Who in their right mind sues their family, especially after they've raised her and given her everything a child could need and more? I’m thinking this has to be one pretty rotten, ungrateful kid. I click the link to read more about this story and lo and behold, guess what the girl’s name is? I’ll give you a hint. It starts with a ‘C.’

Of all the names this girl could have had, did it seriously have to be Caitlyn?! Now I’m beginning to wonder if that list of worse-behaved girls’ names has some merit to it. Do I need to become wary of my own daughter in fear that she might try to back stab me one day? I mean, she already possesses the kind of headstrong, stubborn, obstinate personality the other Caitlyn seems to have. Heck, we even take our Caitlyn to Gymboree just like the family in the article took their Caitlyn! 

Reading through the mother's blog about the experience, it seems they did everything right as parents. They were involved in their daughter's life. They loved and cared for her. Unfortunately, it seems the only thing they did wrong was pick a name on the Top Ten list of worst-behaved names.

However, on a less depressing note, at least Hannah, the name I want to give our second daughter, made it to the Top Ten list of best-behaved names. This just might be what I need to sway the wife's opinion in my favor! And anyway, I suppose there always has to be at least one black sheep in the family. 

  

  

  

  

  

  

"Mommy! Daddy..."

At our house, there is someone who is getting quite good at nagging. No, I’m not referring to the wife. She’s already in a league of her own. I’m talking about Caitlyn. I’ve even recently started calling her Lil’ Momma, much to her delight. I cannot do anything without being called out for some sort of infraction. Examples:

“You’re not supposed to eat food that dropped on the table. Mommy! Daddy ate food that dropped on the table!”

“You’re not supposed to take such big bites of food. Mommy! Daddy’s eating his food with big bites!”

"You’re not supposed to burp. Mommy! Daddy burped!”

“You didn’t wash your hands after coming home. Mommy! Daddy didn’t wash his hands!”

“You’re not supposed to use this bathroom to pee. Your bathroom is the one in the front. Mommy! Daddy’s using the wrong bathroom!” (Don't ask)

“You left your clothes on the floor. Mommy! Daddy didn't pick up his clothes!”

“You’re not supposed to have the water on when you brush your teeth. Mommy! Daddy’s wasting water!”

"Ow! You brushed my hair too hard! Mommy! Daddy brushed my hair too hard and it hurts!"

“You’re not supposed to be eating chips. Mommy! Daddy’s eating chips!”

“You’re not supposed to throw things on the table. Mommy! Daddy threw something on the table!”

I could seriously go on and on and on. In fact, I could probably create a second blog called, “Mommy! Daddy….” with all the scolding I get on a daily basis. I’m almost positive that the wife inwardly smiles every time Caitlyn reprimands me. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like once our second daughter comes out and the triumvirate is complete.

However, all hope is not lost. Even with her infinite bag of no-no's, there are two things, two important things that Caitlyn approves of. First, I have her nod of approval to walk around naked in the house. And second, I am allowed to fart as loudly as I want. Not surprisingly, Caitlyn also likes to run around naked and fart. Maybe there is a bit of me in her after all, though it would be much to the wife's dismay.