Charlie. Sweet Charlie.
Dear Charlotte,
Papa and I loved the name Charlie even before you were born. I remember talking to your Auntie Sophia on the phone before she was going to give birth to Cousin Max. We were talking about names and I was listing a few boy names that I liked. When I said “Charlie”, Papa interrupted and said “No - don’t use that name. We might use it.” I was so surprised because, for one, I didn’t realize Papa was listening or paying attention, but mostly because he never expressed strong feelings towards names before. I was pleasantly surprised even though I truly hoped for another little girl.
When we found out we were having another little girl, I was SO happy. I remembered that Papa liked the name Charlie, and I also love it for a girl. Charlie was always my obvious choice for me.
A month or so before you were born, Auntie Sophia brought up the idea of the name Riley. She loved the name, and Auntie Jennifer liked it too. Papa really liked it and so did our nanny Mary. They all seemed to like it so much that I felt I should reconsider. But it just didn’t feel right to me.
One name I always loved was Ava. We considered it for Juliet as well, but not really for you since you were always Charlie to us. Until our drive to the hospital to deliver you. As Papa drove, I brought up the name Ava out of the blue. I told him that I’m suddenly leaning towards it. Surprisingly, Papa was open to it. I messaged my sisters to get their opinions and they were vehemently against a last minute change. But for some reason, we walked into the hospital feeling confident that we changed our minds and you were going to be Ava. I’m not sure at what point we changed our minds back, but you were *very* close to being named Ava on a whim. I look at your sweet face now and you are most definitely a Charlie. You’re not an Ava. Though you could pass for a Riley.
But you had many other names!
Like Charmander! During the Summer before you were born, the Pokemon Go app was wildly popular. Your Aunties and I all played it (along with the rest of the world). Charmander is a popular Pokemon. When I announced your birth on Facebook, I introduced you as “Charlie (Charmander)” as a joke. I was certain everyone would know it was a joke.
Until one day, Grams called Papa and I heard through speakerphone:
Grams (in an exasperated confused tone): “What is Charlie short for? I thought it was Charlotte, but everyone at Williams Lake say it’s Charmander."
I died laughing. Williams Lake is a tiny town in Canada where some of our relatives live. I suppose Charmander was not as well-known over there, and the joke was lost on them.
You were also Cawa! Juliet was still a baby when you were born and couldn’t pronounce Charlie. Her best effort was “Cawa”. She loved you and would run around the house looking for you, calling out “Cawa! Cawa!’ I still remember getting Juliet running into our room in the morning, and me getting on the floor with arms out ready for a hug. She would just run around me yelling “Cawa! Cawa!” looking for just you.
Juliet called you Mei Mei too (and still does). And once she was able to pronounce more sounds, you were “Carlie” for a long time. So many times we would hear her trying to get your attention “Carlie Carlie Carlie!” Only up until recently (Juliet is 2.5 now), you are “Charlie” to her.
Cousin Max had a hard time with your name too. He calls you Cha Cha.
Me? I call you Charlie and Bao Bei. Your Papa is more creative with names. Here are just a few:
Charlington Darlington Charlington Bear Swarlie Char Char Binks (not my favorite)
I don’t know if you’ll remember this, but I make a name version of a Broadway song for you and Juliet. Yours is to the tune of Flower Drum Song’s “Sunday” --
Charlie, Sweet Charlie My Baby Boo Charlie, Sweet Charlie My Charlie is You Lovely and laughing We’ll drift through the day Snuggling our hours away While Juliet and Papa join us in our sweet embrace I will give you kisses on your funny face Charlie, Sweet Charlie My Baby Boo I love you! -- I love you, sweet Charlie!!
Love,
Mama