Baby Name of the Day- Olivia

Today's name is Olivia.

Gender: Feminine
Usage: English, Italian, Spanish, German, Finnish
Pronounced: ə-LIV-ee-ə (English), o-LEE-vee-ah (German)

This name was first used in this spelling by William Shakespeare for a character in his comedy 'Twelfth Night' (1602). Shakespeare may have based it on OLIVER or OLIVA, or perhaps directly on the Latin word oliva meaning "olive". In the play Olivia is a noblewoman who is wooed by Duke Orsino but instead falls in love with his messenger Cesario.
The name has been used in the Engish-speaking world since the 18th century, though it did not become overly popular until the last half of the 20th century. Its rise in popularity in America was precipitated by a character on the 1970s television series 'The Waltons'.

As of 2008 it holds the number 6 spot on the USA's Social Security list. A very high spot. The name started to gain popularity in the US in the late 1980s, and jumped significantly in 1990 from number 123 to number 72 and gained popularity from there. By 1999 it was at number 20 and at number 10 by 2001. The highest spot Olivia has held is at number 4 in 2005 and has slowly dropped ever since, until 2008 when it moved from number 7 to number 6.

I personally adore this name, popular or not. It was mine and my husband's first choice for our daughter for many months after the sonogram confirmed we were having a baby girl in 2006. We chose it for a middle name to Tatum, then later to Josephine, but after researching the name more, we threw it out completely, and regrouped (as many parents do...the baby name merry-go-round i call it).

There is something very sweet and vibrant about the name. I first heard of it watching the Cosby show. Olivia Kendall who was played by Raven Symone (she had a show on the Disney Channel called That's So Raven, and is also a singer in the group Cheetah Girls on occasion) was introduced to the show as Denise's step-daughter.
She was a very cute and curious child, and I enjoyed her scenes with Bill Cosby. I don't have much in the negative to say about Olivia, except for it's popularity. That is very discouraging to me, and obviously was enough to make me rethink it's usage on my own daughter. Nothing makes a name's sparkle fade than over usage.

The most common (and over used) combination of first/middle that I've seen with Olivia is Grace. Others would include: Olivia Rose, Olivia Marie, Olivia Claire, Olivia Michelle, and Olivia Ann. As far as these names go I find them pretty, yet unsatisfying. They are run-of-the-mill, and slightly uncreative. Catchy?, yes. Pretty?, yes...but how many other little Olivia Grace's will they meet?

I still think Olivia stands the test of time. I still find it refreshing and wonderful. So perhaps we should consider other alternatives as middles for this fabulous name that would help it stand out amongst the crowds of Olivia Grace's. Suggestions that I find quite nice would be-
Olivia Dawn
Olivia Catherine
Olivia Simone
Olivia Corinne
Olivia Josephine
Olivia Siobhan (shi-vawn, Irish)
Olivia Colleen
Olivia Verity
Olivia Temperance
Olivia Kristen
Olivia Rochelle
Olivia Kate

Alternative names to Olivia that might be preferable if you wish to stay away from a top 10 name would be-
Alena
Alivia
Alcina (al-see-nuh)
Alcinda
Olive
Olympia
Ophelia
Olesia (O-leesee-uh)
Olena (O-lean-uh)
Olinda
and the traditional Roman Oliva

Some of these are a bit out there, but others are quite lovely. Such as: Olesia (variant of Alicia), though not too similar to Olivia I personally get the same style-ish feel. Others more literal would be Alivia (ah-liv-ee-uh). Which is less common at the number 181 spot for 2008. If you want to use this name, but are unsure of the popularity something like the traditional Roman Oliva might be right up your alley. Said the same as Olivia but spelled a bit different. It's is a late Roman name meaning olive, and was the name of a 2nd century saint from Brescia. Modern Olivia was derived from this name (as well as being the feminine variant form of Oliver).

Either way, this name is truly a classic that will age well and sound mature and professional on an adult.

All comments welcome, and happy naming!

~Jaesus

Stupid Blogger!!

Omg I am SO pissed off! My baby name blog is a total MESS and a total loss. SO, I'll just transfer what i can from that blog over to HERE and start the hell over. I'll review a baby name on occasion on this damn blog then. freaking morons changed the format to the point where it's impossible for me to edit, update, change font, or color. When I try to do this it comes out like a crazy rainbow of stupidness.

As a huge Star Trek fan, I found this insanely perfect for the moment!

as you can see on my old baby name blog HERE.  How stupid is that?!

Anyways, I'll be posting three of the blogs off of there NOW, and work on more later. UGH what a pain in the ass man!

Why I can't I be me?

Here's the deal...I'm atheistic. I don't subscribe to ANY religion whatsoever. Most people respect that and leave me be. I don't shove what i DON'T believe down their throats so I would appreciate the same respect. Sure I'll comment on things, just as religious people do, and I don't try and pick a debate with them on it. If they have something to say I listen, I might not agree w/it, I might even voice how I feel if I'm talking to a like-minded person or am asked directly, but I don't go shoving it down people's throats (If I'm wrong about my assumptions that I don't do that, please let me know so I can correct that behavior but I honestly don't think I do that.) I do NOT like, tolerate, or appreciate people that shove it in my face.
I love my sister-in-law, and my brother. I love my sister and my brother-in-law, I love my mom and dad. All of them believe in a higher power, more specifically the Christian dogma. I, do not. Though I was raised in a household that went to a Christian church every Sunday. I can remember since I was 5yrs old, that  I didn't believe what they were saying in Sunday school. I just didn't. I thought they were lovely stories, but not much else. The older I got, and the more I studied the Christian bible and the things within, the more I realized that I truly did NOT believe the 'teachings', I thought some of the stories were good life lessons about forgiveness, acceptance, and the human spirit so to speak, but literal truth? no. I do know that some history is injected into the stories, but ALL legends from ancient cultures has a kernel of truth laced through the story. That is known well. I don't want people to take this next part the wrong way- but I have to liken it to something.

People that are gay talk about knowing it since they were "such-in-such" age, or that they've ALWAYS felt that way. Why? Because they were BORN that way. I feel the same way about religion and my atheism. I have ALWAYS felt this way, I was BORN this way. I'm not saying it's right or wrong to believe in something like "god" or whatever, what I'm saying is that ever since I was a CHILD I've listened to that rational voice in my head that said- "HOW?, WHY?" and I have NEVER EVER felt like I've gotten a clear or certain answer about it from the religious community. I have truly searched my mind, heart, and what one could consider "spirit" about how I feel, what I believe, or DO NOT believe. This is not some random rebellious thing. It's not something that I have doubts about. It's not my way of being "different from society" on purpose because I'm dissatisfied. Just as much as someone who truly believe in the Christian god (or ANY god for that matter) I truly do NOT believe in one, in ANY.

It's not your JOB to tell me I am wrong, or that I am missing something in my life, or that one day I will feel the "wholeness" of what you say you have. I don't FEEL empty, I do not feel un-whole, I am NOT missing anything from my life. I am happy, I love my family, I have great friends, I have fabulous kids and a wonderful life that I enjoy fully and completely. I'm not angry, or cynical, or offended, or trying to be something I'm not. I am me. And what I am is an Atheist. If that bother you and moves you to "pray" for me, do so...if that is what you feel you must do to make yourself feel better about who I am. If that means that you can accept me, and just leave me be, but PRIVATELY wish for something, by all means, knock yourself out. That is your right, and your guaranteed freedom to do so. It doesn't bother me when people tell me- "God bless you". I don't burst into flames when someone tells me- "I will pray for you". It doesn't offend me when people say- "God spoke to me about you". NONE of that bothers me. I accept that people will deal with life's ups and downs in their own way, they use what tools they NEED to use to get through life, to help others and to be there for others in the way in which works best for THEM. 
What bothers me, what angers me, what offends me is when someone tells me or unsolicitedly gives me their opinion about what THEY think *I* need to do w/my own life, my own beliefs, my OWN CHOICES in life. You don't have that right, shockingly...but true. YOU DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT.

While I appreciate the little Christmas card that my sister-in-law sent me (signing my brother's name to it of course), it was cute and funny and full of good humor and holiday cheer, I did NOT need the three paragraph plea to "find Christ". The card hit my shredder the second I skimmed over the "personal note", just for me. NOT for my kids, not for my husband, for ME. I was singled out, told I was not good enough to her and then given suggestion on how to 'improve myself through Christ'--that's paraphrasing to say the least and maybe a bit out of context, but when it comes to something like attacking someones CORE BELIEFS AND VALUES, she might as well have sent me a card that said- "You're gonna burn in hell, Have a Merry Christmas Heathen. Love your 'better than you are' SIL."

Note to others-
Just to give you some perspective and understanding of what this feels like on THIS side of the fence, leave your little speeches for like-minded friends, it's NEVER a good idea to attack someone like that during what should be a holiday to enjoy. I embrace Christmas differently than Christians do, but doesn't make me a monster, nor does it makes me needing of your condesention, your lectures, your loathing, nor your pity. If you want to send me a cutsie card w/the baby Jesus on the front of it surrounded by barn yard animals, shimmering star up above and glitter text saying: A KING IS BORN..by all means, send it. i think the artwork is quite lovely....however skip the personalize message of 'salvation' inside the card. a simple: We love you, and are thinking about you. Merry Christmas. Likewise I'll skip inserting a printed out article from the American Atheist Monthly. mmmkay? Thanks so much.

-Jaesus: Your *trying to be* Friendly Neighborhood Athiest.

Lovliness!

I'm so in love w/my new little niece. She's just the sweetest baby girl! :) just thought I'd share that...and some pics.

~Jaesus

YAY BABIES!!! MY NIECE IS HERE!!!!!

My sweet baby niece was born yesterday (Nov 18th), at 10:18am. I'm SO excited!! i have another niece to love and spoil! :) I cannot wait to go see her precious little face in person. My sister is doing well, and Bella is too. My nephew Leif is a very happy big brother!! OH her name- Isabella Kayann.

Isabella Kayann

 Yes I realize Isabella is like THE most popular name right now, but I know my sister better than anyone on the planet, and I can bet on the fact that she has never EVER looked at a baby name book, site, or the 'most popular' lists....ever. This is a name they picked out because they truly loved it. She doesn't CARE that it's popular, and that's fine with me I guess. LOL well everyone that knows me, knows that I wouldn't use a popular name myself (having one myself is why), but anyone that knows me ALSO knows how well I can shut my damn mouth with my opinions or feelings if you HAPPEN to be related to me, or very special to me. I would NEVER EVER say a bad thing about my sister's, my sister-in-law's, or a good friend's name choices. THAT is off limits IMHO. I keep it to myself, smile, fawn over their names etc. Call that two-faced, or whatever I really don't give a fuck....my friends and family gave me the same courtesy when I announced my children's names too. *shrug* I see no need to hurt anyones feelings over this when they are FAMILY.

Bella and big brother Leif

((Strangers on the Internet ASKING for my opinion...that's a different story! HAHA))
Anyways- Kayann.
My mother's middle name is Kay. My brother-in-law's mother's middle name is Ann. thus- Kayann. Again. i get the sentiments, so i will shut my mouth. :)

Honestly though- just look at her face and tell me you could say ANYTHING about her name accept....OMG she's gorgeous!! :P haha.

Jaesus.

Puppy Update!

Lucas will be 5 weeks old this weekend. Zoe will be 4 weeks old this weekend! I cannot wait to see their new pictures that will be posted on Sunday. Visit SweetPeaPups to see my best friend's dogs and her puppies!! She has Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Yorkeranians (a mix of the Yorkie and Pom) for sale. Her pups are well cared for and loved so much! i really enjoy looking after them when they make trips out of town. My best friend and her husband are trying to have a baby of their own so they go see fertility specialists out of town frequently and i look after their dogs. They are also very close to their family that live in Oklahoma and they travel to visit them often, so i watch their dogs for them then too! i love it! their dogs are sweet and so friendly. I just cannot wait to bring little Lucas and Zoe home with me!! :) As you can see on her site my puppies are "pending for Jae". lol I'm so excited!!
~Jaesus
These are their most recent pics:

Lucas

Zoe

I hate being sick

It figures i would get sick this weekend. The weekend that Kevin has to work till 11pm. and of course the week that i need to make dozens upon dozens of bake goods for the bake sale the squadron is doing. AND the week that i have a parent/teacher conference with Laney's teacher.

I have to be sick now. That's just fucking awesome.


Sigh, Jaesus