When my wife became pregnant a second time I was much more cautious. I don't think I told anybody that wasn't close to me until 6 months into the pregnancy.
During the second trimester we learned we were having a boy. My wife really wanted a girl, I figured we'd have more than one, so whatever God gave us was fine by me.
We had discussed names for boys and girls. We took a walk around our neighborhood and concluded that we both wanted his name to be Alexander Wayne Autem. (I kinda wanted Alexander Augustus Autem, but Tracy said she wasn't going to have a son go by Triple A. I still kinda like it but Wayne has been in the family for more generations than I can count so we went with it.)
Since both me and my wife were teachers, we nixed any names that always meant problem child in the classroom: Johnny, Brandon, Bubbafuncho (long story). Alex students were usually good students - and we both had an Alexandria at the time who was an exceptional student.
But most importantly, Alexander means "defender of men". The Lord had recently convicted my heart about my support for abortion. My pro-life conversion wasn't without a fight but ultimately the Lord won. Having a child who would defend life, especially at it's most innocent and vulnerable, was of paramount importance. Hence, not only was his name chosen, he was also given a purpose.
In the months afterward I was constantly talking to Alexander. I would sing him songs - despite my awful singing voice. The ebullience of new life growing in my wife was uncontainable. Even my students noticed and felt my joy. Every day I found myself more and more excited to meet Alexander. Feeling his movement inside my wife, his response to my touch or voice - these moments drew Tracy and I closer together than we had ever been before.
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