In 2015, Keller was the 1,175th most popular boy name in America. So, you know, we clearly like to keep up with the times.

I am just obsessed with our boy’s name. Keller Norman Bartlett. We kept Mary’s name top secret. No one knew her name until she entered this world. I was so giddy about Keller’s name. Nathan agreed that if someone asked, I could share his name. I just wanted the world to know. I still want the world to know his name. I want to tell everyone I meet, “Her name is Mary and his name is Keller. They are just about two years apart.”  Is it prideful to think you did a really good job picking out your own children’s names? Probably. I just love them both so so very much.

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Choosing Keller: 

We enjoy most every aspect of cooking. It’s our hobby that we allow ourselves to get a touch “nerdy” about. We buy cookbooks, watch cooking shows, read cooking blogs, and subscribe to cooking magazines. Thomas Keller is a famous American chef. Now, let’s be clear,  we did NOT name our child after Thomas Keller. But did we see the name and it inspire our decision? Maybe. Now you all know our dorky secret.

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Everyone copes differently. My tendency is to quickly over share. I’d really prefer to tell my cashier, “Yes this is Mary. And we had a stillbirth in September. Our son’s name is Keller Norman Bartlett and we love him very much. I love you too. That’s why I felt you needed to know this intimate detail of my life. Can we meet up for coffee and cry together?”. However, you know, this strategy doesn’t work that well all the time. Even when I wish it would.

I remember when Mary was born, hospital administrators came in to ask Mary’s name so they could send the information into the county for her official birth certificate. There was such pride in writing out her name. I loved sharing this new human’s name with all who would listen.

They didn’t come in and ask Keller’s name. I kept waiting for them to come in and they didn’t. This broke me. His hospital bracelet said “Male Bartlett”. We had wonderful doctors and nurses who all gently asked his name. I just wanted to fill out a birth certificate. I wanted validation that Keller Norman Bartlett was indeed his name and he absolutely lived.

Jesus knows Keller’s name. Jesus knows all the beautiful things about Keller’s soul. And you know Keller’s name too. Thank you for validating that Keller Norman Bartlett is indeed his name and he absolutely lived.