We chose the name "Isaac" because we liked the full name -- we thought it sounded classic, dignified, and intelligent. (And did you know it means "he will laugh"?) But we also liked the nicknames that could be derived from it -- "Izzy," we thought, is a playful name appropriate for a baby or toddler, and "Ike" is a spunky and unique nickname for a little boy. I think I favored "Izzy," and Craig favored "Ike."
In practice, however, when actually addressing my son, I probably say "Isaac" 70% of the time, "Baby" 20% of the time, and "Izzy" just 10% of the time. Meanwhile, Isaac has been calling himself "Ike" with increasing frequency ever since April.
Back in February I wrote about Isaac trying to dictate our names -- he had begun calling us "Mommy" and "Daddy" despite our telling him we were "Mama" and "Dad." That issue resolved itself a few months later, thanks to linguistic consistency on our part. (Well, he now uses only "Mama," but he alternates between "Dad" and "Daddy," probably because I can't kick the habit of using "Daddy" myself. Sorry, Craig!)
So if we insist on solely using "Izzy," and never mention "Ike," perhaps we can influence this situation as well -- but maybe Isaac has the right to chose his own nickname.
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