“Phoenix,” I plead with my absolute best attempt at a pouty face.

“I don’t know… Don’t you think that’s a bit… unusual? Why not something from one of the lists in the baby name book your mother got us? They sell those for a reason, ya know,” suggests Howie.

I scowl at this rejection. “Well, I’m sorry that I want our daughter’s name to be as unique as she’s going to be. Whenever she faces tro...