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Thank you for all your suggestions. I'm blown away by how good they are and it was really hard to choose. So hard, in fact, that I’m keeping some of these names in my back pocket. I hope that’s not against the rules.

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5 years have passed

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DF (29): James Eugene Hall (RowenaRavenclaw)
DF (29): Alexia Cosmina Vidraru (skinnyminnie)
DD (2):
DDog (4):

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It has been a busy few years. James’ hopes of finding a career in academics have not worked out, but he has found work in computer programming, and Alexia has gotten a promotion at the bank. The extra cashflow allowed them to move from renting a studio to buying a one-bedroom apartment, and to start saving money for the future.

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Alexia has also been volunteering at an animal shelter (as she is a massive dog lover) and fell completely in love with a little Labrador puppy. Due to being blind in one eye, the puppy was unlikely to be adopted and so Alexia decided to take her home herself. Their first (furry) child has grown quickly and is a buddle of energy. Her favourite game is tug-of-war, in which she competes with great gusto, and she is best friends with the Shiba Inu she often meets on walks. She adores her family and is constantly seeking cuddles and kisses. James also loves the dog, which is fortunate as due to his job having the ability to work from home, he is often the one who has to look after her when Alexia is at work.

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Three years ago, Alexia’s older sister Lidia (cher529s) got married and the occasion sparked a discussion with James about whether they might also walk down the aisle one day. James took the hinting to heart and, on the following Valentine’s Day, attempted a grand romantic proposal in the form of a ring hidden in Alexia’s favourite dessert. It went somewhat awry as she nearly choked on the concealed jewellery, but nevertheless the answer was yes and enthusiastic planning began. This came to a halt, however, when Alexia discovered that their family was about to grow again. Still attached to her dreams of a big wedding, it was decided to postpone rather than downscale, in order to save money for the baby.

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The pregnancy itself went very smoothly, with its worst effect being an insatiable craving for ice lollies, but things became more difficult when the due date arrived. Both grandmothers had advised that first babies often came late, but this one went nine days overdue and required a C-section to enter the world. It was a sign of things to come as their daughter is still very quiet and laid-back, quickly learning to sleep through the night as an infant and causing her parents next to no trouble. Alexia is besotted with her and extended her maternity leave to its limits to spend as much time as possible with her. Her daughter, however, is a complete daddy’s girl, squealing for joy and toddling after James whenever she sees him. Alexia would like to give her a sibling soon, but James wants them to focus on moving to a two-bedroom apartment first.

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DD’s name is used in English, but also works in several other countries, as Alexia believes that it will be important if she wants to travel later in life. Her middle name works in English and Romanian, and she has her father’s surname.

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DDog’s name is a ‘cute’ word name with one or two syllables.