So here's the deal. We have a new fish. And first let me say...long pause...R.I.P. Catherine. And the other Catherine. And Phil, our very first Betta (who happened to be named after Phil McMichael for those who may be interested.)
Phil was a fighter--very aggressive--and red in color, which was fitting for him with his temper and all. He was spunky and we liked him because of it. (Which reminds me of our affection for Elle...) Anyway, he lived for a year and a half and he was awesome. Then came Catherine, our blue Betta. She didn't fare so well...about 6 months. Then came the next one, also named Catherine, who was blue as well and sickly, giving us several scares. I once confirmed her dead, only to find her quietly swimming around her bowl the next morning. But a few days ago, I confirmed it again. And I was right this time.
Side note: I was all prepared for my children to be sad about Catherine's passing. They were at Grandma's when it happened but I waited until they got back to break the news and have the toilet ceremony. I expected at least a bit of sorrow and silence, but Anna Kate's all "Hey, Elle! Mom's about to flush Catherine down the potty! Cool!" And Elle rushes in..."OOOooo...maybe she'll see my poop down there." Big giggles from both girls and a smirk from their dad. I, on the other hand, was a bit taken aback and disturbed by the lack of sensitivity to the situation. (Maybe it's because Catherine #2 was my favorite.)
Well, we have a new Betta who is yet to be named. That's where you guys come in.
Anna Kate first offered "Petunia." And Rafe said, "Uh, no, it's a boy." And then she said, "Bobby." And I said, "Um...let's keep thinking..."
So, she's got 3 names that have passed our approval but she can't decide. She thinks it's the coolest idea to get my friends to pick a name by voting. These are the choices, nominated by Anna Kate:
1. Bob (short for Bobby)
2. Joe (inspired, I'm sure, by her Kindergarten crush. This whole idea of her liking boys already is so not cool to me, but the name is fine, and Joe's a sweet kid. And cute, too.)
3. Rex (this one came to her this morning while staring into the fishbowl, chin in hands. "Hmmm...he looks like a 'Rex.'" Funny, because that's our pastor's name. But she wasn't ready to give up "Bob" or "Joe.")
So humor us by voting for the name you think works. Bob/Joe/Rex looks a lot like this:
But redder, almost magenta. And prettier. This new one is actually quite beautiful. And he's more active and aggressive than our last two. All he lacks is the right name...
