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Image courtesy of Dana DuBois
- Both my best friend and I named our daughters Annika.
- Living in different countries, we believed this shared name would create a unique connection for them.
- Although they both decided to change their names, the bond between them remains strong.
I first met my best friend in 2005 while I was managing an indie music website based in Seattle. She was a member of my favorite band, and I was instantly captivated by her effortless charm as she played the violin and provided backup vocals. Our friendship blossomed quickly after we met.
Saundrah and I were born just four days apart, entering the world at nearly the same time. While she embodies Cancer traits to my Leo nature—being more introverted compared to my extroverted personality—we share many similarities that are quite remarkable. Our preferences in music, art, cuisine, culture, and even romantic partners align closely.
A memorable moment occurred when Saundrah visited me during her pregnancy. She had kept her baby’s name under wraps but hinted that it started with an “A.” As we watched my daughter playfully exploring the room, I guessed “Annika,” leaving Saundrah astonished at how quickly I’d figured it out. It turned out that if I had another daughter someday, Annika was also on my list of names.
It felt inevitable that we would choose the same name for our daughters. When I became pregnant again with a girl after already having one child named Annika, finding an alternative name proved challenging for me and my partner. After discussing it with Saundrah—who by then had relocated to Europe—we agreed it would be wonderful for our girls to share this special name despite being continents apart; it seemed like a fitting way to strengthen our connection as friends.
My Annika arrived just eight days before Saundrah’s daughter’s first birthday.
A Unique Connection Across Continents
The challenge of living 6,000 miles away from one of your closest friends is significant. Our daughters have missed out on experiences like playing together at parks or attending ballet classes side by side; however, I’m convinced that sharing a name has forged a special link among us all.
Much like us mothers who are alike yet different in many ways—our two Annikas exhibit similar traits while also showcasing distinct personalities. Both girls are imaginative souls filled with empathy who enjoy similar video games and share an intense passion for music.
Saundrah’s daughter stands tall with an impressive sense of direction; she rises early each day at 5:30 AM to tackle homework assignments efficiently. In contrast, mine is petite without much navigational skill around our neighborhood—a true night owl! Where Saundrah’s child thrives socially as an extrovert; mine leans towards introversion—a reflection of how strikingly parallel yet contrasting our lives remain even through our children’s experiences!
An interesting twist is that both girls eventually opted to change their names during various stages of growing up!
The Unbreakable Bond Beyond Names
As soon as Saundrah’s daughter began school age-wise she preferred being called Nika which made conversations easier when distinguishing between them during chats! However once Nika transitioned into her tween years she expressed wanting everyone back home calling her by her full given name: Annika again! Shortly thereafter though—my own little one decided upon Nico instead—not merely as some nickname but rather partaking within broader gender exploration leading towards identifying herself now proudly nonbinary!
This journey saw Annika transform into Nika only later reverting back whilst mine embraced Nico wholeheartedly throughout these changes over time!
Nico currently identifies using they/she pronouns nowadays without delving deeply into discussions surrounding gender identity anymore—but what remains constant is how meaningful this chosen identity truly feels alongside its significance attached personally too!
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