WELCOME to the world, baby Squirtle.
Imagine sending that message out to your friends and family following the birth of your newborn.
It appears some wacky parents in the United States are taking their new found love of the Pokémon Go craze to extreme lengths.
Taking inspiration from the revival of the game, apparently there has been an increase in the number of parents naming their children after the virtual Pokémon creatures.
That means we can expect to see tots named after turtle character Squirtle, while the snake-shaped Pokémon Onyx is moving up the list of most popular baby names in America, jumping 2,184 places.
There's also the rabbit-like Pokémon Eevee - the one that can evolve into eight different creatures - it's also racing up the popular boys names chart, rising by 1,377 places.
Meanwhile, in Spain a couple have started an online petition in a bid to let them be allowed to call their newborn son Wolf.
Authorities in Madrid refused to allow the name, which the couple say is because of "our love for this animal".
Dad Nako Javierre said the registry office refused to accept the name because it could be "offensive" for their son.
Naming your children is an important matter, after all they have to live with it for their entire lives.
It isn't always as easy as going with a name you like either.
Choosing a name for a baby can be difficult to say the least. It's no longer as simple as reusing the name of your parent or grandparent or selecting whatever you see first in the bible.
All parents will know the struggle. Even in this day and age when it appears that anything goes, people are still ready to pass judgment.
Marital bickering, family drama, not-so-friendly suggestions from others. When it comes to the name of your child, everyone has an opinion, with some unable to hide their criticism of choices made by new parents.
It feels pretty much impossible to agree on a baby name that fits your 'unusual but timeless' desire, one that's not shared by anyone you dislike and of course, one that rolls off the tongue with your surname.
But it turns out that help is at hand.
I recently read about a website that critiques names for expectant mums ahead of the arrival of their offspring - a chance for parents to test the waters with public opinion about their choice of moniker.
One mum-to-be canvassed thoughts on her choice of 'Riggins' with contributors and experts on the website.
Following her plea for help, the website's experts said negative comments or reaction to names were common and told her to back her own instincts.
The parenting expert did admit while her son's name would no doubt be 'different', it would be far from 'outlandish'.
Then there's also the baby-naming companies where you can pay someone to name your baby for you. Yes, they do actually exist.
Apparently these services will analyse all kinds of data to find the perfect name for your newborn, including a child's likelihood of success based on their name, as well as the types of personality attributes associated with each name.
They'll also make sure your chosen baby name isn't shared by some awful historical figure.
Oh, and there’s the popularity of the name to consider. And whether or not the name fits in with your personal culture and background.
A name is something that really will shape your child’s life, and getting it wrong can have lasting consequences.
Naming a newborn can be a challenge - a name is a pretty permanent gift to give a small human you have just met.
Even in an era where basically anything goes, people are still happy to critique your choices. People will always have an opinion that may make new parents doubt their choice.
It's important to consider that you may be burdening your child with a name they'll have to spend their life spelling, explaining or correcting for people.
It's a lifelong blessing or a curse, so take it seriously.
But as we know, any name can lead to a negative reaction but the best response is simply to smile and remember that you love the name.
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Competition
This summer, Lidl Northern Ireland is celebrating the extension of its Cien beauty range with the launch of a brand new cosmetics line, proving that you don't need to spend big to look great.
The Irish News is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a stylish make-up bag filled with a selection of Cien make-up, Cien travel minis and a £25 Lidl gift voucher to spend in store.
This pocket-saving collection is a permanent addition to the Cien range and includes a number of beauty essentials with its very own multitasking BB cream, mascara, several shades of lipstick, lip gloss and nail polish, as well as a wide range of travel minis.
With prices ranging from as little as 49 pence for the travel minis collection to £2.49 for mascara and BB cream, this purse-friendly assortment is not to be missed.
To be in with a chance to win this fantastic Lidl beauty bundle and voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number - along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday August 9 at noon.
(Q) What is the name of Lidl's beauty range?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot!
Memory Walks - The Alzheimer's Society is urging families to spend time together and tackle the biggest health issue of our time. The Northern Ireland's Memory Walks will take place in Belfast and Derry on September 17 and 18 to raise money for a world without dementia. So get those walking shoes on. For further information please visit visit www.memorywalk.org.uk
Baby jewellery - Check out this new range of baby-safe jewellery. Designed by a company called Nibbling, the 'jewellery' is made with 100 per cent food grade silicone and provides chewing relief to teething babies as it's soft on gums and emerging teeth. Visit www.nibbling.co.uk for further information
What's Not!
Annoying - Simon Cowell has branded his former protegee Liam Payne 'annoying'. The music boss, who helped propel the One Direction singer to worldwide success, has hit out after Payne signed his solo career record deal with a rival company.
Divorce - Singer Mary J Blige is ending her marriage to her husband-manager after almost 13 years. Los Angeles court records show the Family Affair singer filed for divorce from Martin Isaacs, citing irreconcilable differences.
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Competition winners
The winners of last week's 'Little Worm's Big Question' book competition are Bridget Coules from Killyclogher, Omagh, Frank Carlin from Cookstown, Gabrielle Collins from Dungannon and Anne Henry from Maghera.
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week's Easy Peasy Recipe is red pepper, feta and olive frittata.
You will need:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, sliced
3 red peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
2 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
2 garlic cloves, crushed
50g stoned black olives, chopped
200g feta cheese, roughly chopped
3 large eggs
freshly ground black pepper
To make:
Preheat oven to 190°C (gas 5).
Grease and line the base of a 20cm sandwich tin.
Heat oil in a deep heavy-based frying pan and gently cook onions for 5 minutes until transparent, then add peppers and thyme.
Add garlic and cook for 20 minutes over a medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add olives and cheese to the vegetables, remove the thyme sprigs, if using fresh, and take the pan off the heat.
Season the beaten eggs with black pepper, then stir into the vegetables and mix well.
Pour into the tin and bake for 35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
Remove cake from the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes.
Turn out onto large plate, then flip it back onto a platter so it is right side up. Cut into wedges.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Suzanne McGonagle,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com
