The Toddler formerly known as

I received an email recently from one of our friends who asked how “Schäfer” was supposed to be pronounced.

It was then that I realized that some computers have problems recognizing an umlaut. In case your computer also has this problem, Schäfer’s name is spelled: S-C-H-A with an umlaut (two dots) over it -F-E-R.

If you can’t (or don’t care to) use an umlaut it’s OK. We like it. We’re using it. We just wanted you to know that our son’s name is not crafted from symbols.

Others have asked how to type an umlaut:

• In windows: hold down ALT while typing 0228. (On laptops you may have to press the Fn key and type using the blue numbers on the keyboard, which is the numeric keypad.)

• On a Mac: hold option-u, then ‘a’.

Now that you know the proper spelling, you can figure out the pronunciation. It’s pronounced like Schaeffer (Paul or Francis).

Schäfer is the German word for ‘shepherd.’

It’s unique. It’s original. It’s just right.

On the 24th, we’ll tell you a new name.

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