4.13.2009

What's in a Name?

We are anxiously awaiting our court date on May 25. It's going to be here before we know it, but it still seems like a long ways off. We're in the process of making a few big decisions.

First there is the issue of #3s name. When he gets home, he'll need a name other than #3! His mother has given him a beautiful, Ethiopian name. It's very unusual in comparison with our American names, and we're concerned it might be a little too "out there". In our Dutch community, he's going to be so different to begin with, we want him to have a name that fits at least a little. That being said, his mother gave him his name, and for us to swoop in and change it seems disrespectful. So, we've decided to keep his given Ethiopian name, give him an American middle name, and most likely call him by his middle name. That way, when he graduates, gets married, signs documents, he'll have that part of his heritage. He can also choose to go back to his Ethiopian name if he wants to someday.

Because of that decision, we're in the process of choosing his middle name. It was a lot easier when it was just Paul and I choosing for Noah & Ella. Now we have 4 opinions to consider :) We're getting close, but it's a big decision we don't want to rush into.

1 comment:

Julie Linn said...

I think that you are so awesome to respect #3's birth mom that way. And, the name you give him as his adopted mom will be just as special.