What's in a name?

For as long as I remember my friends and I discussed 

what would we name our babies...

Back in the day, I gave some great names to my dolls.

Puddin', Pussycat, Gwen....

My friends have lots and lots of children and they have chosen

some great names.

I had a long list of potential names when I was waiting.

And then I had a boy.

And none of the names fit.

So I decided I would wait to meet him and I was assured by many

that certainly I would know the name when I met him.

I had a short list of possibilities.

Then I met my sweet boy and still no name seemed just right.

His given name is Gemechu which translates to happy.

Quite appropriate.

One night while in Ethiopia, I was discussing names.

I mentioned that I was thinking about the name Theodore.

I liked the name, and although it was not on my short list

I kept coming back to it.

-Theodore is a family name on my mother's side

-Tewodros II often referred to the English equivalent Theodore II 

(c. 1818 – April 13, 1868) was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1855 until his death.

My friends Pam & Bob were in Ethiopia adopting their daughter.

Their oldest son is named Theo

They told me the meaning of the name....

Gift from God

This Thursday Theo is being re-adopted.

His name will be legally changed to Gemechu Theodore.