What's in a name

Alex...   When we started looking at names for our baby we decided that if it was a boy, the name would be my choice. If a girl, the choice would be David's. Once we were told that we were going to have a boy, I chose the name "Alexander"  and for several reasons.  First, I wanted an "A" name. David and I both have nephews that are the eldest boys in their respective family (Ashton, and Andrew) So I thought that an "A" name would tie them together in a special way.      Second, I wanted to find a name that I liked all the  associated nicknames. Nicknames can of course be a deal breaker. But I liked all the names we could come up with for Alexander: Alex, Al, Lex, and Zander. I like them all, but Alex is my favorite of course.

Ari...   We had chosen the name Arianna for a girl almost 5 years to the day of Ari's birth. When David and I were on our 3 ^rd or 4 ^th date in Newport , Rhode Island we had heard the song "My Baby You."  by Marc Anthony.  It is a song Marc wrote for his daughter at her birth and we both thought it was so sweet. The last line of the song reveals his little girls name as "Arianna." We decided that night (half jokingly) that if we were ever to get married and have a little girl we would name her Arianna... Fast forward 5 years.. When we found out that we were having a girl there wasn't even a discussion, we knew she was going to be our Arianna.  (Some of you may recognize the Marc Anthony song from our wedding CD?? Now you know!)        

For those of you who do not already know, Tracy and I wanted to honor two very important people in our lives by carrying on their names. Here is a little background on our children's middle names...    

Alexander Frank...     ( From Tracy ) I wanted to give Alex the middle name of Frank after my grandfather Frank Vladyka.      Although I didn't know my grandfather well; he passed away just after I turned 6 years old, I have always felt a very deep connection to him. I have heard stories about him throughout my life of course and I know that we would have always been close.    

I hope that Alex takes on the qualities that I know my grandfather had. I hope that Alex admits when he is wrong, and forgives when he is wronged. I hope that he loves his family as much as I know my grandfather loved his. I hope that Alex is able, emotionally and in his life time, to show and give that love to his family and friends. My grandfather would want that for him. I know that because he definitely gave that to me, whether he knew it or not. And I will knowingly pass that on to Alexander Frank.

Arianna Virginia ...   (From David) Where do I begin, my mom Virginia was without a doubt the most influential person in my life. She simply lived for her family. I can only hope that Ari share's more than just a name with her Grandma. I hope that she grows up with the same value system and commitment to her family that her Grandma had. I hope that she finds her peace and direction from a faith in God. I hope that she loves the sunshine and the beach. I hope that her words will bring comfort to her children someday like my mom's words did for me.       

On May 11, 2003, my mom passed away after a horrible battle with ARDS (Acute Respirtory Distress Syndrome) To make a long story short, my mom was taken away from us, way  to early. I know very well that my mom died holding onto the knowledge that her husband and her children loved her beyond words. I miss her dearly and am deeply saddend that she never had the opportunity to meet Alex and Ari. At the same time I am comforted by the belief that she is in a far better place and with the ability to watch over and to protect our children. Shortly after Alex was born, my dad asked me to make sure my kids grow up knowing who their Grandma Virginia was and that she loved them beyond measure even before they were born. Not only will they know of her and of her love, but I know they will feel her enduring presence in their daily lives.                 

Now you know!