Tuesday, January 1, 2008

How hard can it be?

What’s in a name? …Well, I’ll tell you. Too popular (number five this year as a matter of fact); Too many sharp edges; sounds like she’s speaking broken English; sounds like she’s got a speech impediment. Okay, how do you shorten that? Isn’t there a song about a transvestite named that? My favorite client’s girlfriend’s dog was named that; our neighbor’s dog is named that; do you know how many kids there are in so and so’s class named that? You’re kidding right? That’s a nice name for an 85 year old; with her middle name she sounds like a boy; sounds like we are trying too hard; that one’s taken by my sister; that one’s taken by your sister; the sixties are over; pretty, but she’s not Japanese she’s Chinese…
So, after several weeks/months of discussion, negotiation, consternation, re-evaluation…


It’s Helena James!


Not Helena, like the capital of Montana (although we love Montana).
But Helena, like the Saint, and Mother of Constantine, or like the Danish/Peruvian supermodel (we like her too).

Please say it with me, HEL-LANE-AHH

That’s our girl!

5 comments:

Liz said...

Val and Justin,
I am thrilled to see that you have just updated your blog! I LOVE the name Helena and her updated picture is so cute. I hope you had a happy and RESTFUL holiday. You have a wonderful adventure to look forward to.
Liz

Unknown said...

Good name and a beautiful girl. Can't wait to meet her.

Good Luck!

Channing, Christina, Stice & Giavanna

Kristen Keefe Hayashi said...

We're so excited today to learn Helena's name and to know you're leaving this week!

Helena's updated pictures are wonderful. Hair is so nice, but moreso is the look in her eyes saying, "Hey mom, hey dad, come quickly!"

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you even moreso now, and we will be breathlessly awaiting word of your getting to China and holding Helena in your arms for the first time!

Enjoy China and the whole experience!

Kristen, Herb, Stuart, and Ellen Hayashi

Stephanie said...

Justin and Val,
So excited to see the update on your site. Can't tell you how excited we are for you. Hope your holidays were wonderful and your travels to meet Helena are safe.
We wish you the best!
Preston, Stephanie, Connor and Quinn

ownerofacrazydalmation said...

Hi Val (and Justin who I have heard so much about but have yet to meet!)
I was just showing my roommate your beautiful baby girl and I thought you would get a kick out of knowing her fav pic is the first one you got :) I can't wait to see pics of your family finally together. Have a great time in China. Val, I will miss you!
Julie