Name

My friend Lacey wrote about her kid’s names on her blog.  Jason and I have been thinking about Bella’s name a lot lately.  We are making big steps towards finalizing Bella’s adoption, then she will have the name we have chosen for her.

Arabella Michele Hope Turpin

Arabella – the name her parents, the people who gave her life and gave her to us, gave to her

Michele – my name and her biological mother’s name

Hope – I chose this name a long time ago, but I had no idea the depth of meaning of this word – and how much I have learned about hope this last year.  Hope.  Hope for Bella.  Hope for life.

The girls and I saw this yesterday on a plate.  I almost bought it, but the colors were all wrong for Bell’s room.

Learn from yesterday,

Live for today,

Hope for tomorrow.

It’s perfect for my girl.  I have fears, deep fears, about my girl.  About her constant need for oxygen, about her lungs, about her heart, about all the sleeping, about losing her.  I was talking to a lady at church today whose husband has weeks left in his life, maybe, hopefully more.  She said they are just grateful for every day they have.  Yes, we are grateful for every day, but we hope for many, many more days, weeks, months, and years to come.  We love you Bell!