Day 5: What is in a Name

Emerson's Arrival Countdown...Day 5

What is in a Name? I remember hearing the name Emerson a few years ago. I heard it as someone's last name (and LOVED it) and also, Actress, Terri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives) has a daughter named Emerson (and I LOVED it). I shared the name with Rocky a couple years ago, and he too loved it (but it was only after we found out we were having a boy with Baby #1 that we thought of it and decided to "save" it for another day...IF we ever had a girl). Though it is more historically a male name (Ralph Waldo Emerson), within the decade it has become more popular, and in 2008, Emerson was used 2x more often as a Girl's name then a Boy's name. Once we found out Baby #2 was a Girl, there was NO question on what her name would be. No baby name books were opened, nothing. I can honestly say this is the one thing that Rocky and I agreed on immediately. We are very fond of such a beautiful name.

The meaning of the name Emerson (which I literally just looked up last night): work; rich, powerful ruler (I guess it kind of describes a Princess- hehehehe!)

I have been very emotional these past few weeks as well. I did a little searching to find words that would make me feel good and excited to share with my Baby Girl. I wanted to share these sweet words that really describe how I want to raise my daughter. I know I had a difficult time as a girl growing up. Constantly struggling with self-esteem and sometimes feeling alone...it is both an honor and a challenge to be a girl...and I want my daughter to Believe in magic and wish on stars and know that in her heart she is strong and beautiful and she can do anything she puts her mind to- even her own mother struggles with this at times, (I am STILL learning) but being true to yourself will eventually allow your dreams to come true.

Daughter~

Be Strong. Be intelligent. Smile.

Know that beauty has everything to do with how you feel about yourself and nothing to do with other people's opinions. Never do anything just because everyone else is. Always be true to yourself. Expect the best from life and that's what you'll get.

Believe in magic and wish on stars.

Love and trust and be compassionate, make faces, play in mud puddles. Take bubble baths. Turn off the lights and watch lightning storms. Dance, laugh, cry, and sing when you want to. Read everything you can get your hands on. Stand up for what is right especially if you stand alone. Don't allow yourself or people around you to tolerate prejudice of any kind.

Don't be afraid to try something new. Run through snow drifts. Spin in circles and roll down hills. Pet puppies, hold kittens, and talk to babies. Stay up to watch the sunrise. Never apologize for being a woman or for being yourself.

Never forget that I love you always and forever. You will always be my daughter.

(Writer, unknown)