Born at home on January 29, 2013, 3:10 am.
6 pounds 13 ounces, 19 inches long.
Annika's name was intentionally chosen as a tribute to her grandparents. Ann is in honor of Cathy Ann, ka is for Kay LeGrand, Mae recognizes Susannah Mae, and Wheeler is carried down from Charles Burt. (I know that's kind of a stretch, Grandpa Charles, but we are happy to pass along the Wheeler name. It's a bit of a sacrifice who one accustomed to the front of the line as an "A" for "Andrus.")
The more time passes, the more grateful Jason and I feel for our parents. We recognize that we wouldn't be who or where we are today without their love and support. Even more, we are so thankful for how much they support, mentor, teach, and guide our children. Through Annika Mae's name, we hope to recall the promise of the prophet Elijah, in which "he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6).
In Hebrew, Annika (Anna) means grace--the most beautiful of blessings. From the very beginning, we felt strongly inspired that she needed to grace our home at this time, even when it seemed illogical. She is our Faith Baby. I love the connection between faith and grace, as it is only through our faith that we have access to our Lord's grace.
On a lighter note, Annika's initials will be A.M.W. At one point, we really wanted to have a child with the initials A.N.W. because we love root beer (like A&W). A.M.W. is close, but not quite. Well Jason's family, particularly the Spackman line, has a long tradition of root beer tasting. After much sampling, the general consensus is that when it comes to creating the perfect root beer, A&W is likewise close, but not quite. I may like root beer, but not enough to name our daughter "Virgil."
And now for nicknames: Jason loves Annie Mae and I agree--it's super cute. It's also close to Fannie Mae, an appropriate connection since Jason works so much with housing. Of course, I automatically think of Fannie May chocolates--sweet inspiration indeed.
You are also welcome to call our baby girl Annabelle--I think it's just adorable. And whether it's because or in spite of that mop of dark hair, she certainly is belle.
13 comments:
Beautiful!
I already love Annika and her name. Several sources indicate the name means "sweet faced; He (God) has favored me." She truly has been favored to be welcomed with a flourish into a loving, faithful family.
"Like the pine trees lining the winding road
I've got a name
I've got a name
Like the singing bird and the croaking toad
I've got a name
I've got a name
And I carry it with me like my daddy did
But I'm living the dream that he kept hid (?)
Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by ..."
She is adorable. So happy for your family. What a great and exciting beginning to your great year.
"Well, butter my butt and call me a buscuit!" -- At first, I thought I was looking at an Anne Geddes photo. "If life were any peachier, it'd be a cobbler."
Oh how I love that name! Welcome to our world precious daughter of God. These photos are made for posterity, and may she be richly endowed thus. What a joy!
Can't wait to meet her, though I suspect she may be walking by then. How are you doing, Kara? Just finished "The Undaunted" by Lund. My how you would have fit right in with that courageous group of women. Congratulations again.
I love the name :) By the way - I was also born 3:10 a.m. :) but on a Friday on Jan. 22nd ... last century :) Have a wonderful time with little Annika and her beautiful older siblings.
Beautiful pictures and a lovely name:)
What a beautiful name, & so fitting for such an adorable baby!Grandpa & I are so thrilled for your new family member, & her exciting arrival! Love you all!!
I'm very interested in this idea of a faith baby. Perhaps we can chat in a less public forum about what that means.
Annika is also the sister in the Pippi Longstocking books. :)
I can't believe how much hair she has! That is such a beautiful name. Bed (Brad's oldest brother) has a daughter names Annika (8) & a son named Eli (5.)
She is beautiful and we're REALLY happy for you all.
"Ben" not Bed
I think Mae also comes down the line from Bertha Mae, Grandpa Hansen's mother. Lexi's name is Alexis Mae after her. Darling name, darling pictures and I totally agree on the faith and grace. Beautifully put!
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