What's in a Name?

Most of you probably already know by now that we are planning on naming our little boy Brayden Thomas, but I thought he still needed a proper introduction for those of you who didn't know. Picking a boy's name was really easy for us, and he was pretty much Brayden since the day we found out he was a boy. We actually didn't even crack a baby name book. (Thanks Tiff for letting us borrow it anyways!) So, Brayden it is...no turning back, especially after the first monogrammed gift arrived last week. :) Just kidding. I know this little boy is going to be blessed with so many wonderful people around him that love him. I went to the mail this week to find some adorable personalized towels from his Aunt Tiff. She is always so thoughtful and I can't put into words how good she is to me and she is always there to help make my life easier. From pretty much furnishing our whole first apartment, to always being there when I need her,to helping us shop and plan for Brayden, the list could keep going...So Tiff, if you read this, thank you for being you and having you as my big sister is such a blessing!

His hooded towel and washcloth set:


Every cool little baby boy needs a shark beach towel! I love this!


Since you've seen his beach towel, I thought you should also see his cute bathingsuit that I found at baby gap for when we go to the beach with Tom's family in September:


The name Brayden means "brave". When I looked up the meaning of his name, I thought it was really ironic that the name we chose for our little man meant brave. I have always struggled with a spirit of fear and I have talked to Tom about how I didn't want to pass that on to my children. Reading that translation of his name, I felt like God was telling me that this is not something I have to pass on to my son. My prayer for Brayden is that he is brave. Brave to try new things, brave to stand up for his beliefs and to witness to others, and to not allow a spirit of fear to keep him from responding to the life God has planned for him. I am reminded of the verse in 2 Timothy that says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

I pray that God will bless him and that He will give Brayden a heart for Him and to serve His Kingdom. I can only imagine that there is no greater joy than when you know your child loves the Lord.