Hey There Delilah

Your daddy and I had gotten a package deal with the ultrasound boutique. At this point, I was getting a bunch of ultrasounds between necessary ones with the doctor and the perinatalogist for the gestational diabetes, but before I knew that would be happening, I had already purchased this package. It consisted of two 3D/4D ultrasounds where we got to see you first at 18 weeks then at 33 weeks. Both times we got lots of pictures and video clips of the experience. We went to the first consultation just the three of us – me, daddy, and you. Then, GiGi came with us for the final ultrasound. I’m so glad that we did this. It was pretty amazing to see you. The first time you resembled Lord Voldemort a little bit but now you were plumper and more baby-like. I could see my nose on you and we were a little nervous you had daddy’s ears. You were sucking on your hands and your foot at one point. Don’t worry you found those hands again after birth very quickly for soothers. It was an awesome experience to meet you so early. It made it very real despite the daily kicks that were my constant reminders. 

As for your name, it was a long time coming. I wanted a name that was not super common but not too crazy either. Your daddy surprisingly agreed to an uncommon name. I was so sure that he would want a run-of-the-mill name, but he came up with some of the most unique recommendations. We started with the top 100 names list and we each highlighted our top ten choices. There were not many common highlights. We started this process back when we thought you might still be a boy. We had more boy names in common than girl names. Another problem was me working at the children's hospital. I would like a name then I would have a crazy or super sad case with the same name and it would ruin it. I kept coming back to one of my favorite names, Lily. Unfortunately, your Aunt Taryn beat me to the punch on this name and used it for your cousin's middle name. I was playing off of variations of this name when I came up with Lilah. I really liked it. It seemed unique but still had the Lily flavor. Then I stepped it up to Delilah and I thought this name was pretty, cute, and I had not seen a Delilah at the hospital yet. I figured you would have lots of options with it too. When you get old enough to care, you could choose from Delilah, Lilah, or Lily - or frankly whatever you want. The middle name was easy. We wanted to honor someone in our family by passing to you a family member's name and it was second nature to me to pick Jean. Your daddy's grandmother was one of the most amazing women I have ever met and it breaks my heart that you won't have the opportunity to meet her when you get here. I know that she would have loved you. When I first met her, she loved me instantly without reservation and without judgement. She was graceful, kind, and selfless. She had served so many people through missions for the church and just in her daily life. Everyone that knew her spoke so highly of her. She was such a warm presence to be around. Even when things were the worst for her, she maintained an amazing demeanor with ever present faith, love, and hope. With her name, I hope that you are constantly reminded of a wonderful woman who I know is watching over you now and loves you very much too!