What makes a name?

I've had lots of people ask about Cruz's name - his whole name - why it's so long? Do the names mean anything? How the heck do you say that Hawaiian name? ... So I figured I'd write out why exactly each name was chosen and what they mean.

But first, a quick update on Cruz. He had a checkup this morning and he is 9lbs, 1oz - super healthy. They were so happy to see he is above his birth weight after only one week!

I am totally blessed to have a husband that hasn't argued with me at all over names for our kids. In fact, we have been on agreement on all of them straight from the get-go. Our criteria for each child is that they don't have a "mainstream" first name, they have middle names that honor family members, and they have a Hawaiian name somewhere within.

Ryenne's name is long - Ryenne Alicia Grace Waiwaipuhia - and she honors beautiful women in our family - Grandmama Alicia and Great Grandma Grace. Waiwaipuhia is the mist that comes off of a waterfall - Wai being fresh water. And we knew that each Hawaiian name thereafter would be a nod to the water.

Kai Eric is short and sweet. Kai is the Sea - salt water. It's so fitting because he was born in the water and is such a water boy. Eric is Peter's baby brother who is no longer with us.

And then Cruz Nico Ka'ehukai Florencio ... definitely a long one. Here's the breakdown:

Cruz: I just downright LOVED this name when I heard it. It's strong. Cruz means "cross" and a cross is a symbol that can be taken in many different ways - of course religious, but also I think a symbol of strength and faith (whatever faith that might be) and focus.

Nico: After my brother Nicolas. Nico and I grew up 2 years apart. The same age difference between all the kids. Nico and I had so many wonderful adventures together growing up - in many, many ways we were each other's best friend. So many memories of our childhood together that make me smile and wish and hope that Ry, Kai, and Cruz will have just as many adventures as Me and Nico had together. I just wish Nico lived closer!

Ka'ehukai: our nod to the water.... Ka'ehukai is the mist that gets sheared off the wave as it breaks in the ocean. It's truly beautiful. Sometimes a rainbow will appear in that mist. Cruz was born in the water.

Florencio: We knew we wanted to honor someone in Peter's family with Cruz, and it became obvious to us who to choose when Pupu passed away. Pupu was a strong man and Peter has so many memories of him. So Florencio it was!

It's a beautiful day today. Cruz is sleeping in his carseat and Ry and Kai are wrestling in the living room. The sun is shining and blossoms are blooming. I think we'll go on a walk later.