What's in a name?

Adalyn is a variation of the french name Adeline meaning noble. My great grandmother's name was Hazel Adeline (or maybe Adaline, we're not entirely sure).  Hazel Adeline Yancey Powell was born in 1902 and graduated high school at age 16. She attended what is now Oregon State University and graduated (a very uncommon accomplishment for a woman in those days)! There are no photos of her wedding because it was more important to use the money for photos of her college graduation. She worked for many years as the County Clerk in Prineville. She was a strong-willed, independent woman who traveled the world and accomplished anything she put her mind to. She was a very loving woman whom I remember fondly.

Akiko is a Japanese name meaning bright child, or light and bright. It was chosen for our girl to honor Adam's grandmother, Mary Akiko. Mary Akiko Ouchida Takami was born in 1921. When she was 19, she and her family were forced to move to a labor camp in Eastern Oregon due to the conflict between America and Japan during WWII. She too is a strong-willed, independent woman who took a job as a crew boss in the potato fields without her husband's knowledge. (It was considered shameful if a man's wife worked outside the home.) She has always put her family first, she values hard work and artistic talents, and is an excellent gardener and cook.

So, the names we chose for our daughter were not chosen lightly. She is named after two very incredible women who overcame challenging circumstances and accomplished great things. We hope our girl will follow in the footsteps of her namesakes. As she grows up, I'll remind her of these song lyrics: "Never compromise what's right, and uphold your family name. You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."

And now, the second installment of "Adalyn"s First 24 Hours in Photos":