a name
we did it! we did it! we have a name for our little man.
and man, naming a person. so much to consider! i mean, it is kind of a lifelong thing... and we probably overthought it just a bit but hey, that's what we do.
i must say, it did feel more difficult this time around. we had many solid contenders and combinations thereof but it took forever to narrow it down and put it all together. i would like one and ben would like one. we would sort of like another. and we really didn't feel like this was the time to compromise. you know, with it being the lifelong name of your child, after all. lose-lose or even win-lose wouldn't be ideal.
our list was in flux for months. adding a name and removing a name. moving names up and down the list. changing the middle names. discussing and researching (yes, researching). we wanted something strong. something classic. something meaningful. but we didn't want the kid to be mocked for an old man name. we wanted something unique and special but not weird or crazy exotic. and nothing on the "hipster baby names" list.
we wanted something thats suits our last name and fits with elinor too. you can't have little miss literary british name and mister folksy hippie name...ya know? and let's not forget the supreme court justice test. very important to pass that one.
but most of all, we wanted to name our son something that was a nod to our heritage and that carried biblical meaning.
and so, we are proud to present our ridley noble whitehouse.
ridley is my maiden name. i have always really liked my maiden name and wanted to use it for children in some way or another. i had originally thought middle name but when ben suggested using it as a first name, it just fit. bold yet refined. classic and strong. it seemed to suit our little one. and i am excited that our son can help to carry on my family name. and noble. "having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals; a person of noble rank or birth." what a fine attribute. a child of the King. set apart.
may our little ridley noble be righteous and true and loyal and strong and bold and just. may he be of commendable character and upright. may he be respected and loved. honest and patient. may he proclaim the excellencies of his King. may he stand on noble things.
isaiah 32:8
but he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.
philippians 4:8
finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
luke 8:15
as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and noble heart, and bear fruit with patience.
1 peter 2:9
but you are a chosen race, a noble priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.