Name Choice . . .

When we were looking at names in our last pregnancy, we chose "Noah" because we liked it and the meaning fit perfectly: peace. God gave us such peace throughout the fertility process and all the decisions, pregnancy, labor and delivery, etc. I really couldn't sum it up with a better word: peace . . .


This time, we have had a lot of unexpected things come up, beginning with the polyp-removal surgery I had after our kick-off ultrasound. To say that this whole process has been tougher than we ever imagined would be an understatement. The physical difficulties, however, haven't been nearly as tough as the emotional and spiritual struggle. I found myself praying for strength quite often--sometimes for strength to simply get out of bed. The theme of the journey this time around has been STRENGTH.

**When we first found out we had a twin pregnancy, I picked a verse for each baby. Baby A's verse was Psalm 18:32: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect."

**Isaiah 40:28-31 was a lifeline to me throughout some dark days--physically and emotionally.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

So, friends, we have picked a name for our next baby boy. His name will be . . .

Gabriel "Gabe" Matthew Straits

Gabriel="God is my strength" or "Strong man of God"

Matthew="Gift of God"

God has truly been my strength from day one of this process, and I pray that Gabe will continue to walk in His perfect strength throughout his life, recognizing that his life is inded a gift to this world!