Sophia's Blessing

Sophia was blessed by Gustavo on September 4th.  It was a beautiful blessing and we were so grateful for all of the family and friends who came to support us.   We had a little get together after church in our yard (we FINALLY have a space big enough for our whole family to gather!) Unfortunately I took absolutely no pictures that day.  I was sad when I realized that, but I was busy getting things set up, feeding the baby, and then visiting with loved ones.  My mom added the sweet little cap sleeves on Sophia's dress and made the adorable headband.

My great great grandmother, Anna Sophie

Gustavo's grandmother, Caridad

I decided a long time ago that I want all of our babies to have family names.  Sophia Caridad was named after my great great grandmother, Anna Sophie Wilhelmine Heine. (Yes, I realize we named our baby Sophia and my ancestor's name is Sophie.  That is because I remembered incorrectly, but was set on the name Sophia when my aunt kindly corrected me.)  Caridad is a family name on Gustavo's side.  It is his Grandmother's name, aunt's name, and sister's middle name.  I LOVE the family significance of this beautiful name that translates to charity in English.  Although Gustavo's grandmother and I haven't been able to speak together due to the language barrier, I have heard many wonderful things about her and am impressed by the strength she has exhibited throughout her life.  I do not know as many details as I'd like about her journey from Cuba to the United States, I can only imagine how much courage it took for her to bring their children amidst such difficult circumstances.  I also love that she was a teacher her entire life.  My girls have incredible women on both sides of our families to look up to.  I hope that Sophia will see the hard work, dedication, and strength that each of the women who hold the name Caridad display.  I also hope that she will be service oriented and learn to be truly charitable in all of her dealings.