Finally a name for this little one. It has been a longer decision process than I/we expected. So why Leona?
Leona is the feminine form of Leon which is latin for "lion". I've been taking an Ancient Classical Humanities class this semester and culturally the image of a lion resembles that of power. So when we considered the middle name we wanted it to coincide with a powerful concept like "grace", "faith" or "truth". BTW Vera is a lovely Slavic name which means "faith; truth". The name Leona is pretty dated (hasn't really been popular since the turn of the 20th Century). Yes, except for Miss Leona Lewis the british pop star who won't quit bleeding everywhere...this was a brief reason to debate the name, but I pushed through it.
Renee is French and means "reborn" which is appropriate for our desire to see our children each turn their life to the Lord and be born again for His glory.
Any Smith would agree, you have to dress that last name up very carefully and with our recent adventures in identity theft because of Adam's name I felt confirmed in this regard.
Leona Renee Smith (rhythmic pattern 3-2-1) feels flowy in the right way. It's certainly better than calling her baby #3 or Tutti which was Daniel's suggestion for a name.
It's really only for these massively intimidating and permanent decisions that I deliberate so much. I'm pretty sure that's why all our kids have been unplanned because I don't think I would have come to a time of certainty about having a baby.....just plowed right in.
