Alana's Baby Naming

Wow, it's been almost a month since I've written. Sorry!!! The last few weeks have been very hectic. Alana got her days and nights straight, so, we've been getting some decent sleep at night, but, she's up most days. This kid either sleeps all day or is awake all day, refusing to take a nap! Plus, I really like getting out with her, so, we've been doing things most days, whether she's awake or not!

But, what's really kept me busy has been planning Alana's baby naming. In the jewish faith, a baby girl is named in temple when the Torah is read. She is supposed to be named the first time the Torah is read after she is born, which often means she isn't even there. Glenn and my parents went to temple the Saturday after she was born (we were still in the hospital) and she was officially named. However, we wanted to do something for friends and family, something that would have meaning for us.

So, this past Saturday, we, again, named Alana in front of the Torah. The rabbi allowed me to write the ceremony, so I was able to choose prayers and readings that were meaningful for us and for our family and I was able to have many people participate. For instance, during the ceremony, I explained who she was named after. While I was doing that, I had someone who was close to that particular person holding Alana as I explained who that person was and why we named after him or her.

Also, for the jewish girls reading this who know what this means, I chose to learn and chant the haftorah. I can't really explain it, but, there felt like no better way for me to honor my family, both those here and those no longer with us, and to show my commitment to educating my daughter in the jewish faith then by doing this on the day that she was officially introduced to the jewish community.

As you may know, a huge snowstorm was predicted for this past Saturday, but, somehow, it spared our area and, although we did lose some family and friends, many more people were able to make it then we thought just a day earlier. It ended up being an absolutely beautiful and meaningful day as Alana was named, introduced to the community, and met much of her extended family and friends, including some who have been so very supportive of me throughout our struggles!!