What's in a name?

Everyone knows how important and difficult it is to pick out a name. Whether it be for your dog, cat, fish, even your car...when it comes to your baby the pressure is on--especially when your first daughter's name is Charli!

Danica's name came form a very special place in our hearts. First of all, Danica is a strong Serbian name that means "Morning Star" paying respect to my Dad's heritage.  She was also born at 3:50am which couldn't have been more perfect. From there the name incorporates the 3 most important men in Danica's life- Her Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle.
Dan- For Daddy (Dan)
ic- foe Eric (Uncle)
a/ Li- for Al I (Grampy)

This is where the Liv came in....when Dad was no longer able to receive treatment for cancer we received hospice and Maggie was brought in to our lives; much with my resistance. Hearing the word hospice can cut you like knife as it did right through me. As days progressed and Maggie was going to be a fixture in our lives I with reluctance decided I was going to have some kind of relationship with her and I did, a very powerful one. In speaking with Maggie I wanted to know why she chose this profession and this is when I heard her story. Maggie lost her husband and daughter(who is a twin to her son) in a car accident going to pick up some school supplies. She shared the story of her daughter Lilly and how strong witted and beautiful she was and how she lit up her life. In my own grief I couldn't even fathom hers and after some time my only question to her was, "What did you do? What are we going to do?" Maggie simply replied "Live." That is what we are all doing, we are choosing to Live.

Danica Liv your name comes from love and hope and always know you are protected by the men who love you the most. You are truly a gift and beyond special, I know you will have a purpose that will change the world for the better and I look forward to everyday I share with you. You are truly a gift from God, I love you.

July 25, 2014- one month before baby

Danica Liv's Baptism

Danica Liv was Baptized at St. Thomas on October 5, 2014. The church ceremony was amazing. The Baptism was done during the 11:30 mass and it was so intimate and wonderful. Deacon Dunne led the mass in which we first walked down with the Priests and were brought up in front of the congregation with Danica's God Parents, Uncle John and Auntie Amy, and made our baptism declaration. It was at this point it felt as though the Mass was completely about Danica and our family. During the mass we were brought over to the fountain and she was Baptized. Deacon Dunne then welcomed her into the Catholic faith and everyone in the Church applauded- it was so very special. She was so happy to have the holy water put over her head that she cooed in her beautiful white lace dress and headband. Auntie Amy gave her a beautiful Swarovski crystal bracelet for her special day that she wore proudly. Danica could not have been a better baby throughout the ceremony, it was as if she knows how truly special she is. Danica means "morning star" and that is truly what she is...Charli was very proud and excited for Danica's party and wore her party dress and shoes; she had been waiting so long to wear both and I think that will be the only day any of those outfits will fit my girls!

When we first walked down the aisle of the church to our front row pew- a rainbow appeared on Dan's shoulder and I knew my Dad was definitely with us. The weather was so beautiful that it was definitely a day filled with love, faith, and hope. We followed the ceremony with a celebration of Danica. She received so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts and were are so blessed with the family and friends who were there with us to celebrate.

Danica and her Godparents