What’s behind the name? In my family, we like to look up the origin of names and name our children after people who are worth emulating. Simon and I had picked out the name Jane, (my grandmother’s name,) for our future child if we were chosen to parent a girl. However, when we got the call that these biological parents were looking for an Irish family with a musical background, (yes, that was their criteria in choosing parents for their child, how fitting, right?) we began to rethink the name. Simon had always loved the name Siobhán and when he approached me with the idea of giving our baby that name I melted. Simon is often thoughtful and slow to speak, (one of the many reasons why he is the most patient, loving man in the world,) so when he brings an idea to the table, you listen! When Simon told me it means ‘God is gracious’ I knew it was the perfect name for our baby girl! Her bio parents gave her the name Fiona after her great, great grandmother and we wanted to honor them by including their heritage in ours.
As we began to share the name with friends and family they started googling it as well and this is what we learned…
Siobhán is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Anglo-Norman Jehane and Jehanne (Modern French Jeanne) which were introduced into Ireland by the Anglo-Normans in the Middle Ages. The name is thus a cognate of the English Joan, derived from the Latin Ioanna and Iohanna (modern English Joanna, Joanne), which are in turn from the Greek Iōanna. Related names - JANE
God is GRACIOUS! Here are just a few ways He has shown His hand in all of this…
On Tuesday we climbed into the car and began driving to Florida at 4:30AM. We didn’t know where we were going or where we were going to stay. On our way we called some friends and family to let them know what was happening and one of our friends from church asked if we needed a place to stay. They made some calls and the next thing I know we are calling a complete stranger on the phone. “Hello? Are you the couple driving to pick up your baby in Florida? Let me give you directions.” That was the entirety of our conversation. This couple, who had never even heard of us, allowed us to come stay in their home with 30 minutes notice, during a pandemic, and for an undetermined amount of time. They now call themselves Grandma and Grandpa to Siobhán. Their home has been a mini paradise, surrounded by peace, grace, lots of delicious home cooked food and a view that gives any Sandals Resort a run for their money.
We were chosen after presenting our book only 3 times. There is so much mercy in that. We recognize we could have suffered much more disappointment before being chosen but God blessed us.
We also did not have to spend any time wondering and worrying about whether or not her birth parents would change their minds. Because Siobhán was born before our book was presented and bio parents had already signed the TPR (termination of parental rights) papers we were spared that anxiety.
Another beautifully orchestrated fact...Siobhán was conceived right around the time we began our adoption journey in November. We have been preparing for her for nine months.
The time we spent with Siobhán’s birth parents was so peaceful. The first words out of their mouth was, “Do you want us to take a picture of the three of you?”
Only a couple of days before we left we had tons of gently used baby items donated to us so we were prepared for “the call.” And since announcing our news, the outpouring of love that we have received is almost too much to bear! Happy tears, all the time!
We have already had so many people asking how they can help, mailing us essentials, making homemade formula to help her colic, setting up fundraisers to help us pay off the remaining loan. It's simply overwhelming how much love and grace we have received and it is only through God!
And lastly, but most importantly...God gave us the greatest gift when we met Siobhán and there was an instant connection. She was in our arms and heard our voice and began to smile, knowing she was loved and she was ours! God gave us the most beautiful reassurance that He truly is gracious and planned for us to be a family from the beginning of time.
(Our very first time meeting)