Beatrice

Dear Beatrice,

I ultimately have a fear that you are going to hate your name as you get older. Yes, your name is old-fashioned, but it has a lot of meaning – and I do have to tell you that I love it because it is quite unique for this day and age.

Your first name, Beatrice, was decided on the day we found out you were a girl. Your great-grandmother’s name (on your father’s side) was Beatrice. There are a lot of stories about her that have been told to me – how strong of a woman she was – but, she was also quite creative and there are many paintings she did that are still around in the family. When you get older, you will have to have your father and grandfather tell you stories about her. Your father and I love the name we chose for you. It’s quite a possibility you might get teased because you get a “cool” phrase when shortening your first name to “Bea” and then adding our last name. But, you know what? I can’t even say how much your name suits you.

As for your middle name, that is a completely different story. We couldn’t come up with anything and struggled and struggled with it. At my baby shower, we had everyone fill out a slip of paper to give three different options for your middle name. I thought it was a nice idea, but I had no time to sit down and go through them thoroughly since you came two days later. So, while in labor and having contractions, your father read all of them to me when you were just hours away of coming into the world. He had to read through them twice, and then we had a couple that we liked. Samantha was our favorite, and so that is what became your middle name.

So, if you really end up not liking your first name, we are happy to give you a second option, something that you can shorten to “Sam” if you preferred. But, I do hope you like it, my Bea.

Beatrice: happy, bringer of joy

Believe it or not, your name suits you perfectly. You are pretty much always happy (even when you are sick) and you bring your father, sister and I so much joy.

I love you,
Mama