We are happy to announce the birth of our daughter Genevieve Meadow Theodora Seymour… Here is everything you ever wanted to know about her name!
It’s a mouthful, but she’s a bundle with a lot of attitude! Genevieve entered this world on June 18th, 2009 at 7:16pm. She was born just outside Washington DC in an old historic birthing center and delivered by a midwife. The delivery came so quickly that she was ultimately an unplanned water birth. Genevieve was so blessed to have entered this world surrounded by her loving family by her side. She weighed in at a perfect 8lbs and was 20 inches long.
Genevieve is of French origin and gives a nod to her father’s heritage. It is also a variation of Jennifer and so her mother has been blessed with a namesake. The meaning Genevieve means “lady of the people, tribal woman”, which seems especially fitting given she is the last daughter to be born into our very large “tribe” of seven in our family.
Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris. Legend has that she had visions and made prophecies, many of which are said to have been fulfilled. In 451, when Atilla the Hun was marching on Paris, Geneviève convinced the Parisians not to flee their homes, but instead to fast and pray, saying that God would protect them. As the enemy got closer, people began to turn against her, but in the end, Atilla turned his army away from Paris. St. Geneviève is remembered for her generosity to the poor, and as a protector against disaster.
The name Meadow is inspired from the last family excursion we took before the baby was born. We visit a local flower meadow every year in the early Summer to take pictures of the kids. This year it seemed especially serene and peaceful as we had the entire acreage to ourselves. It was as though you could hear the whispers of the flowers themselves welcoming us. Both Todd and I anticipated next year’s visit, with another little one toddling at our feet. As I was leaving, I thought then if we were lucky enough to be blessed with a girl; Meadow would be a part of her name.
Lastly, Theodora is of Greek origin and means “divine gift of god”. We have always loved this name and are big fans of Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, our nation’s 26th President. Theodore Roosevelt spent the summers of his youth exploring the Adirondack Mountains. He loved nature and revered animals. He became President, after the assassination of President McKinley, while hiking Mount Marcy on a trip to the Adirondacks with his family. He established himself as one of the most innovative conservationists in history. His progressive insight provided protection and the creation of many national parks including the Grand Canyon, Crater Lake in Oregon, and the Adirondacks…. all places where we as a family have created special forever memories that will last a lifetime.
We are blessed to have little Genevieve Meadow Theodora Seymour become a part of our family. We are anxious for you to meet her!
