What's in a name?

So today is Joshua's Adoption Day - the day 1 year ago that he officially became a Bohlman. I remember the day very well and always will. It's gotten me to thinking...because really, nothing about our family changed on that day except Joshua's name. We were already confident he was going to stay around for a while...so why the big deal??

Here's why...

Think of your first name...(Joshua!) It identifies you. It's the one you hear all your life from those who love you, it's the one that mamas use when they make up songs to lull you to sleep. It's the one the teacher uses to get you to pay attention. First names are agonized over, many books have been written with first names in them. Joshua is a beautiful name that we both liked, and in the Bible, Joshua was a mighty man of valor. He stood firm in his belief in the face of contradictory evidence, and led his people to unlikely victories. Oh, that my son would be a man of valor and faith! So if your first name is about identity, then...

What about your middle name?? Many times, middle names are chosen to honor someone else. Perhaps a family member or favorite friend. Joshua's middle name (Michael) was chosen by his birthmom to honor a friend of hers who had passed away, but we liked it too, since it is my dad's name and Chris's brother's name. Middle names are about honor.

But that last name?? What's so special about it? Your last name is your belonging. When I took Chris's last name at our wedding, it was symbolic that he and I belong together. When Joshua received his new last name in court 1 year ago, it signified to the world that he belongs to this family. So while nothing changed, everything changed. My little boy belongs with us.

Here he is on Adoption Day 2010... and for comparison, on Adoption Day 2009.