2017 has proven to be a year marked by transition for CC and myself. One notable and happy change for us is the beautiful news that we became pregnant. When we arrived at our first doctor’s visit, our news was made sweeter when we learned we were already one third of the way along (Praise Jesus!) with a healthy #BabyCrynes.

Since the news, Christien and I have begun the process of preparing for our tiny human to enter this world. Christien found the coolest illustrations by Dallas artist Arturo Torres to hang in our office/nursery/guest room hybrid. My mom was able to deliver the bassinet used by my Grandma Sibenaller to cradle her as a newborn that she then used to take care of us in our first months of life. My mother in law has also been so sweet, providing us with Baby Crynes’ first outfits.

One activity we have taken particular care with is naming our growing child. At our 20th appointment we learned #BabyCrynes would be a tenacious baby GIRL. And with every measurement taken during the sonogram of her arms, chambers of her heart, and toes, we were reminded of how incredible of a miracle we are experiencing in this 9-month journey.

So today, I want to take the time to share the name of our daughter: Aurora Jane Navarette Crynes.

Aurora will be her first name. Approved nickname at this time is Rory. Aurora holds much meaning to us. My Grandfather was a lifelong resident of Aurora, Illinois, where he took great time to build community and establish traditions that my family cherishes to this day. One special tradition is the Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Light Display for which he was a founder. For over 60 years, the street my mom grew up on is lit up to tell the Christmas story as festive music plays throughout the drive ending at a simple, yet powerful manger scene with the star of David shining brightly above.

Aurora also represents light of the world. CC and I pray that she will own her name as Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” No matter the what her future holds, we know that God has called her for such a time as this.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:16

Jane will be her first middle name. Jane is in memoriam of my Aunt Jane Mason. My Aunt Jane played a large role in my life. Every spring, like clockwork, my family would travel to Arizona for vacation where we would spend time with my Aunt Jane and family. Driving around running errands, she would remind us to appreciate the little things like a clear, sunny day when you can see the humps on Camelback mountain. At her home, she would roll out giant sheets of paper across the entire table so I could doodle over every piece of it. At some point, we would all get together to squeeze fresh lemons to make the very best homemade lemonade. 8 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup fresh lemon juice FYI.

Her greatest influence on me however was during my college years. I decided to leave the comforts of my home state and attend Arizona State University. During those years, her home became my home. About once a month I would find my way to her house and fall asleep in the corner of her sofa from the pure exhaustion of my go-go-go nature. She was a nurturer, an encourager, and loved by people from all walks of life. Later in my college years, I saw her fight cancer with magnificent faith and an upbeat spirit. Despite the tremendous pain I know she felt, she would always put others’ needs before her own. She passed away just two months before our wedding day. Thanks be to God she got to see me in my wedding dress before the big day. I know she is smiling down on us today. CC and I are thankful her vigor for life and legacy will carry on with our little girl.

Navarette is Aurora’s second middle name. It is a name that is carried down from CC’s Grandma Sanchez, his mom and his sister Victoria. Family is incredibly important to us and the opportunity to honor our family through names is super special. Navarette is CC’s Grandma’s maiden name. His mom and sister hold it as a middle name, so we decided to carry it on as a tradition. This name comes with a tall order for baby Aurora. Christien’s Grandma Maggie is a feeler, caregiver, and knows how to cook from the depths of her heart and soul. The smell and taste of homemade enchiladas (more spicy that you can ever plan for), warm tortillas, refried beans, and Christien’s favorite menudo are all wrapped up in this name that carries heritage and the strength of an amazing family that comes to the rescue whenever someone is in need.

Aurora Jane Navarette we are so excited to meet you. Whether you fall in love with basketball or art or something your dad and I know nothing about, we are giddy and nervous to welcome you into this world in a few short months. It’s not always a pretty world. There are guys with an orange tan that like to yell constantly in 140 characters, there is more opportunity to show love and care for others different from you, technology continues to develop so rapidly that the email address and Instagram account I plan to secure for you will mean nothing by the time you know how to write, but man, are we lucky for you to join us. No one knows what the future holds, but we are dang excited to get to do it with you alongside our family, friends, and community. #CrynesLove