Names

At this time we have to keep the birth names of our girls private until they are legally ours (which would be after our first trip to Ethiopia and after we pass court).  Some adoptive parents keep the child's birth name, some just change it a bit, some keep their birth name as a middle name, and some give a completely new name. I think a lot of it depends on the child's age on whether they change it or not.

We have decided to give the girls an American name for their first name and keep their name given by their birth parents as their middle name.  We want to keep their Ethiopian name because it will probably be the only gift they will have from their birth parents.  We also want this to be a way for them to keep their Ethiopian heritage.  We can tell you the names we have chosen to add on to their original names.  We want you to know so you can be even more specific in your prayers for them.  Please continue to pray for Malia (pronounced Ma-leah) & Ruthie.  Malia is the older of the two.

Shortly after we received our referral for them, we chose their names.  We weren't in a hurry, they kinda just came to us.  We were talking about names we liked and Mark & I both mentioned how we loved the name Ruthie and it just stuck.  When we looked at their pictures, we both agreed that the youngest of the two looks like a Ruthie.  She has some animated facial expressions.  Then we sat one night searching for the older of the two's name.  I was looking in a little baby book that I have had since I was pregnant with Gracie, while Mark was looking at names online.  We were sharing different names, none that were sticking, until I came to the name Malia in my book and I really liked it.  I hadn't said anything, but as I was pointing to it, Mark, looking at the computer, says, "What about Malia?"  I couldn't believe the timing on that.  It just seemed too easy.  But we love their names.  We are talking & praying about Malia & Ruthie on a daily basis here in the Trump home.  Brogan even knows their names.  When we point to the girls he knows who is who.  As things progress and they are officially ours we can tell you more about them as well as post their pictures.  They are beautiful!  We can't wait to meet & love on them!