I love hearing stories about how baby names are chosen, and lots of people have asked how we named our girls. Madeline Alice is, in our opinion, a perfect name. Chosen for a few reasons – I had always loved the name Madeline, my grandmother was Mary Alice, and Mike had a great-aunt named Madeline. The two names also had literary ties, which Mike and I liked. Madeline (from the book series Madeline) and Alice (from Alice in Wonderland) were both heroines of their stories. Our Madeline Alice was going to be the heroine of her own story, too.
When we found out that our second child was going to be a girl, we had to find another perfect, lyrical name. It helped that we had some guidance from a dream I had before I was pregnant. I just knew that our daughter’s name had to start with an A. Mike and I like old fashioned names, but we also like names where there is a “child” name and an “adult” name, the way she had Madeline and Maddie. We started suggesting names, and on a car ride I tossed out the name Annabel. We both liked it, but couldn’t decide how to spell it. Later we came across the Edgar Allan Poe poem “Annabel Lee,” and we knew we’d found our spelling.
Once we had the first name, we had to agree on a middle name. My brother and I have middle names that honor an aunt and an uncle. My nephews both have middle names honoring a grandfather and great-grandfather. And my five-month-old niece‘s middle name is Madeline. Mike and I wanted to give Annabel a meaningful middle name, but nothing that would be overwhelming – something that, while linking her to her sister, would also be uniquely hers. It was on another car ride that we said Violet. As soon as it was spoken, it was her name.
For the next few months, we kept the name to ourselves, saying it to each other, practicing how it felt and sounded. I would go to Starbucks and tell the Barista my name was Annabel or Annie, or pick up a take out order under the name of Violet. I passed time writing it out by hand, looking at the initials, typing it on my keyboard. We told our family her name, but our friends found out at my baby shower. My doctor found out the day she was born. When my newborn baby was brought over to me for the first time, I looked at her and said, “Hi Annabel, it’s Mommy.”
She has, in our opinion, a perfect name.
{ 167 comments… read them below or add one }
She most certainly does.
.-= Maura´s last blog ..Was A "Social Lie" Called For? =-.
She is perfect in every way.
She certainly has! Love to you all…
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Big boy bed =-.
I love it. And she is too beautiful for words.
The Poem is one of my favorites and the name is not only beautiful but fitting.
I fell in love with her name the second I read it!
She truly is a beauty!
She does have the perfect name. She is so beautiful!
O Heather your amazing Annabel does indeed have the perfect name – the perfect name for a perfect little lady. Your World Famous Maddie has the most perfect name too. Your girls are so lucky to have the most wonderful parents who have give such thought to naming them.
What a beautiful photo of Annie you have shared with us today, I just love the purple fairy wings, looking at it brings a freat big smile to my face. Your perfect girl looks so content sleeping away – dreaming about her wonderful parents and big sister no doubt. What moving words again today, Heather. Annabel will feel even more special when she reads them one day.
Wishing you all a wonderful week-end.
With love from Luxembourg
Erica
Heather, the day you introduced her to the world, I too felt like this was a perfect name for her!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us! Love from AZ, @1mcmommy
.-= Patty´s last blog ..Lost… =-.
I think I’ve echoed Patty’s thoughts/sentiments before,and I’ll do it again. In the first entry about her arrival, I oooohed and aaaahed about Annie’s lovely name, it is perfect. And I appreciate now knowing about the origins. We have a friend with a 6mth old Violet, and I so agree it is a perfect fit for your family’s name lineage.
Her picture already shows how much she’s grown in 4 weeks! I’m sure she has sweet dreams of you two, Rigby and sister Maddie.
.-= Janeen´s last blog ..Snowmageddon, Snownami, Snowcopalypse =-.
I knew she looked like her daddy, but in this particular photo it’s like a mirror image. Also? Her feet in this picture? Would be perfect to zoom in on for her “parts” collage.
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Back to reality =-.
I agree! Having a name that’s good for childhood and adulthood is really important. I loved her picture today!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..They’re out to get me. =-.
What a perfect way to pick a name for your prefect little girl, Heather. I loved the way that you would give the name Annie, or Annabel, when you were picking up your orders!!! How fun!! Is it possible that Annie can get more gorgeous every day? It must be, because she does!
nothing better than a dream, i always say!!! truly perfect,
.-= MAYA´s last blog ..Never Take Candy From a Stranger =-.
I think your girls have some of the most beautiful, lyrical names I’ve ever heard. I love how Annabel’s middle name honors her sister yet remains uniquely hers. Wishing you all so much happiness with new baby Annabel. She’s one lucky little princess.
And indeed a wonderful name. It is nice to read that people put so much thought in picking a name. We do carry our name our whole life, it is part of our essential personality.
The picture is superb… Way to go Annie… You are a cutie
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Desperate on Desperado… =-.
What a picture! It makes me want to have a baby so badly! She is beautiful, just like Maddie.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Dance, Dance, Revolution! =-.
*applause*
beautiful. Just beautiful.
Much better than having a husband who wants to name her “Kaylee” after the ship’s mechanic on firefly (not that I didn’t LOVE firefly…)! Thus the reason we named ours “Alyssa”
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Chinese New Year =-.
For the record, I think your husdband is AWESOME and am considerind stealing his idea.
And I knew as soon as I saw “Annabel” you read the Poe poem, since Annabel Lee is first on my list of future girl names. Who doesn’t want to named after a beautiful process who lives by the sea? It’s a gorgeous name for your gorgeous girl.
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..As if I need another job =-.
Yeah – I might have let him get away with it if it weren’t so close to my own name!! I figured that our first child at least deserves her own identity
Maybe I’ll let him have his way on the second! =)))
she is perfect in each and every detail….including her name.
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..The Bliss Recap is on hold today due to a Lion =-.
Annabel IS the perfect name for her. As soon as I heard her middle name, tears spilled from my eyes as I thought of Maddie and her love of purple.
It’s the perfect name for a perfect girl! Btw, I love, love, love, both the Madeline book series AND Alice in Wonderland!
Our kitten’s name is Dinah. “Goodbye, Dinah…..goodbyyyyyyyeeeee” LOL
.-= jen´s last blog ..really =-.
It is a beautiful name for your beautiful baby.
.-= charlane´s last blog ..My Happy Cake =-.
Such a beautiful name for a BEAUTIFUL little girl! She is absolutely perfect!!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..My Olympic Moment… =-.
OMG. The wings!
xo from CT,
Amanda (another “A” name!)
.-= amanda´s last blog ..sometimes I try to be a nice person =-.
Seriously!!! Those wings are just too cute!!!!!
Perfect name for a perfect little girl!!! She’s so, so sweet! How’s she doing, feeding-wise, sleeping-wise?
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Lydia’s New Trick =-.
So perfect and beautiful, LOVE it!
She does have a beautiful name. My husband and I considered both of her names as first names.
Annabel Violet is as lovely as her name. It’s perfect.
.-= Sarah P´s last blog ..Gettin’ Dirty at Church: Freaking Out the Methodists. =-.
I love it, a beautiful name, and a beautiful story!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..The Boyfriend =-.
Her name is perfect, and she is gorgeous!! Blessings to each of you!
Both girls have such beautiful names. I loved that they are full of meaning, too.
GORGEOUS picture of your little angel, too!
p.s. Love, love, love your blog! =)
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday — Our Little Writer =-.
Oh Heather, her name is perfect… and so is she. so sweet!
I LOVE your girls names. Madeline has long been my number one all time favorite name and Annabel is gorgeous especially perfect paired with Violet. They are both classic’s and beautiful. And so are your girls.
It is indeed, the perfect name.
Being “Andria”, I grew up as an “Annie”. In fact, my family still calls me that. I always hated it though, as kids would call me “Orphan Annie”. Little asshats.
I’m having a hard time naming this 3rd baby. The midwife said I have three days after the birth before turning in my paperwork, so, I’m hoping the right name just comes to me when I see him/her.
.-= Andria Stanley´s last blog ..Day In The Life Of =-.
Love there names, how perfect for two perfect little girls.
I agree that both of your girls have perfect names. You are very talented name choosers.
.-= Anjie´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day =-.
There is a bar/restaurant here in Baltimore that we love and it is called “Annabel Lee Tavern.” I will think of you and your little girl every time we go…I read your blog everyday but this is my first time commenting…Best wishes on your new little girl…
.-= Lauri´s last blog ..Big vs. Little Grandpa =-.
I absolutely love her name! When you first announced what her name was i thought you chose Violet in honor of Maddie and the MOD, since their signature color is purple.
She is so adorable. I cant wait to watch her grow!! Thank you again for sharing your story with us all!!
.-= jen´s last blog ..one more? =-.
beautiful!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Snow….a.g.a.i.n. =-.
A wonderful story, beautiful names and 2 amazing little girls.
A perfect name for 2 perfect little girls!! You guys did a wonderful job on choosing names fitting to your children’s personality before they were even born! How intuitive you Spohrs are!!! Everyone looks great and I hope you all are adjusting well to having a newborn in the house again! Take care and your pictures you post are just beautiful!!
I guess us bloggers where the last on your name totem pole, huh?!?! ha ha I think it’s a perfect name for Annie….as long as you love it – It’s PERFECT!!!!
It is perfect and so is she!
That photo is divine!
.-= Autumn´s last blog ..Feline Friday: a truce that lasted two minutes =-.
I heard the song Annabel by Don Henly and I thought of your baby girl, it is a good song about a little gir!!
They’re both gorgeous names, but of course, I love love “Anna”bel.
.-= Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..I wanna be a rhymes-with-Gag-Jag =-.
I LOVE both names you selected for your girls. Madeline certainly is a heroine of her story, in every way imaginable.
And Annabel is so lovely, with Violet as a subtle but powerful tie to Maddie.
I have so much fun thinking about names for my (if the life plan goes well) future kids. Right now, it’s Michaela Christine for a girl (my dad’s name is Michael, and the most incredible teacher I’ve ever had, who’s still a close friend, is Christine) and Matthew Ryan for a boy (lots of family implications with those names AND it’s my favorite football player).
Ah, baby names.
It was when I read her name that i could not stop crying. It is the perfect name. I tried to convince my daughter that her baby should have Violet for a middle name since it was Tomas’ favorite color along with pink. Isabel will be born in April. I imagine there will be many Violets now that Annie is here so Maddie will be remembered forever.
I think it is LOVELY that she has the middle name Violet – so wonderful that her name honors her big sister. And Annabel – it is just such a gorgeous name for a beautiful girl!
It took me about 3 seconds to say “Oh my God… how perfect!”
My parents tested my name in a very similar way… Jenny as a youngster, Jennifer in business, Aunt Jen or Grandma Jenny… love that you road-tested Annabel’s name at Starbucks!
.-= Jen the Catalyst´s last blog ..Thanks to my little sis =-.
It is a beautiful name. I love that it quietly honors Maddie, that is so sweet.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Common Bottle Prep Mistakes and The Fixes =-.
Beautiful names for beautiful girls.
Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO from GA,
Nikki
Perfection.
As others have said, when I read the name I thought how perfect it was. I like names that have significance and meaning to the family. It’s funny that you test drove it with take out.
you are a star at picking out the perfect names for your lovely daughters. (i might be a little biased, my own daughter’s name is violet
)
love the wings. you are also a star photographer.
hugs,
kristen
Both your girls’ names are lovely. I love names that are classic, yet able to have a cute nickname derived from them.
It is a gorgeous name and I remember getting chills when I read it for the first time.
On an unrelated note, my son is sick with the flu and I was up all night taking care of him. As I was lying in his tiny bed with him putting a wet wash cloth on his head at 3 a.m….I was thinking of you. You and all the other women that have dealt with sick kids. It is hard and takes a very special person.
I
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Trying Something New =-.
What I like about Annabel is that in french we spell it Annabelle and ”belle” means beautiful in french.
So annabel means beautiful
Anna-beautiful
Your right its the perfect name
.-= Stephanie In Canada´s last blog ..37 thoughts that lead to reflection =-.
She’s perfect, and perfectly beautiful.
.-= J´s last blog ..20 weeks =-.
Love it!
I Love, Love, Love how you included Maddie by using the name Violet. You are so thoughtful in all of your decisions for your girls. Annabel is so beautiful and blessed!
I don’t have kids yet (hopefully soon!), but I’m obsessed with baby names. When I saw the name Annabel Violet, I thought to myself, what a perfectly gorgeous name! And because I’m so obsessed with names, I am always trying out “new finds” on my husband. And then he promptly rejects ALL of them. But when I asked about Annabel (after reading it here), he said, huh, that’s pretty cool. I think I like that. It is one of two, yes TWO, girl names that my husband (hater of all names) loves. So there you have it; it’s a perfect name:) And combined with Violet? OMG, so perfect!
Heather – I think that both names are beautiful and I love Annabel’s middle name. I love that you honored Maddie that way.
I wanted so much to name my daughters (all three) Madeline but unfortunately did not get a chance. (Either of my husbands ((gosh that sounds kinda bad doesn’t it?)) I understood why they both did.
Annabel – she is so adorable.
Thinking of you and Mike today.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Talking’ Valentines With Girl Talk Thursday =-.
she absolutely does! when i hear her middle name, i smile, my heart strings are tugged, i think of maddie.when i hear her first name it seems classic, angelic, perfect.
A beautiful story of a beautiful name. She is the second little girl I know named after Poe’s Annabel Lee.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Let’s Talk About Sex Baby (maybe not safe for work reading) =-.
What a perfect name for a perfect little girl just like her sister… =-)
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Honest Blogging =-.
I love her name. I think I told you this before, that Annabel was one of the girl names I suggested when I was pregnant, because it would be impossible to meet a boring person named Annabel. And I love the Violet/purple link for Maddie.
(Although if she’d held out a little closer to her due date, it would’ve been even better, since February’s birth stone is amethyst. No worries, though, January girls are pretty freakin’ awesome.
)
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..a little toddler romance =-.
What a perfect name for a perfect little girl. I loved it from the minute I read about it. I’ve been thinking about you, Mike, Maddie and Annabel a lot this week. My 8 week old daughter caught RSV from my 2 year old and had to be hospitalized. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital and I thought about you the entire time. As I sit here each day in the hospital waiting for this mean virus to leave her body my heart goes out to everyone who’s had to go thru the pain of having a sick child or losing a child.
XO XO XO
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Wed, Feb 17, 2010 =-.
Completely precious
I think they’re both perfect names.
.-= Sarah R´s last blog ..It’s been awhile: this is what’s new with Andrew! =-.
I love baby names! We had a really hard time deciding on one, I would suggest something and my husband would yell out something like :”Josh, go clean your room” and then decide if it worked or not! We named her Natalee (with Lee after my stepdad), and I just waited until I was in labor so I got my way with her middle name (Elise).
Perfect in every way!!
(((HUGS))) from Florida
A more perfect name could not be found!!!
You two are great at picking baby names, and at making just AMAZING little girls!
Lots of love to you both, always!
Oh Heather, that photo is just beautiful. And I love the names. ALL of them.
What a great story! Her name is beautiful, and look how beautiful she is! I love those little wings
.-= Mandi´s last blog ..I’m a View Mom! =-.
I think that we are speaking so much into our children when we name them. I poured over books and meanings to make sure that I had a good name. Annabel is a beautiful name and I think that she’s going to have a wonderful future!
.-= Christen´s last blog ..So Proud! =-.
.-= Marianne´s last blog ..Enjoying the Small Things =-.
That picture is absolutely precious!! I love her name too…my niece was born yesterday and they named her Caroline – now I can’t get Sweet Caroline out of my head!
.-= Chickadee´s last blog ..A Birth Day =-.
Perfection at its finest!!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..Lost Without You =-.
Madeline and Annabel are two absolutely perfect names for such perfect girls. I love how their names go together.
I love your story. We too have an Annabel, spelled the same way, because of ‘Annabel Lee’. I love that poem. Our girl’s name is Annabel Bailey, and now that she’s 10 she likes to recite the poem for school friends.
I have a friend who dreamed she called her daughter Eva….so she came up with Evangelia……and when she was born she was screaming A LOT…….So they joked to call her Ice Cream for her middle name…….Well, they speak Russian?? German??? well..and the translation for Ice Cream in that language is Marigona (Spelling?). That’s her middle name and Wow! What a great name!
I like Annie’s story of her name!!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Maggiano’s Reservations =-.
Wait… I wasn’t the only one who asked about her name?!?
Thank you so much for posting this! Beautiful baby, beautiful name.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Great Park, Great Day! =-.
So beautiful!~ I have an Annabelle.
My husband and I also went rounds over the spelling, but in the end we decided on this because of nicknames. I wanted Anna – he wanted Belle.
Either spelling it’s a beautiful name, isn’t it?!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..CLE Music preview =-.
When I saw her name for the first time it took my breath away.
I hope this doesn’t come out wrong but I think Maddie is the heroine of her own story.
It’s a beautiful name. Not too common, but not too uncommon. I knew Violet was a link to Maddie when I saw her name announced and I cried. So beautiful and special.
We’re naming our little one Annabelle as well. This time we let my daughter pick out the name. She wanted Belle. So although I’m okay with that we didn’t want that to be the babies only option in adulthood. So I found several names with Belle at the end and Annabelle won out.
What’s hilarious is ever since I picked it out I’ve been coming across newbies with the name, in particular in the mom’s group I run. But it’s a beautiful name so who cares if it becomes popular.
love it…and she’s perfect… my niece’s middle name was Violet
my friends daughter is Annabell and they call her Bella
I agree it is the perfect name! As soon as I saw Violet, I knew it was in honor of Maddie!
My boys also have names that have significant meaning. I think it is important for children to know that lots of thought and love has gone into choosing their name.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..Mug Shots =-.
She is perfect in every way!
I love her name- and I love Maddie’s name as well. You guys did a great job picking the perfect names for your girls!
.-= Miche@CoordinatedChaos´s last blog ..LIttle Boy Blue =-.
Love the story of Annie’s name. My own daughter is Meredith, and we call her MeriMoo. Was so surprised when I saw that you sometimes referred to Maddie as Maddie Moo, as I thought we were so creative!
I think it just works with M names, though.
Annabel’s name is so subtly perfect in every way. When I first saw that she would have an “A” name, I thought it would be Alice, as did a lot of us commenters! I’m glad you went with something different, though, and I think Violet is so perfect as it is both Annabel’s “own” name but also recalls Maddie. Good work.
Ohhhh that photo — it’s too precious for words:)
Thank you for sharing the stories behind your girls’ names. It makes it all the more special to know the reasons and emotions that went into giving Maddie and Annie their names.
Naming children can be so much fun, but yet what a responsibility! To give someone their name, the name they will be called for the rest of their lives — what a pressure that can be. I’ve had to do that quite a few times, and each name took careful thought and consideration. I, too, wrote them over and over again, toyed with different spellings, etc. It can definitely be a process. Each of our children have an A name, which links them all together as a sibling group, but their middle names are always different, named for family members.
You chose beautiful names for both of your girls.
Something I have wondered about on and off… do you pronounce Madeline with a long “i”, or is it pronounced like Made”lin”? I have heard it said both ways even when spelled with the e on the end.
I have four grown daughters and four little granddaughters… and wanted “Madeline” for my youngest daughter but my husband wanted her named after a family member so I gave in.
Your family is lovely, Heather.
When i first read Annie’s name i gasped and whispered, ‘how perfect.’
I always love hearing how moms came up with their child’s name and I was wondering how gorgeous, sweet, beautiful, amazing Annabel Violet got her name – thank you for sharing with us!
By the way, I did all the things you did too while pregnant with my daughter Ainsley, minus using the name at places where they’d call out the name – that is totally genius! Wish I would’ve thought of that.
The picture of Annabel is beyond SPECTACULAR!!!
I love the name! She is so beautiful
.-= Angie´s last blog ..What’s Gonna Work? =-.
So sweet! We still haven’t picked a name for our little boy-to-be because nothing sounds “perfect” to us so far. I am hoping when we find the right name we will just “know”.
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..4 Weeks Longer!!!!!!!! =-.
Perfect, just like her sister:)
I love the fairy wings! She is so beautiful!
I have followed your blog for quite some time and have you all in my thoughts. I remember one post that you made about coming home to an empty house, just you and Rigby….it just hit me in the gut and stuck. I have been so fortunate to have two kids that are now teenagers and wished so badly for the sound of life to return to your home and heart. I am filled with joy everyday reading about Annie and Maddie, and I am so happy that you and Mike and Rigby are making and hearing that joyful noise.
Unbelievably perfect…and the picture takes my breath away.
.-= Kelly Maguire´s last blog ..He’s parenting ME =-.
love the names of your cherubs and the stories behind them. Again, you gotta stop with those pictures, it’s giving me the baby bug!!
I love her name. We’re big on the meaning of names (one of the reasons we could not use the name Camryn for one of our daughters…it means crooked nose).
I looked up Annabel and love the meaning: Easy to love. Grace and favour is hers.
.-= Heather@Triple Blessing´s last blog ..A win-win! =-.
I love how you chose both your girls’ names!! I am named after my great-grandmother..I didn’t like my full name until I heard the story behind it.
I think Annabel’s name is just perfect for her & as soon as I heard Violet, I thought of Maddie but thought how perfectly unique the name was for Annie. Plus violets are my favorite flower: sweet smelling, delicate looking, but are strong little things.
Thanks for sharing with us how you chose both the girls’ names! They are lovely!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Blur of Pain =-.
I love how you chose both your girls’ names!! I am named after my great-grandmother..I didn’t like my full name until I heard the story behind it.
I think Annabel’s name is just perfect for her & as soon as I heard Violet, I thought of Maddie but thought how perfectly unique the name was for Annie. Plus violets are my favorite flower: sweet smelling, delicate looking, but are strong little things.
Thanks for sharing with us how you chose both the girls’ names! They are lovely!
And that picture of Annie: incredible!!!!!!!!!!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Blur of Pain =-.
Heather,
And if so…I hope I can be the kind of mother she was AND the kind of mother you are to Maddie and Annie. Thank you for continuing to share your story…
Love the name! My mom passed away in 2005, her name was AnnLee, so I too love Poe’s poem. I’ve always wanted to name a little girl after her. Maybe someday.
I wish much love, peace, healing and joy as you watch Annie grow.
Goodness. I can’t ever read your blog without crying. EVERYTHING about Annie is perfect
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Where IS that burning bush? =-.
I’ve loved her name since the first time I read it. It IS perfect. Thanks for sharing how you came up with it.
When I first read her name it was like ” Ah, that IS her name!!!!”
It’s perfect in so many little ways. It’s also a beautiful name.
Good job mom and dad!!!!
So beautiful. I love choosing names of importance. Whether it’s honoring a family member or friend, or a heroine from a story that means a lot to you. And Annabel Violet is a *perfect* name!
.-= Becky Mochaface´s last blog ..Grey’s Anatomy S6ep15 =-.
Two perfect, beautiful names for two perfect, beautiful little girls.
My daughter’s name is Violet, so I am very partial to it.
Annabel Violet is a gorgeous name for a gorgeous little girl. I’m so happy for you and Mike!
What a sweet picture! Thanks for sharing the story of her name with us–it is perfect!
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..My heart… =-.
I also have an Anabelle, with a slightly different spelling. We wanted to downplay the Anna (I already have cousins named Ann and an Anna), and emphasize the Belle. But right now we just call her Jelly Belly
I imagine an Anabelle (or Annabel) to be smart, creative and a little bit of a dreamer, the perfect combination of Grace and Beauty, just like her name.
.-= Jennie´s last blog ..Budget Cuts =-.
I fell in love with her name when you first mentioned it on here! A perfect name for a perfect little girl
It is a beautiful name!
I love name stories and this one is awesome. Annabel is a beautiful name and I adore the nickname Annie. I’ve always considered it. I loved her name from the second I heard it.
It’s funny, but each time I was pregnant, I’d tell random strangers the name, but not family or friends. I wanted to be able to say it out loud, but not care what the person thought about it.
.-= Issa´s last blog ..Therapy…the magic pill =-.
I think both Maddie’s and Annie’s names are perfect for them… and I love how you guys are so thoughtful about choosing.
I keep thinking of Annabel as Violet… her name is perfectly hers, inside and out!
.-= Andrea’s Sweet Life´s last blog ..Lady Bits =-.
Your girls… So very lucky to have parents as thoughtful as both you and Mike! Such beautiful yet meaningful names. What a beautiful legacy!
Little Annabel Violet is such a little beauty! I am loving all of the photo’s.
What a beautiful story! I LOVE your baby names! And that’s saying alot, because I can be very critical when it comes to baby names…(Falcon= weird, Apple Blossom Paltrow=ridiculous)
Annabel Lee is the first thing I thought of when you announced the gorgeous-baby-formerly-known-as-Binky’s name!
And the reason behind Violet? BEAUTIFUL.
A perfect name, truly.
xoxo
.-= Alison´s last blog ..What is a Twin Good For, Anyway? =-.
I love your name story! I was named after an aunt – my given name is Marta. My father’s sister, spelled her name Martah, but……people being people, put the “h” somewhere else and made her name Martha, which my aunt did not like. So when my parents were expecting me, and back then (almost 59 years ago), they did not have ultrasound, so they had to pick out a boys name as well. When I was born, I was named Marta without the extra “h” on the end, Lynn. Later in life, I added my aunt’s middle name to my middle name, so my full name is Marta Lynn Katherine, and my last name.
But people being people…….spell my name Martha sometimes too. Marti is my nickname as a result.
I love the name Annabel Violet, it is so pretty! Violets are purple, usually, and that connects her as well, to her big sister!
I love the adorable picture with the purple wings. Annie doesn’t even seem to mind that she has purple “fairy” wings. Little sweetie pie!!!
Would you like some of the 8 more inches of snow we’re expecting for next week? I can box that up and mail it pronto!!
I LOVE her name! My middle name is Violet too!
She is so precious!! Congrats!!
I agree. I love everything about her name.
Perfect.
I’m loving the cuteness overload with Annie over here! Awesome photo. I love the purple wings. It wouldn’t be right any other color. You’re right Annabel Violet is a perfect name and so is Madeline Alice (I love Alice In Wonderland). ;o)
A beautiful name for a beautiful little girl. Wishing all of you much happiness!
I have always enjoyed thinking upon baby names. For myself and others…even now that we’re done having kids.
I recall thinking, “What a perfect name.” when I read your post of Annie’s arrival. You selected a perfect combo that sets her apart as an individual child of yours; but also ties her to her sister.
She is perfection.
It IS the perfect name! She is such a little blessing. So happy for you!
Today I thought of your little Maddie, my playgroup has a march for babies team and I joined.
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Aww, she is perfect, and I loved reading about how you chose her name!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..So much weight =-.
That’s a super cute story for a super cute name for a super cute girl. <3
can i eat your fairy with a spoon…nom nom..
Very very cute baby…..
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It IS a perfect name for a PERFECT little girl! You both are truly, truly blessed! Congrats!
Just a doll….
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
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crying at this post. happy tears, and tears at such a powerful amazing truth of our babies names..
Your 2 daughters are sure lucky they got to have you and Mike as parents.
she is perfect. she is so perfect and peaceful.
.-= damaris´s last blog ..70 steps to happiness =-.
We have an Eleanor/Ellie (though we really mostly call her Ellie) named for a family member, so we feel the same way about names that you do. I really love Annie’s middle name–I love the way it honors Maddie while still being unique to Annie. I’m sure she will love it too, especially once she hears all about her big sister.
I think both of your daughters’ names are beautiful.
Heather,
I love the name…I am blown away by how beautiful your little Annie is, and how much she resembles each of you. She is most definitely her daddy’s daughter (some of her facial expressions in your photos of her just scream Daddy!), but it is obvious who Mama is. Looking at her pictures, I am most struck by the sisterly resemblance that she and Maddie share. I am so glad that you show her the videos of Maddie we have all grown to love and enjoy. I miss your little Maddie very much, even though I never knew her…such a bright little sunspot. I am overjoyed for you and your family that you have Miss Annie to bring that ray of sunshine back into your lives…I’ll bet she and Maddie had one heck of a time being silly together in heaven before Annie came to meet you. Enjoy her, she is so precious! And congratulations, again!
-Lexi
Perfect name for a perfect girl!!!! LOVE to you all!
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Perfection.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Keeping Up the Illusion =-.
so sweet. still hoping to find the “perfect” name at 26 weeks.
What a gorgeous baby!
When I read the announcement she was here, and her name, I thought it was perfect. And not at all because Annabelle, along with Olivia are my top to favorite girl names, nor because my first names IS Violet… just because it seemed to fit so perfectly with your story, to give her a connection to her sister that I know she will treasure without her feeling overshadowed by that connection. Overall, it’s simply a BEAUTIFUL name. I hope she grows to love it as much as I have always loved my name.
Reading her birth story brought tears to my eyes too!!! She’s so gorgeous.
A perfect picture of a perfect little one! Love the name, awww heck love everything about you guys! The violet angel wings are amazing…she is so adorable. Heather, your story about ordering from starbucks with her name is so funny…love it! I would do the same thing, when I was pregnant…we chose our baby girl’s name for the same reason..an adult and a child name. Ella…or Ellie
your girls are both lovely with perfect, beautiful names! thank you for sharing the stories of how those names came to be. our little girl is named poppy madeline reese – we chose madeline after my husband’s grandmother, but the spelling is from the book you referenced! just wanted to mention it because it’s another ‘madeline’ who brings joy into the hearts of others (along with yours!)
annie is such a wonderful little creature. i’m thrilled for your family, and i think it’s wonderful that you are sharing her big sister’s memory with her as she grows.
cheers!
I too love names and have thought long and hard about names for my children. When we first starting trying to have kids, we had a girls name and a boys name. Our girl’s name was Anabella. When it became evident that having babies would not be easy or happen at all, names became a difficult thing to think about. Our son’s name is the only name we like for boys. When we saw his picture at 7 months old, the name we loved fit our little boy perfectly. I often think about names of our future children. but because we have no idea if there will be more children, I tend not to dwell on it.
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Of COURSE I love the name Annabel, even if we spell our Annie’s name differently. hugs to you!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Happy Thoughts =-.
That is the sweetest picture. Wall-worthy for sure
Thanks for sharing her name story. And, I too love Annabel Lee.
I love how you picked both of their names, its odd how names come about, I was all ways the wild card in our family, I remember my sister saying “oh God, I dread the hippie or crazy name you will give this child”. I remember how bad it hurt my feelings.Not to mention that she had already stolen my loved name for a girl that I had picked out for years, Sierra, I loved it, told everyone for years if I ever have a child she will be named Sierra. Well, she’s pregnant with her 2nd child she finds out its a girl, I asked her what are you going to name her? She says Sierra Page, I was stunned, I said before thinking, that’s my name Amy, that’s my name that I have had picked out for years!!!! She said come on you can’t have babies, so I am taking Sierra, well that stung, so I just walked off, whats the point.
Now I look back and think I’m so happy, because I would have had a Sierra, when Instead I have a rain, I always loved the rain, and God thought He would confound the doctors and allow my to get pregnant without a right ovary,lol!!! I do love the way he does stuff, at 34 I was pregnant for the 1st time in my life, we chose to name her after my mom and his mom, so I have a Loraine Gail Emily , Loraine from his mom, Gail from mine, Emily from a friend that bought many things for Raina because we were having a hard time, her dad got crushed by a tree he was cutting when I was 4 months pregnant, so we had lost all of our income. Emma couldn’t have children, so we named her after her. I remember Danny standing at his mother’s grave after we had buried her, and he looked down and saw her middle name, Lorraine, he said look what a beautiful name my mom had, I realized he had never known his moms middle name, I guess while raising 14 kids no one had thought to ask her. So we combined all those names to come up with Loraine Gail Emily, we shortened it to Raina Gail and that’s what she is called to this day. I have a shortened name that’s my pet name for her, just Rain:)
aww beautiful names!
Our baby was a 24 weeker, so we didnt get much time to name her but we love it, Jasmine Faith
http://www.mommyoffaith.blogspot.com
when you have a preemie you got to have faith lol
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Her name is just gorgeous!
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..PSF – He Loves to Pose =-.
I agree. One of the first things I said upon reading of Annabel’s birth was, “DAMN, those people know how to choose good names!” I grew up with a name I despised, so I take names more seriously than most people … and was VERY careful in choosing a name for my own daughter, Gwendolyn Jessie (called Gwen). Like your daughters, her middle name was chosen to honour someone, in this case my maternal grandmother who passed away when I was 10.
Thanks for sharing this story! Love to all of you as always!
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Heather and Mike,
I have an Annah and my nickname for her is Anna-belly so I loved hearing Annabel’s name. I wanted to suggest something after seeing your valentine post about Annie’s funny faces. A good friend took series of black and white shots of her daughters when they were babies (all wearing the same outfit so maybe taken in one day?) of their funny faces and matted them all together. Such a unique keepsake. I love reading about your wonderful family and am so glad you gave Annie a middle name to honor Maddie. Love and best wishes to you all.
That is the most perfect name.
.-= pickel´s last blog ..The Adopted Child’s Loss =-.
Annabel Violet suits her just perfectly! Isn’t it great to have the perfect name?
My firstborn is named Dorian Gabriel, after Dorian Gray and the angel. My husband and I had an aweful time agreeing on names, but those ones stuck and they suit him so very perfectly.
For our second, we wanted another literary name so we chose Dante and his middle name, Luka, is after a musician. Again, perfectly suited to my little wild man!
Btw, I really, really love that picture. She is just so perfect!
.-= Expat Mom´s last blog ..All About Dirt =-.
This is my first visit to your blog, and I must say, this was an amazing first post to read. I loved every word of it. We deliberated over our daughter’s name as well. Every time I say it I feel like it suits her more perfectly then I could have ever imagined, and I’m so proud of the name we crafted for her.
Annabel is a beautiful name, and so is violet, it reminds me of maddie’s favourite colour, purple
I love the “hint” of purple in her name. It speaks Madeline but in hushed tones.
.-= Pamela @ 2 Much Testosterone´s last blog ..Post-It Note Tuesday =-.
I think I just realized the Violet = Purple connection. Duh. I love that. You have beautiful daughters. xo
Beautiful names both of them and the cuties that rock them indescribable!!
Such wonderful names. <3
I, Annie, would agree that it is a perfect name. My dad called me Annabel Lee all the time. My given name is actually Ruby, but I never knew because even when I was in trouble I heard “Annabel Lee” when I strted kindergarten my teacher asked for my name “Annie” then she asked for my real name “Annabel Lee” I ended up leaving that day with a note asking my parents if they could come in and register me properly because no one knew who I was. When I grew up I changed my name to Annie, just Annie. It is the perfect name.
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