[redbonec]

Yesterday we met our daughter, then 13 days old, and have her home now. I was really having a hard time deciding on a name--coudn't find one that seemed perfect for her. And when the foster parents sent her pictures while we were waiting, the name we were calling her was also sent, making it difficult for me to part from it.
The name grew on us, and for the placement ceremony (the agency says a few words and talks as we held her, our family was there) the director asked us her name. She said no pressure, but I thought it would be good to finally name her so family and big sister could call her by name and not just baby or she. SO we said the one we had been thinking the few hours before. And the first name in one name book said it meant "Strength of character" and after our agency told us all the obstacles our daughter's birthmother is facing, it seemed to fit.
BUt now, after saying it and holding her more and being with her, I am thinking of one of the other two names we thought of.
Should I consider changing it? I wonder if the first name is too wordy, or complicated?
Why am I so unsure for her name?

We named her:
Carlygrace Michelle

so Carly was what foster parents called her, and the name that meant character strength), and grace came from my SIL which was a suggestion because she said she came to us by grace, and when we looked at her pictures, she looked some like a Gracie. Michelle is my first name, and in my family on my mom's side, the daughter's middle name is the first name of the mother. NOthing I was pressured to do, but thought it was a neat tradition to keep going and give to our daughter.

Now the more I hold her I cannot seem to call her that, and think of two other names we had considered--Audrey Michelle or Julieanne Michelle

Our daughter of course is calling her Carlygrace.

Keep it or change it? Is it silly of me to consider this?
Auugghh!

Here is one of our favorite pictures of her.

Any help to set my head straight is appreciated!

[PersianMama]

Your daughter is beautiful! I don't think you are being silly. If you want to change her name, do it. I wouldn't wait too long, since you have a little one who wants to use her sister's name

[loveajax]

She is absolutely gorgeous!! Congrats. OK, I like Carly Grace, but I am not sure about Carlygrace as one name (jmo!). But I also really love the name Audrey...and she looks like an Audrey to me!

Let us know. And enjoy this wonderful little doll!! CONGRATS again

[Fe2002]

She looks like an Audrey to me too!

I almost changed my DD's middle name at the last minute (when preparing for the birth certificate), but decided to keep it as is...

I still ponder if I did the right thing.

[Nevada Jen]

WOw! She is really beautiful! Pick a new name if you want. It will make a great story to tell her later, especially why you were going to call her Carlygrace!

[Merdie]

Originally Posted by loveajax

She is absolutely gorgeous!! Congrats. OK, I like Carly Grace, but I am not sure about Carlygrace as one name (jmo!). But I also really love the name Audrey...and she looks like an Audrey to me!

Let us know. And enjoy this wonderful little doll!! CONGRATS again

Ditto - I think the one long name is sort of odd. I maybe would try Carly-Grace or Carly Grace and she can have a double first name!

[Stormster]

I like Audrey because it's a classic name that is not overly popular right now and she looks a bit like Audrey Hepburn with that dark hair and beautiful face!

[mommytoEli]

i think she looks like an audrey. and don't worry....i still have days i look at my kids and wonder if i should have named them something else.

[SamIAm2]

She's beautiful!!! And I agree with the others who said she looks like an Audrey

[4everwaiting]

oh what a little doll!!! I like Carly Grace, not much on Audrey (maybe swayed as I know an Audrey)...

[BlessedbySnuggs]

Congrats! She is absolutely beautiful! Funny thing, Carly and Audrey are two of my favorite names. So I like both...I do think she looks like an Audrey though!

[Magic_Hat]

I like all the names but not Carlygrace as one name. People will ALWAYS get it wrong her whole life and that is tiresome. I like Carly Grace as a first and middle but have also always loved Audrey. What about Audrey Grace?
They are all pretty names. It's not too late to change it. Pick the ones you really want and as a PP said, do it soon.

[portlowski]

I struggled with my son's name foalmost the first year of his life. his bmom had her heart dead set on a name and we gave him an additional middle name and call him by his nitals. For a long time I felt as though I hadn't had the opportunity to really name my child--the first act of parenting. but after close to 3 years of parenting I LOVE his name...it tells his story and it is who he is. So I guess what I am saying is even if you struggle with her name, once you chose it and stick with it and get used to her being the name you call her you will love it no matter what...because you love her.

Good luck with all the great chices...they are all lovely names!

[Amber76]

Your daughter is just beautiful! I think when it comes to names that you just have to go with your gut instinct, but I do want to add that Carlygrace IS going to end up being shortened and a nickname used by somebody, so if you aren't okay with the nickname thing, you might want to change her name. A lot of the kids in my family have four names, including my son, so you could do Carly Grace Michelle. (DS is Benicio Jose Yeadon G----, with Yeadon being my maiden name and one I wanted to give him, my nephews are James Anthony Dean P and Kenneth Andrew Glen P)

[redbonec]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I was rereading the replies now, and telling my husband. So hopefully we'll decide soon. Thank you again, your opinions have been really helpful! I'll let you know...soon...!