Their Names

ROBINSON MATTHEW:
Pete picked out Robbie's name, and knew the name from the day of our positive pregnancy test. Of course, he is named after Jackie Robinson who was not only a great baseball player, but also a great human being who, amidst controversy, (being the first African American baseball player to play in the Major Leagues), always spoke highly of his love for baseball, his teammates, his love for the fans and his love for America. Often boo-ed by the stands, his own teammates did not want to play on the same team as him and let him know. He was called racial slurs by everyone around him while trying to concentrate on 2nd Base. Robinson never let it affect him and he never commented on it. He always stood proud and graceful. He was not the greatest African American baseball player of his time, but he was chosen from the Negro League to take on the role of being the first Black man to play with a white team. He was chosen because it was believed he had the character, strength and fortitude to handle what would come his way, in order to build a pathway for other African Americans who would follow. He did this for them. His wife Rachel, still alive today, is a retired nurse.

Robbie's middle name is for Pete's best friend Matt who many of you will remember from the best man toast at our wedding. They have always been as close as brothers and Matt's kind heart and inspirational spirit always keeps us moving forward and encouraged.

HARPER KARLY:
I was undecided about Harper's first name until a few days before her birth. I started trying out the name Harper around the house after running across the book "To Kill a Mockingbird" in our office, by Harper Lee. We wikipedia-ed the author and found that she had only written one book, and was such a perfectionist she would never turn in another book to a publisher. It is speculated that she may have written other books and they may be hidden in her home but while she is alive she will likely not bring them out. She did one masterpiece, won several distinguished awards, and was satisfied with her single high level achievement.

Karly is of course named after my mother Karla who was a great support, encourager and advice giver during the years we were having difficulty trying to get pregnant. Through miscarriage, fertility consults, and adoption agency interviews, Karla was there for us to offer support and give us her intuitive advice. Karla would do anything for Pete and I and often does whether it's dropping off meals or just letting us cry or process all the details. Without Karla's support, it is likely we would not have our magical babies today.

On Harper's and Robbie's first day of life, volunteers came in to make them signs for their little beds that have pictures of their actual hands and feet.