G.O.

I figured I would give a little background on the chosen name for the baby formerly known as "Kid B."

My paternal grandmother's name was Gisela.  She was one of my favorite people in the world.  We were fortunate enough as kids to live upstairs from my paternal grandparents.  Nothing was better than going downstairs to see them, hang out, help them, make playdough, etc.  We remained close even after my parents moved to a suburb and my grandparents moved to an apartment, and then ultimately decided to stay full time in Florida.  I used to go and visit them a few times a year.  When my grandfather passed away suddenly on New Year's Eve 2001-2002, it was a huge blow to our family.  My grandmother remained in Florida, due to her chronic emphysema and MS.  It was much easier on her body to stay in the warmer climate.  We continued to visit as often as possible and I spoke with her on the phone weekly.  Even through my college years, I would go and visit her during my "spring break."  To me, spending time with her was more important and really more fun than partying it up in Cancun.  :)

My grandma was one of the strongest women in the world.  My grandparents used to tell the story of going to a wrestling match where one of the opponents was playing dirty.  My grandpa said that all of the sudden, he saw a little woman climbing the ring, hitting the dirty opponent with her handbag.  When he went to point it out to my grandma, he noticed that she was gone.  It was her!  My sisters and I LOVED that story.

My grandma survived WWII, living in Germany, hiding in the basement during air raids.  She also told us of a time when her mother and grandmother dressed her up as an old woman so when the basement was checked, they wouldn't see a young girl and take her.

Because of our close relationship, I have always wanted to name my daughter, if I were ever fortunate to have one, Giselle, as a tribute to my Grandma "Jay."  It makes me smile every time I think of Giselle, knowing that she is named after one of the most awesome people ever.  :)

ps - how cute is she?????