His name means: "God's gracious gift"

We have had a process trying to choose a noble name for our son. It is difficult to choose a name with the uncertainty of adoption and for someone you have not yet met. However, after meeting Courtney, we were joyful when we recognized one of our favorite names in her family tree. So without further ado, our Son's name shall be:

EVAN ROBERT STUTEVILLE

"Evan" is familiar to me as I have a cousin with the same name. On the drive down, I felt anxious that we choose one to be able to share with Courtney as I knew she would be curious. We sought inspiration in our prayers and around Chattanooga, we surprisingly came to an agreement on the name "Lane" and thought we may use it. But, then we met Courtney this weekend and it changed. At lunch (Joe's Crab Shack) we were talking about our TN family and said, our nieces here are "Brooke and Lauren". She said "What? My middle name is "Brooks" and it's the name my dad goes by!" She was energized (though currently not legally allowed to speak to her father, she feels very close and loves him). I secretly noted that I loved that idea. Later Michael pointed out the it's going to be too confusing and conflicting to have two 'Brook" names in our family. (though I argued, Brooke would probably LOVE to have someone sort of named after her. smile) Still looking for inspiration, it was further pressed upon us her grief and love for her Mother (passed away a year and a half ago) and respect for her mothers parents that she feels raised her. In showing us her own birth certificate, we saw that her mother's maiden name was "Evans". When I read it, I was thrilled inside! I pointed to it to Michael, silently willing him to see this important name that we had already discussed in our drive down. Later alone, after some definition searching to make sure it didn't mean "slaughtered pig or big meanie" we found it would be a blessing for him to be named after the people who Courtney loves the most. "Evan" as I said means "God's gracious gift". Isn't that true? Evan is a Welsh form of "John". Incidentally, the birth father, who we barely know anything about was born, where else? Wales!!!!! His name is Aaron. All of these things make it so we can have no other name. I think you all, now know that too. . . "Robert" is the name of Michael's father who passed away in 1987, too young at 42. We wish we knew him today and wish to carry on his name in our family through our son. It would also be a gracious gift to honor him in that way.

We are grateful for every comment, in emails and on the blog. We know, no strangers. We know everyone who reads this is touched, we are touched. We cannot contain our feeling of joy and excitement! We cannot wait to see our son. We cannot wait to share him with you in spirit and reality. God Bless everyone. Thank you for your name suggestions!

addendum:

Since announcing Evans name... we have learned that my dad's favorite uncle was named Robert and Michael's mom had a cousin, uncle and grandfather, all with varying degrees of , "John, Evan and Roberts (last name)". Crazy! Sounds like we need to get some family history done to me!! lol.