It seems hard to believe that we’ve known about Nora’s diagnosis for almost a month now. The time has certainly gone by at warp speed. I’m trying to savor each little moment of my pregnancy, as I don’t know what to expect at the end of it all.
I am so much more tranquil about knowing her gender than I had anticipated. The moments leading up to the cake cutting were absolutely nerve wracking. However, once I had the conclusive evidence in the form of PINK cake, I heaved a sigh of relief and breathed easy with the knowledge of a baby daughter. I love being able to call her by name, my sweet Nora.
I’ve always loved the name Nora. I like the way it sounds, I love that it is unique, classic and simple. It is a family name as well. I had a Great-Great-Aunt Nora that I never met, but I’ve heard stories about her — what a neat, funny lady she was. Today I got a phone call from my Mom asking me if I knew what the name “Nora” means. I told her that I hadn’t had a chance to look up the meaning, but asked that she please enlighten me! “Elanora” (which is what Nora’s full name will be) means “from the shore”. How absolutely perfect. My most precious, sweetest “treasure” yet. (See Day 4) I had NO IDEA. (And God doesn’t have his hands all over this???????????????)
I chose the name “Rose” in honor of Nora’s oldest sister, who shares the same middle name, also in reference to the Novena to St. Therese. At the end of the Novena a rose is received as a sign of answered prayers. Try it! Prayers were answered above and beyond with my first “Rose” and I DON’T DOUBT THEY WILL BE AGAIN. It seemed only appropriate.
Here is the video from yesterday:
iwillcarryyou 
God is absolutely amazing. It’s so affirming to see all the ways he lets you know he’s there. God bless Nora, her mom and dad, brother and sister.
Aleisa, You couldn’t have picked a more perfect name for your sweet little girl. She is definitely your perfect treasure. In reading your post, I wanted to share a story with you. When I was pregnant with Conner, I said the Novena to St. Therese, what seemed like at that time, a gazillion times per day. My mom and I went to Oma’s house one night for dinner and she, unbeknownst to the fact that there was anything wrong at the time, gave me a musical egg. When I opened the egg, inside of it was a single rose, in which you turn to play music. I just sat there crying because I knew then that no matter what happened, God was with me and would give me the strength I so needed. I vowed that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her Rose and here I am four years later looking at my little girl, Annamarie Rose. You have immeasurable strength and so many that love little Nora. I am going to start today by saying that Novena again for you, Nora, William, Greta and Gavin. Right now, you many not exactly know God’s plan, but believe me, I know he has something special for you. The Yusko’s are always in my thoughts and close to my heart. Love you!
Aleisa – can I be an honorary Koester? Your family is amazing. And my jaw dropped when I read your aunt’s name. and the reason Nora is named Nora Rose. I have an Aunt Therese and an Aunt Rose from my French side of the family – named for that same novena. Unbelievable. Now you and I have an even stronger bond though we have never seen each other in person. We need to rectify that! ❤
No way!! Her name means “from the shore”? Chills just went straight through my body!