GIRL!!!

Today we had the 20 week ultrasound and have a healthy baby girl! Steve wrote this about the name on facebook:

Sela Hannah Kramer

Today we had the 20 week ultrasound of our little baby.  It's a girl and we are glad to report that everything looks good and healthy!

People have asked us what the name would be.  Honestly, we have felt it would be a girl from the beginning.  Of course, we would be happy either way but we just felt right about a girl.  We have also always felt that it is important to pray for your child from the time of conception and also to pray about the name we are to give them, a name that has a special meaning.  Of course, since we are of Dutch background and have a love for the Netherlands, we have always chosen Dutch names.  Here is a brief explanation of the name we will give our girl, Sela Hannah Kramer

Sela (pronounced like "sayla"), is the Dutch spelling of the Hebrew word found in the Psalms.  This name means to "pause, consider, reflect" on what the Lord has done.  In 2008, a few months before Kees was born, we were praying about what we would name a little girl and we were in a prayer and worship service at Waardevol Leven Gemeente (Precious Life Church) in Loppersum (north of Groningen).  In this particular service, we were praying through the Psalms in Dutch.  We noticed "Sela" right away and knew that was the name if we ever were blessed to have a little girl.  

Hannah (English spelling) is a special name to us because when we were having difficulty getting pregnant with Kees, Julie would pray (unbeknownst to me) what Hannah prayed in 1 Samuel 1.  Hannah means "grace and favor".  So we thought it was fitting as we "pause, consider, reflect" (Sela) on "God's grace and favor" (Hannah).

We realize that God has been so faithful to us and we are thankful for His goodness.  We can't wait to meet Sela Hannah Kramer!

Our sweet baby girl! Love that cute little nose! :)