Chiara Ahnhee Kimelia
Everyone has been telling me that becoming a parent is the most amazing thing that will ever happen to me. I believed them, but I didn’t really understand.
Now, I do.
Meet my daughter. Shown here at 10 minutes old, with Jeanhee, who has once again aroused my awe and admiration. We named her today.
Chiara. [kee – AH – rah] A name we love, and one that seemed to fit this little one. Jeanhee lived in Italy for a while after college and babysat a four-year-old named Chiara. Yes, it’s Italian and we’re not. But hey…
Ahnhee. [AHN-hee] We asked Jeanhee’s father for a Korean name that called forth the sound of my grandmother Anne‘s name, a wonderful woman who passed away this spring. He came back with this beautiful name. We’ll try to get some more info on the meaning. Update: Grandfather Kim came to visit last night and explained that this name means “comfortable and happy.” He left us renderings of the name in Chinese and Korean characters, too.
Kimelia. [kih-MEEL-yah] A happy alternative to the hyphenation and gender equality issues of modern-day naming.
L & J, On Saturday morning on my way to anevent I was waiting in a vehicle by myself and my moother’s presence was so strong. I shared with her about the new child. She is/would be totally honored that you thought so kmuch of her and I am grateful to you both. -Dad Melia
September 5th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
Grandma would be honored to be remembered by such a beautiful little person. And Chiara will be lucky and proud to carry the memory of such a wonderful woman.
September 5th, 2005 at 11:10 pm
wow! Congratulations guys. So now your anniversary will forver be closely followed by a wonderful birthday!
September 6th, 2005 at 9:17 am
She’s beautiful, and I love the name. I’m glad you went with Kimelia. Congratulations! – Liz
September 6th, 2005 at 12:29 pm
Via Chiara is close to where I live in Firenze! A photo to come!
September 6th, 2005 at 1:52 pm
Congrats you guys! Amie and I were on the edge of our seats ahd hoping for the best… which looks and sounds like you got just that. Can’t wait to meet her.
September 6th, 2005 at 10:10 pm
She’s absolutely beautiful, and I got a little misty reading about her (which was completely counteracted by reading Jeanhee’s account of her mother calling her “HUGE”). Paul and I send all of our best wishes and so much love to you all. Phoebe and Javier send big wet kisses as well. We look forward to seeing the family.
September 7th, 2005 at 8:27 am
How beautiful you both look! Her name clearly suits her. I can’t wait to meet Chiara! xo Liz
September 7th, 2005 at 8:41 am
“Chiara” was also the first woman Franciscan monk way back in the 13th Century. The daughter of the family I taught English to in Rome has this name as well. I’ve always loved the name, she would tell me that the English equivalent is “Clair”.
Congrats Luke & Jeanhee!
September 7th, 2005 at 8:43 am
Chiara is also a character in “Under the Tuscan Sun” with Diane Lane
September 7th, 2005 at 2:20 pm
congratulations :)
September 7th, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Congrats!!!! She is BEAUTIFUL! XOXOjen
September 7th, 2005 at 7:26 pm
Congratulations! That was such a beautiful moment to capture. All the best!!!
September 8th, 2005 at 7:00 am
Mazel tov! Congratulations. Welcome to the hardest and most rewarding thing you’ll ever do.
September 8th, 2005 at 10:02 am
Chiara is of course the most beautiful and precious child ever born(OK…after my own 5). You can call me biased if you want…but I don’t think so. I am in love…again! How is it possible for life to be so filled with joy? I am overwhelmed. Welcome Chiara into the most loving family you could possibly have chosen. Seeing Luke and Jeanhee transformed into parents is awesome. XO Grandma
September 11th, 2005 at 5:46 pm