Hallelujah! I can finally say that you are no longer the nameless "baby brother". Although we do still like to call you baby brother too : ) Your name is going to be.....da da da da.......Dylan McNeil Szekeres! I can't believe how long it took us to name you. It is funny to think that in August we thought your name was decided, and you were going to be Cooper Laszlo Szekeres. We love that name, but it is pretty popular, and we were also worried that "pooper" or "poop" would become your nicknames. Since Daddy changed his mind last time, I made him make sure he was positive on your name this time before we shared it with anyone. Dylan is a name that we both love (as does almost everyone we share it with) and McNeil has very special family meaning in more ways than one.
McNeil is the name of the State Park in Utah that Daddy shared a very special trip with Grandpa and Uncle Jeff. It is Daddy's fondest memory of Grandpa from his adult life. Daddy went on many special outdoor adventures and trips with his Dad over his life and this was his last special trip he shared with him. Growing up, Grandpa always took care of everything and led their trips, but this last trip was a big turning point because their roles had switched. Daddy found out about this great experience to go to Alaska in the summer to watch brown bears congregate and feed on salmon in a remote location. McNeil River is Alaska's most famous bear viewing area. Daddy entered a lottery for a couple years and was really excited when their number was called. He and Uncle Jeff arranged the trip, and this time they were the ones guided Grandpa. Most memorable were the times they helped guide him across the river to view the bears. It was a very memorable bonding trip at McNeil River, and Daddy will always treasure those memories with Grandpa.
McNeil is a very special name to me too. My amazing Papa, Douglas McNeill Laidlaw, just passed away last month, and he was such a positive influence in my life. Papa was the most amazing person I have ever met. He was such a gentleman and cared so deeply about everyone in his family. He had this way of making us feel so special. McNeill is a family name that has been passed down for many generations. I will be so proud to have you share a name with Papa, and I hope that you will share some of his amazing character traits.
The spelling of the McNeil is different, but Grams found out recently that Papa's middle name on his birth certificate is spelled with one L, so we are choosing that spelling to honor two very important men in your family. Unfortunately, you will not have a chance to meet them, but they will certainly be looking after you from heaven.
It is so nice to have a name for you. We can't wait to meet you Dylan!
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