your name

Dear Chicken Nugget,

As I type you are by my side taking a nap.  You and I are on the couch, each using the baseball blankie to cover our feet.  You are such a beautiful blessing to have in our lives.  I've only known you for three days and already I am completely in love with you.  So is your mother.

But this letter is not about us being in love with our Chicken Nugget, this letter is about your name.

We've gotten the same question several times over the last three days:  Where did Santiago Romeo come from?

This is our explanation:

Santiago (S-ahn-tee-ah-go) was the middle name of your great grandfather, my grandfather, Bolivar.  His full name was Bolivar Santiago Escudero.  He was a pretty incredible character who loved life from beginning to end.  He was born in Ecuador, was a part-time boxer when he was young, a tango singer, he could play the harmonica and the organ, was a father of eight children, and later in life, a proud American.  He lived to be 98 and passed away just last summer with your grandmother Betty, and your mom and I, by his side.

Romeo (Roh-meh-oh) was the original name of your great grandfather, your mom's grandfather, Paul.  His full original name was Romeo Tristan Scaramuzzi.  He is a very charismatic guy who has also lived a pretty incredible life.  He was born and raised in Brooklyn, shook hands with Babe Ruth, went to school with Jackie Gleason, and was a para-trooper during World War II.  He didn't see combat but served in Brazil where he picked up some Portuguese and Spanish.  He raised four children, including your grandma Sue, and now lives in Omaha, Nebraska with your great grandma Arleen.

We picked those two names in honor of our grandfathers.  And, we picked those names because we really like the way they sound in Spanish and Italian - which is how we're pronouncing them.

Plus, I think Santiago Romeo makes a great soccer player name.

We love you Santi and I hope your name treats you well.

Eternally yours,

Tu papa