Baby Names...opinions?

Ok, after much debate my husband and I have definitely decided that we will keep our baby's Ethiopian name (whatever it might be) and give them a middle name of our choice. We find this very important as our child will likely be 2+ years old and already pretty comfortable with their name.

Dilema: I know many people who have "non-standard" North American names and while some revel in their uniqueness, others as adults change it to something similar but more familiar, or simply go by a middle name as they become frustrated with mispronunciation etc. For example a friends husband's name is Sjerup, he goes by Shep, a similar pronunciation.

I hope that our child will cherish the connection to their homeland that their first name provides. At the same time, the act of naming is, I think, a deeply rooted part of becoming a parent and so I am already obsessing over middle names. I want to have a list ready so that once I know the first name I can choose the appropriate middle accompaniment that flows well.

Boy names are easy. We are choosing James after DH's father whom we all miss dearly. I didn't get a whole lot of say in this one (DH is adamant)but I loved Jim and am happy and proud to pass that on to a son.

Girl names get to be my choice (see how fair DH is?). So far my list of favs include:

Abigail- fathers joy
Bella-form of Isabella, consecrated of God
Bethany-house of figs
Daphne-laurel tree
Dawn-sunrise :)
Ella-beautiful fairy woman
Kylie-boomerang
Kirby-?
Lily-flower
Lola (my paternal Grandmother)
Maya-God's creative power
Natalie-born on Christmas Day
Phoebe-shining
Rebecca-tied, bound
Rosemary
Samantha
Simona (not Simone)
Susanne/Suzette/Susannah -some form of Susan for my mom who is awesome!
Vanessa-butterfly

I am interested in hearing people's thoughts. Perhaps you can help me narrow down the list! Be honest- I don't want my kid getting beat up for having a dorky name just because i think it would be cute!

I'm Back

Thank goodness for 2009! A new year, a new start. I have new found energy, motivation, and perspective!!! Getting to see my family over the holidays was a true blessing for me. I haven't spent Christmas with them in 6 years so this was very important to me. I think the greatest gift that I received was from my father. He and I sat and talked about the adoption in great depth. I shared my fears with him my hopes and we talked like we haven't talked in ... a really long time. I think I healed parts of me that I didn't know were broken.

Also, we are creeping up on 6 months waiting now, and I am fine with that. Every month that passes is another month of savings we can build, research we can read, and preparing our lives for the changes that a baby brings.

Peace is finally in my heart. It feels good.