Named Kieran after my great-great-grandmother, Jane Kieran, who bravely left her home in Ardee, Louth, Ireland all by herself, came to America at just 19 years old in 1883 (to follow her love, Thomas Rooney) and died exactly 100 years ago this year, and named William after our friend FDNY FF Bill Tolley, who died on April 20, 2017 in the line of duty, this little boy is sure to be adventurous, brave and courageous. I hope he is also kind, smart and generous. I have a lot of hopes and dreams for him and his future and I think we all plan to do everything we can to help him fulfill his own.

Kieran literally translates to “little dark one” and as evidenced by his hair (which is covered in these pictures), it’s an appropriate name. William means “strong-willed warrior” or “resolute protector.” I think he’ll live up to that one, too, once he’s a little bit bigger. Although he’s been plenty strong-willed already!