What's in a Name?

We've received a few queries as to the origins of the little guy's name. Here's a rundown:

Leo - From Laura's dear maternal great uncle, Leo Jacob, and his son, "Little Leo." We hope he inherits their mutual sense of adventure, enthusiasm for life, and capacity to love people deeply and warmly. Laura is also fond of multi-syllabic names with few letters (got that?) that aren't nicknames (Leo is his full name). Finally, Laura and I are both Leos in the the zodiac (July 31 and August 7).

Bryant - From our street here in San Francisco's Mission District, Bryant Street. We wanted to commemorate our time here in this house that we love, and help Leo remember a special place for all of us when he came into the world. The history nerd in me compels me to point out that Bryant Street itself takes its name from Edwin Bryant, who published one of the early, first-hand American accounts of California in the 1840's (including a description of the Presidio) and served as one of the early alcaldes (mayors) of San Francisco (more here for fellow nerds: http://www.xmission.com/~octa/DonnerParty/Bryant.htm).

Thomson - From his dad's side, he earns the curse of a common name spelled uncommonly. Welcome to a lifetime of Thompson's, Thomas's, Thomsen's, Tompson's, etc, little Leo.

And Thombaum, you've probably figured out, is an amalgam of Thomson and Nusbaum. We figured we'd spare him that little adventure.