Legacy, Honour and the Broken Roads That Led to You.

Ashby Hurike Gwendolyn | Naming Ceremony

Her name was always meant to be spoken. Not just written on a certificate, or whispered in passing, but celebrated and honoured for the strength it carries with it. To us, she has always been a sign of the legacy that was, the strength that is, and the possibility of all that will be.

Her name is Ashby Hurike Gwendolyn, and today, we honour not only her name, but the souls who came before her and the enduring, generational strength she carries forward. A name that holds the stories of those who paved the way, the resilience that lives through every heartbeat, and the promise of a life lived fully, boldly, and with purpose. To us, her name is more than letters—it is a legacy, a testament to what was, a reflection of what is, and a guiding light for all that is yet to come.

It’s hard to know exactly where this story begins — and isn’t that the most curious thing? A journey so long, so deeply rooted, that the beginning never really started… it simply was. Like the sun rising each morning or the stars appearing at dusk, it just existed. In the same way that motherhood always felt destined for Becca and Jordii, so too was Ashby always meant to be. When they reflect on the long days and broken nights that brought them here, they’ll tell you: the journey unfolded exactly as it needed to — because it led to her.

Ashby — this wild, curly-haired, brown-eyed beauty — entered the world ready to leave her mark. Born on what could have seemed like an ordinary February day, the moment Jordii walked into the birthing suite, something felt different. Almost magical. Perhaps it was the dimly lit room, or the way the wind howled outside, sounding like soft rain. She just knew — when she walked back out those doors, her world would never be the same. Becca remembers focusing entirely on Jordii in those moments, pouring all her strength into being present. She stood beside her, fought with her and for her — in complete awe of everything Jordii took in her stride.

Ashby’s name wasn’t chosen lightly — it was given with great thought, care, and reverence. From the beginning, it was clear Ashby would grow into a strong, spirited woman who knows what she wants and goes after it with determination. After all, that’s exactly who her namesakes were: bold, pioneering women who didn’t just walk the path — they paved it.

‘Ashby’ comes from Becca’s maternal family line — a proud surname, rich with cultural tradition and strength. A name that carries with it the essence of leadership, resilience, and deep honour. Ashby: for the trailblazers, the path-makers, the women who lead with purpose.

‘Hurike’ honours Becca’s great-aunty — the beloved Aunty Julianne, or as many knew her, Nanna Murray. She was a woman who believed that full bellies made full hearts and always had a story worth hearing.

And finally, ‘Gwendolyn’ — a tribute to Jordii’s grandmother, Lorna Gwendolyn Bell. A powerhouse of a woman who embodied hard work, unwavering devotion, and quiet pride. To Jordii, there’s no higher compliment than being compared to “Lornie” — and naming Ashby after her is not just symbolic, it’s a legacy moment.

Ashby is surrounded by the people her mums trust most to help guide her through life. These are her chosen people. The ones who show up with open hearts, gentle hands, and unwavering support. The ones who will cheer her on, pick her up when she stumbles, and remind her of who she is when she forgets.

While Ashby’s journey began with different hands around her, it is the people who have remained — who continue to walk alongside her — that her mums honour today. Shaye, Stephen, Marty, and Jade — you are part of Ashby’s story now, not just today, but always. Your presence in her life is a gift, and the role you’ve accepted is one of deep meaning and trust. May you continue to be a source of laughter, guidance, and strength as she grows into the woman she’s meant to be.

In just two short years, Ashby has already shown that she not only honours the incredible women she was named after — she’s also forging a path entirely her own. Her mums say she’s wise beyond her years, with a stubborn streak and a clear sense of what she wants. There’s a fire in her spirit that seems to burn brighter every single day.

Someone once told Jordii that Ashby would heal many broken hearts — and they were right. She already has.

Ashby, if your mums could wish anything for you, it would be that you burn brightly through life — unafraid to let go of what no longer serves you, and brave enough to embrace everything that does. May you carve your own path, one paved with joy in the smallest of moments.

You are cherished more than you will ever know. We wish for you a life with more joy than sorrow, more highs than lows, and more victories than defeats. But most of all — may you always know that you can come home.

So today, we don’t just celebrate the name Ashby Hurike Gwendolyn — we welcome her. We honour the enduring, generational legacy she carries and surround her with all the strength, guidance, and wisdom a little girl could need as she begins writing her own extraordinary story.

To mark Ashby’s welcoming, we now invite guests forward to bestow a blessing upon her. Her parents invite you to gently place your hand on her head or shoulder and offer your own blessing — a blessing of love, a blessing of guidance, a blessing of strength, or even a simple “Welcome to the world.”