heh-LEE-nah

We knew when we chose Helena's name that there would be a learning curve on the pronunciation.  However, given that I get everything from Christina to Christian on a daily basis, we couldn't let a few numbskulls cause us to go with an easier to pronounce name.  

There are three correct ways to say Helena: 1) our way, heh-LEE-nah.  2) Like the mountain, HEL-ena.  3) And heh-LAY-nah.  Despite this fact, every time we go to the doctor the nurse manages to find a new and inventive way to say her name.  I sat in the waiting room as she yelled out some combination of Elana and Elaine for more than a few minutes.  When I realized she was just butchering my baby's name, I firmly corrected her, possibly with a scowl.  

And so begins a lifetime of corrections Helena will have to endure.  She'll come up with something clever to help people understand her name the way Denver has,  (Denver, like the city- yes, really)  maybe she'll go with, "Helena, rhymes with subpoena."  Until then, just ask, we'll tell you.