baptism and blessing day

What an amazing day! Where to start?!

Husband woke up before me, probably with the help of three little girls delighted to see him after a week’s absence.  Z had a rough night so I was pretty groggy.  But we got moving—husband made his special daddy eggs while Grammy and I started food for the lunch soup bar later.  We had a big breakfast with our girls, plus Grammy, Papa, Grandma Great and my kid sister.  And then started getting everyone ready, most especially L in her beautiful baptism dress and Z in the same blessing outfit that his daddy wore for his blessing day.  (It had to be taken in considerably with safety pins since Z is still so young and tiny!)

We arrived at the church to meet my siblings and all the cousins for family pictures.  Pictures went well—especially for how many small children were there and baby Z slept through the whole thing.  The most entertaining part was the antics of the adults, trying to get the kids (and kid sister’s dog) to look at the camera.

Back at the church, I left Z with my grandma while I helped L get dressed and we greeted family and friends that came to join us.  It was amazing! It meant so much to see that many people eager to support our little family and share such a special day.  The meeting was perfect, with lots of family participating.  The two women L is named after offered the prayers.  Grammy played piano and L’s great aunt led the music.  L played “When I am Baptized” on the piano.  Originally she was going to sing it too but we didn’t have a mic and she got nervous last minute so she asked everyone to join her.  Grandpa and Papa gave the talks and acted as witnesses as Husband baptized our daughter.  Grandpa had gotten mixed up and prepared a talk on the Holy Ghost instead of baptism but it was sweet thoughts that he has carried for many years and was eager to share.  He was emotional and sincere as he talked about the importance of being a good person.  Papa spoke with strength, conviction and a touch of humor about the love surrounding her and the gift being given to her.  He talked about the Holy Ghost helping her to make decisions and guiding her.  Then, when it came time for the confirmation, it was an incredible outpouring of love as many amazing men stood and encircled L.  Then those same men took Z into their circle to give him his name and a blessing as well.  Such a beautiful experience!

After the meeting, we gathered with husband’s side of the family for a few quick pictures.  And then everyone was invited back to our house for a late lunch.  We packed our home with friends and family for a soup bar (at L’s request) that was so delicious.  There were rolls and fruits and veggies to go with it and for dessert, a beautifully arranged cupcake dress of red velvet cupcakes and white buttercream frosting (best cupcakes I’ve ever had!)  The cousins played, Z got passed around for lots of baby snuggles and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to talk to as much family as we could.

Family eventually trickled away and the evening settled into a happy contentment.  The girls had some much needed quiet time as they cuddled their auntie for a movie.  And then, trying to enjoy all our time with as much family as we could, husband took the girls over to his dad’s house to play.  They got to spend the night with their cousins, aunts and uncle there and had a great time.  Z and I stayed home for a quiet evening with my parents and kid sister.  We talked and snacked and watched movies while kid sister cuddled Z all evening.

On Sunday, Husband and the girls came home to have a big breakfast with us at home and then we sent Grammy, Papa and my kid sister to the airport while we readied for church.  Z and I decided to stay home as he became increasingly fussy but husband took the girls to sacrament meeting where L was confirmed as the ward’s newest member and both she and husband bore their testimony.  So sad I missed that part!  After church we went to Grandpa’s house to spend the evening with family there.  Cousins played while husband’s sisters got to hold Z and we had dinner together.  My little nieces got to cuddle Z too and were so adorable fawning over him.  Finally we saw them off as well and then headed home ourselves after an amazing weekend.