Benjamin's Baby Blessing

We had Benjamin's blessing on Saturday (August 15th) at our home. My parents were in town (my mom has been here for nearly 2 weeks and my dad flew in on Thursday) and by lucky coincidence, my brother and his wife Elisa and daughter Grisette were able to be there too. My brother lives in New Jersey but is attending a work conference in Florida and they were able to stop in Atlanta on their way to Orlando. 

Several members of David's family were able to be there, including lots and lots of cousins. It was a big party. In addition to my dad and brother, David's dad, and two brothers-in-law, Jeremy and Matt, were also able to bless Benjamin. The first counselor in the bishopric, Brother McCreary, was also there to make things official.

David started the blessing by telling Benjamin how grateful we are to have him in our family and that we have been expecting his arrival for some time. He blessed him to be filled with optimism and hope despite the ever increasing dangers of the world and to be filled with curiosity and a desire to learn. He also blessed him with patience, love and virtue and that he would be a good example to both his sisters and his parents. David also told him to be mindful of those in need and to serve them in any way that he can.

About as good a family photo as we're every likely to get.

 David and Benjamin after the blessing.

 Sweet sleeping baby.

David's mom and dad with Benjamin.

Such a handsome boy.

After the blessing, we had a big dinner and the kids played and played and played while the adults chatted. Benjamin had an exciting day yesterday and didn't get many naps so he ended up sleeping straight through the night, bless him. He's more than made up for it today with lots of extra feedings and mini naps. We just love this little boy.

Adelaide's Blessing

My cousin got married last week and his nuptials prompted several family members to come into town for the event including my parents, grandma and several cousins. We wanted to take advantage of their presence and decided to bless Adelaide at my aunt's house last Sunday, on Father's Day. My dad, Uncle Mark, and several cousins and cousins-in-law were able to participate in the blessing.

David blessed Adelaide to be a good example to those around her, including her siblings, and to get a good education so that she can achieve anything she wants to in this life.

I really liked being able to bless Adelaide at home--and not in church--and to have it just be an intimate moment with family members.

Adelaide with Great-Grandma Hayman

Zara loves being a big sister. 

Andrew Harrison (cousin), my dad, Zara (she was not a blessing participant), David (with Adelaide), Mark Harrison (uncle), Justin Marshall (cousin's husband) and Justin Harrison (cousin)

Our little family

Zara's Blessing

My parents spent a week in Korea with us so it's been a very busy week. I've got a lot to update from our travels and adventures so let's start at the beginning.

On Sunday, we had Zara's baby blessing. It's somewhat similar to a christening in the Catholic church. Children are not officially considered a member of the Mormon church until they are baptized (generally when they turn eight), but they are given a name and a blessing that puts them on the records of the church as an infant. David gave Zara a beautiful blessing. He blessed her with peace, joy, and happiness in her life and that she will be a delight and a joy to those around her. He also blessed her with a keen mind and intellect, integrity, and honesty and that she would be a woman of virtue and a good example to others.

Before the blessing, Zara was a bit fussy. Really, we were all a bit of a mess. Zara leaked out of her diaper and all over her onesie and David. While David was cleaning himself off, I fed Zara but as I was getting everything in position, I leaked milk all down my shirt and onto one of my favorite skirts. (And lucky for me, the skirt is "spot clean only." I think my attempts at looking nice and well-dressed are officially over.) After feeding her, I changed her very poopy diaper, and put her in a new onesie and her blessing outfit which my mother had brought. (My mom bought blessing clothes for a boy and a girl while in Paris several years ago. All the grandchildren are blessed in these clothes.) Zara fussed and cried during the opening of Sacrament meeting but she was quiet and calm throughout her blessing and then fell asleep for the remainder of the meeting.
What a beautiful little angel she is....when she's sleeping.

Of course, she woke up during Sunday School and exploded out of another diaper AND had to be changed out of her second onesie of the day. At least, this time I was prepared and my mom was there to help. She really is a good baby most of the time but she does make life a lot more interesting. Still, we wouldn't trade her for the world and she's already brought us so much joy. I can't wait to watch her learn and grow and to see what kind of woman she will become.