Bailey's Blessing

Bailey had her baby blessing on Sunday, March 20th. For those who are unfamiliar with how our church does baby blessings, here is a description from the Church's Family Guidebook.

Naming and Blessing Children

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70). "

When blessing a baby, men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood gather in a circle and hold the baby in their hands. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child’s head. The person who gives the blessing:

1. Addresses Heavenly Father.
2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
3. Gives the child a name.
4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs.
5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ."

Ryan, along with a group of our friends who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood created a circle where Ryan held Bailey and gave her this special blessing. He doesn't know what he's going to say until he is prompted by the Spirit. It is a very personal and special blessing for Bailey. I took notes for Bailey so she can have them when she is older. Bailey was blessed to know that she has a family who loves and supports her and who she can go to in good times and times of trials. Something similar to this was mentioned 3 times during the blessing, so it must be important and I feel I should share it. (I want our families who read this to know that they were a part of her blessing too. It doesn't matter how far away we our or what our religious beliefs are, we are family and are here for one another).

If you want to learn more about any of the things mentioned above, click on the banner on the right (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). There you can search for anything you might want to know. Or just ask us! :)

When my mom came out, she brought some of my baby clothes with her. One very special item she brought was the dress that I was christened in. I was a little older than Bailey, but it was such a beautiful dress (that my mom made!) and the thought of Bailey wearing it for her blessing was just wonderful. I am a very (very very) sentimental person, and I am so humbled so see my little baby girl in the dress I was christened in. How perfect.

Of course she needed a big flower to go with it. :)

The Girls.

Fun.

(It's hard to see, but I'm holding Bailey. Maybe me wearing white that day was a silly idea)

Look how long it is! I love it!!!

Just typing this post make me really appreciate all the blessings in our lives. I am so grateful for our loving family and friends. I am grateful for our Heavenly Father and all He does for us. In a time full of change, trials, and sacrifice, I know I have someone to turn to. How wonderful that is. I am never alone, nor will I ever be alone. Our family has been blessed with two very special spirits and I am grateful that the Lord trusts us to take care of them. Some days I have to remind myself of that, but Andrew and Bailey are the most precious gifts I have ever been given. I can't imagine my life with out them or Ryan. (And on that cue, Bailey is awake and hungry...) I better go feed my little gift...and it looks like she left me a gift of her own. ;)