This was the name of the anthem that we sang at church this morning. I loved it and I especially loved the text. Throughout the anthem, I was thinking of all that I’m thankful for… and there’s just so much. Of course, most of what I was thinking about was this new little life. Lord, we are truly thankful.

So…we took some more pictures today…(I know, surprise, surprise). You must think that we have nothing better to do with our time. Well…

Last Sunday, we made a trip to see 3-week old Ava Parker, daughter of Matt and Jenny Parker and the newest addition to all of the many babies that have been born recently. Just as we suspected, Ava is beautiful and oh, is she loved by her Mommy and Daddy.

While the guys were outside grilling, Jenny and I sat down for a few minutes with the babies and talked about motherhood. It was as if I was talking to myself. She was repeating exact sentences that I have been saying now for 4 months. The one that stood out to me the most was when she said “I just didn’t know how much I’d love her”. I have said that same thing so many times since Brittain was born. Being pregnant was amazing. Having a baby growing inside of you is an experience that is difficult to explain. But, it’s a completely different feeling when you hold your child for the first time. Knowing you made her. Knowing that she’s yours. Knowing that you now have the responsibility to take care of her and make decisions the best you know how. Whew…it’s awesome!

Congratulations, Jenny and Matt. And welcome to the world Ava!

“Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit’s sign; with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.

Child of love, our love’s expression, love’s creation, loved indeed! Fresh from God, refresh our spirits, into joy and laughter lead.

Child of joy, our dearest treasure, God’s you are, from God you came. Back to God we humbly give you; live as one who bears Christ’s name.

Child of God your loving Parent, learn to know whose child you are. Grow to laugh and sing and worship, trust and love God more than all.”

This is one of my favorite hymns, and one that I’ve sung to Brittain since she was born. I have always liked the hymn, but it wasn’t until she came into my life that the words started to have a deeper meaning for me.

This past Sunday Brittain was baptized. The day couldn’t have been more perfect. All of the people that love her the most surrounded her. She wore a gorgeous baptism dress made by “Gramy”. She was truly a sight to behold…a perfect angel.

A few days before she was baptized I was talking to my mom, telling her that I had been envisioning her getting baptized, and each time I did, it brought tears to my eyes. She told me that when Cecilia was baptized she can vividly remember looking around and seeing that everything had sort of a white haze over it. As I stood up and watched Brittain as the preachers laid their hands on her head, I felt the same way. I stood there in awe of her, in awe of the responsibility I had been given, in awe of this child that God has blessed us with.

After the service, the celebration continued at Brittain’s home:

Kate Evans made a beautiful cake for Brittain’s special day: