Blessing day!

On January 27th, while my parents were in town, Bruce gave Zabien a name and a blessing as customary in my church.  Throughout the meeting, I felt humbled by the fact that I was entrusted with this pure and precious spirit.  Who is really prepared to accept such a responsibility? I love both of my children, deeply, but sometimes it still feels a bit surreal.  Really??  I am given the wonderful yet overwhelming opportunity to be a mother??  And of two beautiful, innocent, and wonderful children??  Let's just hope that someday I will be able to measure up to the task.

It's a good thing we decided to bless him when we did.  Although he was barely 4 weeks old, this blessing outfit would not have fit him even a week later.  I managed to squeeze him into it long enough for a few pictures and the blessing itself.  It's a good thing I brought an extra outfit with me to church, because the blessing suit gave him a bit of a rash because it was so tight. 

The blessing itself was beautiful.  I'm really glad my parents could be here for it.  Some of Bruce's students even showed up for it. 

Zabien was blessed that he would continue to be healthy and strong and to grow both physically and by learning the gospel.  He was blessed that he would listen to his parents and by his mother and father learn the truths of the gospel and how to grow into being a young man of God in the world.  He was blessed that he would learn in school and develop his talents and abilities.  He would spend his youth preparing for a mission and learn the gospel at home, in primary, in young mens, and in scouts.  He was told to find good friends those that would strengthen him, help him to be good, to make good choices, and help strengthen his testimony.  He was blessed that he would prepare to marry int he temple a choice daughter of God and to raise a righteous family.  He was blessed that he would feel the love of Heavenly Father and know that Heavenly Father is mindful of him.  He was blessed that he would be a great brother to his sister and a continual blessing to his family.  He was told that he is loved by his parents, sibling, grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, and that as he spend time with them, they would share a love and come to know them. 

It actually brings comfort to me to hear that my son will know and love his extended family.  Living on the other side of the country from our family, limits our ability to see them often (usually about once a year).  This was something that I worry about - that my children won't know their grandparents for the wonderful and amazing people that they are.  I worried that they won't develop fond memories of their grandparents, cousins, aunt, uncles, etc. That makes the moments we do get to spend with them all the more meaningful. 

Welcome to our family little buddy.  We are happy and blessed that you are part of our family.  We sure love you!!

*Those are the only 3 pictures we got with him in his blessing outfit.  Unfortunately, we were rushed to make it to church on time, and I couldn't bear to force him back into the outfit for a second time in one day.