Rylan's Baby Blessing.

Rylan is a huge blessing in our lives.

We absolutely adore her.

Especially now that she is starting to sleep through the night.

Not that we didn't love her before, but that definitely helps.

LOL!

In our faith, when babies are born we perform a special ordinance called a baby blessing. It is very similar to the Catholic (and other Christian religions) tradition of christening.

The babies wear all white and are blessed in our meeting house during our regular church meetings. They can also be performed at your home with an elder of our church present to witness the ordinance.

The father of the child is typically the one who blesses the baby and others (usually family and close friends) are invited to participate by standing in a circle around the baby. It is, in short, a special prayer in which the father of the child can relay his hopes and dreams for his new child.

Brian and I are not public speakers. We get uneasy speaking in front of large groups. Needless to say, Brian was a bit nervous to bless Rylan in front of our congregation of about 150 people. I was having sympathy nerves for Brian because I knew how frightened I would be if I had to do it.

Brian did a wonderful job. The blessing was beautiful and many of our family members and friends had tears in their eyes. 

Rylan wore the baby blessing dress that I wore for mine, 24 years ago. 

She looked so beautiful in it.

This is one of the only pics Rylan actually looked at the camera.

Me and my little love.

3 generations of women.

My side of the family.

Brian's side of the family.

She is so excited for her first white dress day!

I also celebrated my 24th birthday on the same day as Rylan's blessing. 

I happily took a backseat to Rylan's big day.

Here I am with some of my awesome, amazing and inspiring girl cousins.

I love them.