Today was a special day! Our sweet, newest addition was given a blessing for her life! It was special to witness her receive her first Priesthood blessing, and extra special to hear Josh give it to her and see all our brothers (and brothers-in-law) and our fathers standing in the circle. And even though she was rather fussy through the blessing, I know that there was love and joy in that circle.

Something I love about the ordinance of blessing new babies is this: Most everything surrounding the arrival of a new person into the world is a feminine affair. It makes sense that women, who are divinely entrusted with the bearing of children and divinely endowed with the qualities necessary to nurture them, would be extra involved in all things baby. But the Priesthood is real and fatherhood is also divine! And so I love that amidst the baby showers, and doctor visits, and meals delivered, and pushing (or slicing as the case may be), and nursing all night, and loving nurturing all done by women, there is this one sacred moment shared with the extremely important men in a child’s life.

Let’s talk a little bit about Helen! Helen is basically just a content baby. She does cry, of course, when she needs something. But her default demeanor is relaxed and readily happy. She gives smiles liberally to anyone who will take a minute to chat with her, and they are priceless! And speaking of chatting, she is getting so good at making adorable little baby sounds, and it really does almost feel like a conversation when you talk to her!

 

She still loves her snuggles, too! It is such a joy to have a snuggly baby! I really should take more time to just sit with her and snuggle and talk and smile together. That is my official goal for tomorrow!
As crazy as it is to try and figure out our life with 3 little kids and a newborn, I am so happy that we made the choice to bring Helen to our family now instead of further down the road. She is a little piece of Heaven (despite the night feedings, crying at just the wrong moments, and periodic insistence of undivided snuggle attention) and we’re so glad Heaven sent her to us!