We spent Thanksgiving with my family in Utah this year and Charlotte was blessed there on Sunday in my parents' ward. For those of you not familiar with baby blessings in the LDS church, it is kind of like a christening ceremony but without the baptism. (Baptism, believed to be unnecessary for infants in the LDS church, is done at age 8 or later.) Charlotte was brought before the congregation and was officially given a name for the records of the church and was also given a beautiful blessing by her father with the assistance of Ariel's father, stepfather, uncle, and brothers. Although only Ariel's family was in attendance, we felt strongly that the Laughtons were there with us too in spirit. Charlotte looked angelic in the pristine little dress and bonnet given to her by her Nana and Great-Grandaddy Laughton and a DVD recording of a beautiful song sung by her Mimi (Adam's mom) also helped make the occasion special.Charlotte's Nonna Doria (my stepmom) took this and several other beautiful pictures of Charlotte on her blessing day. I think she did a great job here of capturing Charlotte's personality as well as the pure, overwhelming joy I feel when I look at my baby. Being a mother is by far greatest adventure I have ever had; nothing has ever been more difficult, nothing has ever felt nearly as worthwhile. I know it sounds trite, but I had no idea that I was going to love motherhood so much or feel so fully fulfilled by taking care of someone else. I feel so blessed to look into the face of this tiny angel each day. Her every smile reminds me of God's grace, and I understand better why the Father's glory is the salvation and eternal life of his children. And as I recognize Adam's eyes on her precious face, I marvel once again at the unfailing strength and integrity of my amazing husband. I hope she will grow to be strong and good and patient as he is and be spared the baser passions and frailties of her mother. I love you, Charlotte Lily. I love you, Adam. Thank you for making my life so utterly complete.
4 comments:
Beautiful photo. And beautiful words, Ariel. I know exactly what you mean. Motherhood is like nothing else.
Ariel
You should blow that picture up and hang it in the front room, I love it!
You both look beautiful.
Blessing days are very wonderful. I know for a fact you have some very wonderful traits that I hope Charlotte will pick up as well as Adam's.
You look beautiful, Ariel. And your writing makes me miss talking and laughing with you. I love the smile Charlotte is wearing. So cute!
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