Mother's Day, 2009

Mother's Day was wonderful. Mine lasted all weekend long. Glorious! Friday Tim gave me my first present. Saturday he had lined up a hair appointment, where I could have done anything I wanted and then he set up an hour long massage...and paid it all himself. It was WONDERFUL. I had a nice long nap in the afternoon and then I had time with Blaze. It was just so thoughtful.

On Mother's Day we dedicated Blaze at church. Baby dedications were something I wasn't really familiar with before I moved here. There were four babies dedicated yesterday. The pastor spoke about each child. He then read a responsive reading. We pledged to raise Blaze in a Christian household, where we would teach Blaze about God and demonstrate a loving environment for him. Then the congregation pledged to pray for us as we raised Blaze and to be good examples for our family as we strive to raise Blaze. We were given a certificate and a little white New Testament with "Blaze" on it. It was a lovely ceremony. For us this was just an outward expression of our commitment in raising Blaze. We had already given Blaze up to God a long time ago. We knew early on that we weren't in control, we had to trust God to do what was best for Blaze. This doesn't mean that Blaze is saved. When he is old enough, he will need to make a personal decision to follow Jesus. That isn't something we can do for him. It simply shows our commitment to raise him in a Christ-centered home and be good models for him. It was a lovely service. Blaze's great-grandmothers were both in attendance, as well as his great-grandfather. Grandma Cathy, Uncle Gary and Aunt Barb were all there, as well. His cousins Erica (with whom he shares a birthday) and Tiffany also came. His Uncle John (my younger brother) also got to come. His "Aunt Karen" was there, too. She is my friend and co-worker who watches Blaze for us some evenings when Tim & I need a night out. It was so wonderful!!! I think we were the biggest family there for a baby. It was so nice. Then, my family went out to eat with us.

When Melissa got off work, she gave me a Mother's Day present from her and Blaze. She had Blaze pick it out for me! It was a great gift, too! So sweet and thoughtful.

Blaze also came out of the nursery with a card for me. The workers told us we should have named him "Blur" instead of "Blaze." Apparently he wouldn't stop moving. He was constantly on the "go" wanting to look at one thing, then another. They could hardly get him to settle down to put his hand on the paper for my card. As you can imagine, he is into EVERYTHING now. Nothing is safe from his little grasp. He's climbing on things that he shouldn't be on. He does stop, but cries when you tell him "no." It's just amazing. In all the craziness, I have to say I love it and wouldn't have it any other way. I love that we're raising a climber who wants to constantly be moving. I love his energy and take comfort in the fact he's into everything. It reassures me that he is doing so well.

His next cardiology appointment is next week!

We are going a hundred different directions this week. I will be at the Lake for a conference a couple of days this week. Friday, John's graduating from MSU. Sunday Megan (my niece) and Sarah (my cousin) will be graduating from Nevada High School. My cousin, Dan, is also graduating that day from Law School in Columbia-we won't make it to that one! Plus we have something going on every night this week. We've been in such a cocoon with Blaze from his birth through February that we aren't used to varying off our schedules too much. It's interesting to have been isolated and come out in the world again.

We appreciate your prayers. Thanks so much, too, for your friendship!