A busy week for baby Isabella, part 2

While we were celebrating Isabella's adoption finalization with friends and family - we decided to have her baptism the same weekend so that the family that was in town could participate in that as well. 

Isabella was not the only baby being baptized on April 21st in the Contemporary Service.  There was a little 8 month old baby boy who also shared the day.  Isabella's baptism went first.  Elder Patricia Sprinkle (one of the women pictured at the adoption finalization party) served and introduced us then read statements to the congregation while we held Isabella at the front of the church. 

Afterwards, Pastor John Wells held her, sprinkled water on her head three times (once for the Father, once for the Son, and once for the Holy Spirit), then anointed her head with the oil.  She wasn't sure about what all was going on, but she rolled with it. 

Our new Senior pastor baptized the little boy.  Then he and John walked up and down the aisle each holding a baby.  One of my favorite things that happens when babies are baptized in the Contemporary Service: the congregation sings "Jesus Loves Me."  You have to look closely.... check out Isabella's mouth.  She's sticking out her tongue!  : - )

The tongue thing is new, but she's been doing it a lot lately.

We were glad that Pastor Wells got to baptize Isabella.  He's the one who baptized Mercer.... and this service was his last as he was retiring at the end of April! 

It may be hard to see, but worth noting: the shoes Isabella is wearing are some that my grandmother, Edith, knitted for my Aunt Becky. White (well, "aged" white) with little pink roses on them. The dress and cotton slip she is wearing is vintage from a nearby antique store. The hooded cloak she is wearing is one that was given to my mom at a baby shower in Texas just before I was born. It also has little pink roses stitched on it.

Here are some great pictures of the family:

Dad and Charlie 

My mom











Todd's mom and brother, Jimmy

And a photo of a member of my extended family... Karla (the next door neighbor mom of my childhood best friend, Susan)












Isabella and Todd sharing a moment

Mercer pulled us together for this shot.  LOVE IT!

Afterwards, all of the family came back to the house for brunch and more cake!  Another beautiful cake that our neighbors Pam and Orie had made!  (and - yes - Mercer insisted on eating the faces!!)

Dad and Charlie hit the road - getting in some last cuddles and hugs.

Todd took Rose Marie and Jimmy to the airport doing the same. 

































My mom stayed another day before heading home.  Unfortunately, it was too crazy on Monday morning -- getting everyone out the door & to daycare, that we didn't get photos!   

The memories created will last a lifetime.  The weekend was a great one for our little family! 

We are truly blessed to have these two beautiful children in our lives.