Blessing Day

We blessed Catherine on March 20th at our ward here in Maryland.  Once again, we were lucky to have both of our families there.  Okay, SOME of both of our families, but we'll take what we can get.  Beth and my parents flew from Tucson (and stayed for a week--more to come!) and Jon's parents plus Stephen & Claudia, James & the twins drove from West Virginia.

Times like this make me wish we weren't so far away from our families.  Seth was in HEAVEN--so many people to show cars to, wrestle with, and take him outside to play.  And Catherine was in heaven, too--I don't think she was put down that entire weekend, which is exactly what she prefers.  I think she spent most of the time in Stephen & Claudia's arms--they're getting in some good practice before their little girl arrives in August (yay!).

Catherine's blessing dress was the same one my mom and her sister Lori were blessed in.  Since she's named after my mom, Mom & Lori decided it was only fitting to pass the dress on to Catherine.  Please excuse the slightly yellowed color--I took it to the cleaners and they wanted to charge me $45 to whiten it.  No, thank you...

And can I just say that I'm in LOVE with her little booties?  Possibly as much as I'm in love with her ruffle-bottom tights?  Little girls are SO FUN to dress up.

Sara Catherine was given a name and beautiful blessing by her father.  In the circle were her dad, both grandpas, Uncle Stephen and Bishop Brady.  She was very cooperative--no screaming and no pooping on her dress (my two biggest worries).

And now for picture overload:

Our family.

The attending Bloods.

The attending Mikesells

Sara Catherine & her two namesakes (Grandma Cathy & Grandma Sara)

And yes, she's totally covering her face.

I was not kidding about her being constantly held:

Catherine & Aunt Joanna

Catherine & Aunt Bethany

Catherine & Tia Claudia

Catherine & Mommy 

(Notice the angelic glowing?  From my legs, I mean.)

A smile (for real!)

The reason we have so many pictures:

My dad's favorite--tongue out!

And just so you don't forget, we also have a very handsome son:

Even with only one eye...

We are so grateful to have this little one in our family.