Your Blessing

Dear Charlie,

On October 9th, 2011, your father gave you a baby's blessing.  A few days before your blessing I sat down with your dad and asked him if we should discuss what we would like to have in the blessing.  He reminded me that, although he says the blessing, it actually comes from your Father in Heaven by way of the priesthood power and the Spirit.  Reluctantly, I agreed to let him say whatever the Spirit prompted him to say.  He fasted for 24 hours and prayed fervently to make sure that he was spiritually prepared. 

Since Gabriella's adoption was just finalized the week before we blessed you, we were able to bless you and your sister on the same day.  You were only a little over two weeks old on your blessing day, and I was still attempting to nurse you.  The nursing process had been mostly unsuccessful, but I wanted to make sure that your tummy was full so that you would behave for the blessing.  We arrived at church about 20 minutes early, and I took you into the mother's lounge to feed you.  I also waited to put your blessing outfit on because I didn't want you to poop or spit up on it.  I should have timed everything better because you take a long time to eat.  I really needed about an hour to feed you and change you, but I only had 20 minutes.  Your dad kept sending women into the mother's lounge to tell me to, "Hurry up."  I didn't get to fill you up, but you were satisfied enough.  I rushed you into the chapel just as they were getting ready to call us up to the stand.  We made it just in time!

Your father gave you a beautiful blessing that we have written down for you to read.  I cannot wait to see you fulfill all of the things your heavenly parents and your earthly parents wish for you.  I know you will be a good boy, and you will help to take care of me when I'm old and gray.  I'm so grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving you to me.  I love you son.

Love,
Mom

The Thinker

Dear Charlie,

When Ella was a baby, your dad used to say to her, "I just know she's thinking really smart thoughts."  Well, I am sure she was.  You have been dreaming of the secrets of the universe since the day you were born, and I have the pictures to prove it!

One week old
contemplating the meaning of life.

One month old
I think therefore I am.

A little over two months old
If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?

Four and a half months old
Energy is equal to an object's mass times the speed of light squared.

I can't wait to see what you will dream up next.  To quote your dad, "I just know you're thinking smart thoughts."

Love,
Mom

Your First Few Weeks

Hey Charlie,

This is just a collection of pictures from your first few weeks of life.  Enjoy!

Your first bath.  You hated it, but all new babies do.

Grammy and Auntie Jani made you pose.  You better get used to it now, because it won't get any better as you get older.

The weekend after you were born, Auntie Jani and her family came to visit you along with Pa.  Everyone wanted to hold you and love you.

These pictures were taken after Ella's adoption finalization, which happened when you were only 10 days old!

Like father like son.  I just love this picture!

I want you to know that we did pay a professional photographer to come and take newborn pictures of you, but he did a horrible job.  We're all fortunate that you have such a talented Grammy and Auntie who can take great pictures. 

I love you my beautiful son.  From the day you were born, I just couldn't stop kissing your squishy cheeks, and I will never stop.

Love,

Mom