Dear Olivia...

March 14, 2012

Dear Olivia,

Today is your second baptismal birthday.   We celebrated this morning by eating cinnamon rolls.  I lit two candles and sang you a baptismal day song I learned when I was about your age.   Ethan and I watched you as you excitedly blew them out.  You proclaimed your breakfast to be "Yum, yum."

Later in the morning, while Ethan was napping, I painted your toenails blue.  I have been waiting for a very special occasion to do this.  You recognize the color blue and like to point out things that are blue in your daily life.  As I painted your toenails I explained that the blue color should remind you of your baptism.  I told you all about the morning you were baptized.  I told you that when you were baptized you became a Child of God.  We sat on the front porch, you were in my lap, as I painted and talked.  You were enthralled.  It was a beautiful day, unseasonably warm.  You looked at your toes and then at me and said, "Blue," and I replied, "Remember your baptism."  You grinned and said, "Tank you Mama."  My heart leapt for joy.

When Daddy tucked you in tonight you sang some of, "All Christians Who Have Been Baptized". After saying your prayers, he showed you a picture of your godparents holding you in front of the baptismal font. He told you all about how Pastor put water on you and said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," then you finished his story by saying, "Ah-um." (Amen) Then you kissed a picture of Jesus, and went peacefully to sleep (it was a long day).

Olivia--you won't remember today.  I realize that.  You don't remember the day that you were baptized.  But I do.  And I will.  I will remember and I will remind you of your baptism.  I will remind you of the cross that was made across your forehead and your heart, marking you as redeemed.  I will show you pictures of the day.  I will point you in the direction of those who witnessed your baptism: both sets of grandparents, your godparents, your Aunt Lindsey and Unlce Andy, our best man Joe and a whole congregation of people.  I was there Olivia.  Tears came to my eyes when you became "God's own dear child."  I am blessed to have you in my life.  Daddy and Mommy are both blessed to have you in our life.

Lovingly,

Mama

Olivia was baptized, happy day!

All her sins were washed away,

God looked down on her and smiled,

She became God's own dear child.

Olivia Elaine
3.14.2010

Million Dollar Picture

Dennis snapped this shot during his break earlier this month and he is still bragging about it.  He is a proud daddy and the reasons are apparent.  Having one was fun, having two is wonderflu.  You read correctly...wonderflu.

Wonderflu kids

Ethan at 4 Months

Weighing in this month at 16 pounds 5.5 oz and measuring a whopping 25.5" is our handsome little fella Ethan Charles.  He has learned to take his lolly out of his mouth and somehow managed to squirm out of his p.j.'s last night (quite mysterious).  He loves to laugh and we love to hear him.  

Ethan and Bearmey at 4 months.

A Visit to Appleton City, MO

During Dennis's Winter Break, we had the distinct honor of visiting our dear friend Pastor David Herald.  Dave is Ethan's Godfather, he was a groomsman in our wedding and he is a trusted and loved friend.  Dave lives in a large parsonage in a small town where he serves as the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Appleton City, Missouri.  Last summer we were able to attend his ordination at Trinity.  Our visit in February was a bit different than our August visit.  The weather was cooler, the house had more furnishings and we had an additional car seat.

Dennis and Olivia welcome you.

Choo-choo.

Electrifying.

The local cemetery, beautiful weather.

Dave with Olivia and Ethan

Olivia enjoying the sunny weather.

 During our stay we were able to interact with the local animals.

Olivia and Sandy

Pastor Herald sharing some grapes.

Sandy, the dearest deer you could ever hope to meet.

Olivia and a cat.

Arty the Armadillo.

Puppet Theater

The local library had a special puppet theater night.  The show was the classic story Three Billy Goats Gruff.  Before the puppets appeared on stage, the kids were introduced to authentic African instruments.  Olivia and I volunteered to play the bass drum.

Miss Jackie getting to know the audience.

All smiles for the camera.

Setting up the rhythm band with Papa Ray.

We banged out the bass and kept the group in good time.  I think Olivia gets her musical talent from her father.  Olivia loves music and dancing, this was a real treat for the whole family.

Snow Fun

We have had an extremely mild winter this season.  When it finally snowed a bit on Valentine's Day I knew I needed to take advantage of the weather.  While Ethan was snoozing in his swing, I bundled up Olivia and out the door we went.

Snow smiles.

A whiffle ball, not a snowball.

Sprouting tulips amid the snow.

Make A Wish And Blow

Two parents with two children watching their two year old daughter blow out her two candles.