God's Child

"One tiny hand to guide and hold, one tiny life to shape and mold,
Each child, a gift from God above, a symbol of His strength and love."

~ Author Unknown

Today was a very special day for Leighton and our family. It is our six year wedding anniversary and the day of Leighton's baptism. We were so blessed to have both sets of Leighton's grandparents in town, her Aunt Hannah and (Uncle to be) Ricky, as well as her (Great) Aunt Kathy and Uncle John who made the trip to share this special time with us.  In addition to our family, we were also joined on Sunday by our dear family friends, Jane and John Ridall (and their adorable grandson, Walter), our good friends, Steven and Rachel Epps (and their sweet nine-month old daughter, Millie).

My parents drove in from Cincinnati on Friday and got to spend some quality time with L. We had dinner with at our house that night and toasted to Cousin Holly's engagement (which she didn't know about yet... long story). Such a fun evening with the whole family! On Saturday, I enjoyed a relaxing day at the hair salon while Grammy and Papa Jim took Leighton to lunch and walked around downtown. We spent the rest of the day running errands and getting the house and food ready for the baptism luncheon. Then on Saturday night, Grammy and Papa Jim babysat while Taylor and I enjoyed a night out at Jennifer and Isaac's wedding reception on John's Island and a late evening anniversary dinner at Wild Olive. To top off the night, when we arrived home, we found our whole house cleaned and vacuumed by our babysitters ~ so wonderful!

This morning, we headed to Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, where Pastor Gary performed a beautiful baptism ceremony for Leighton. She was an angel! She was so quiet and well-behaved, not only for the baptism, but for the entire hour and fifteen minute church service. We were so proud of her. Unfortunately, the church and Pastor requested no photography during the service so we have limited photos; however, our friend, Rachel, secretly recorded the baptism for us while we were up at the altar, so at least we have the video.

Wearing Aunt Hannah's baptism gown (from 27 years ago) and showing off my chubby cheeks

So many pictures with Pastor Gary and the family after church, I was getting sleepy!

Short catnap on the way home, now time for brunch!

 Play time during brunch with my best friend, Millie

Before brunch, Jan shared a special scripture reading (the same one she read to me in the hospital the day Leighton was born):

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light."

~Colossians 1: 9-12

It was a gorgeous Sunday, a beautiful church service, and we couldn't have asked for more from our sweet girl. We're thankful for all of our family and friends who were here to celebrate with us and all of those who are a part of Leighton's life and will continue to guide her and help her grow in God's grace. Leighton is one lucky and loved little girl. She is God's child.