Emma’s Blessing

We blessed Emma on Sunday, July 22nd. It was such a wonderful day! I admit I went a little crazy planning and preparing but ultimately wanted to make the day about the blessing, not about the celebration.

Ryan gave Emma a name and a blessing. Her name, Emma Jane is one we have thought about for a long time and although I have felt a strong prompting to name a baby girl Emma since long before I got pregnant with Nathan, we didn’t make the decision until after she was born. My middle name is Jane and my mom’s first name is Jane. My Grandma Beverly, whom I have never met, also had the middle name Jane. She was a step-grandma, so this is purely coincidence, but I think we would have been friends had I known her and I love that Emma has such a wonderful connection to some pretty great women.

We had a lot of family in town for the occasion. Two of my three brothers came from out of town (Ryan from Rexburg and Kevin from Bellingham). My Grandma (my Dad’s mom) and Aunt Sue came from the Boise area. Ryan’s cousin Aaron and his wife Kelly also came from Rexburg. Our friends Lloyd and Natalie Oaks came from Tacoma but I didn’t even get to talk to them since they had to rush back to their own ward right after the sacrament and we were a little late to sacrament meeting. Alex and Devin Steele came with their kids from South Hill. We sorely missed having Ryan’s parents with us and know they really wanted to be there!

The Priesthood holders who participated in the blessing included: Ryan Bartron, Papa Rickard Ward, Uncle Ryan Ward, Cousin Aaron Bartron, family friends Devin Steele, and Lloyd Oaks, as well as our Bishop, John Hafner.

I was so pleased to be able to make Emma’s dress. I love the way it turned out.

Our family.

After church, we all came back to our house for lunch. Everyone enjoyed visiting and snuggling baby Emma.

Well, Nathan mostly enjoyed running around with a bucket on his head.

Most of the Ward kids with Emma (and Nathan).

Uncle Ryan

Uncle Kevin

Nathan got some quality time with the uncles too.

Aaron and Kelly drove all the way from Rexburg on Saturday and turned around and went home again on Sunday! We’re so glad they came!

Nana Jane and Emma Jane

Nana and Papa

3 generations of Janes

The Steele family. It’s not a real family picture unless someone has a finger up their nose.

Emma with my Grandma Ward

Emma and Joshua. Soul mates.

The girl of the hour!

She was grumpy, but I had to get a picture of her showing off her dress.

With Daddy

With Mommy