A Very Special Day

Today was a beautiful day for our new family. We celebrated Chelsee's baptism and felt more deeply the honor it is to be her forever family. She continues to be a delight and is thoroughly enjoying living life and learning so many new things each day! But today seemed even more sweet as we welcomed her into God's arms with Julee as her Godmother and Bob Byer as her Godfather.

Chelsee met some very special people this weekend - all of whom came to share this wonderfully sweet day with us. Bob is Albee's good friend from Minnesota; he flew down for the weekend to become Chelsee's Godfather (and play a little cribbage and golf). My brother Joseph, my sis in law Suzanne and their amazing daughter (my Goddaughter) Emily came from Rock Hill. Joe flew Emily in from Law School in Williamsburg, VA to surprise us all. Chelsee really took to all 3 of them. Suz became Chelsee's walking buddy and I loved seeing Emily share in the joy of a little girl!

Uncle Steve flew in from NJ which is ALWAYS a fun treat. Steve is a very special person to all of us. He always comes to see us for my sister's kid's birthdays, holidays and special events! I thought it was neat to hear Julee, Garrett and Lydia telling Chelsee all about Uncle Steve and how MUCH she is gonna love him...it is already starting!

As I looked around at the very personal gathering of my family and close friends during the ceremony, my heart grew again with love for this child and the extension of love she has already created within our family. I imagined how less than 2 months ago, she was one of a number of children being cared for in an orphanage halfway around the world and here she is now being brought into a much bigger family, physical and spiritual. Deacon Joe told us what a wonderful thing we have done for her when in fact, it is truly Chelsee herself that has brought a feeling of wonder to so many. So many have told me that seeing Chelsee blossom and grow in these last few weeks has brought them hope again and given them a little dose of promise in a tough world right now. Ahhh! And watching Julee stand up for Chelsee as her Godmother was a moment I want to remember forever. I was beaming with pride. Julee was holding Chelsee throughout most of the ceremony and I could see the pride in her eyes. After the part where we all placed the sign of the cross on her forehead with the holy water, Chelsee turned to me and motioned if she could have a turn? I asked Deacon Joe if Chelsee could bless herself and he said, "Why not!" So I leaned her over and she dipped her fingers in the holy water and put some on her forehead. It was a wonderful moment. I've only ever been to a baby's baptism so this thought had never crossed my mind. It was just perfect!

Here is God's newest angel: