one...two...three...four

I've been taking these photos of Ethan every month in the same spot on the rocker in his room just to see how much he grows in his first year. It just amazes me how much he's changed from his one month pictures to now. I can't believe he's been in our family for four months already. It seems as if he's been here forever and not having him just doesn't seem right. 

Ethan at four months: 

Can roll over from back to front and front to back

Loves arching his back during diaper changes making it hard on mom and dad! Little bugger!

Smiles at all the girls. We have a serious flirt on our hands. 

Loves his blankie and snuggling with dad and mom at night before bed. 

Has giggled once for mom, but not for anyone else (making mom feel kinda special.) 

Has been sleeping through the night for about a month now! 

Is already in 6-9 month clothing, the little chunker. 

A father's blessing

                   

Waaaay back in May (yes, I am that behind on posts around here! Whoops!) was a very special day for our little family. In our church we don't baptize children until they are 'of age' to make the decision themselves, usually around 8. So instead of a baptism, we have a baby blessing. The father, or other worthy Priesthood holder, takes the child to the front of the congregation and with the help of other male Priesthood holders, the child is blessed. While it wasn't Ethan's first blessing (Todd had given him one while he was in the NICU), this was the first 'official' blessing he received and was also when Ethan's name went on church records. 

Watching Todd go up to the front of the church and listening to his blessing was one of the most wonderful moments in my life. He spoke about how Ethan had been saved for this time and place and that he would make a good missionary when he was older. He spoke about how he would be raised to respect women and womanhood and that there were several women that would be in his life that would raise him to be a good person. He compared Ethan's faith to an oak tree; small and tiny at first but eventually growing into something that was strong and unshakable. At the end of the blessing, my eyes were filled with tears and my testimony of the power of the Priesthood stronger than it had been minutes before. 

We were blessed to have my family there to witness it and I think everyone enjoyed the service and the blessing. Afterwards, we went out to breakfast as a whole family. I am really enjoying being back in Michigan and being so close to so many loving family members that get to see Ethan grow up. I can't wait to see what is in store for our family as time goes on.