A Name and A Blessing :: Annie May Barker

On July 1, 2012 Annie received a beautiful name and a blessing, performed by her Daddy. 

She wore my blessing dress that I wore almost exactly 23 years ago.

This dress has been displayed in my parents bedroom on a porcelain doll for many years.

It is something I have loved and admired my entire life.

As James dressed her I couldn't help but think about the other important white dresses that I hope Annie will wear in this life.

There is just something special about a girl in white.

We were also glad that this dress made it to Charlotte.

In a stroke of sheer stupidity, I packed her dress with the rest of our belongings.

When you ship things across the country they give you a four-day window of when it will arrive.

I am fairly certain it was a miracle that this white gown was delivered with our goods just 24-hours before her blessing.

We had lots of family in town but it was just our little family of three at home that morning.

Over the last few weeks these two have started connecting more and more.

We have a little family ritual each morning when Annie comes in bed and plays with Dad.

The morning of her blessing was no exception as she grinned up at him beneath her precious bink.

James gave her a beautiful blessing 

and I felt that this little one's Heavenly Father has a lot in store for her.

In every marriage there are a few "surprises."

When we were dating I was pretty convinced that James was anything but emotional.

Quite contrary.

Giving our first child a name and a blessing really got to this guy.

He's one big softy when it comes to our little family and the gospel.

Annie and I are lucky girls cause we get to have this man in our life forever.

It was a special morning to watch my husband, his father and my own father stand in a circle to give her a name and blessing that will carry her through this life.

{You can read about baby blessings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints here}

Although I would have loved to get some pictures outside - 

it was about 5,000 degrees with humidity.

So inside it was.

Boy were we glad to have so much family here.

Many sweet words were said that day 

and I could feel the love that both the Barkers and the Staples have for the little miss.

The two Nana's and Ann's that Annie was named after.

A picture I will definitely cherish.

I was so worried she was going to cry through the whole thing.

But my Dad later told me that little Annie stared right up into James eyes the whole time.

She sucked that precious bink until it finally popped out.

My Dad said it rolled off one side and one man in the bishopric caught it 

and then rolled off the other before it was gently placed back in her mouth.

Miracles do happen and Annie didn't make a peep.

I guess she already loves being the center of attention. 

This sweet scalloped blanket is the one my Mom was blessed in.

She has held onto it all these years.

When little Henry was blessed she snapped a picture of him in it.

I think we have a new tradition in the works.

It is a lovely reminder of the generations of faith 

and dedication that is being passed down to these little children.

 We had planned a big celebration in California for her blessing day but our plans quickly changed.

Of course I wanted a big ta-doo and was pretty bummed

but in the end I think this was all meant to be.

It was probably the reminder that this sometimes "over-the-top" Mama needed.

I promised Annie a big get together for her birthday.

And as it turns out she didn't even mind not having a party.

Ha.

Her blessing day was just perfect and looking back I wouldn't change a thing.

We enjoyed a nice lunch with our dear family before saying our goodbyes.

Boy were we lucky to have both sets of grandparents 

and Aunt Allie in Charlotte with just three weeks notice.

That is dedication!

Even though we were in a new place it immediately felt like home.

We had our family around us and a new ward family that welcomed us with open arms.

It was a wonderful way to set up roots in our new home.

:::

We sure do love this little girl.

It is amazing how children come at a specific time for a specific purpose.

We can already see exactly why Annie was supposed to come when she did.

She has brought a spirit into our home that would not have been possible without her

and at a time when it is definitely needed.

At times I look at her and wonder what she can remember about those moments before she came.

While I was out and about the other day a woman said in her thick southern accent,

"What a pure thing in an evil world."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

She seems so close to God and we can feel it in our home daily.

You are our little sunshine Annie

and we are blessed beyond belief because we get to call you ours.