Dedicaton Day

Today was Ian's baby dedication at church. What a special, special day.

Ian woke up bright and early this morning in a very good mood. We all got ready and headed off to church. We decided to have Ian in his Kurta that we got for him when we were in India. It's still a little big on him, but not too much.

When we arrived, our friend Daniele met us. She had saved seats for us and our friends in the front of the church. She also taped the ceremony for us today. Soon, we saw Pastor Deron. Ian was all smiles. We did a little test just to see if Ian would go to Deron and he did without a whimper. We waited a little while before we headed off the the church parlor to wait until it was our time to go on. We ran into Brad on the way in and told him where to sit.

We waited in the church parlor for a little while, not long at all and then Annie escorted us to the side door of the sanctuary. After the greeting and welcome, it was time for us. Ian was in the best mood. Lots of smiles today.

When Deron started introducing us we walked out. He started by saying that this had been a long time coming. When we got onto the stage, he took Ian. Ian looked back at me for just a minute and then he was fine. He started laughing and kicking those cute little feet (bare feet). Deron talked about how all of the had come about and what we had gone through especially when we faced the decision of accepting Ian's referral. He talked about how there was no doubt that Ian was our child and meant for us. Ian was smiling and laughing through all of this. What a happy, happy baby.

Deron always asks new parents how they have seen their spouse change since the baby has been in the family. I thought it was kinda funny on Friday night when I talked to Deron, he didn't ask me that question. Now I understand. Today he said that Charlie was the first Dad that had ever beat him to the punch. Charlie emailed him earlier this week and said that rather than answer the question....pictures speak louder than words. Charlie emailed him the picture of Ian and I just minutes after we got him in India where Ian was already sleeping in my arms and I looked so content. I was doing great until that moment. Charlie can be so sweet and thoughtful....and sneaky sometimes. Deron had the picture shown on the big screen in the church. Lots of tears at this point....even sneaky Charlie had a tear or two.

God gave us the greatest gift when he brought Ian into our lives. Today, in front of our church family and our friends we committed to raise this child to know the Lord....a committment we do not take lightly. He has blessed us beyond belief.

Today we celebrated with some of our dear, dear friends who were able to make it to the church service bright and early this morning. Brad, Mike, Donna, Ryan and Debbie were all there this morning. That doesn't count the countless friends we have at First Baptist. After church, like all good Baptists, it was time to eat. We met our friends Stephanie, Paul and Molly at Mimi's for breakfast. We laughed because our table looked like a mini United Nations....India, Korea, China, Ireland and the US were present.

Afterwards Charlie and I came home and watched the video. Ian was sitting near me on the bed and then when Deron had them show the picture of Ian and I in the orphange, he made this cute little sound and started crawling toward the TV. Not sure really what he saw, but the timing was cute.

I'll post some pictures shortly. He's getting a little fussy and it's getting close to bed time.

Today was a special day for the Conner family and one that we'll remember always.