Celebrating Kayleigh - Part 2

After a somewhat restless night sleep, we somehow made it to church ON TIME and DRESSED. Miracle of miracles. Blaine and Christina decided to baptize Kayleigh at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano. It's the church we usually all attend at Christmas time and we all love it there. 

Kayleigh was a total princess in her gown. I could just eat her up. 

The dedication part of the ceremony was extremely touching and special. I admit to getting a few tears in my eyes. Just an awesome thing to see a new little one brought into the Kingdom of God and pledging to raise her in such a way that she knows the love of Christ and falls in love with Jesus. I was a proud, proud Aunt.

And of course my side notes:

Side note #1: Ryan was massively, massively sleep deprived. We figured over the course of the 3 days he was probably behind on about 10 hours of sleep. My son is just such a sleeper that it finally caught up with him. At the end of service. With a big, loud praise team playing in his ears, he passed out on Steve's shoulder and that was it. He slept through all the pictures only to awake when we were walking out.

Side note #2: Quinn was convinced she was part of the ceremony. She kept running up and pulling on K's dress and dancing. It was hilarious after I finally stopped worrying about grabbing her from ruining the moment. And then the most touching moment for this momma's heart came: at the end of the baptism, the pastor handed Quinn a bag and said "This is for Kayleigh. I'm sure you will think it's for you but maybe you can give it to her later." Everyone laughed and then simultaneously gasped when Quinn immediately turned and handed it to Kayleigh and Christina. She just knew. My proud momma moment.

Congratulations, Kayleigh. We love you soooo much and we pledge to live our lives in such a way so that our love for God is reflected and you desire that for your heart. We are always here for you.

Here are some family pictures:

The proud parents

Ryan pre-pass out

Quinn didn't want to sit with us the entire time. Only wanted her K-bug and Aunt/Uncle

Look at this beauty!

Mr. Ed - special, special family friend. He was my dad's best friend for years and years. He is my surrogate Dad and I would call on him for anything. So incredibly wonderful that he was there. 

Family photo - Ryan passed out

Family photo - Matt, Quinn, Christina, Blaine, Me, Mom and Steve

Aunt Lace, Uncle Rykert, Matt, Christina, Blaine, Me, (Ryan dead to the world), Mom 'n Steve

The girl's picture - minus Quinn who was running around eating popcorn

I mean, really!

Me and the princess!

They had popcorn at the church! Our church needs to hop on that : ) 

Aunt Lacey & Uncle Rykert - all the way from Louisiana. So neat!

Proud parents again and the Reverend. And of course the princess, who did not melt down one time during the 15 minute photo shoot.

What an amazing and special trip - whirlwind for sure but we would do it again in a heartbeat. Props to my husband for his PR back to Houston - door to door in 4hrs and 15 minutes. And for everything that he does for our family --- packing up the car, making sure the kids have their movies, driving like a champ and pitching in wherever needed. So blessed by you, honey. You are my rock. Love you.