Little Ladybug: Baby Dedication

Last Saturday, we had Preston and Ethan dedicated at our church. It was quite a beautiful day, but an emotional one as well. The boys were dedicated in the chapel, the very same room that Karissa's memorial service was held in. When I found out that the dedication was going to be held in the chapel, I thought, 'how on earth am I gonna get through this one?" The thought that we were going to celebrate two new precious lives in the same place that we had celebrated the short life of a vibrant little 3 1/2 year old was mind-blowing. I simply could not wrap my mind around it.

Meeting with the pastor a few days before the dedication, I mentioned to him that it was gonna be a tough day for me and that I didn't know how I was going to hold it together. He told me that he wanted me to focus not on what happened in that room (Karissa's memorial service) in the past, but what we were going to be celebrating on that very day, the day the boys' would be dedicated.

All week leading up to the dedication, I reflected upon his statement. As I thought about what he had said, I was reminded of how Mark is always telling me to "live in the moment." I decided that the only way I was going to get through the dedication was to focus on the purpose of the day and to live by Mark and our pastor's words of advice. It wasn't a day to mourn the loss of Karissa or think about the memorial that took place in that room 2 1/2 years ago. It was Preston and Ethan's very special day. I, in no way, wanted to take away from their special day, from their special moment and the excitement that surrounded that day. I was determined to focus on what we were there for and to be present in the moment.

What brought tears to my eyes though, was all the love and support that surrounded Mark and I and how faithful God has been to us. The tears kept coming as I thought of the purpose of that day...we were there to dedicate the lives of Preston and Ethan back to God. They are His children.

Here are a few pictures from the dedication. We had a celebration with family and close friends afterwards, but unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures of that, except for the cake.