Blessing a new baby is always such a neat, nerve racking and busy experience, and preparing for Avonlea's was all of those. And perhaps more. It was our last one. I needed everything to be perfect.
Perfect dress, perfect luncheon, the kids all on their perfectly best behavior, the weather needed to be perfect. Everything. So to make it that way, I spent hours working on her dress and blanket. We carefully planned the menu for the luncheon (although it was more a dinner since our sacrament ends at 3:30 in the afternoon), we sent out the announcements, cleaned the house, the clothes were coordinated, ironed and ready.
Olivia, Avonlea and I all had matching bracelets, and matching hair bows for the girls. The boys all in their black dress pants and shoes, with white church shirts and ties. And John always looks so handsome in a suit. The food was bought and prepared and the RSVP list long - a possibility of 82 people!
So did it turn out perfect? No. Matthew and Jacob both came down with ear infections which were draining out their tear ducts, and they looked awful. Olivia had pneumonia in both lungs and ear infections, and she felt awful. I completely lost my voice. And because the kids were sick, I spent extra time taking care of them and the house no longer sparkled like I wanted it to. The gravy for the hawaiian haystacks didn't thicken. I forgot the butter for the rolls, the salt and pepper, and although we had cups to drink from, I forgot the drink and ice. But those are the minor things and our family rolls with the punches. No one seemed to care that there was no ice and we found pitchers at the civic center and served water.
The important things were perfect. The family all came. An impressive 12 honorable priesthood holders stood to give Avonlea her blessing. And it was beautiful! Avonlea was perfect, never made a sound even though she was hungry. She slept quietly as though she knew how important this day was. She was blessed to be close to her brothers and sister, to develop a close friendship with them and help each other, as there is strength in family. She was blessed to listen to her parents,, to choose the right, follow the commandments and to be obedient with a desire to do what is right. She was blessed to choose good friends and to be a good friend to which others will come to for love and strength. "Blessed to recognize the goodness, strength and beauty of your mother, whom you are named for, and to be like her in many ways". She was also told to seek education, wisdom and knowledge and to recognize the importance of these things, to strive to do her best in all things, and of course to marry a righteous "brother" in the temple. There was such a sweet spirit as that blessing was given! John made sure I saw him hold Avonlea up at the end of the blessing as is tradition, and I appreciated that. Our last baby blessed. I hope to hold that image forever as John lifted her up and smiled. So sweet!
So in the end it wasn't all perfect, but the important things were. The important things still are. Family is together, the gospel is true and we have blessings that I wouldn't trade for anything. It was a perfect day!
