Eli's Baby Blessing

**updated**

WAY TOO EARLY 8am church

+beautiful babe in white

+tired, emotional mother

+late night cooking

+even later night cleaning

+loads of family piling into our chapel

=baby blessing fast Sunday!my handsome, growing chubbier and more squeezable by the day, little boy
It was such a wonderful day to have so many family members with us as Jesse was able to give our infant a name and a blessing. And to all the family who couldn't make it, we sure missed you! Jesse gave Eli a great blessing and I was blessed to only have Maddie sitting next to me during the blessing, so I could actually hear the prayer. He was blessed with the ability to draw close to his Heavenly Father, serve a mission and marry in the temple among other things.

After sacrament meeting, we had a brunch at the homestead. I made chicken salad and croissants and a yummy ice cream sandwich cake (Farrah's recipe), as well as supplying muffins. My mom and mother-in-law were so nice to help with the meal, bringing veggie trays and salad for the occasion. I truly am so blessed to have family always willing to pitch in and help out! Maddie decided she wanted in on the camera action at this point

the traditional "four-generation" photo-op

the three aunties: jo, esther, and abby with baby E, Miss M and tired looking Mom

Eli was being loved on by all the ladies of the family

I am constantly impressed by what a helpful big sister Maddie is to Eli. She will always drop what she is doing when he starts to cry and go comfort him. She imitates things that I say to him such as "it's okay Eli; I am right here; you'll be okay; life's not so bad; Momma's coming to feed you right now; etc."

She loves to sit right by him and pat his head or stroke his cheeks and is always wanting to hold him for me. Sometimes she even likes to "help" put his pacifier in when he is already asleep! Great-Grandma West Tyler and Jo sitting at the kids table with Chris and Stacia's little guy and Kaylin (Lori and Tyler's)

Jesse with his cousin Chris Aunt Ruth Flake with cousin Kent

Nona and Papa holding Baby E

Aunt Sharman and Uncle Roger from Pinetop Esther and Abby

My one picture of Robby in his church attire: he ditched the vest soon after and then DESTROYED his white shirt with food

Auntie Jo-Jo with Eli

After the food, came the fun for Maddie and Robby. Because it was a special Sunday, I guess it meant the kids could roam free in our dirt-pit of a backyard. They had way too much fun throwing the dead grass clippings all over themselves.