Big Weekend!

So this is quite the weekend for our little family. Nathan is one month old today! Sunday is my first mother's day! And sunday is also when we're having little Nathan dedicated at church! Woo!

I'm very excited for Nathan's dedication. For one: Adam and Becca are having Elsa dedicated too. It's just so nice for it to be a family affair. I can hardly remember when church was a family activity and it's really nice to be able to experience that. I can't wait for Nathan and Elsa to be in sunday school classes together. So cute!

Also: I'm excited to be standing up in front of our church family and making the promise to lead and raise Nathan in the way of Christ. It's an amazing feeling to sit and stare at him and know that I get to play such a huge role in his upbringing. I always intended on raising my kids in "the church," but I'm thrilled to have found such a wonderful church family to actually make it a reality. I can see us being part of this church family for endless years to come, and I can't imagine a better place, a better group of people, to trust with my child and the teachings that he'll be hearing.

I know there are a handful of people in our families and friends that are confused and/or disappointed that we're having him dedicated, not baptized. Andrew and I were both raised in Lutheran churches and we were both baptized as babies, but I'm excited for what Nathan is going to experience. I chose to get baptized again myself about 5 years ago. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and Nathan will have that. But instead of it being when he's a baby... a memory he will never have... it will be when he's old enough to look at us himself and tell us of his love for Jesus and ask to be baptized. How cool is that?! Who knows when it will be. Maybe he'll be 5, 10, 15... but when it happens, it'll be so exciting to share that decision and that moment with him. =)

The only disappointment about this weekend is the few people that I really thought would make an effort to come, but aren't. I remember when I got married, how I'd be surprised who considered one thing more important that something else. It was a reality check to me. Sometimes the most important and exciting thing in your life just isn't a priority in someone else's. Luckily, I learned that lesson then. And although it can sometimes be a lesson I need to learn again and again, I'm going to do my best to focus on all the people that we do get to share this weekend with.

Happy one month birthday, Nathan! We love you and we can't wait to hold your hand as you grow. <3