Welcome to the World, Hailey!

I married Michelle and Michael in the Butterfly House at the Museum of Life and Science in December of 2006. On September 27, 2008, I did a baby blessing and baptism ceremony for their daughter, Amanda. Then late 2009, Michelle called to tell me they had a new addition to their family, another daughter named Hailey. They wanted to do a baby blessing and baptism ceremony for her in March. So we set the date for March 27, 2010 in their home in Wake Forest.

We had the ceremony in their living room and Mike had set up a video camera to record it. We had to wake Hailey up from her nap but she was such a good sport and happy baby.

 She even seemed to be listening to my every word!

During their wedding ceremony, Michelle and Mike had poured sand together representing the two of them. Mike's son, Shane, from a previous marriage, also poured sand into the same container signifying family unity. In 2008, we added sand for Amanda to the container. And now Mike is adding more sand to it for Hailey. It completely filled up their container and they have so many pretty layers of sand that keep getting shifted with every move they make. Mike and Michelle told me that this will be the last sand they add because they are blessed with their son and two daughters and their family is complete!

The grandparents were each given a rose before the ceremony symbolizing their love and support for Hailey. During the ceremony I had each of them place their rose in this vase of water which is the symbol of life. This ceremony marked the third time I had been with these parents and grandparents. I would love for there to be another occasion--maybe a renewal of vows for Michelle and Mike!

"I hereby baptize you, Hailey Nicole, in the name of God the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (It amazes me that babies don't mind having me put cool water on their little heads!)

 So, here we all are. Shane, now age 10 and big brother to two sisters, Amanda age 2, and Hailey age 6 months! Michelle and Michael, you have such a wonderful family. Many, many blessings!