Ivey's Village

Have you ever planned a day - to the inth - for it to pass too quickly? Kind of like a wedding reception, you plan plan plan, then in a blink it’s over. Well, I think this past Sunday ranks into that category. This explains why I do not have pictures. I will have to wait for my mom and Lowery to email the ones that they took. My pictures are in my head.

This past Sunday was a duel celebration. We celebrated Ivey’s baptism and dedication. Then we celebrated her birthday - yes again. It was one perfect day, right down to the weather.

I will attempt to keep a very long story short. Thus, I must leave out the good details. Ivey was baptized on May 22, 2006, not even a month after her birth. On rare occasions it is necessary to rush some things. Ivey’s baptism was one of those things. We just didn’t know if there would be time to do it later. Ivey was baptized in the chapel of the hospital. During her baptism she was surrounded by her parents, three nurses and three church clergy. That day was Ivey’s first trip out of the NICU. As sacred as her baptism was, there is sadness in the eyes of everyone in the pictures of that day.

Sunday Ivey was dedicated. This time there was to be no sadness. That doesn’t go without saying; it was a very emotional service. It was a very personal service and many tears were shed. This time the tears were shed out of relief and happiness. The words that were spoken during the service were perfect. Roger thank you. This time Ivey was surrounded by a community who loves and supports her, family, friends and her Godparents. She was surrounded.

I said it for a long time and meant it. We were going to c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e Ivey’s birthday. And, we DID. By the end of the day, around two hundred people celebrated Ivey’s first birthday. We wanted to show our gratitude and thanks to everyone possible who helped us over the past year. We did our best to show our appreciation. Thank you everyone.

I was especially grateful to have two very special people attend. The one who brought her into this world was there and the one who kept her in this world. Watching their faces as they held Ivey was the best birthday present this momma could have received. They know and understand the miracle at hand - it was priceless.

(Tissue paper butterflies flittered in the trees)

The day was filled with a LOT of birthday cake, pink, butterflies, and sunshine. A fairy tale.

(Ivy topped the tables)

The day went by too quickly. But we enjoyed every moment of it. I only wish that I could convey how wonderful it was to see so many of our friends and family smile all because of our sweet girl. There have been so many moments that smiles were sparse, to see sheer joy on so many faces was so incredibly rewarding. We all made it through the tough year together.

Ivey was surrounded by her village!

Thank You!