Home, Sweet Home and the Sacrament of Baptism

Kyle and I hit the road on Friday afternoon for the 8ish hour treck to Columbia.  Our last trip home was for Christmas, so we were excited to go back.  When we arrived at the Boyce's we were greeted with some wonderful pink surprises!

Saturday morning I went to Mom and Dad's where I was greeted with even more pink surprises!

Aunt Victoria gave us the sweetest bib for Eliza!  I can't wait to see it on her.

Mom, Ann Forrest and I headed out to browse the maternity/baby boutiques.  Actually, let me back up.  First I headed over to Jackie's to get some Danskos.

I've been running into a little bit of back pain from having to stand all day at work, so I'm hoping these will help.  We found some wonderful things at B.E.E. Maternal.  I couldn't stop staring at the infant baptism gowns.  I just kept thinking about how blessed we are to bring a child of the covenant into this world.  Those thoughts have continued to run through my mind, and tonight Kyle and I spent some time in the Word and in prayer with our pastor up here.  We talked a lot about the sacrament of baptism and how we should prepare to make these important promises to the Lord:  

   

    1. Acknowledging that, although our child is conceived and born in sin and therefore is subject to condemnation, she is holy in Christ and ought to be baptized. (as seen here in Acts)
    2. That we will instruct our child in the principles of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, will pray with and for our child, set an example of holiness and godliness before her, and with God's help use all the means that He has appointed to bring her up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

When I first learned I was expecting, I was nervous about the great responsibility we have as parents.  I am slowly, but surely getting over that nervousness as I grow in confidence in Christ, that He will fulfill his promise of grace to Eliza.

After shopping around we ate at our all time favorite lunch spot Dipratos.  I headed back to the Boyce's to hang out for a bit before Michael and Rebecca came over for dinner.  Rebecca is just 5 weeks behind me!  So fun to share the excitement with her as we anticipate the arrival of these cousins!  She's just as radiant as ever!  Love these two!

 

They also surprised us with the most precious little outfit.  (By the way, they lovingly refer to themselves as Aunt Becky and Uncle Mikey!)

Complete with bow!!!

After dinner we went back to Mom and Dad's to visit and pick out Sunday's musical offerings.  Eliza was either praising the Lord with us or kicking me like crazy to tell me to hush.  This past weekend I began to feel very consistent kicks/punches/movement.  They haven't stopped and I can't seem to get enough! 

Sunday morning we enjoyed a wonderful sermon from Pastor Bowers at Christ Church and then went to Granny and Papas for lunch.  We were greeted with, you guessed it, more pink surprises!  Granny even gave us "Eliza's first locket."  She said every little girl needs a locket!  So very sweet.

Sunday afternoon naps and a quick glance at the brides are always a must!

It was a great weekend!  Can't wait to be back!