THIS IS HOW A BABY IS SUPPOSED TO BE BLESSED AND HOW HE BLESSES BACK...

I'm going to go ahead and blog on this...I mentioned this to Abby and Eli when I sent them the pics and since they haven't blogged on it, then YAY...I GET TO...and Nancy, I will send these to you if you want them :)

Regular readers may know that we recently had twins in the family. Abby and Eli actually possess the children, and to paraphrase Louis C.K., the kids have social security numbers now, so they're on the grid, everyone knows Eli and Abby have them and they're responsible for them now. But because of all the prenatal complications, bed rest, and all of the other issues that arose, friends and family rose to the occasion and fasted and prayed these children into the arms of their parents. Truly. With the benevolent nod of a loving Heavenly Father, Charlie and Olivia reside in an adorable little cottage, complete with a lamplight just outside the front porch, where they are hugged and smooched and nuzzled...endlessly....and sometimes referred to as "the moogies" by their dad....it's so adorable, I sometimes pee a little...

Recently, following their blessings, their other grammy hosted a beautiful reception in her downtown apartment...what fun! Even on broken toes, the hostess provided a lovely meal for family and friends in a beautiful and lovely environment. Best of all, we got to hang out with the "other side" of the family...Abby's lovely grandparent, Grandma and Grandpa Rankin. What beautiful people. And of course, Per, Nancy's wonderful husband who is probably the nicest, most soft-spoken man on the planet...really...

So, armed with my camera, I set about capturing the day (as always...how do people stand me?)...and what did I spy with my little eye?...just about the cutest moment of the entire weekend...I caught Charlie...held by his father, close to his heart, surrounded by his Grandfather Per and Great Grandfather Don Rankin. Each of these great men are holding Charlie and supporting him in the gentlest and loving-est way imaginable...and Charlie is making eye contact and smiling at his Great Grandpa Don. It was a singular moment that took my breath away.....I cropped it in various fashions to high light how beautiful the moment was at so many levels....
This is the full picture of all four...Charlie, his Dad, his Grandfather Per and his Great Grandfather Don...Look at how safe Charlie is...how close to his father's heart he is....
THAT is a happy daddy as well....Charlie and his sister are safe, home, blessed and on the records of the Church....Can we get an amen!
Look at the connection between Charlie and his Great Grandpa! Three months old and there is no mistaking the twinkle in that boy's eyes for his g-grandpa....moments like these are gifts..pure and simple....

This is Charlie...surrounded by the fathers in his life....held, loved, supported and safe. This is the birthright of all children, and especially our sons...to have strong, moral fathers to model for them how to love correctly...Charlie...how blessed you truly were that day...