a blessing

Harper Susanna Ashdown

Last Sunday Harper was given a name and a blessing by her daddy. It was such a wonderful day. It was great to be able to have Harper's blessing in Utah surrounded by lots of family and friends. Because it was Stake Conference in my parent's ward, we decided to have the blessing at my parent's mountain house up Little Cottonwood Canyon. After all, we met, got engaged and had our wedding reception up there.

daddy's girl

her mama's world

Harper was blessed in the same dress that my mom, my sister and I were blessed in, which was made by my great-grandma. I bought Harper a bonnet to go with it. She looked so beautiful. She was fussy in the morning and like any mom, I was worried. I wanted her blessing to be perfect and peaceful. Harper rallied and fell asleep minutes before the blessing and slept peacefully through the whole event, including being passed from one adoring grandparent to the next.

a tearful preparation

our sweet, blessed girl

enjoying her special day

I am so grateful for Brady. It was such an incredible experience to listen as he blessed our daughter as she was encircled by such significant and wonderful men. She is already so vibrant and loving and I am thrilled to be her mama and watch her grow. She was so eager to come into this world and I hope she will hold on to that excitement throughout her life. Harper, you are so dear to us. Your dad and I love you so much and are thrilled to be your parents.

hanging with Papa

Harper had three sets of great-grandparents, her grandparents and most of her aunts, uncles and cousins there, which made for a very special day. We also had many dear friends who were able to attend. Thank you to all that were able to come and be a part of such a wonderful day.

a proud dad and a few of Harper's cousins

my dear friend Lauri and our baby girls

awake

Well, this post was meant to closely follow the last one. Then life happened. Brady's semester ended and we worked hard to pack up our home so it was ready for a couple that is renting it for the summer. It was nice to know we were leaving our home in good hands and to be able to put all our personal items, clothes, and pictures into Harper's room and lock the door. I promised Harper I would clean out her room as soon as we get back to Tucson.

I didn't get a chance to do this post after we left our place because we were without the internet for a couple of weeks and driving from state to state. More on that later. Although these shots of our bright-eyed baby girl are a bit outdated, they are still adorable. How we love this girl.

mid sneeze