Nathaniel's Baby Dedication

"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord." (Psalm 127:3)

This morning we publically dedicated our newest little "gift," Nathaniel Joseph, to God and vowed before our church body, family and friends that we would raise Nathaniel in a Christian home. We were fortunate enough to have both sets of grandparents as well as several of our closest friends join us for the ceremony. What a blessing to have the support of our family and friends and to have everyone there to celebrate with us! Little Nate is such a sweet baby and has already brought us so much joy. We look forward to seeing how God will bless our little one as he begins his Christian walk in life.

Several of these photographs I am posting are ones that either my mother-in-law Cheri or good friend Julia took. Thanks SO much to both of you for your pictures...and since I didn't take all of the photos today, it actually means that I am IN a few of them :).

Our family of four up front during the dedication service. What a group of handsome boys I live with! :)

God Bless Nathaniel Joseph Martin...

Poor little Nate did wonderfully during the service but crashed and burned when we got home so he had to go for a nap the minute his party started...and slept through the entire thing!! So, we have limited photos of Nate on his big day (although he was with us in spirit through the entire party!). Grandpa G and CC were the only ones left at the house when Nate woke up so here are the few photos we got of Nathaniel today.

Ben and Pop in the midst of an apparently very serious discussion...

Mom, me and good friend Heather relaxing.

Dad and his specialty...carving the meat!

Andrew and his dad.

A candid photo of Andrew.

Yum! Ben loves when it's dessert time...

...and I mean really loves it!

Grandpa G reading Ben some of his favorite truck books.

Some various candid shots that I couldn't resist posting.