Morgan Kate

Our drive to church Sunday morning was filled with anxiety. My stomach was hurting, my heart was beating fast. I was a ball of nerves. I tried taking deep breaths, I tried thinking of other things. Travis held my hand the entire way there. I was anxious about introducing Morgan Kate to everyone. I was anxious about large crowds. I was anxious about germs. I was anxious about how Morgan Kate would do. I was anxious about how I would do. I was anxious about so many things.

Literally the minute I walked through the doors of the church I was changed. I was relaxed. I was calmed. I felt a peace that I haven't felt in quite some time. I knew that everything was going to be perfect. And it was.

The dedication service was amazing. Amazing and personal in every way. First Baptist Church is very special to me and to Travis. I was dedicated there, I grew up there and we were married there. FBC was a huge support to us and to our family when Morgan Kate was born. Cary, the preacher there, is phenomenal. I even felt so comfortable with him that I passed Morgan Kate over. I surely did. Cary knows our story because he was a big part of our story. While I was hospitalized he came to visit and prayed with us. Once Morgan Kate was born he came numerous times to check on us and pray over her. His support and encouragement and prayers were very needed and very helpful. While walking Morgan Kate around the church he talked about how early she was and how tiny she was. He told people that she wasn't much bigger than an adult hand and clearly she had grown. He talked about the miracle that she was and how God works. He then started singing and the congregation followed:

He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the whole world in His hands

He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands

He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands

He's got the itty bitty baby in His hands

He's got the whole world in His hands

Yes, it would be safe to assume that I was emotional. Very emotional. Let me be honest, I was pretty emotional the entire time.

The entire service was just so heartfelt and special. I feel like my words just don't do it justice. Morgan Kate was one of two babies being dedicated. The other baby was a little boy and he was precious! At the end of the dedication Morgan Kate was presented with a dedication certificate and a beautiful pink blanket.

Morgan Kate did so well. She smiled, she giggled and she soaked it all in. She loved being the center of attention. And she also loved the choir. The girl loves her music. She made it through the dedication perfectly and did pretty well until about half way through the church service. When she got a little fussy Kaky was right there to scoop her up and walk out with her. After only a few dinks Morgan Kate was off in dream land.

Sunday was a day filled with smiles, tears, prayer, God's word, lots of family and friends, and so much love. We were so blessed to have so many family members and friends present for such a special day. It is impossible for me to look at my precious baby girl and not see God's work first hand. He is simply amazing and so is she. 

Yesterday may have been Mother's Day and a day to celebrate mothers. Which I did. I definitely celebrated the fact that I have such a terrific mom. But for me, I found myself celebrating the fact that I have such a wonderful husband and amazing little girl.

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The gown Morgan Kate wore for the service was a family heirloom. Morgan Kate's great-great grandmother made the gown over 57 years ago. My uncle and my dad each wore the gown when they were christened. My grandmother, Mammie, has kept the gown since that time and cleaned and pressed it for us. It was absolutely stunning and I couldn't have imagined her wearing anything else. 

Kaky and GDaddy gave Morgan Kate a beautiful monogrammed locket for her special day and a gorgeous white bib with a cross and her initials monogrammed on it. I seriously could have kept her in that dress with that bib for days.

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*And I'll let you all in on a little secret. I did feel completely comfortable handing Morgan Kate over and I did feel completely at peace when Cary carried her up the aisle of the church. But let's get real. I am still the mom of a preemie and somewhat of a germ-a-phob. So we kept her hands very far from her mouth and the minute we returned to our seats we bathed her down with our sanitizing wipes. 

*I am going to try and post a slideshow from our entire weekend very soon. Be sure to check back.