Madi's dedication

Father's Day was Madi's dedication. I was so hoping to have a glowing review of the dedication which is in part why it's taken so long to post this. Other than <insert baby's name> it was pretty impersonal. We had to supply the church with Madi's bible verse and her story plus tell it again during our pre-dedication meeting yet there was no mention of any of it during the service. I had hoped for the opportunity to thank the Stephen's Ministers and the church for their prayers and support. Before the service both pastors commented on the unusually large show of family and both Dan and I mentioned Madi's prematurity and time in the hospital but there were no follow-up questions or mention from the pulpit. I've been telling myself that it's a personal decision to raise Madi in a Christian home and dedication is public announcement of that intention. We did stand before the church and acknowledge we'd raise Madi according to the Bible to the best of our abilities so I should just get over it. Which is why I'm going to wrap up this post, publish it and move on. I was just hoping it could've been more...

You, Lord, brought me safely through birth and you protected me when I was a baby at my mother's breast. From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of birth, you have been my God.

Psalm 22:9-10

I don't doubt that Madi has laid in the palm of His hands, felt the warmth of His embrace and heard His voice. There were days I swore the two spent the night discussing how to surprise us next. Remember the day Madi went off the ventilator and never had to go back on? Remember when they said Madi might need her incubator again? Remember when the doctors said she was too young to nurse but she did it anyway? I could come up with so many more "remembers." Madilyn the Mighty turned into Miracle Madi because God was guiding every minute of the journey. Praise!!

More family pics on the 2011 Pictures page.