Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I" HAVE HELD THEE IN THE PALM OF MY HAND." -Isaiah 51:16

On March 1st, 2009 we placed our daughter, Halainah Grace Qinyang in God's care forever more. Our precious gift from heaven above was welcomed into Christ's family with love.

We gathered with family and friends to celebrate the most important day in Halainah's life thus far, her Baptism. The ceremony was beautiful but hectic unfortunately. Afterwards we celebrated at "The Godparents" house (Aunt Bonnie's and Uncle Mario's). It was a very touching day. We have dreamt for 10 years of the day that we would baptise our child. But instead of dreaming about it, we lived it. We lived one of the best days of our lives. And our family and friends were there to support us which meant the world to us.

I need to personally thank Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Mario, Billy, Alyssa and CJ. I was so sick on Saturday night. My fever hit 102.7. Every single muscle hurt in my body. I had to go to the doctor and get a steroid shot in my bum because my sinuses were so stuffed and inflamed. It was the worst sinus infection I think I ever had. I thought for sure I was not going to be able to make it through my daughter's most sacred day. Thank you Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Mario, Billy, Alyssa and CJ for taking care of everything. Thank you so much for ensuring that Halainah's day was so special. I know how much work you all put into her day. I know how exhausting it was for all of you. And I am so sorry that I wasn't able to help more. Thank you is not enough. You all never cease to amaze me and I love you to the moon and back!

Halainah's Jiu Jiu (my brother) flew all the way from Colorado just to celebrate Halainah's special day. The last time Halainah saw her Jiu Jiu was in China. When Jiu Jiu got into the car at the airport Halainah stared at him. But a few minutes later she was smiling and laughing. When we got home she didn't want to be away from him. She was glued to his side. She definitely missed her Jiu Jiu. But the best part was that all weekend she would randomly kiss him and hug him. They would be playing and she would stop to kiss him and hug him. It really touched my heart. In fact when he said goodbye to fly back home, Halainah put her arms out as he walked out the door. I cried, it broke my heart to see him leave to go back home.


Halainah and her Jiu Jiu!

Jiu Jiu made Halainah this tin foil hat which she proudly wore.

Well just for a little while!
Halainah's beautiful Baptism dress that her Godparents bought for her.

Aunt Bonnie is getting Halainah dressed for her special day.
Halainah and Uncle Mario
Halainah and Aunt Bonnie

Blowing kisses to all of her fans!
All dressed and ready to go

The most important moment...
Grandma has been praying for this day. She never smiles in pictures. And she is smiling from ear to ear!

Our family with "The Godparents" Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Mario

We have a ton more pictures but I was careful about posting them. I am not sure which family members would allow their pictures on my blog.

2 comments:

LivingSimply, SimplyLiving said...

Hi Dee,
I know it must be hard for you and Tony wanting to share Lainey in that most special way with your Mom. I just know she is looking down on you guys smiling at your most beautiful daughter. She definitely had a hand in Lainey bug. She would have been the best grandma ever here on earth..
it is obvious, for she was the best mom ever to you and Bobby.
and that is why I am certain you are and will always be a great mommy:)
I know for certain my mom wants that most special relationship as well..how blessed is my mom to have such a beautiful granddaughter in Lainey...
How truly blessed we all are.
In light of things with my dad..it makes me reevalute certain things and like you said you never know what life is going to throw you.
So, on thankful thursday..lets count all our blessings...
Life is not perfect..but we can see past that with God as our guide.
With much Love,
Annmarie
PS Halainah looks absolutely beautiful..She is just like an angel. May you always have such joy and happiness. She truly is a treasure:)

Natalie said...

Congratulations and God bless Halainah! What a beautiful and blessed day! I'm so sorry to hear you were feeling so crummy, though. It's time for winter to make its exit! I just got over my first sinus infection and I think I would rather not ever have another one, and it sounds like yours was even worse, so I feel for ya. What a blessing that you had such wonderful family and friends to help you make Halainah's special day just the way you wanted it. I hope everyone is feeling better now!

I'm glad your brother got to come out for the occasion. I could see from the pictures and stories when you were in China what a special relationship you have with him, and that he has now with Halainah. I just think that's awesome. I'm very close to my brother (who lives in Colorado!) and sister and there is just nothing that replaces that bond. My kids just absolutely love my sister and that makes me happier than she will probably ever know.

Halainah looked beautiful, of course, and I'm just so thrilled that you all made it to that day. As my grandma would say, now she is holy ;)