Easter Sunday will now have a greater meaning in our family. Cece's First Easter was also Baby Blessing Day when we celebrated the beginning of her lifelong, spiritual journey.
The concept of the Baby Blessing or Dedication as it is also known came about for families like ours who have religious beliefs but do not affiliate with only one church or faith in particular. Rather, the beliefs of the family are more of a collection of diverse perspectives about God.
Our message to Cece is simple. We want her to recognize and respect all religious beliefs while she learns and grows into her own. Our role is to guide her and remind her that there is great power in the universe and in the shared spiritual bonds of nature and humanity.
In keeping with the tradition of our wedding, we called on our dear friend Paul who performed our ceremony. Paul was planning a visit and was willing to once again lead our family through a very personal and important event.
With our close friends and family spread out around the country, we requested contributions of poems, readings and the like to be read during the blessing. These very special readings reinforced our desire to acknowledge and be grateful for everyone's point of view. The readings included passages from the Bible, a Jewish baby blessing, personal poems, prayers and other very special words of dedication.
We the rain pouring down all day, the intimate gathering took place in our living room. We were joined by Cece's Godmother, my cousin Serena who drove with her daughters from Northern California. Cece's Godfather, Mike joined us via phone from New England. Nana Kissi was here as a special part of our family and gets credit for all the fantastic photos.
There could not have been a more moving and meaningful way to welcome Cecelia into the world and as Paul would say "give her wings to fly"!
The Reverend begins.
Mommy and Daddy share their personal messages with Cece.
Honey participates in her own special way.
Serena moves us to tears.
Alexann reads Auntie Leslee's poem.
Clarisse reads proverbs sent by her grandmother, Eva who is also my aunt and Cece's great aunt.
Daddy gives kisses from the heart.
Mommy is very proud and overjoyed.
The rain stops for group photos on the deck.
We just know there is a rainbow out there somewhere!
Our deepest gratitude to Paul, Uncle Mike and family, Serena, Clarisse, Alexann and Nana Kissi for making the day so special ... and heartfelt thanks to my brother Kenn, Aunt Eva, Sheree and Al, Melody and Jason, Auntie Leslee, Mom-Mom Judy, Jennifer and Annie for the readings. We love you all!
Can't you see it with twinkle lights already?!
Honey tries to steer clear of the construction. 
Cecelia thinks Daddy is pretty amazing. 
One weekend, some lumber, a little paint, a few beers and VOILA!