Another, Really Fantastic Day

Once we knew that Max was coming home, Aaron made arrangements to move his flight back a few days. He'd take the rest of that week and return to work the upcoming Sunday. This would allow for some time together as a family, as well as a baby blessing. It was all working out perfectly. 

Aaron's mom was able to fly in and be a part of all of it. Here are a few photos of her, holding Max for the first time. 

Because we were given strict orders by the doctor to not take Max into public (ie, church, shopping,  or really any large gathering of people) we figured it would be best to bless the little dude at my parents house. We have a few family members that live close by and we were able to include them as well. It was intimate and happy and just perfect. We had both grandmas, and a good chunk of Max's aunts and uncles. We felt so blessed to have so many that we love, spend that day with us. Aaron gave a wonderful blessing and everything went perfectly. We also had the Hanamaikais with us. He is in the bishopric for my family's ward and they also happen to be friends of ours. I'm glad they were able to be there with us as well. 

 

When we made the plans to bless him, we ordered his blessing outfit immediately. It was shipped and delivered right in time! Aaron's sister Melody crocheted these booties for him. They were so tiny and cute. We're so glad she was able to whip these up so quickly. She made him a few hats too that were so cute and kept his head nice and warm in the NICU.

All the wonderful men that participated in the blessing. I'm so grateful to have these guys in my life. I'm also so glad they were all able to make it on such short notice!

Here are more of our family that made it. 

Melody and Nathan

My mom (hopefully since it was her house, right?)

Aaron's mom, Debbie.

Brandon and Jeanessa

Kelsey and Daniel (Daniel took a quick break from work to come and participate in the blessing. He left pretty quickly after so I only got a picture of him with the men that did the blessing.)

Jordan

Kristen Hanamaikai

After the blessing we had waffles. They were quite tasty.

Because we were in CA and I didn't have my studio with me (I know you're all surprised I don't carry it around on my back.) I took Max's blessing and newborn photos when I got back to UT. He was a few weeks older in the following photos.