A Visit to Illinois

Last week Abigail completed a major rite of passage for every Morton baby: her first visit to Illinois to meet her great grandparents. To get there, she also happened to take her first airplane ride. Needless to say it was a big week!!

Abigail loved meeting her great grands, for whom she had many smiles and happy grunts. It was especially sweet to have Abigail's smiles since we were there for my uncle Jim's funeral.

This is my darling Grandma Appel (pronounced "apple") with my sweet baby. Everything I know about pies is because of this lady!












This is my beloved Grandpa Appel, who made me laugh and laugh.

















My sweet parents. They love Abigail so much!












Best picture of my dad from the whole week!

















Like my friend Gwyneth (another mom of two girls), I have discovered that I am a "matchy-matchy" mom. I may not look identical, but I have fun coordinating my outfit with theirs. (I didn't know I had it in me!)

















July 18, 2008. Six months old today!

Abigail's Dedication

This past Sunday was a big day for sweet Abigail. It was the day we publicly declared in church our desire to raise her to know God. It was the day we committed to follow the LORD so closely ourselves that she would see an example in us. And it was the day we asked for the support of the other members of our church family.

With joy, we brought Abigail before the church body and had the pastor read 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 over her:

"May our LORD Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed."

We were indebted to each person who came to the dedication to support us and hold us accountable to raise Abigail well. We love you guys!

Our dear friend Stephanie Harrison took these pictures of the day.

OUR FAMILY











































OUR FRIENDS-WHO-ARE-LIKE-FAMILY
































































Also, to those who couldn't be there, we missed you all as well: Mom and Dad Habgood, Uncle Dan and Aunt Amanda, Josh and Emily, Joel and Heidi, Lauren, Allie, and Marty and Andrea.

Progress with the Sitting