Easter, Our First Holiday

I know that I should start things at the beginning of the story, but after such a fantastic Easter weekend with family, I decided to talk about the first holiday that we were able to celebrate. I have always loved the Easter celebration. It generally coincides with the LDS church general conference, is about all that my Savior has done for me, and a little candy and chocolate never hurts. But this year was even better that years past.
On November 20 our little family put all holidays on hold. We had planned a trip to Idaho for (American) Thanksgiving, instead we spent the day in the hospital. For our anniversary we managed some time away from the hospital, but really dinner was spent thinking about Logan and we quickly returned to the hospital. Christmas of coarse was to be spent in Canada with family, again we just spent the day in the hospital. We did manage to get a little tree for the apartment and may have gotten the best presents ever (I will discuss that is a later post). New years again was spent in the hospital. As we got close to Valentine's day I thought we might actually get to celebrate, but alas we spent the day in the hospital. My birthday was the final full day we spent in the hospital, I am not one to make a big deal out of my birthday so knowing that we were likely bringing Logan home the next day was enough for me. That would bring us to the next holiday, Easter.
We would finally get to celebrate the holidays again. In the LDS children are given a name and a blessing. (somewhat like a christening in the Catholic church) We thought what better time to do this than Easter Sunday. We invited my parents and Diana's parents (although her mom came early to lend a much needed hand, thanks). The weather in Portland, for the first time in weeks, was bright and sunny. I cannot express the joy and love that was felt the whole weekend long. We don't have a lot of room in our apartment, which has been made smaller by all the new baby gear, but nobody seemed to notice the lack of space. We were able to visit, share stories, enjoy was Easter ham and for the first time since November actually enjoy all that a holiday can offer.
Having Logan blessed in church was like the culmination of all the heartache, thoughts, prayers and work put in on behalf of our little guy.  If I could have given everyone that has done anything for Logan, big or small, a hug and shared my love I would have. I cannot even begin to describe the outpouring of love that I have experienced over the last few months. Many times I was humbled by the kind acts of others and the stories of how Logan has impacted the lives of others.
I know Logan will not remember all times that his grandparents held him, or the little treats and toys that he received, or the numerous pictures that were taken, or even the countless times he was told how cute and perfect he is. But for me I will never forget the first holiday that we celebrated as a family. For those that couldn't share in our perfect weekend, I know your hearts were with us. May this be a reminder of what is important in your lives. I could have never imagined how my little family would come to be, but this weekend was just how I would have pictured it.