Rowen's Baby Blessing

 Our newest little member of the family recently had his baby blessing at exactly six weeks old on October 11, 2015. Whenever you have a baby, people wonder how you decided on the baby's name. Honestly, I liked the name Owen, but wanted it a little more unique as Owen is still a somewhat common name. We added the "R" and decided it sounded stalwart and strong, necessary since Rowen has a brother name Baelor, another regal name.

Väinö is his great-grandfather's name, my mother's dad. We pass on Finnish middle names to all of our children since both Paul and myself have Finnish heritage. Pappa's (Väinö) 100th birthday was just three days before Rowen was born.

Those present at his baby blessing were Mommy and Daddy, Reina, Baelor, Mummi and Papa Will, Karter, Uncle Richard and Aunt Sanni and their family, Grandma and Grandpa Guinn, Aunt Sharon and Aunt Louise, Uncle Steve and Aunt Katie. Participating in the circle were: Daddy, Grandpa Guinn, Papa Will, Uncle Richard, and Bishop Sears

Our dear Heavenly Father, with the authority of the Holy Melchezidek Priesthood which we hold we take this baby in our hands and give him a name and a blessing. The name by which he’ll be known is Rowen Väinö Guinn. Rowen, at this time we bless you with strength in your body, spirit and mind. We bless you that you will be an example to those around you. We bless you that you will have a spirit of love to bless your siblings and that you will be an example of love to your parents; an example of the Savior’s love. We bless you that you will have a healthy body; that you will be able to fight off illnesses and diseases. We bless you that as you start your mortal life that you will find the good and correct path, the path of righteousness. We bless you that you will find the good examples around you. We bless you that you will be a good example of the Gospel; that those you meet will want to know more because of your example. We leave these blessings, and any others that Heavenly Father knows you are in need of in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 At six weeks he started to show some really happy grins when someone pleased him...especially mommy! He likes being held over the shoulder and swatted on his bottom. He is starting to recognize different shapes and find the animals on his bouncer entertaining. He also is beginning to discover his hands and the joy of gnawing on them. Most nights are snuggled up against mommy, but occasionally he'll take a few hours in his own room. Like his other siblings, he enjoys the swing and the pacifier- thank goodness!

As parents we see resemblance of both Reina and Baelor. Early on he was very similar to Baelor, but as he is growing we both see more and more of Reina coming through. Really, he blends the very drastic looks of Reina and Baelor. So, thank you Rowen for completing our family's "look".

His big brother Baelor loves him already. He is very gentle with Rowen and loves to snuggle up to him. He will be so excited to teach Rowen all the great things that big brothers do. Yes, even getting into the chocolate chips like this picture shows. (While I was busy doing this photo shoot, Baelor got into the bag of chocolate chips.) I just had to capture the evidence all stuck in his teeth!