Flower Child

*Big Sigh*

We have just finished a very busy week - and as with all busy weeks, there comes that special time at the very end...the time to reflect on the week's happenings and blog.

This past week, my brother-in-law Brian got married. O.K., not technically - that actually happened the week before (that is a story for another time). This past weekend was the ceremony with all the bells and whistles...AND...a flower girl.

Laura, Brian's bride, asked if Hailey could 'stand' in their wedding and be the flower girl. At only (almost) 13 months old, I was skeptical about her ability to attend a wedding, much less participate in one. However, I would never stand in the way of a bride's desires - and so my daughter was added to the wedding party. I bought the cutest little party dress and with extra material from the bride's green dress, a sash was made that allowed Hailey to fit right in.

Even though she just learned to walk, having her actually propel herself down the isle would have taken forever and would have probably resulted in a frustration tantrum. So daddy (who was a groomsman) carried her and I walked beside her with a basket of rose petals for her to drop. I'm embarassed, but I'll say this right now for all the world to see (or at least the 4 people that actually read my blog)...

I totally underestimated my daughter.

I gave her a couple of rose petals as we walked, and (although she didn't drop them) she gripped one in each hand and showed everyone at the wedding her new petals. She was an absolute angel. When the ceremony began, daddy held her the whole time he stood with the wedding party. The only sounds she made were an occasional "Uh Oh" when she dropped a petal on the ground. She even leaned forward to listen to Brian and Laura's vows.

Once the reception got underway, she got out onto the dance floor with her daddy and her Aunt Angie. She danced and walked (right through a big dance circle to get her time in the spotlight). Hailey even stuck it out until the very end, when everything was cleaned up, all the gifts were in the car and the happy couple finally drove into the night. She let out a little giggle when she hit her car seat - apparently giddy to finally be able to sleep.

For her first wedding, she really impressed a lot of people with her patience, behavior, stamina and just sheer cuteness.

She is only ONE and her daddy has already walked her down the isle. The next time that happens... well...I can't even wrap my imagination around that yet, but I sure she'll be just as beautiful and I'll be just as proud. *Big Sigh*

The above photos are from the first wedding and the rehearsal - pictures of Hailey in her dress will be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theyspot/ - when I get the chance to post them :)