Baptism Bonanza

Think what you will of original sin, I wanted to assure that if the girls find themselves keeping Cerebrus company along the River Styxx, it was of their own free will and not because of Brian and me conceiving them the old fashioned way.  So, to absolve ourselves of this responsibility, we decided it was time to baptize a couple little girls.


We called up a couple of our old friends who we believe to be of relatively good moral standing, who have an affection for the Episcopal and/or Catholic Church, and who we believe will be good counselors to our girls in the years to come and asked them to be godparents.  Chuck and Shelagh Moul agreed to take Sage under their wing.  Robyn Richards and Reuben Varghese agreed to do the same for Lucy.

Godparents Robyn and Reuben with Lucy

Godparents Chuck and Shelagh with a pretty excited Sage.

Family began trickling in on Thursday.  By Saturday, we had a full-fledge Baptism Bonanaza underway.  Between my parents and us, we had 15 overnight guests.  To beat the heatwave, we took the kids to the splash park and had pizza delivered there.  A few hours later with all the urchins tucked into bed, the adults opened some wine and had a moment to enjoy each other's company.  Despite the run on the showers and the mass of people to feed, we all made it to the church on time. 

Samantha and Grandmother

The girls each wore dresses and bonnets that Mimi (Brian's mom) made and that Grammy (my mom) hand beaded with little pearls.  The lace under their collars came from my wedding veil (also made by Mimi).  These dresses are spectacular heirlooms that we hope will be enjoyed be generations to come.   Grammy embroidered the girls' names inside the hem of the lining and added little shamrocks to their sashes.  

Lucy

Sage

The baptism itself was held outside in the gardens at Trinity Episcopal Church.  A shortened service that is conducive to families, it normally lasts only about 35 minutes.  For our service, they cut out the sermon entirely...baptism, communion...done.  

Baptizing Lucy

Baptizing Sage

Sadly, what I'll likely remember from the baptism was every button except for two coming undone on my dress as I stood up to present Lucy as a candidate.  Thank goodness for my Aunt Terry who was able to hold the baby in front of me while I got myself put together.  Brian tried to delay by asking lots of questions...do I need the program?  Should I bring the girls up?  Is it time for us right now?  Should I go up or wait for you, Jen? 

Following the baptism, we returned to our house where my friend Cindy Beilke catered brunch.  It was Cindy's first catering gig and it was fantastic!  Two different French toasts, three different quiche-like dishes, fresh tomatoes and mozarella, mini pancakes for the kids, a huge fruit salad.  

Beautiful day.  Beautiful friends and family.  Wonderful reminder of how blessed we are.