Charlotte's Baptism

Several months ago when we scheduled Charlotte's Baptism, we had no idea what a crazy week and weekend it was going to be. The unexpected loss of Nana Catherine coupled with Christmas Part 1 gave us a lot to do and to think about. We were happy though to have something so special to look forward to after a tough week!

Here is Charlotte in her casual wear before church. She decided to have a little chat with her new friend Rolo!


We kept Charlotte in her play clothes until we got to church so we wouldn't get her beautiful dress wrinkled. When we arrived at the church we headed to the nursery so we'd have room to get her changed. After a quick diaper change we put her in her gown and were ready to go! We took our places in the front pew so we'd be ready to go forward. It was nice to have the church decorated for Christmas and to have all of the traditional Christmas hymns during the service. I was concerned at one point when I looked to my right and saw the men's choir walking down and standing in the aisle right next to us. I wasn't sure how Charlotte would handle it when they started to belt out the tune, but she just turned her head and stared as usual.

After the greeting and opening prayer we were invited up for the Baptism ceremony. After saying our "I do's" and "I will's", the Pastor took Charlotte. Both Pastors proceeded to cup their hands and dip into the water and pour it on Charlotte's head. This was not a sprinkle, it was definately a downpour! Charlotte gave the Pastor quite a look, but there was no crying! He walked her around the congregation and then back up to us. Her head was soaked and dripping down her back!





After we went back to sit down I looked up at the altar and there was a large puddle on the ground. It had just barely dried by the end of the service! I was hoping that Charlotte would last through the rest of the service, but just as the sermon was beginning she made a few peeps so I decided to head to the back where I could stand and walk with her. After the service we walked down and took a few pictures.





After the service we were heading back to our house for a little luncheon in honor of Charlotte. Instead of changing her at the church we decided to just put her in the carseat with her gown on. Almost immediately upon leaving the parking lot she was asleep!




She ended up sleeping in her carseat for about 25 minutes and then was ready to interact with her adoring public. We had lots of help with the preparations for the luncheon - thanks so much to Kathleen, Aunt Linda and Sarah for making and bringing many of the food items. Steve enjoys taking pictures of the food we have at all of our events, and here is a particularly good one of the orzo salad that Kathleen made. I just thought it looked a bit like a magazine cover so decided to include it here. :)



Here are a few more pictures of Charlotte in her beautiful dress that Nana Catherine helped us pick out!



Having fun with Nana!

Charlotte and her Grandma