We just celebrated a really exciting day with Isabel. We had her baptism on Sunday, June 22, and it was gorgeous. Miss Isabel Merritt was baptized into the Christian faith and Westminster Presbyterian's church family by Reverend Dave Carlson, the same minister that baptized Isabel's big sister Elizabeth Scott.
Jeff's family comes from a Baptist background, so I explained that we do things differently at our church. In explaining the infant baptism and eventual confirmation process that Isabel will go through for church, it made me realize the importance of what she's doing. It is amazing to think that Isabel was baptized the same way that other babies have been for hundreds of years - since the first church. It's awe inspiring to think of it that way.
Isabel wore a gorgeous gown that her Gigi bought her with the discerning eye of her Aunt Angie. She was an angel in it. We are going to have her name and her baptism date embroidered on the slip. All our other children and maybe even grandchildren will wear that gown and have their names sewn on the slip as well. We have one picture with the bonnet, and the rest are without it. Jeff was not a fan of the bonnet!She was asleep when it was her turn to be baptized. I handed her to Dave, and he doused her really well with Holy water. She must have felt the Spirit because she woke right up and let us know she was there. After she was safely in her mother's arms, she nestled back to sleep for the finishing prayers. It was just a lovely moment. Her in my arms with Jeff beside me. I just looked at my little angel and stroked her cheek as she slept. Oh, how sweet that face is!
We enjoyed the service for a while longer, but she let us know that she was ready to go to the nursery during the sermon. The other little boy that was baptized with us chose an opportune time (during a prayer) to have a very noisy BM, so I guess it could have been worse. I found out from his mother later that he only goes once a week and of course decided to go then. The Spirit REALLY moved him.
Did anyone tell you that this day would be crazy stressful? Well, it was. With families to juggle and visiting cousin that got sick and friends that traveled from everywhere - it could have been a recipe for disaster. Luckily, I had the forethought to have my best friend Kristin as Isabel's Godmother.
Before the service, Kristin was telling us how the Godmother used to be the one at the church and the mother stayed home. In the Presbyterian service, the Godmother unfortunately isn't involved in the service. Well, we found a job for her. It was to keep me sane. Kristin was a Godsend. Literally. She schlepped around the diaper bag and helped calm my nerves for the day. I can't imagine what a basket case I will be for Isabel's wedding day - so Kris, get ready for that one. (Oh, and this weekend was Kris's first BIG dose of birth control - bless her.)
AND our dear - fantastic - friends Jo Ann and Ray Hollins hosted the baptism luncheon for Isabel. It was beautiful and delicious. We are so lucky to have them in Greenville. Not only for hosting such a wonderful day for us, but also being there for help whenever we need them. Its no wonder they are my parent's best friends.Thank you to all friends and family that joined us. It was such a special day to have everyone there celebrating. Oh, and Angie - it was such a special time. (Oh, and could no one fix my Pepper Mint Patty hair sweep in all these pictures... that was not the look I was going for.)
