Baptisms

 We received an email today from Jude's godmother, Kimberly Henneberg, to remind us that today is the 2-year anniversary of Jude's baptism.  I did a little searching around on my computer and found the above photo of dressing Jude is his baptismal gown back at St. Brendan's on March 28, 2010.  We recently baptized Corinne at The Falls Church on March 11, 2012.  The below photo is of dressing Corinne in her baptismal gown.  Jude was two and a half months old in that photo, and Corinne was about three and a half months old in this photo.  I think I see some resemblances!  What ended up being very cool, is that our pastor at St. Brendan's now works for The Falls Church.  He so happened to be preaching on the Sunday of Corinne's baptism, so we were able to request that he baptize Corinne.  So both of our children have been baptized by the Rev. Bill Haley, which was very special for us as he has played a big role in our family's growth in the Christian faith since we began attending St. B's shortly after we were married.  

 Cool fact:  This was my baptismal gown, which Corinne also wore for her baptism.  Corinne decided to make her entry into the world on November 29, 2011.  I was baptized on November 29th 25 years ago (or maybe a few more than that but who's counting?)

Photo of the family and godparents (Landon & Lauren Ludwick in case you don't recognize the faces!) the morning of Corinne's baptism.  (Sidenote:  I look at this photo and think to myself, "I am so short!"  I don't feel that short, but there is an obvious dip in this landscape, and it is me!)  Corinne's baptism was beautiful.  Our pastor John Yates asked us some questions, which Ryan answered on our behalf because he is much more articulate than I am.  Ryan had great responses...I don't remember every word, but I know that he said something about Corinne's baptism being significant to us because it is the day that we welcome her into God's family.  It's the day that we made promises to raise her to know the love of Christ and to teach her how to follow Him.  

Growing up, my family always had the tradition to take out our baptismal candle, light it and sing a few songs and hymns on the anniversary of our baptism.  I think as a child (ok, teenager) I found this to be a little cheesy, but looking back, I am so glad that my parents celebrated this anniversary with us every year.  I am looking forward to reminding our children of their baptisms and what they mean.  Of course, I may need help remembering the anniversaries of their baptisms, but thankfully I have godparents who will email me with reminders!  We have started reading some from a children's Bible to Jude, saying simple prayers with him, singing songs and in other ways teaching him about the God in whom we believe.  I am so excited to see how these conversations will become richer as our kids grow older--as a parent, it is one of the things that I look forward to the most!