Baptism: Details

Jacob's baptism was quite the event. Grandparents from both sides (Nana, Papa, Gramma, Grampa) were in attendance, and although uncles and aunts were unable to make it, we know they were there in spirit. Really, the roads were a mess anyway. Grandparents began to arrive the week before the baptism, and by the time Sunday morning rolled around, there was a houseful. Add to this the fact that Sophia and Jacob were both in the middle of colds, low on sleep and high on the crabometer, (is that CRAB-o-MEE-tur or crab-AW-muh-ter?), it was an eventful few days. And yes, Daddy did lose his temper a couple times. One can only say "use your words, please" so many times before you want to give up and place a listing on ebay.

So with all of that, we were understandably nervous when Sunday morning rolled around. But all was well. All children were relatively well behaved. A quick stop for videotape and we arrived at the church with time to spare. We met Marie-eve and Kelvin (the godparents) at the church, and everyone was excited. It's not every day that I wear a suit after all.

Sophia was tasked with helping Russell(the minister) pour the water into the baptismal font. A couple tries later and it was decided that she should have some help, so I held her while she held the water jug and we all together with Russell's help practiced pouring the water.

The service was very nice. Russell presented the story of the ten commandments using Godly Play and both Sophia and William were quite interested, for a little while. Then they wanted to get right in there and play with the props. During the part of the service that wasn't the baptism, Sophia and William played in the nursery and attend a bit of the Sunday school program.

Jacob was absolutely wonderful for the baptism event itself. He was alert and curious and didn't make a peep or anything. He looked around as Russell walked him up and down the aisle, and everyone commented at how cute he is and how big he is getting.

I took this opportunity to (finally) transfer my membership from Wilson Heights UC in Vancouver, to Sunset. Considering how involved I am with the church, it made sense. Tricia remains a member of presbytery since she is an ordained minister.

After the baptism, and after the children had had a chance to nap and the adults recover, We had a little party at our house. Claire and her parents were there, as well as Owen and his parents, and of course William and his parents. Both sets of Grandparents were in attendance, and Barb and her son stopped by later on, which was great. I had been working with Barb on music for the church musical for a while. Not everyone who was invited was able to come, and specifically we missed Melissa (Sophia's God-mother) and the rest of the Wolseley contingent who were unable to come because Taylor and Aiden had colds. It definitely seems a cold-filled winter. Also, and I believe I mentioned this already, the roads were terrible.

Marie-eve made a wonderful cake for the party, and munchies and punch were had.

Overall, a very successful day. Jacob will grow in the knowledge that he has a dedicated community of friends, family and church, and that he will never be alone.