Baptism Flashbacks

We visited a new church last Sunday.  A priest who was a friend of ours back when Will was a toddler is the pastor at a neighboring church and we decided to go there for Mass this past Sunday.  It was so nice to see Father Phil.  He baptized Harry 11 years ago.  Funny thing...At Harry's Baptism, when Father Phil asked what name we give this child, I said."Harrison Reed." And father Phil (who knew us) said, "I baptize you Hamilton Reed."  I have always joked that Harry was baptized by the wrong name.  I tease him that when he gets to heaven, St. Peter won't be able to find his name one the list:)

Another lil funny story....  One day back then, we invited Father Phil over to dinner.  It was the first time we ever had a priest over to dinner.  Well, Father Phil was very, very, very late to dinner (like 2 hours late).  And this was back in the days before everyone had a cell phone so we did not know how to reach him. Harry was an infant and needed to go to bed. We were flustered and dinner was overcooked. I vividly remember sitting on the front porch wondering if we should just go ahead and eat or keep waiting.  He eventually showed up and never offered any explanation for why he was so late. We never asked either. When we sat down to eat, Will wanted to say the blessing.  So we let him.  He then proceeded to say the HaMotzi  (a Jewish blessing) as he was enrolled in a Jewish pre-school at the time. Dave and I were quite embarrassed but Father Phil thought it was great!

So, Sunday was so nice.  The church was so warm and welcoming. We got to catch up with Father Phil for a few minutes. And we heard a great homily about letting go of fears that paralyze us (hello, I needed that one) and what keeps us from being more loving.  Also, a little baby was being baptized and it reminded me of the Baptisms of my 3 babies.  In fact, I got a little misty reminiscing.

I did not blog back when Will and Harry were baptized so I wanted to share a some pictures of theor Baptisms.

Will was 4 months old when he was baptized.  My sister, Dawn is his Godmother.  I remember wanting to get him a gown but Dave did not go for that so I got a lacy white "boy" outfit instead! LOL!

GO ahead, make fun of my 1997 hair!




Will was a beautiful baby!!!



Will was baptized in the church that Dave and I were married in.

We had a party at our home after Will's Baptism but I don't have any photos really.  I have a photo of the petit fours:)


And this one of my nephew, Austin who is a month older than Will.
Austin is on the left (he lives in CA so we don't see him nearly enough) and Will is on the right.

  I have a feeling that a roll of film from the party never got developed.  I cannot imagine that I would not have taken any pictures.  Dawn, if you are reading, do you have any?

Now onto Harry's Baptism....Harry was also about 4 months old ( I think).

I did get him a nice long traditional gown.  I am sure Dave still was none too thrilled but I did not care.  I think all babies should be Baptized in a beautiful gown.  How cute is he?!

Harry was baptized in our current church which makes me so happy. And that is father Phil up there and Harry's Godparents.

Look at how Will is squeezing Harry's lil neck in the one above.  He has him in a choke hold and poor Harry's face is all red.  Obviously, I had no idea he was squeezing so hard! This is Dave's brother and his (former)wife and our niece and nephew who are now in college!!!!

These are Harry Godparents (Miss Cathy and Mr. Scott). They are still some of our dearest friends and just moved back to Houston this year.  We spend time with them every single week.  They are like family to us.  Look at lil Harry's smile.  He was such a happy baby.

We had a small party for close friends and family at our house.  I think it was very casual. We had a pool and I think the party was mostly outside. I remember having Shrimp Etoufee and Cajun food for adults (catered) and hot dogs for kiddos.  Again, I have only a few photos.

Look at Harry smiling up at his Godfather! Love this.  Harry adores and looks up to his Godfather, Scott to this day.  I so wish this photo were a better quality.

Kate was baptized on her actual first birthday. It was such a special day!  She had been home exactly 2 months.  

Kate was such a ham!  She was pulling at Harry's hair...

Will wore his silks form China!

 I love this photo of the boys watching their sister.





This is one of my best friends, Staci holding Kate as she is baptized.  Staci and her husband, Long are Kate's Godparents.

look at that little foot....so cute!

My favorite ones from Kate's Baptism though were when the priest in Virginia put his hand up to pray over her and she put her hand up too.  It was so precious.



She also tried to read along in the Bible...





I love Harry's face here.  (I was very lucky that my good friend, Bagel took all these photos for us!)



We had a big party to celebrate Kate's Baptism, first birthday and joining our family.  It was the first time many of our relatives got to meet Kate.  I blogged all about it here and there are lots of photos.  I had better cameras by then and friends that took photos:)

Hope you enjoyed the little walk down memory lane. I know I did.  When I look back at the boys baptisms, it almost seems like another lifetime.  I wish I had more photos and I wish I could remember more from those sleep deprived baby days.  It is all kind of a blur.

Lent begins in hours and I am 7 bags in!!!!  I am WAY ahead of schedule.