Baptism Weekend

This past weekend was Ellie's big baptism and the whole thing went even better than I could have imagined. I managed to do about 95% of the cooking on Friday evening/Saturday morning, so I was able to visit with everyone and really enjoy myself instead of worrying about cooking the food and cleaning the kitchen at the last minute - definitely something I'll plan to do for future parties. Having the ability to focus on cooking, then clean the kitchen between each recipe made the whole thing so much easier.

Our families traveled down from Connecticut on Saturday and everyone stopped in to visit and say hello to Miss Eleanor. Tom and his family took a trip down to our favorite BBQ joint, Dixie Bones, and my family all went out to a local buffet. Ellie started to get a little fussy and I wanted to get her in bed at her normal time so she'd be well-rested for her baptism in the morning, so we left early.

The baptism was beautiful. Tom and I both got a little choked up at points...it's just so moving to see your child become a member of the faith that has a huge impact in your life. The members of that church are like extended family, and I am so happy and proud to bring Ellie up there. And Ellie was just amazing through the service. As Pastor Justin poured out the water, she watched with complete attention, then held still with such peace as he baptized her. When he showed her off to the church as a new member, she was all smiles. She just loves the attention.

I'm glad she's gotten over her separation anxiety of a few months ago, it was so nice to be able to pass her around so that all the people who love her could have a chance to hold and play with her. It seems like the more she's exposed to other people, the better she does with it. I'll definitely have to keep that in mind and make it a point to let others hold her often. Last month she cried the first time I tried to hand her over to her Nana, but when we slowed down and played together before I left the room, she did great. This weekend didn't elicit a single tear, despite having a full house of people just waiting to hold her.