A Mother's Day Baptism

Mother's Day was such a special day for our family.  We baptized Sam at my hometown church, had a delicious lunch with our family, and I had lots of time with my sweet babies.  When I opened my eyes yesterday morning, I did wonder why I had planned so much on a day where I could try my hardest to get some relaxing in.  Now I wouldn't have chosen to spend it any differently.

We got Avery up and I started working on her breakfast.  Then her tiny voice started saying "Happy Mother's Day" and "Surprise!"  She had cards from Ned and from her and Sam which she gladly helped me open.  I opened what was in the gift bag and had a huge shock when I pulled out an iPad.  This is way out of our normal gift-giving range, so I had to fuss a little bit, but I was excited.  There was no time to play, though, since everyone had to get ready.  Sam helped us all out by sleeping until 8 a.m.  Our goal was to be out the door at 8:50 and we squeaked out by 9.

We arrived at church as my parents did, and Rob was already there.  We got settled and Mimi and Vincent arrived.  There is no nursery at my church anymore, which makes me nervous, but we all needed to be in the service anyway.  Sam was tired and could really have benefited being swaddled in his gown.  Since that wasn't an option, I just fed him a little even though it wasn't time to eat.  That settled him enough to go to sleep.  I was so thankful when the sermon was over and it was time for us.  Avery decided she wanted to go up with us, and I think she was quite sure she was the star of some type of theatrical production.  I guess it won't be the only time she steals a bit of Sam's show.  I only had to nudge her with my foot a few times to keep things in order.  Sam slept until I handed him to the preacher, and he never made a peep as the water was poured over his head.  The preacher walked him around to see all the people, and he just took it all in.

We sang "Jesus Loves Me" and the end of the service, and Avery just sang her heart out.  I think there is nothing sweeter.  After the service we got some family pictures together.  We needed some with the grandparents, but there just never seems to be enough time.

Sam wore Ned's christening gown, which Avery wore as well.  I changed him out of that since we would be going out the eat.  They had already started closing up the church, so yes, I am in the sanctuary.  This is the only picture of Avery and Sam in their matching outfits.  We'll get a good one one day.  I'm trying hard to balance the picture taking with being present in the moment.  I actually have no idea who had my camera at this point.

Sam also used a blanket that Mimi's mother had made.  I was nervous to use it and wanted Ned to make sure I could, but Mimi was happy to see it.  With special family things I get nervous, then they end up like Kevin's skates in Home Alone, unused.

We left church and travelled about 20 minutes to a restaurant to eat lunch.  Avery had gotten so excited in church when Poppa told her we were going to a restaurant.  They have a big buffet, and they were packed, almost too packed.  Lunch went well though.  Avery ate and behaved, and Sam surprised us all by taking things in from his seat then falling alseep, even though it was time to eat.  We gave Lolli her cards and told her about her present, and then it was time to go.  Sam's nap didn't last in the car, and he was hungry, so we stopped on the way home to feed him.  Avery fell right asleep and Sam must have too, because we had a nice, quiet ride.

Everyone went down for naps when we got home.  I thought Avery would at least rest some more, but she went from singing to jumping to yelling.  Ned got her up and took her to the store and to deliver Mimi's cards and gift.  Sam slept and slept, so I rested in the quiet and then took out my iPad.  I went to the grocery store when Ned and Avery returned, and even that was ok on Mother's Day.  Avery and I snuggled for a bit when I got home, then I put her to bed.  Ned and I fixed baked potatoes, and I ate mine holding Sam.  He went to bed early, and Ned and I watched the Survivor finale.

I apologized to my mom for making the day more about us than her, but she said that was silly.  I didn't get a ton of rest, but I got to celebrate Mother's Day because I'm a mother, and rest doesn't always come with the job.  It was a special day for me and a special day for our family.

*Edited to add: Yes, same dress to both baptisms! I'm down to just a few church dresses that fit nicely!