Liam's Baptism

Today we celebrated Liam's Baptism. It was a wonderful  but a little nerve-wracking all the same. Consider having a two month old in a christening gown that was made out of Aidan's dad's altar server surplice that was made by his mom 55-odd years ago and will be then by used by family members to come. Yes, I was paranoid about Liam spitting up all over the gown so we put a white onesie with cream colour baby legs and a bib on him for the trip to the church and then put the gown over them (less the bib) and the beginning of the ceremony.

At that point Aidan became the nervous one. Aidan had to brief the Godparents as to what they had to say and do. There were three parts of the ceremony. The first took place at the door of the church. We all had to speak (basically answering 'we will') and make the sign of the cross on Liam's forehead. Once that portion was done, we processed to the front and the service flowed with Liam fussing a bit until the second part where we and the Godparents went up front for the Baptism part of the service. Liam cried a bit when the water was put over his head but literally fell asleep when the oil was put on the crown of his head. He was pretty silent for the balance of the service and slept through the final blessing at the front of the church. He woke up again for the pictures with everyone and received congratulations from many in the congregation.

We then had a breakfast at our house and it was great to have everyone over. Liam was passed around and he enjoyed every moment of it. He is just such a sociable little guy. We are so grateful for the gifts that Liam received - they will be treasured and we will ensure that he looks at them as special mementos of a special day. Perhaps the most interesting gift was a shillelagh made out of Bermuda Cedar. It was made by Aidan's dad and presented to Aidan's grandfather for Aidan's first St. Patrick's Day in 1973. We have placed it on the mantle and look forward to explaining its significance to Liam in the future.