The Fun Zone: Eric and Co

We've passed another milestone. Sunday was The Kid's baptism at our church, followed by a big family party at our house. There was a lot of buildup to the event, with Stefanie all in a flurry with invitations and bootie knitting and gown washing and muffin baking. I just tried to stay out of her way. Oh, and I picked up the cake.

I want you to notice a few things about the above picture. First, this is one of the few times that I've been allowed to wear my favorite Sesame Street tie in public (it got a great response, especially from the kids I ran into that day). Also, yes. The Kid is wearing a dress. Okay, it's technically a gown, but I'd never be able to tell the difference if you asked me. The gown has been in Stef's family since her great-grandmother made it using the material from her wedding dress. The Kid is the 15th baby to wear it (including Stefanie herself), and we were deathly afraid that he wouldn't fit into it. It worked out fine. We didn't button every single button, but it was fine. The last thing I want you to notice is that he's pretty happy and content. I want you to notice this because it didn't last.

Our church tries to get the baptisms done early in the service, so that the babies can escape if they get antsy. While he was pretty happy in the moments leading up to the service, as the first few elements began, he started to get a little fussy. Stef and I just looked at each other, praying that the calm would last. It didn't. As soon as we got called up to the front of the sanctuary, The Kid let out a full-fledged wail that just wouldn't let up. If any of you have heard his full-power scream, you know that it's a force to be reckoned with. Our pastor tried his best to be heard over the din, but I really have no idea how much anybody could understand. Stef and I just had to grin and bear it. He did calm down long enough for a prayer and a hymn, and then Stef was able to whisk him out the door for a feeding. People tell me it was a very nice service. I found it hard to concentrate.

The party afterword was splendid. Stefanie outdid herself pulling everything together, and I don't know how many complements I heard on how much people loved the food. In addition to four kinds of muffins, she made two kinds of strata, some sweet potato hash browns, a shrimp salad, and something involving wheat berries that was tasty too. More than the food, though, was having so many family members together. I don't think we've had everybody in the same place like this since our wedding. I guess that would make sense, wouldn't it? The one dark spot in the festivities was that we were missing Stef's stepmom, who was admitted to the hospital over the weekend and wasn't able to make it. Stef's stepsister also stayed behind. We're all hoping for her quick recovery.

All in all, it was a very nice weekend, although we're all having a little trouble staying awake today. At least The Kid can take a nap (which is why I have the time to type this now). We're looking forward to having more gatherings at the house. Perhaps the next one, though, should be for a bit fewer people...

And The Kid doesn't want to wear a dress ever again.