Alexis' Baptism

Today we had Alexis' baptism at Kensington. It was such an awesome day... the service was nice, the baptism was unbelievable, Alexis was beautiful, and the after party was so much fun! During the baptism Alexis did so well... she didn't cry at all. I was a bit disappointed that Jacob & Grace didn't participate more in the ceremony but there was alot going on and it was during nap time so I'll have to suck it up I guess. During the ceremony each parent read a letter they wrote to their child and then the child was baptized. Alexis was able to wear both my baptism gown (to the church service) and the gown made by my Mom out of my wedding gown (for the baptism ceremony). For those of you who did not/could not attend here is a copy of our letter I read to Alexis:

Dearest Alexis Elizabeth,

We bring you here today, little one, to have you join God's family. You will not know the significance or remember this day, but as you grow you will see all that God's love has to offer you. To quote Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

From the moment you were conceived you have held a special place in our hearts. We have cared about you, loved you and cherished you from the very moment we knew about you. Our love for you is unconditional... and grows every single day. We look forward to watching you grow, as will the love we have for you.

On this special day you are wearing a family gown. The same gown your sister wore on her baptism day. This gown was cut from the cloth that I wore on the day I married your Dad and was sewn by your Grandma "Doe". On our wedding day we vowed with God by our sides to love and honor each other till death do us part.... today we vow to love, honor and encourage you for all the days of our lives.

You have truly completed our family... your happiness and love have shown us you were meant to become part of "our" family. We feel blessed that God has choosen us to raise such a sweet little girl. In looking at you we cannot comprehend how one cannot believe in God or the beautiful miracles he can create. As you have joined our family our love has grown in each other, in your siblings, and in "us" as a family. You are the apple of our eye, and bring joy to everyone that truly knows you.

Precious baby of ours, our beautiful gift from God, today we baptize you and will put forth our best efforts to raise you in God's way. Your father and I have high hopes and dreams of a long, happy, and successful life for you.

Uncle Tim & Aunt Cathy, your godparents... will also help to guide you on your spiritual journey, love you always, and protect you to the best of their abilities. Now with love and commitment to you we raise you up... to God on this wonderful day.

With all our love,

Mommy & Daddy

After the baptism we headed to Alibi with family and friends for salad, pasta, pizza and cake. I was so pleased with how smoothly the day went... I just wish we had a few more pictures! Everything was such a whirlwind... although thanks to Doe we did get some adorable pictures of Alexis in both gowns when we got home! Doe & I worked really hard to keep her dress out of her mouth, her feet down, and the slippery little girl sitting up! The smiling part was easy!