A Child of God

We have had such a great weekend! Yesterday Annelise was baptized at St. James Episcopal Church, where Bryan and I were married. (And she was baptized by Rev. Christopher Powell, who married us last May.) Annelise wore a christening cap that was made almost 100 years ago for her namesake, my great-grandmother Elise, who wore it first in 1912. Her gown and slip (which Granny Elise made) have been worn by several generations in our family for christenings over the years. This was the first time that the cap and gown were used when Granny Elise wasn't here. But, we know she was smiling down from heaven at our sweet Annelise.

My wonderful friend, Tonya Malone, is Annelise's Godmother. Tonya and I became friends first as sorority sisters and then in nursing school. She passed on her maternity clothes to me and her daughters' clothes to Annelise. She was my support through every step of pregnancy and the first few, difficult weeks, of having a newborn. I could never repay her for everything she's done for us and I'm so thankful for our friendship. Annelise is lucky to have a wonderful role model and I hope she grows up to have a heart as big as Tonya's. Tonya gave Annelise a beautiful pearl bracelet with a silver cross, which she wore during the ceremony.

Powell and Sarah Millard are Annelise's Godparents. Bryan and Powell have been friends since college and Powell was Bryan's Best Man in our wedding. They accepted me as a friend from the first time I met them and we are fortunate that they traveled all the way from Little Rock to be here for this special day. They gave Annelise her first "Book of Common Prayer" (readings and ceremonies) with her name engraved on the outside. We read from the book during her baptism.
Granny Ruth (Granny Elise's daughter) and Gran. Four generations together for the ceremony!

Yummy cake that everyone enjoyed except Annelise!

Also in town for the baptism, were all of Annelise's cousins--Sam, Tolly, Bonnie, and Lilah. This was the first time for her to meet Sam, Tolly, Bonnie, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Jess! It was so fun to see all of them together! The Fagan family came into town on Friday afternoon and it was wonderful to spend time with them! It was a full weekend--eating out, putt putt golf, ice cream, swimming, and we even fit in a MS Braves game Saturday night with the entire group! The weekend flew by, but we are so grateful that everyone came into town to celebrate the special occasion with us.

Cousins Tolly and Bonnie meeting Annelise for the 1st time

Sam and Tolly enjoying ice cream at Maggie Moo's

Annelise was a perfect little angel all weekend, with only one "tomato head" episode. (And it was truly warrented.) She didn't even cry during the baptism when water was poured on her head. Whew!

Below are some other recent pictures of our growing girl:

Granny Ruth and Gran fitting Annelise with a new dress hand-made by Gran

Hand-me-down outfit from Sophie and Mia Malone--thanks Tonya!!

2 Months...Already!

Thinking back on my life I always was in pursuit of the "next" thing and wished time would go by quicker--to get my driver's license, to start college, to finish nursing school, to get married, and so on. Now, life is suddenly in fast-forward and I want nothing more than for time to stand still. Annelise is growing so fast and maternity leave is quickly coming to an end. I try to stretch every minute of every day with her. She's changing quickly and developing a personality. We have less and less time as "tomato head" and more time smiling and "talking" to each other. Precious moments that I don't want to end.

Bryan started his fellowship at MS Sports Medicine on August 3. He's been very busy, but seems to be enjoying it and is learning lots. We miss him already as he leaves early in the morning and doesn't make it home sometimes until late. He will be the (football) team doctor for MS Valley State University. Go Delta Devils. Yeah.

Daddy and Annelise after work one day

My super-creative Mom made Annelise a special swaddling blanket, but apparently I don't know how to use it. Annelise doesn't have patience for me to figure it out. Actually, she was content when I got the camera out, but "tomato head" appears in an instant.

Mom--can you send us some directions?

Whoops. Sorry Daddy! Must have had too much milk!

Fancied up in a dress and bonnet for an evening out on the town!

Her 2-month birthday meant 2-month immunizations! Awful! We had a good visit with her pediatrician and she is in perfect health and development. She weighs 11 lbs, 6 ounces! All was well, but then the nurse came in to give her the injections. THREE!!! She cried louder, but I cried longer. It was pitiful. I held her tight for a few minutes and she settled down, but Bryan had to hold me for a while. Here's a picture of her sporting her two band-aids--one on each leg.

Watching T.V. with Papa

Talking to Gran about all sorts of things...

Grandpa is so funny!!!

Annelise's great-grandparents from New Orleans (Maman and Papa) made a trip to Hattiesburg to meet her. At the same time, her great-grandparents from Bogalusa also visited. So, we now have a very special picture...Annelise with two sets of great-grandparents. It was a fun day with lots of "spoiling" going on! We are so fortunate to have a total of 3 sets of great-grandparents!

This past weekend Annelise and her cousin Lilah had their first slumber party together at Gran's house. Lilah was very interested in Annelise and couldn't figure out why she made so much noise! Lilah is a sweet girl who smiles way more than she (softly) cries. Maybe Annelise is trying to show off her lung capacity? Lilah went right to sleep, but Annelise stayed awake for a while worried she may miss something! It was so much fun to watch these two together!After going to church with both babies (which was quite an experience!) the cousins played on Gran's pretty quilt. They played well together for a while until Lilah decided to explore Annelise's face with a gentle poke in the eye. Annelise was not very forgiving.

Shelby is impressed that someone figured out a pillow design to fit around a dog--a Boppy.

A sweet face I could stare into all day...

Ready for football season--GO HOGS!!!