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!!