Down to the River to Pray

Oh sisters let's go down, let's go down, come on down. Oh sister's let's go down, down to the river to pray.

This Labor Day weekend we celebrated a "labor of love" from God as we welcomed Wyatt into our faith community with his Baptism. Here are the highlights. No, there was no dunking in a river, but a beautiful fountain with our favorite friends and family there to support us and Wyatt. As the deacon reminded us during the homily, children are gifts from God, and we are so thankful that God loves us enough to "borrow" this little guy for a while.  May he always see God's love in us as his parents.

Wyatt enjoyed hanging out on Saturday for his "pre-party" reception. Close friends from out of town came in, which made the weekend even more special. C. Cowboy woke up at 5:00 (technically 4:30 as he comforted Wyatt first) and put the pork in the smoker. It was deluxe! Perhaps food porn to come with the leftovers. We were too busy to take any food pics that day. In fact, I didn't take as many pictures as I wish I had all weekend. Hopefully some visitors will send theirs soon.

Wyatt finally met some of his parents' peeps. Hello Aunt Suzanne!

 Aunt Carra made a beautiful (and oh so yummy--you missed out if you didn't have any!) cake for the party with the cross and Alpha and Omega. May God always be at the beginning and end of all Wyatt's steps on his journey.

 Nanny decorated the Baptism candle with such a thoughtful presentation. The front includes symbols of our faith, and it will be a neat way to teach Wyatt about our Christian beliefs. There is a cross with five points to represent the five wounds of Christ, a key for the Kingdom of God, an angel's wing, a seashell as a symbol of Baptism, a heart for Jesus's love, a butterfly as representation of the new beginning of this faith journey, and a Saint Anthony medal -- Wyatt's middle name.
I don't have a picture of the back, but it quotes Matthew 3:16 and contains a dove and his Baptism date. It's truly a special way to remember this day and all it stands for.

 We were so happy to visit and play with Uncle Rich and Rich J. I can't wait to watch these boys grow up together. Believe.

 Wyatt also hung out with his favorite Aunt Ni-Ni and his great cousins Jared and Jordan.

He also spent some time with family. Yes, that's Mamie Jewels bouncing on the ever important exercise ball.

Parrain (Wyatt's Godfather) flew in from Arkansas and was ready to raise some antics of his own. I'll have to keep an eye on these two.

Before the ceremony on Sunday Daddy and son needed some chill time.

We are so blessed that Wyatt had the privilege and honor of wearing this heirloom gown (or jersey as deemed by C. Cowboy). My great-great-great Aunt made this for my oldest uncle for his Baptism. This beauty is about 59 years old and has been worn by all of 6 aunts/uncles, my mom, and most of the 26 grandchilden (my cousins). What an honor! So Wyatt is the first great grandchild to wear. And wow, he looked angelic! 

At the church we sat with his Godparents and then other family members in our pew. Wyatt started the ceremony with a nap.

Deacon Charles anointed Wyatt's chest with oil.

And then came the water....

This is wear things got slick (literally!) Deacon Charles put the oil of chrism, which I think smells so sweet, ALL over Wyatt's head. I'm still working on getting his hair back to normal.

The "fab four" with our new little Catholic.

Parrain and Momma

Deacon Charles blessed Wyatt's two medallions. Nanny gave him one of Saint Anthony and JuJu sent a miraculous medal. These are so special and this baby is a true miracle. May he always know that he is a child of God.

Hi Nanny. I am about to get uber-cranky

Our visiting friends! Thanks for the support!

TEAM LOUPE!

Wyatt ended his big day with eating, pooping, and then hanging out nudy-Rudy just long enough to tell Parrain bye and send him off on his way.

You did good kid. You did good.
And welcome to our faith!

--The soul is healed by being with children. (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)