Ava was baptized on Sunday, November 7, 2010. It was a big celebration with family coming in from Connecticut and Florida. For many relatives it would be the first time they met Ava. Ava wore the same baptismal gown that Carys wore that was originally their Auntie Kim's. Ava wore the booties my Godmother Lisa sent from Australia and my baby bracelet. Everything was a perfect fit.
Father Bob from St Bernadette's Catholic Church made the baptism very comfortable and special. He welcomed everyone to come up to the altar and was interested in our family. He wanted to know if the gown was vintage, where Ava Claire's name came from, who knit the booties, and who came from out of town. We were very lucky that Ava was the only baby being baptized that day, it made it even more intimate.
Everyone had the opportunity to give Ava the sign of the cross on her forehead. Father Bob also emphasized how, as a group, we would teach Ava her faith and how to love.
Everyone had a great view of the baptismal pool that Ava was baptized in.
She was annointed with the holy oil.
And her Godmother Amy lit the candle.
All done! How special are you Ava that everyone came to see you be born into the Christian community this afternoon.
How special that four generations were able to attend. Great Grandma and Grandpa Charest flew in from Florida with Grandma Cathy. It is rare to have TJ with his two sisters in the same place at the same time.
My best friends Martha and Adina drove in to see Ms Ava. Kim's boyfriend Matt drove Auntie Kim and their puppy Buddy down.
Nana Sharla and Papa Tom drove down from Katy. We had a wonderful brunch at Villa Capri.
Grandma CC and Papa James made it back from visiting Grant in Washington for the baptism before CC would be off to Australia to see her mother.
Uncle Fran and Aunt Ginny flew in from Connecticut and Ginny spent all day Saturday making the beautiful cake for Ava.
Not only was it gorgeous but it was also delicious. The cake took us a week to finish!
We enjoyed cake and punch at the house and everyone left with a bud vase to remember the day.
Carys was on her best behavior the entire time. We were concerned as the baptism was during naptime but luckily she went down for an early nap. She had a great time visiting with all of her relatives. Auntie Kim is Carys's Godmother and Aunt Amy is Ava's Godmother.
Carys enjoyed playing at Papa's house, especially rocking Nana in the rocking chair.
Friday morning, TJ and I took Ava to the doctor, after 2 hours and an eye dilation, it turns out Ava is ok. She has a genetic Nystagmus, dancing of the eyes, when she tries to focus. It is something that could get worse or better with age, it is just something to watch. She did not even need glasses. When we left I just cried from relief, when it is your baby, you cannot help but worry. We then drove down to Harborwalk where James, Holley and Grant had arrived for a visit. Our family, while Carys and Ava are napping.
It was so special for Carys to have time to play with her cousin. She was so excited to sleep in the same room, she could not go to sleep!
Grant was such a good big cousin, sharing his toys, quite often giving things up so that Carys would just be happy. Carys was still learning how to share at the time and was used to her personal space. Grant did great with Carys, being very understanding.
Lots of playtime for the cousins.
This was also the first time James, Holley and Grant got to meet Ava. Ava was such a good baby, going to anyone. Here is Ava with Papa James.
Aunt Holley getting to spend some quality time with Carys.
Proud Uncle Jamie, Cousin Grant and Ava.
Proud Aunt Holley with her family and Ava.
Silly Grant playing in Carys's car on their last night in Houston.
Beep! Beep!
