Dedicated to the one I love- September 6, 2011
Sunday at church we had Charlotte dedicated. In the Baptist church this is like a christening or baptism. (I feel I need to note we are not “fire and brimstone” Baptists, but very liberal, progressive Baptists. We love Jesus, and beer.) Parents present their child to the church and pledge to raise their child with God. It’s often a very nice formality for families. For us, it was a really moving and beautiful day.
Mom gave Charlotte the little bonnet she’s wearing in the hospital. The poem that came with it explained how she would wear it on christening day and then it would be a handkerchief on her wedding day. I had it embroidered with her initials, her birthday, and Sunday’s date. As sweet as this is, Greyson and I couldn’t help but giggle at our little Amish-looking baby. Greyson asked her, “Charlotte, do you want to go raise a barn or churn some butter?”
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| Little bonnet all askew. I love it! |
Greyson admitted he was nervous. We sat there with her in church trying as best we could to keep her calm and entertained. She wouldn’t let go of the bulletin without crying. I didn’t really want to let her hold it while we were in front of everyone, but you try to take something away from a 10 month old. It’s the end of the world, apparently. We were called forward and read a very beautiful liturgy that introduced Charlotte to the church.
The Minister then comes and gets Charlotte and walks her around the sanctuary to introduce her to everyone. She said Charlotte’s name came from a queen and she must descend from royalty. I had to chuckle at that one, looking at my funny family over to the side. The further the Minister walked away from us, Charlotte became a little more distressed. The congregation laughed as we waved at her to let her know it was okay. Eventually, she had me walk with her to give her a paci and a little comfort. Ah babies! My heart filled up and my eyes filled up with tears as the congregation prayed for our little one. When it was done I whisked her off to the nursery to play.
I have to admit I was a little nervous about having Mom and my step dad, and Dad and his wife all at church, and our house. Honestly, it went as well as it could have. My sister came into town from Washington, D.C. and my step-brother and step-sister came and gave her beautiful gifts. My dad gave her a little baby bracelet that says “Jesus Loves Me This I Know.” I guess she can wear it to church if she’ll leave it on. We are so blessed to have family that can put all differences aside for Charlotte. I was so happy!
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| Mom and Jeff with our little one. My grandma gave her the dress. You can’t tell but it is pale pink with hand embroidered lace, so sweet! |
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| The spread! |
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| Strawberry cake, yum! |
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| Gerbera Daisies make me think of my girl. |
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| Funny Aunt Julie! |
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| Sweet Uncle Bryce and Aunt Tahlia gave her this outfit. He wore a pink tie in honor of our girl! |
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| Pretty Aunt Tahlia! |
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| Our girl! I love those little teeth! |
Congratulations! Dedication Day is exciting–sounds like it went really well. Love the bonnet/hankie idea.
I was so honored to be a part of her special day! It was wonderful to see you all. Such a wonderful post!!
Believe it or not, I carried my dedication bonnet/hankie on my wedding day. It was my something old.
And Will and John both sucked bottles during their respective dedications, and John also filled up his pants so don't feel too bad about letting her hold the bulletin.
[…] cake for her baby dedication was from a specialty bakery and had her monogram on it. Oh, and it must have been made with holy […]