Haley's Christening

July 18th we had Haley's Christening. It was a nerve racking experience... why because my l have a wonderful family!! Considering the Christening was in the middle of the summer and a little last minute, we were blessed by the many friends and family members that came from near and far... we had people come from as close at Groton CT and other parts of CT. AND we also had family coming from Toronto and California!!! We had about 45 people and a beautiful day!!

The ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Church here in Groton. And of course, my dad performed the ceremony. It was such a blessing to have Haley christened by her grandfather. I stood there and looked around the church. The pews were filled with my cousins, aunts, uncles in-laws and friends... and then I saw Evan sitting in that front pew with Emma on one side and Emily on the other. My dad at the baptismal fountain and Dan by my side and Haley in my arms... and I felt such joy and felt very blessed!!

The ceremony itself was nice. Erin (my cousin's daughter) and my niece Abbey did the readings. And my cousin Sigrid is the godmother and my nephew Wes is the godfather. Haley slept through most of the event. However she did wake up during the 'water on the head'. But she didn't cry!! I think she enjoyed it :) I don't know but maybe the water was warm because she likes her baths when warm water is poured on her. And as the ceremony continued, we looked over at Evan.... and poor kid was so tired he fell asleep on his cousin's shoulder. It was very cute but not captured on film.

Afterwards, we all headed over to the homestead and had a reception at the house. AND it was such a beautiful day that we finally got to enjoy and utilize our "party deck". Unfortunately, we didn't have the umbrella up on the table ... therefore, we didn't have a lot of shade that afternoon. Most of the family did what they could to stay in the shade...The kids (ranging in age from 1-14 not including Haley) enjoyed time outside in the sand box, blowing bubbles, playing baseball, playing "golf", playing in the water table and just running around on the 'rock'. The adults enjoyed good food from Mirch Masala and some other foods.

All in all it was a great day. Haley enjoyed meeting more family. And I couldn't stop but glow when everyone commented on how good Haley was. She is a great baby.... she likes to sleep :) She's starting to smile and many got to enjoy and share in her smiles.

The sad part of the day is that I was running around so much and getting the food out, cleaning up, getting the cake and tea and everything else... I really didn't get to talk to anyone. I didn't get to really talk with my cousin who flew in from CA. Or my cousins and their families who drove from Toronto nor my family from NJ (some it was the first time at my house) nor any other family from MA or even here in CT.... but I do think everyone had fun and I would do it again... but glad I don't have to do that much preparing again....

Haley and her godparents Sigrid and Wes

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