Juliet's Christening

Yesterday was my little girl's special day and I did everything I could to ensure it was amazing.  It started with designing the invitations, preparing the guest list and worrying myself crazy over ensuring she had family there given the events of the last few years.  It struck me as so sad that my grandparents weren't here and that Jeff's Mom not only couldn't be here, but probably didn't even know Juliet existed half the time.  Alzheimer's is a horrid disease.

The ceremony itself was lovely with Juliet wearing the same baptism gown my sister and I wore oh so many years ago.  My mother cherished and preserved the hand crafted three layer gown and coat so that even the lace work was still white.  She had a beautifully intricate bonnet as well and she just glowed.  I still can't believe I managed to get us all out of the house on time.  It is amazing the chaos that ensues trying to get the boys ready, time Juliet's breastfeeding, get myself looking normal and not smelling of spit up, and herd us all into the car.  Of course with all my successes there were also failures.  I didn't get half the pictures I wanted but I guess the fact everyone behaved and nothing embarrassing happened at the chapel, I should simply be relieved. 

The weather cooperated and it was a gorgeous spring day with the fruit trees all blooming and the grass just starting to green up. The boys and I had planted spring flowers and Jeff and I prepped the yard and setup the house.  I had Irregardless Cafe cater an amazing brunch of all our favorite things:  shrimp and grits, french toast, crepes, egg fritata, breakfast potatoes, pastries and more. 

We had plenty of family with Mom and Dad, the Zanchellis and Aunt Susan.  Some of the best parts of the day included the early morning hours when it was just my daughter and I prepping for the day...staring into her eyes and kissing her full cheeks.  And of course there were the Godparents, Terri and Michael.  I am so honored to have them in our lives and standing up here with Jeff and I for our child.  Danielle and the girls came all the way from NY and that means so much to us all.  The boys love them dearly and they are the only cousins they have and know.  Ethan writes cards to them and both boys talk about them all the time.  Our new friends from StMM were nice enough to fore go the boys first soccer practice and come to share in our day.  Rob and Joanne and their boys are part of our spiritual family and with the boys so close in age (not to mention the love letters Ethan and Brendan write in kindergarten), there is always fun to be had.  Topping off the crew was my Godson, Justin and dear friends Claudia, Tracey and Christina.

What amazed me most was how well all the kids got along, how much fun they had and how the house was still clean and in one piece when everyone left.  My only sadness in the day was that my sister was not able to be here.  However, having her be there at Juliet's birth was so amazing and I am not sure I would have been as confident that first week with her care without Jean here with me at night when the doubts and struggles with feeding my baby descended upon me.  Jean's gift of support at that difficult time for me gave Juliet and I the foundation for successful breastfeeding.  I had to choose given how far away Jean is and in my heart I know I made the right one.  She will always be a moral and spiritual guide to my child just as I know Terri will be.  To me, I am the most fortunate person in the world to have such special people looking out for my children.

Mom and Dad bought the cake and it was an amazing Boston creme from the bakery in Apex...highly recommend her.  Then it came time for presents.  All of these people had already done so much and they were here doing even more.  Joanne bought the most lovely jacket for my baby, Tracey got her a frame engraved with her name and the date and a friend of Mom's sent a cross for her wall...to protect her and keep her always safe.  Terri bought her a baby cross to wear and an engraved box that had such a special inscription.  Michael bought her a gorgeous engraved pewter cup and plate and my Aunt and Uncle gave her a gift of love....the cross my own Grandmother wore and a note describing its meaning.  There was not a dry eye in the living room.