Julianna's Baptism

We went home this weekend for two very special events. Our Larsen Family Christmas Party, which was one of the best ever, AND my sweet niece, Julianna's, baptism. She was a true star. She sat up so alert as if she understood everything the priest was sharing with her. She is so, so pretty with the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen. She will smile and coo and never seemed bothered by a million people in her face or the paparazzi (Aunt Betty, Steph, my dad and Rachel's dad) who kept the church bright with all the flashing! The priest was FANTASTIC. I went up to him afterward and thanked him for educating me so much on baptism in the Catholic Faith. He explained all the symbolism and purpose behind the rituals. It was the best baptism I've ever been too. Very pure, not for show...if that makes sense?

Miriam had a blast at the Baptism, too. OUTSIDE. She made it through the first 6 or 7 minutes and then I was too embarrassed to allow her to stay. Even though it was cute that Miriam was talking to Baby Jesus on the altar and yelling, "Where's Mia Morgan at?" across the church...it was Julianna's day and Miriam had to go. Thankfully, Paul was sweet enough to take her outside with her best friend and cousin. When they came back in after the ceremony, she smelled like a little boy, so I know she had fun.

We had a little scare right before the baptism. Miriam was trying to talk to a statue of the Virgin Mary and got stuck in the Rose bushes surrounding it. Her face was scraped and she was crying, "I suck, I suck (I'm stuck.)" Uncle Jimbo helped to save the day and we detached the thorns from her dress. Thank God for the puffy sleeves on that dress or it would have been ugly!
It was such a special day. David and Rachel had us over to their Richie Rich house afterward and I kept Miriam outside so she wouldn't break anything. They had a beautiful luncheon for us all. I ate potato salad for the 1st time in 5 months and it was HEAVENLY. Just like Julianna's smile!