Charlotte, Child of God

Charlotte's baptism was this weekend, and she has officially been sealed as a child of Christ's covenant. I have prayed and considered lots about baptism since I became a mom, and particularly since I did a year-long study of church doctrine a while back. As Presbyterians* we believe that baptizing children gives witness to the truth that God’s love claims people even before they are able to respond. I find the significance and mystery of that quite beautiful. It was a really special day for our family.

our family and our pastor, Nolan
(blurry but still beloved)

There's not much better I can say about her baptism beyond what the text* of the lovely anthem our choir sang in honor of Charlotte and Eva* says:



(If you can't see the video embedded above, click here to watch it on YouTube.)

Child of God, I now have chosen you to be my own, in baptismal waters washed you, made my promise known. 


Child of God, I here surround you with this family; sisters, brothers who will love and tend you faithfully. 


“Child of God,” I still will name you though your faith be tried. I have pledged to be your Brother, Savior, Friend, and Guide. 


Child of God, you will I cherish, keep you in my grace till you, all your journey ended, see me face to face.


*Read more of what Presbyterians believe about infant baptism here.
*by Herman G Stuempfle, Jr
*the other child being baptized, also a "choir baby"
(Yes that's Marmie in the back near the harp singing with me in choir!) 
(And none other than Another Nathan, conducting.)

Milk Sisters

Our friend Elisabeth (emu) came over this week so all our girls could play together.  Highlights included Annie and Anneliese acting out a live birthing scene in an infant car seat with a baby doll between the knees (oh yes they did), trying on Nathan's underpants, and running around in circles hollering as only good southern toddlers can.

Charlotte and Sally are too posh (read: immobile) for such endeavors, so they mostly rolled around on the floor looking cute. We might have taken a picture or twelve.

these two have cornered the market on huge blue eyes, yes?

Last month, Sally was generous enough to share a healthy freezer portion of her mama's milk with Charlotte, while I went through some medical issues and couldn't nurse or pump as much. We're so grateful. Seriously, you will basically feed my baby when I can't? Who has friends like that?? Um, I do, apparently. I never imagined myself in a milk-sharing situation, especially an informal, unofficial one.  But here am, humbled and honored by it.  An incredibly supportive move from a very sweet friend.

I hope these little milk sisters will be great friends someday too.