Baptism

My little one finally got baptised this week. He’s very nearly two and it was the first time he’s set foot in a church – I think he liked it! He stood at the front at the right time and noticing that the place was full of all the people he loved it the world began waving like the little prince he is! Yes, I think he liked it! What he didn’t like was putting on a little suit and waistcoat – but he needn’t have fought and struggled so much he managed to make it look scruffy within seconds of the button battle to get it on....... and as for slicking down his hair, well....

The elder boy at least managed to stay fairly smart, breakfast and teeth all done in pyjama’s and right at the last minute only, jumped into his best monkey print shirt and new suede boots.

The day before I’d taken the toddler shopping  and pramed my way round the freezer shop  the Irish Grandma behind the counter had been unable to voice the £6.66 subtotal rather she looked at me wide eyed and shocked– I hoped it wasn’t an omen!

I decided to make a joke, ‘Ooh, It’s his christening tomorrow! That’s not a good sign is it?!’

She laughed, but weakly and kept one eye on the pram just in case!

I understand why christenings take place on babies – the non-mobile nature is definitely a plus – my toddler, big eyed, cheeky face climbing slowly and deliberately up the steps to the altar, seemingly aware of both mine and his father’s reluctance to look bad in front of a priest! Or begin a Benny Hill style race around the church especially in my heels!

The service was relaxed, (kids at the front watching the water pouring and oil rubbing with awe) but moving, all my family and friends there praying for me and mine I did feel calm and blessed and full of love for my two boys.

Then the party, a little panic as the pie man was late but in he came, Desperate Dan cow pies under each arm, bucket of peas balanced on the table a proper grub’s up!

Gangs of kids around the pool table, sliding on the dance floor and eating crisps, whilst making a fuss of the little one, presents and cards stacking up on the table. The newest babies and the oldest Grandparents pulling faces at each other.  My partner chatting to the friends he went to school with nearly forty years ago and me, flitting between groups of family and friends and making cups of tea for the Great Aunts. My brother slipping out to go to the match. My Dad happily snapping on my behalf getting to grips with digital. The in-laws breathing easy knowing the little one is now finally in the faith, protected by God and not destined to spend his eternal life in limbo should the worse happen....