Holy Water

Helen Grace was dedicated to the Lord on September 26th, and we had a wonderful celebration! I apologize in advance for the amount of pics- I couldn’t choose just a handful.

An important note:  Bubba made this christening dress for us years ago before we started talking about babies. It made me a little teary to finally see my baby girl wearing it after years of seeing it hanging in the closet. I hope for it to be a dress that can be passed from generation to generation and be worn by many many children in our family.

Baby Girl all dressed up with her daddy before mass. The pics you really should have seen where us in the family bathroom at the church trying to get this child in the slip and dress that was twice as long as she was- hilarious! Grandma Jeanne and Geggy gave Helen Grace a beautiful claddagh bracelet for her baptism. Ms. Jeanne was smart enough to think to tie it onto her sleeve so that it didn’t disappear throughout the night. You think she’s done this a time or two before, uh?? Geggy was a reader in mass that day- how special! She has a magical voice, and during HG’s days at their house, Geggy will hold her and whisper all kinds of stories in her ear. HG will just smile and laugh- she loves to hear Geggy talk and share her secrets with her!  Nervous family before mass- well, maybe just nervous mama, but I had no clue what was going on! Adickes Thomas, Emily Nail, Leighton and Rebecca Thomas, Me, Helen Grace Getting ready to get wet She was ok with the water until it pooled in her eyes- then she let Father Ed know that she was over it! (Father Ed also married us a little over three years ago.)Anointing with oil on the forehead and blessing of the ears by Father Ed Helen Grace’s wonderful godparents- my aunt Gloria and Bill and Michael Egner. Helen Grace wore the claddagh bracelet, as well as a gold bracelet that belonged to me as a baby. It was engraved with “DeSha” on one side, and my mom had “HGT” added to the other side. All the girl cousins had to get a look at Helen Grace afterward. “What is that slimy stuff on her head??” Hastings and Hayes Hasseltine and Grace Ann EskriggeMoma hosted a get together at her house afterward. Yuummmmmy and beautiful cake by Michelle! And they had the Crepe Maker too…wonderful catering idea if you are looking for something creative and fun…and delicious!I wanted a pic of her adorable bloomers made by Sweet Stitches, and this is what her daddy did to her. Sorry, HG!Cousin William (pronounced Wee-yum)My mom made these awesome coasters at Shutterfly, and she put them around on tables as favors. She didn’t intend to have these specific picture coasters next to the tea signs, but hey, the truth hurts! ;) Mysteriously, the coasters were switched when Ms. Jeanne discovered it- ha! Moms are so loyal!Spif, the hostess with the mostess, and Helen GraceReba gave us an adorable plate that everyone signed.  Big Red crooning to HG as she got sleepy. Ms. Jeanne and Bubba All the Helens William’s the closest thing I have to a twin- cousins born three months apart. Luckily, I’m the younger one! Heehee! RaychGotta kiss those cheeks!!!! John thought he’d do the same thing- but to Mama!We have had a wonderful night and are thankful for our baby girl and all our family and friends.Time to get comfy and head home. Grace Ann and Hastings were so very helpful getting HG into her pjs! I think this was the only time they were still all night long. ;)