"Today You Are Marked As a Child of God"

Today Clinton was baptized. This was a very special day for our family. Clinton was well behaved and even charming. He loved the organ and the choir. Now, we go to a big church....with a large choir and a HUGE pipe organ. So when the music is playing it gets all the way into your soul. Just by looking into Clinton's eyes, I could tell it was in his soul, too. Other than a few loud squeals and chatter during the silent prayer, he was perfect. Bebe, Pop, and Chelsea couldn't be here, but they provided him with an adorable outfit for the occasion. I didn't go with the traditional christening gown because I felt he was too big to be put in a dress.

When it was our turn, we walked up to the front with our baby and handed him over to the pastor, Dr. Olds. Now Dr. Olds has this amazing deep, very Southern voice that is a little raspy yet booming. He gives this very eloquent speech with each baptism and gave it again today for Clinton....my favorite part is the end when he sprinkles the water and says, "...and today you are marked as a child of God." Then he brings the child back to the family and everyone lays a hand on the baby and prays. THEN the pastor walks out into the congregation with the baby and does a loop through the sanctuary...all the while giving another poetic speech about the importance of this day and the symbolism of the ceremony. However, today he made a slight alteration...I should have expected it!! About half way out into the congregation he stopped his beautiful speech and said...and I'm quoting..."Man, this boy's a load. I'm going to need to lift weights...this kid is heavy!" Ha, ha! We, along with the congregation, laughed...it was pretty funny.

Afterwards we had a little reception at my mother-in-law's house....a little brunch with mimosas. (Disregard the card table in the background of the picture...it's a very long story!)