While I was pregnant I got the idea that Cody and David could be baptized together and David loved that idea. We started looking at dates and kept hitting road blocks. We had planned to be out of town on the 14th and 15th in Dennison for a concert with Roger Creager and Aaron Watson, but when we heard my BFF was having her engagement party that weekend, we canceled our plans so that we could be in town and decided it would be a great time to have the baptism before school started.
My brother, sister-in-law and nephew came in from Plano, and my grandfather and Aunt Cathy from Houston as well as my Aunt Lisa, Uncle David, and cousin Lily from Elgin and my Granny and Mom and Dad. Since David's family lives out of town (mostly out of state) and we only planned the baptism in a couple of weeks, they were not able to travel and be there; but we definitely felt their spirits with us and know they are thrilled for David and I. It was very special to do this at my home church, Gethsemane Lutheran. Pastor Gronberg baptized my brother and I, confirmed me, baptized Emma and married David and I. This congregation has watched me grow and it was very special to share this day there. Even though we will be moving our membership to Redeemer to support Emma and get involved as a family, Gethsemane will always be my "home church" and extremely important to my family and I.
When we met with Pastor to talk about this day, one of the things he asked us was who would be baptized first. I blurted out "DAVID!" I laughed by saying he is running out of time. :) I'm so proud of him. He amazes me all the time. He works so hard, is so honest and wears his heart on his sleeve. I love our conversations about God working in our lives. We weren't planning on getting pregnant when we did, but it was His plan for us. We weren't planning on Emma going to Redeemer this year, but He worked it out. We feel so blessed and know His presence and I am proud that David wants to raise our children in this ancient tradition.
The service was really beautiful. The family sat in the first 3-4 pews and early on we were called up. The family gathered around the baptismal font and the children of the congregation were called up to watch as well. My parents and David's sister Cristy are David and Cody's godparents or "sponsors" so my Mom lit candles and my Dad held cross necklaces during the baptism. When it was time, David passed Cody over to me and pastor had him lean over while he prayed over David. He then poured water over his forehead, made the sign of the cross, held his face and he was baptized! David was teary-eyed and it was all I could do to not cry! Pastor Gronberg had my Dad place one of the cross necklaces around David's neck and then gave him a big hug. Then it was Cody's turn.
I handed Cody back to David who leaned him backwards near the baptismal font and pastor did the same thing with him. Once again my father placed the remaining necklace on Cody. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of the day that my children would be baptized. My Pastor does something very special after a baptism. He takes the baby and presents them to the congregation. He holds them above his head and walks down the center aisle. Gethsemane has the most beautiful stained glass sanctuary that I've ever seen and I love the look on the faces of children as they catch sight of the beautiful colors as light shines through them. Cody did amazing- my sweet, sweet baby. This day was ever more special because David was side-by-side our son.
The rest of the service was beautiful. I requested that we sing "I was there to hear your borning cry" just like the day that Emma was baptized. Afterwards the family joined us for lunch at Red Lobster and opened a few gifts. Thanks to all who came or were thinking about us and always praying for us! We are so blessed!
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