The Baptism

Let me preface this by stating that I am a rule follower (thanks to my Dad, and brother). I am an organizer and a planner. I try to be relaxed and go with the flow, but usually my comfort zone is knowing what is happening before I can ease into the situation.

Milo's baptism was set up at the same church (Sacred Heart of Jesus) and by the same church volunteer as Boden's baptism was. We specified that we wanted a more casual and personal experience that would be after the mass, with just our family.

The priest (whose sermons we enjoy immensely and are often peppered with details of his childhood and his tormentor, his sister Margaret), decided that he was going to go ahead and get the Baptism out of the way. In front of the whole congregation. In the middle of Mass.

So, about 10 minutes into the Mass the Father calls out. Is there a Milo Fezler here? Milo Edward Fezler? Steve and I look at each other. "Over here" Steve shouts. "You're in the wrong place. You should be sitting over here." Father points to the front row, right by his pulpit.

 

Mind you, we have an entourage of: Michelle (Godmother), Alex (her husband), Zaki (Godfather), Brenda (Aunt), Marc (Uncle/photographer), Alexa (Grandma), Elaine (Grandma), Ed (Grandpa), Boden (brother)....

 

I'm panicing. Um, you can't do this to us! I"m a planner... and my little baby has REFLUX and is a fuss ball! I was planning on feeding him, changing him, and preparing him for his 11am Baptism. Its 10am. He's hungry and tired... oh dear. Everyone is watching us!

 

Steve takes Milo and trumps over.... across the whole church. I'm about to go, and Boden wants to come too... so we run over... then it's evident, well, I suppose the Godparents should be there. Michelle and Zaki come over. Marc (who should be a spy) stealthily eases into a pew in the front where he can take photos. Less stealthily Alexa joins us, after moving people in several locations to get a better view. Later to help with Boden's wiggles, Auntie Brenda comes to help. The Godlewski's and Alex (the most reserved of the bunch), stay put.

At one point I have to duck out to change Milo's diaper and give him a bottle (have i mentioned my lovely son refuses bottles? From some Divine intervention however, he actually took it). Michelle whispers to me "Typical Fezler fashion." I had been assuring both her and Zaki not to worry, the baptism is after mass. Its very casual. And although I've prided myself on (see first sentence), being organized etc., ever since Boden and then subsequently Milo came into our lives my grasp on all things timely have suffered immensely.

Alas, since this Sunday was all about Milo, in front of the whole congregation towards the end of the mass the Baptism takes place. Zaki and Michelle were excellent Godparents and role models for both our children, easily going with the flow. Milo was fantastic and only wiggled and cried a bit when the water was poured over his head (the ice cold water).

In the end, it was a great day. A little more stressful then I had planned - but everything turned out perfectly. Thanks to both our families and the Godparents for being so embracing of the chaos. And a special thanks to Marc and Brenda for capturing the day with your beautiful photos.