Anna Grace's Baptism

Of all my memories, and favorite moments, watching our children be baptized is at the top of my the list.  Being raised going to church and having a love for God is one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me.  It's what keeps me hopeful, what keeps me grounded and, to be honest, it's what keeps me sane in this crazy thing that we call life!  Teaching our children to love God will always be our top priority.  So, celebrating this fabulous day with our friends and family is the BEST. DAY. EVER!

We started the day off at the church where Gordon and I were married in 2010 and where William was baptized in 2012.  Little Anna Grace did a great job.  She wasn't a huge fan of the cold water being poured on her head, but she recovered quickly and thought Father Walsh was pretty interesting.  Father Walsh is also the priest that married us 5 years ago.  It's kinda neat since baby girl was born on our 5th wedding anniversary.

Anna Grace is a special baby girl.  After having a miscarriage I prayed for peace, prayed that I could trust and not worry, and prayed that God would give us another little blessing.  Everything about her is perfect.  She has given us a lot of scares with her recent health issues, but we wouldn't change a single thing about her.  God made her just for us, and we all adore everything about her.

The Hattenbach Family  |  The Gooding Family  |  Mama and Daddy with baby girl  

Not too sure about this cold holy water  |  Baby girl just taking it all in  |  Papa and Nana 

Sweet baby girl  |  Picture with her Godparents  |  William rather hang out with Uncle G

After the baptism ceremony we headed to Rice Village for lunch at Punk's.  We couldn't have asked for better weather!  It was beautiful outside.  This location is extra special because it's one of Gordon's projects.  The kids loved playing in the open green area, the food was delicious and everyone got a tour of Daddy's recent work.  

Cousin love  |  Sweet face  |  Dressed in her mama's Feltman bubble

Three of the Gooding girls  |  A few of the guys  |  My favorite girls

I call this guy my honey bunny  |  Love some Rachel time  |  Hanging with Grandad  |  Dekkers!

After lunch we headed home for nap time and to get ready to party with our closest friends!  A few months ago, while we were eating at Dekker's, I grabbed the singers card.  I loved that he sang a little bit of everything....country and John Mayer....can't beat that!  Lucky for us, he was available on the night of Anna Grace's baptism celebration.  We had the best time with our friends hanging out outside playing games, watching the kids on the play set and listening to some live music!  After years of throwing parties I got smart and hired 2 babysitters to help us watch the kids.  Best. Decision. Ever.  The parents were able to have more fun, we were able to catch up with each other, and I honestly think the kids had more fun than normal.  :)  

February 27, 2016 is a day we will never forget.  Every part of the day was perfect!  William talked about how much fun he had for days.  He loves having all his friends over to play and eats up all the attention he gets when we have family in town.  Too bad we can't do it all again.  :)

William's Baptism

We had such a fun weekend with our family and friends for William's baptism!!  My brother, his wife, and my parents got into town Friday evening.  We started the weekend off right with dinner at my favorite, El Tiempo!  The next day the boys went shooting while the girls (and William) went to get our nails done and did some grocery shopping.  After running all our errands we took William swimming for his first time at an indoor pool.  I figured this would be the perfect opportunity since he can't be out in the sun but loves the water during bath time (NEW MOMS -- babies can't wear sunscreen until they are 6 months old).  He loved every minute of pool time!



That evening, once Gordon's parents were in town, we all met up at our favorite BYOB pizza place in The Heights.  The little guy did great at the restaurant but had a hard time falling asleep that night.  Being held by lots of different people seems to over stimulate him and make him irritable when it's bedtime.  Once I got him settled he slept great and was a wonderful baby on Sunday.  Being the only grandbaby on both sides he gets LOTS of love! 
   

Here he is with his papa taking a little nap before all of our friends/family arrived.  We had a great time visiting with everyone! 

The cake was delicious!!  It's the third cake we've gotten from Rustika Bakery...they never disappoint! 

He looked so surprised when the priest put the water on his head but he never cried.  I nearly cried....it was such a special day and I'm just so thankful to have him. 

Family

Our little family of 3

We are SO blessed to have this precious boy in our lives.  He makes everything brighter!!  I pray every night for many, many, many more years with him.  After everything I've seen as a nurse I know that everyday we are given with him is a blessing and I cherish every single moment (yes, even the 2am feeding!).   

 

Party Details:  Invitations from Berings, Birth Announcement by Tiny Prints, "Christopher Christening" gown by Kissy Kissy from Chasing Fireflies (available on line or at Berings) 

A Special Weekend

We've had a super busy fun filled weekend with family and friends!  William James was baptized today at Saint Anne's Catholic Church here in Houston (where we were married).  Here's a sneak peek of our special day!