My Christening

My Mummy and Me

 To be perfectly honest, I have no idea what it was all about.  I had this fabulous vintage silk dress, Daddy dressed for work, Mummy wasn't wearing jeans - most disconcerting! - Auntie Allison turned up almost before breakfast (she hasn't done that since my birthday) and off we all went to Old St Pauls.  Everyone who was anyone was there.  Gran Kat and Granddad John made the longest journey - 1,188 miles each way.  Nanna (accompanied by Granddad) made the most heroic, as Nanna has recently broken her elbow and it stills hurts a lot.  Cousins Cath and Darrell did the longest drive, 502 miles round trip.  Auntie Dawn and Phil did the quickest flit - only touching down in Scotland for 21 hours..  Plenty long enough to wet my head, whatever that means, but it's not that bad here y'know!  Godmother Gill paid hookey from her course.  Lots of people who don't usually go to church made an honourable exception, and Nathan and his mummy came, even though his big sister had broken her arm.  All in all, one can conclude my Christening must be terribly important.  My carbon footprint just got bigger!

Father Ian christening me!

No one is allowed to take pictures in the service, but nobody told Alistair that. So here it is: me being christened by Father Ian, watched my Mummy, Daddy and my two Godmothers.  They are Auntie Allison, who caught me when I was born (very helpful) and Auntie Gill, who is the Sunday School teacher at Catherine's church.  My Mummy chose them because they are kind, wise, clever and both immensely talented, and they are going to help me grow up to be like them.  I am so lucky.  


This was confirmed to Mummy by Catherine's friend Sophie (aged 6), who towards the end of the service, whispered; "Is that really Mrs Hales?" (Auntie Gill's alter ego for going to work at the school).  On being told it was indeed, she grew excited.  "I love Mrs Hales" Sophie declared, and wanted to go speak to her, before asking if she could have her as a Godmother too.  Unfortunately not - she is MY Godmother.  I got in there first!  And you can't have Auntie Allison either!


So anyway, I digress.. my Christening...  Father Ian took me off my mum.  I wasn't especially keen on this, and I was about to yell blue murder, when without warning he tipped a pale of water from the font onto my head.  This was so surprising I forgot to scream.  By the time I had collected myself, I was already being handed back.  Then we got to walk up to the altar, where Godmother Allison accepted a candle.  Mummy was stifling a tear at this point.  Before we knew it, we were coming down the aisle greeting everyone whilst they welcomed me to the church - even though I've been lots of times before.  


Afterwards we took hundreds of pictures.  Daddy even looked quite cheerful for a change.  I think it was relief actually.  I didn't mention that I was the only one without a speaking part, so I can understand the pressure.

Afterwards, everyone in the world came back to our house - well that's what it felt like!  It is also (incidentally) where I was born, so very appropriate for my Christening Party.  Mummy had to make a tower of cakes, so that everyone could have one.  I had two.  Well, it was *my* party!


I also got zillions of presents.  Godmother Gill got the award for the most beautiful wrapped gift, but all of Mummy and Daddy's friends are incredibly tasteful and generous, so I now have a fine collection of books, Bibles, bracelets and other fine things.  


I really can't imagine why we don't do this every weekend?  Such lovely company; such a nice selection of things to eat on my highchair tray and such enormously good fun!  I do love to be the centre of attention!

Though Mummy did kick off her shoes at the end of the day and say: "phew that was more stressful than the birth!".

With lots of love and kisses to everyone who made 

my special day so very joyful.