A Baby in Salem: Will's Baptism

We were very fortunate to have such a good crowd for Will's baptism. During the mass prior, everyone--parents, grandparents, uncle, and neighbors--got their turns playing "pass the baby."

After having a little break after mass and getting into his baptismal gown, Will is in good spirits and, at the moment, unwrinkled.

William Laurence with his godmother, Michele

Waiting for the baptisms to start (Grandma and Grandpa C, Uncle Dillon, Mark, Karen, Janet, Carolyn, and Joe)

There were eleven babies being baptised that day, and the visiting priest decided to do each one individually and in the pews, making it a little awkward and difficult to see. (The general soundtrack of this was crying from the babies and grumbling from the adults.)

Finally, it was Will's turn to be blessed. Standing up for him are Michele, his godmother, and Granpy, who was acting as a proxy for Uncle Jeff.

The priest did all eleven blessings separately before attending to all eleven baptisms. Will is temporarily a happy boy waiting for his next turn.

Avonlea Jane showed a lot of patience during the long wait, but finally Brandy and Margaret had to take her (and her doll, Mena) to go outside for snack.

The wait before Will's actually baptism was a long one.

When it was finally time for the baptism, Will was fast asleep, though that only lasted until the water was poured.

William Laurence with his godparents

With Granny and Granpy

With Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Dillon

We foolishly didn't get this picture before Will got dressed, but you can just make out the names of all the babies who wore the gown: William Laurence, Avonlea Jane, Brandon Robert Chase, Dillon Edward, and Olivia Lynne.

When we got back to the house (three hours later), we had a great time eating with our friends and family. Here, we're about to start a game of Celebrity.