Meeting Aunt Alicia

OK, so these pictures look a little grainy for some reason. Don't have time to figure that out right now - sorry :) Elizabeth was baptized this weekend. I was raised in the Lutheran church, and so we baptize our babies at my parents' church - the church I grew up in. All 3 of my girls have worn the same dress that I was baptized in, so that is special. We were thrilled that my little sister, Alicia, was able to be there in person for this occasion. You see, I have the coolest little sister ever. And I am ashamed to admit that I wasn't very nice to her when we were growing up. I really took great pleasure in aggravating her and getting her into trouble every chance I got. She pestered me non-stop for years, but now I realize (even though it was explained to me at the time) that she looked up to me and wanted to be like me. (That should have really called her judgment into question - I was kind of a nerd growing up - a rather immature nerd, but it was what it was :) At any rate, sometime around middle school, she became cooler than I was. She has a really hilarious story about being the class dork, and then getting a haircut and instantly being invited to join the "in-crowd."
After I went off to college, I really started to realize how great she was and how lucky I was to have her for a sister. I started to enjoy her company very much and respect her opinions and advice. I also started to feel really guilty for the way I'd treated her all those years! By the time I got engaged, I really wanted to solidify our friendship, so I did what any good sister would do. I invited her on a trip to New York City - just the two of us. And it was a blast - one of my favorite trips ever!! She lives in Miami now, and when I find out she's coming home for a visit, I look forward to it for months!! She is one of my favorite people in the world :)
For a few years, I liked to think that the trip to New York sort of made up for the years of torment I caused her. But then a few years after that, in my adjusting-to-caring-for-two-small-kids-nonstop-fog, I forgot to tell her she was the godmother for Abby Kate's baptism. So I'm pretty sure I owe her another trip :)
After this *small* oversight (she wasn't able to be at the baptism as a result) I clarified that she would be the godmother for any and all future children I am blessed with. When Elizabeth was born, I told her she was the godmother an additional 5 times, and planned the special day around her schedule. It took a small army to find a weekend that both she and Cline could be off of work, but we made it happen this past Sunday!! Alicia flew in on Friday and got to spend 2 days with our family. It was fabulous, and it was also Elizabeth's first time meeting her Aunt Alicia!!

Elizabeth all ready for church (in the baptismal dress I wore as a baby). I am still kicking myself for forgetting to put her bonnet on. All 3 of my girls have white bonnets that convert to handkerchiefs for the "something old" on their wedding day. Christa and Abby Kate wore theirs home for the hospital. I didn't have Elizabeth's when we came home from the hospital, so I told myself she would wear it for her baptism. Then I forgot. So I have to come up with another special occasion for her to wear it. But at least I remembered to tell Alicia she was the godmother :)

Christa is such a great big sister. She LOVES holding Elizabeth and taking care of her little sisters. Most of the time, she is kind, helpful, and loving to them!! I do everything I can to encourage that to continue.

Aunt Alicia holding Elizabeth after the baptism.

Elizabeth being baptized by my Uncle Jack - the pastor at my parents' church.

Our family with Alicia, Mimi, and Pa. Alicia is a bit of a fashion icon and looks like a model. She works for Nieman Marcus and occasionally scores some fun name-brand bags and kids' clothes for us :)


My wonderful family.

Elizabeth tries to roll over on her side/stomach when she's tired. She hasn't rolled over from her back to her stomach yet, but she got about as close as she could in the bouncer :)

Alicia with all 3 of my girls. Abby Kate was pretty bashful most of the weekend. Alicia and I went shopping for a Father's Day present for our dad a few hours before her flight left. While we were at the store, she picked up some birthday presents for the girls since she likely won't be around for their birthdays. Abby Kate warmed up to her very quickly after receiving her Snow White dress-up set :)

Gotta run - screaming babies need my attention. Have a great day!