Freddy's Baptism

And Valentine's Day.

 

Which were supposed to be the same day.

 

But Mother Nature had other plans.

 

Freddy's baptism was all set for Saturday, February 14. Everything was going great. We were all set for everyone to come in, and the forecast looked like it was going to hold off on snow for us. It did, actually, but high winds blew the large amount of snow that was already on the ground so fiercely that it hit everyone coming in every direction. First, we got a call from Matt's family on the Ohio Turnpike saying there was a terrible accident and they were just parked. Then, the Smiths called to say a truck had turned over on their highway and the wind/snow was crazy. Then, we talked to Matt and Kyla who were afraid they would have to stop somewhere around Kalamazoo for the night because of the same.

 

It didn't look like anyone was going to get here in time for 5:00 mass. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. (I laughed, for the record.) We decided to try to move the baptism to Sunday morning, but Ryan, Freddy's godfather was leaving for Utah that day. A quick call to his lovely wife assured us they would have time, so I called the priest. He was very understanding and said to tell everyone to take their time, he'd see us at 11 am on Sunday.

 

So we did. And after  many weary hours on the cold, snowy roads, everyone arrived safe and sound and in need of a drink. Or ten. So, we had a baptism party the night before the baptism, and it was perfect. The next morning we all braved the -30 degree temperatures to see our sweet little guy baptized, and then we went to brunch. And I vowed to never baptize a baby in the winter again. (Matt actually vowed to not have another baby, so either way, we won't be doing that to our wonderful families again). :)

 

Be warned, there are about 100 photos.

 

Freddy on Valentine's Day, ready to meet all his people and become a child of God.

And impress the ladies.

Evie was excited about it, too.

Freddy and Charlee were born just two weeks apart (Charlee is older), and they met for the first time. It's going to be these two against the rest of the Ralls cousins, so I hope they are ready.

And this is just funny.

I let them eat the cake despite the lack of an actual baptism.

Maddee, Evie and Mae partying it up.

 

The next morning, we made it to the actual event:

We weren't allowed to take pictures during mass (though there might be a few bootleg cell phone pics floating around someplace), but we did a full immersion and it was lovely. Freddy only cried very briefly.

Freddy and his awesome godparents, Emma and Ryan.

Ryan is a great friend of ours here in Ann Arbor, and Emma is our well-loved cousin (and my goddaughter).

Emma, Freddy and Kerri.

And the girls

The Hagemans

The Rallses

The Smiths

Fr. Brendan and the kids

Gigi and Grandpa and the kids

Kate loves her Fred Man.

Grandma and Grandpa Ralls

The dudes.

GG and Pa and Freddy

And Matt.

Evie and Freddy

Madde, Evie and Charlee

With Grandma Ralls for support

Matt H, Kerri, Jackie and Freddy

Fred Man

Emma and Freddy

Kate and Charlee

Owen and Freddy. I love this picture.

 

Even though I am posting this way after the fact, thank you so much to all our friends and families who braved the weather and our chaotic house to be part of Freddy's special day (or two).