Aunt Jenny, wanting to get some time in before the rest of the family arrived, flew in a couple days early. She did not miss a beat holding, changing, loving, or feeding Joshua. Could it have been the numerous years of babysitting that gave her mad baby skills? Whatever it may be, Aunt Jenny greatly contributed to Joshua never being put down the entire weekend including naptime.
Joshua loves his Aunt Jenny, especially when they nap together.
Nana also took advantage of flying in early. During the last visit with Nana, Joshua would fuss and cry. Not this time. He was cooing and laughing during happy baby time with Nana.
Joshua looked forward to each new family member he got to meet as another set of arms to hold him, and another person to fall asleep on. Seriously, you'd think he'd want to be awake, but he spent most of the time sleeping and being passed around. First it was fairy godmother Wendy who came in all the way from Minnesota to see you. Although Uncle Dave couldn't get away for the weekend he's promised to host you at the double wide and take you around camp when you get bigger.
The next to come in was Papa with Sandy and of course Mama. For 90 years old, this woman sure is flying quite a bit. Mama immediately took a seat on the couch and held her arms out to hold her newest great-grandson. You could get the smile of either of their faces. It wasn't long before Joshua realized this is the same woman who made name cookies at Christmas and he put in his order for two sets of names. You better get baking Mama.
After Mama came Uncle Sean. We met Uncle Sean before he could even make it in the house. Even though his hands were shaking, he couldn't resist holding his Godson. Once inside, holding and looking at you, Uncle Sean had a such a big smile that wouldn't leave his face until he had to leave for the airport.
Late Friday night came the New York Mehlers. We think everyone was happy to get out of the car and stretch their legs, but were also very tired. We all needed a good night sleep before the next day.
Saturday we cooked out, played lawn games and enjoyed (?) the Virginian summer day so much we were just on time for the 5:30pm mass. Even though the California Mehlers could not join us, they were with us in spirit, and in Joshua's clothing. Aunt Suzette, Uncle Ray, and cousin Annaliesa sent Joshua a cute white outfit to wear to church before the baptism, hat and all.
At our church the baptisms no longer include pouring a little cold water over a baby's forehead. Oh no. During the mass the priest begins the bless the water for baptism. This is the parents' clue to start undressing the baby. At this point the once fussy Joshua begins to get excited. He likes naked time. Then we hand him to Deacon Chris who is in the font. A perplexed look comes acrss Joshua's face as Deacon Chris continues to then bend at the knees and dip Joshua three times while pouring a handful of water over his head. It's not until Joshua is handed back to us and placed in a towel that he begins to cry. He wanted more bath time. (the water was even warmed).
We quickly then change him into his baptismal gown that Michael an dhis brothers' wore for their baptism. Still upset that bath time was over, Josuha began "singing" as he was annointed with oil. All he wanted was to be held and rocked to sleep. Funny becuase that's just what Fairy Godmother Wendy wanted to do. Joshua slept through the rest of the mass and woke in time for the social gather after church. He's always ready to welcoming his adoring public.
Out came all the cameras as we returned to the house for dinner and dessert. Joshua was passed from person to person to get photos with him in his baptismal gown. The best was with all the NY cousins. I still can't believe we were able to get four kids in one place still and quiet enough to get a picture.
Soon the night came to an end as did the weekend of visitors. Just as Friday Joshua got to meet family one at a time, Sunday he had to say goodbye one at a time, and there were many tearful goodbyes.
Thank you to all who made it such a wonderful weekend. One that Joshua may not remember, but we will never forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment