The morning was a (mostly) normal morning until after DJ's nap. DJ got a bath (NAKED BABY!!) and then some lunch. The adults got ready, Grandmom came over, and we piled into the two Bluebarus. We got to the corner of Manor and Dulaney Valley when I realized I'd forgotten DJ's white outfit. At least we weren't far from home. We turned around to go get it, and Nancy, Dave, and Gradmom continued on to the church.
I was much calmer when we left the house the second time. ;-) DJ napped for a little while in the car, and we got to the church a little early. We met up with DJ's godparents (nouna and nouno and junior nouna - Nouna Alexandra), and DJ went right to them. No stranger anxiety (yet)!
The service started in the back of the church. While Father Dean was reading the prayers, DJ had this furrowed brow/pensive look on his face. He was incredibly interested in all of what was going on, curious, even. It was really cool to watch the wheels turning in his head. Admittingly, I was concerned that baptising him at 9 months would be too late because he would be an enormous fuss and that maybe a younger baby would be more willing to go with the flow of a service like this. But I really enjoyed watching him take in all of today's activities. While James, Susan, and Alexandra were reading The Creed, Father Dean jingled his ginormous cross to keep DJ's attention. DJ's attention definitely shifted to Father Dean. It was cute. One of the funnier parts was Father Dean reminding us that it's Pontius *Pilot*, not Pontius Pilates. Or that it's Incarnation, not Incarceration. The priest doesn't tell you stuff like that unless it's happened.....LOL
Then it was dunking time. We went back to the front of the church, Father Dean spoke to the congregation of family, and then it was time for NAKED BABY!!! DJ was already tired, so undressing him just made him fuss vocally. He didn't protest while his godparents put the holy (extra light olive) oil all over him, but he started to cry when he got dunked, poor thing. Then of course, redressing him made him REALLY fuss. And it turns out that his outfit ended up being too small! Arg! But the bib was beautiful, and he looked adorable in it nonetheless.
Dressed and calmed down, we processed around the font. James and Susan had one decorated candle, and Alexandra had the other decorated one. Spiro, Sophia and Eleni each had smaller candles of their own. Again, a humorous moment: Father Dean noting that you shouldn't stare at the candle flame, don't set anyone on fire, don't burn the priest, don't burn your nose... etc. As we're processing, James had to remind Spiro to hold his candle upright so that he doesn't burn Sophia's hair. Yikes...
Time for communion. DJ not only opened up for the spoon, but he apparently asked for more by opening his mouth again. LOL That's our little foodie! And now the service is over. We handed out the martirika (witness badges) as a reception line. They had to turn out the lights of the church to make us all leave.
It was pouring rain outside. Steve got the car because it was raining that hard. DJ got a small nap in during our drive to the Acropolis Restaurant, but it wasn't nearly enough. Nonetheless, he was a happy camper all the way through dinner. He had chicken (souvlaki), rice, and Greek green beans. We sat with Father Dean, Nancy, Dave, Grandmom and Granddad. The meal was very good. The dolmades were fantastic, as were the tiropites and spanakopites. The salad was served family style, and then we got the real treat: loukoumades. The Acropolis only makes Loukoumades on Sundays and I was so taking advantage of that!! Everyone raved over them.
All in all, it seemed like everyone had a good time, and it was good company. DJ finally fell asleep in Aunt Sue's arms, and he napped again for a little bit in the car on the ride home. Once home, DJ got another bath (3 in one day! Must be a holy day.) and an 8oz bottle. I expected him to fall asleep on the bottle but instead, he turned to me and we played together. What a happy camper! Then he and Aunt Nancy roughhoused for awhile as clearly, he was not interested in sleeping. Another 4 ounce bottle (now I'm wondering if he would have taken 8...), and I put him down. He didn't fall asleep for awhile, I went in, picked him up, cuddled him, put him back down, he held on to me for security for about a minute, and then he went to sleep.
Although it was a stressful day, it was a good day overall. Many thanks to Steve for all of his support through the planning and execution of today's activities!! Also thank you to DJ's Uncle Dave for taking pictures.
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