Alaina's Baptism

Alaina was baptized last Saturday, January 9th. We had a traditional Orthodox ceremony at our church. My sister and her husband were Alaina's godparents. About 25 people came to celebrate this special day with Alaina. Below are a few pictures from the baptism. Hopefully the captions will retell the events of the day. Overall, it was a really great celebration. Alaina did so well, she only cried for her three dunks in the water. We pray that God will keep Alaina happy and healthy her entire life! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Family picture before the ceremony began.

John, Uncle Nick, My Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Yanni, Alaina, Kalli, Nate

Alaina enjoying a few quiet moments before the ceremony

The priest gets Alaina ready to be placed in the baptismal font.

Alaina was submerged in the water three times!

After three dips in the water Kathryn held Alaina in a white sheet while the priest read a blessing. He also cut a little of Alaina's hair at that time. This symbolizes her sacrifice for Christ.

My mom took Alaina into another room to get dried off and dressed in her white gown.

Alaina smiled as she got dressed in her pretty clothes.

All dressed and ready to go back into church to complete the ceremony. A few sips of milk was all she needed to stay in a good mood.

At the end of the ceremony, Kathryn and Yanni walked around the baptismal font with Alaina. She was fascinated by the preist's sensor and her big baptismal candle.

Holding Alaina in the receiving line after the ceremony

After the ceremony our guests were invited to the church hall for brunch. Kathryn, Yanni, and I set up the tables the day before the baptism. I think they looked pretty nice!
We spent time with friends and family after brunch. In this picture, I am standing with my godmother and her daughter, Maria. The last baptism I attended was Maria's baptism almost 7 years ago!