Today was Arabella’s baptism. We got moving somewhat early to get everyone ready and out the door by 1130a. We were meeting Father Earl (who married jarmon and I) after 1130a mass at St Vincent Basilica.
Amazingly, we got there in time— as did godmother Jamie and godfather Greg. Uncle Larry, aunt Marge, Margo, Andrew, Lucia and Greta also joined us. My dad asked his professional photographer friend Jack to take photos.
I fed Arabella in the back of the church when we arrived. I’m not sure if she got heavier over our holiday vacation or if she was just more difficult to hold in her elaborate baptism gown, but feeding her was a struggle— as was changing her diaper. By that time mass was letting out and there was not a changing table in the restroom, which meant we were sprawled out on the floor. Arabella was not interested in sitting still.
Once everyone left after mass, we moved over to the church to meet Father Earl. He was excited to meet Arabella and we were excited for him to meet her. She loved him— and judging by the way she gazed at him, it’s possible she thought he was Santa.
The baptism lasted about a half hour. Jamie held Arabella for most of it (she had no idea the arms workout for which she had signed up). Arabella was great and barely fussed at all.
Afterward, we took some photos in the basilica, which was even more beautiful than usual because of the Christmas decorations. We got pretty much every combination of people you can imagine, but I think my favorite was Jamie and I with our goddaughters— Arabella and Mia. So many years of friendship in that photo. And so many more to come.
After the baptism we all went to Denunzio’s for lunch and cake. We were thrilled to have Father Earl join us. Arabella got some beautiful baptism gifts. On the way out, Jarmon had already buckled Arabella into her car seat, but I noticed a great photo opportunity in front of some holiday decorations. I was pretty sure jarmon was going to murder me for getting her out of her car seat, but you know the saying about opportunity knocking. The photos were spectacular. Some of my favorite (amateur) photos of the day. The photos showcased the entirety of her beautiful gown and she looked adorable. Well worth every moment of hassle. Oh, and as you are looking at the cute photos in front of the Christmas decorations, take note of her special necklace. The gold cross was purchased by me at the Vatican and given to my grandmother as a souvenir from my trip. She passed away two years ago, but my mother kept the cross and passed it along to Arabella to be worn on her baptism day.
Margo and her family stopped at the house on their way back to Connellsville, which was nice because we got to visit with them a bit more. Arabella buddied up to Lucia— Baxter claimed Greta. We had a nice visit.
Later in the evening, neighbors Lisa and Ellie stopped by with Christmas gifts for Arabella. We drank some of my mother’s special orange slush (frozen orange juice, brandy, gin and cherries), ate some cookies and had a nice evening.
Trina Orlando 