Sam's Baptism

As members of a PCA church, we believe in baptising infants. We believe that infants are baptised as covenant children, as an outward symbol of God's blessings bestowed to them through the faith of their parents. This past Sunday was Sam's turn to be welcomed to the Covenant Family through baptism. Chris and I took vows recognizing Sam's need for God's grace, claiming God's promises on his behalf while looking to the Lord for his salvation, and that we will raise him according to God's Word. Sam was baptised by our good friend and neighbor, Rev. Eric Priest (yes, that makes him Pastor Priest!).

Both sets of grandparents were able to come into town for the big event, which made for quite a fun weekend! Sam performed wonderfully by cooing, laughing, and smiling at all of them practically on command to keep all entertained. I think he's probably bored today now that its just me and him around the house! The grandparents were also able to partake in the party we had at our house on Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful to celebrate Sam's baptism with family, friends, food, and cake!

The Baptism Gown that Sam wore is family gown that has passed through my mother's mother's family. It is 57 years old, originally purchased for my uncle, and has been worn by somewhere between 15-20 people (see below for list, still working on filling in the rest of the names). It is lovely, but beginning to show its age as the thin cotton has a few worn spots. My mom and I are going to look into what can be done to preserve the gown for as long as possible.

The blanket that you see in some of the pictures is a Christening Blanket hand-made specifically for Sam. My dear friend, Sophie (whom I met when studying abroad in Scotland), indicated that it is custom where she grew up (outside Munich, Germany) to send a Christening Blanket as a baby gift. Her mother made it - it is without question the most beautiful hand-made blanket that I've ever seen. It is yellow, because Mrs. Scheller began working on it long before we knew that "Poppy" would be Samuel.

The following family members have all worn the same Baptism Gown (All relations from Sam's perspective):

Michael Patrick Gaffney (Mother's Uncle)

Timothy Daniel Gaffney (Mother's Uncle)

Kathleen Marie Gaffney Sivard (Mother's Mother)

Kelly Anne Gaffney Whalen (Mother's Aunt)

Erin Nicole Gaffney (Mother's Cousin)

Kristen Leigh Sivard Stegmiller (Mother's Sister)

Lindsay Brooke Sivard Hunniford (Mother)

Matthew James Sivard (Mother's Brother)

Samuel James Hunniford