Hannah Is Baptized

Last weekend, Hannah was baptized. Pastor James Faris, who performed the baptism, began by talking about baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant. Josh and I then gave our testimonies and Josh mentioned why we chose Hannah's names and that our prayer for her is that she would be a woman of fervent prayer like the Hannah in the Old Testament. We were asked and answered several questions indicating our vow to raise Hannah in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and the congregation likewise promised to aid in teaching Hannah about the Gospel. James baptized Hannah, who obliged by not crying and, more amazingly, not spitting up or making motorboat noises. Finally, James prayed for Hannah. We are hoping to put an audio link of the whole thing on the blog, because it really was a special and meaningful time. Please check back for the link. Below are some pictures from the day:
We changed Hannah into her baptism dress once we got to church to minimize the time she would have to spit up in it. Of course, no sooner had we gotten it on her than she spit up. We did put FOUR bibs on her (one in front, one in back, and one on each shoulder!) to keep her sort of dry between the start of the service and the baptism. The picture above is Hannah in the slip. Hannah was the fifth generation in my family to be baptized in the dress. It's special because it's beautiful and old and an heirloom, but also because it signifies the long spiritual heritage Hannah has, which I think is a special blessing.

My testimony
Josh's testimony

The baptism
Family Photo

Hannah, my mom, and me
My parents and little (ok, younger, but not so little) brother, Thomas came to visit for the baptism
Josh's parents were also with us
Mom did a lovely flower arrangement to honor the occasion

That afternoon we had a little party to celebrate Hannah's baptism. My aunt Catherine made a very pretty and delicious cake expertly decorated with Hannah's monogram.