Landon's Christening/1st Birthday Celebration

A week ago this past Saturday, our closest friends and family, got together to celebrate Landon's 1st Birthday and (finally) his Christening.  Generally, he would have been baptized months ago, but we were a bit nervous in the beginning with Landon's lack of neck/muscle control.  Why, you might ask? 

You see, my husband is Catholic and I am Greek Orthodox.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with a traditional Catholic baptism.  Short and sweet with baby being held securely in ones arms.  Well, this is not the case with a traditional (what seems to be neverending............you see Greek's have this thing with doing everything in 3's..............hence, neverending) Greek baptism.  Has anyone out there ever seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"..............the "adult" baptism scene?  A must see!  Our lucky little cherubs get stripped down to their birthday suits and dunked into a big basin of not so warm water and lathered in olive oil like a little grease monkey.  Slippery baby + lack of neck control + "elderly" priest = wait until baby turns 1!  Many who witness this are in awe of this beautiful and different ceremony, but I am sure secretly thinking..........thank GOD that's not me!

Now imagine, Landon has had an ear infection for at least one week at this time and woke up sick and vomiting.  You see, we couldn't cancel as we had already booked a reception at a local function hall/golf course and we are expected at the church in a couple of short hours.  Then, my poor little monkey, had to be stripped down to his birthday suit in front of 60+ people who are staring at him and then dunked into luke warm (if not cold by then) water.  And this is expected to be a "joyous" occasion...........lol:)  Although Landon got through this much better than expected, he still was not himself.

We then ventured 10 minutes away to the function hall where we were going to have a lunch reception and a yummy (and absolutely adorable 1st birthday cake)......THANK.YOU.PAT., you are amazing! Landon spent most of the time at the reception sleeping in my arms.  Hey, it is not a party until the guest of honor falls asleep! HA!  I finally woke him up so that we could sing Happy Birthday and he could have a bite of his 1st Birthday cupcake!  First of all, Landon just looked around at everyone singing with big watery eyes..........this coming from the baby boy who loves to smile and clap his hands as you sing to him:(  Then his big brothers helped him blow out his candle.......and then I attempted to give him a lick of frosting.................Landon's thoughts..........I'll pass...........thankyouverymuch, mommy............and he let out a big cry!  Not the 1st Birthday celebration I had in mind!  It's OK, I am over it now! 

The most important thing about that day was that Landon was surrounded by his closest friends and family, all who love him very much!  He is one lucky little boy! We actually got all the kids together to take a picture with Landon (the best gift ever).  For a split second, time stood still, and I just took it all in.  How fortunate and lucky is Landon to be loved and accepted (UNCONDITIONALLY) by so many people.  Children who truly see Landon for who he is, their brother, cousin and friend! ACCEPTANCE.  Yes, this day (sickness and all), was a day of "CELEBRATION".  A day to celebrate all the joy Landon brings to our lives!  Thank you to all our family and friends for making Landon's Christening/1st Birthday such a memorable one!