Father Tony from the parish undertook the Baptism. Caitlin behaved beautifully, taking everything very seriously and not flinching at many hands doing crosses on her forehead, or having water poured on her. Meg on the other hand could have been called the "reluctant Catholic". At 12.15 with no lunch and missing her afternoon nap she was less than receptive. Godmother Wendy persevered but was relieved that the parents were expected to hold the baby, as at 10 kilos or so a wriggling Meg can be a bit of a handful. However with both the girls baptised it was the lighting of each of their baptismal candles that fascinated them both into quiet submission.

We gathered all our belongings and started to head for home. A last moment panic set in when Fiona told me that Dad (Grandpa) had blown out the Eucharistic alter candle (a significant “light” lit during the Easter ceremonies). In panic I approached Father Tony only to be told that anyone could blow out the alter candle and in fact it was he who had done it. Phew! What a relief, I had thought it was a bit like the Olympic flame, and we would have had to send off to Rome for the new set of matches.

After the ceremony we all returned to our home for a lunch, chats and gifts. Nanny and Granddad met us in the drive and Gaynor turned up a bit later, which was a delight. It was unfortunate that Malcolm and family couldn’t come but as Malcolm works its not always possible to change rosters, and of course Jamie and Sarah were having their 1st day at home with the new baby.

Matt and I spoilt the girls prior to the mornings events giving them both gold lockets for a remembrance gift, and cute beanie baby each (something to hold during church). After lunch it was the turn of nanna and grandpa, and god mothers to spoil the girls with gifts both keepsakes and fun.
A beautiful music Beatrix potter figurine for Meg from Godmother Wendy, and a pretty painted keepsake box from Godmother Fiona for Cait. Nanna and Grandpa provided a new kitchen for “home corner” upstairs, which delighted both the girls, and new videos of “Lady and the Tramp”

Ironically it took the non-Catholic of the group, our gorgeous Aunty Cheryl and family to provide the most significant religious gift, giving both the girls a pin with coloured stones in the shape of a cross, so very pretty and appropriate for the day.

It was a lovely day, so thank you to all who celebrated with us.