Valentina's Baptism - April 27th, 2008

This child needs JESUS!

Valentina's baptism was at 2pm on Sunday, so her Godparents (Debbie and Akis) came over early to wake her up from her nap and get her ready. It's like she KNEW it was her special day!

It's traditional that the Godmother dresses her...
Her Godfather got in on the action too.

Valentina wore Akis' baptismal gown. Seeing her in his gown reminded me of all the pictures I've seen of his baptism (since she has similar features - dark hair/eyes). It was special too, to think that at one time, my father's strong arms held his little, baby, boy, full of promise, in this very gown. I wonder how he must've felt and what he must've wished for his baby boy. Now, 31 years later, the little, baby, boy who was baptized that day and has been through SO MUCH since, was holding my, little, baby girl, in this very gown, and introducing her to the Church and her new life as a Catholic. It really warms my heart and felt very "meant to be". I know both Akis and Debbie will have a lot to teach and share with Valentina, as she grows up and experiences life with all it's blessings and challenges.

No, Nino! You can't have your dress back...it doesn't fit you anymore!

Once she was dressed, it was off to the church...the very same church where just 3 years ago, we were married! Who could've imagined on May 29, 2005, that in three years, we'd be baptizing our beautiful daughter, right in the same place.

Dad, Mom and Valentina

Mom and Valentina
Dad and Valentina

Father Jim annoints Valentina

Soon it was time to head back to the baptismal font, where water was poured over her head and she was baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Valentina looking a little nervous...

Her nerves didn't last and she did pretty well...didn't cry very much at all!


Then the priest lifted her up, and presented her to the congregation. I don't think she knew what to do at first, but everyone clapped and she seemed to like the attention.

As if suddenly realizing all the clapping was for her, she graced everyone with one of her huge smiles...

They love me! They reaaally love me!

Playing with Emma in the pew

There's that face again (she loves making this face lately)!

Anthony and Uncle Stevie
Teah, Emily and Emma

Lorraine and Aunt Judy (who is also Stephen's Godmother!)

The Godparents (looking like a commercial for Brightsmile - LOL).

"Fafa" and the Godparents

"Fafa" and Yiayia

Tia Rosi and Valentina

Michelle was taking all our pictures (thanks Michelle!). She finally got out from behind the camera for this shot with Sophia.
Sebastian, our videographer (thanks Sebi) came out from behind his camera for this shot with Anthony.
One final shot with the priest that baptized Valentina, Father What-A-Waste...I mean, Father Jim!

Then it was time to celebrate! Welcome to Valentina's baptism reception!
Just like for our wedding, we used pink peonies (my favorite) as part of the centerpieces, although on a much smaller scale.

There happened to be a big fire in Chantry Flats (very close to us) that started on Saturday - just our luck! I woke up Sunday morning to ashes everywhere! I was so mad and thought they would ruin the party (aside from the fact that it was HOT!). What is it with me and the brutal sun following all my events?!

I was pleasantly surprised, as the day went on, the ashes stopped falling. I don't know if the wind was blowing them in the other direction or what, but we had a completely ash free party!

Valentina and Nonna Lorraine

The Ronga Family

The Papadopulos Family

A special thanks to Mom and Lorraine. Mom made mousaka (my favorite) and Lorraine made pasta with tomato sauce and Italian sausage (Stephen's favorite). Both were delicious, and it was nice to be able to enjoy foods that we grew up with and have fond memories of. We also had tiropites, spanakopites and dolmades with tziatziki.

It was a fun party, but WHEW! it was hot! Luckily, it was towards the end of the afternoon and the sun was starting to fade. Although we gave people the option of moving indoors, most were troopers and stayed outside, enjoying the company and the kids.

Rub a dub, dub, how many kids can we fit in the hot tub?

Valentina says "Hey guys, where were you two weeks ago?"



Oh, you thought Sophia was having fun?



Take a wiiiild guess, which bozo's idea that was? Nice BAPTISM party pictures!!!

And with that, it's official....our baby girl's "original sin" has been washed away...and any sin she acquires along the way from here on out is DADDY'S FAULT! =)