It's not about tradition, well maybe a little bit

While we were in Sydney for Christmas we decided to have Ezzy baptised. When in "The Gong" we attend church with Al's family at Figtree Anglican so we asked the Pastors there if they could do us a favour and hold a baptism the Sunday before Christmas! We did the same for Miriam when she was that age, so I think they were used to our unusual requests.

Pastor Stuart Starr presenting Ezzy to the congregation at the end of the baptism

There are many views within the Christian church about baptism. Some denominations conduct a water baptism (such as at Figtree) when they are babies and a confirmation of faith as teenagers/adults. Others won't water baptise babies as they believe the child should make that decision for themselves.

Splash them with water, dont' splash them with water, to be frank I don't really care. What the moment is about (for me) is dedicating my child to God. Thanking Him for the gift that He has given us and asking our Church family to help us raise our child(ren) to know Him. It is about asking our family to stand with us, including those that don't normally attend church, in declaring that we are grateful for what God has given us and will do our best to look after His treasure.

The tradition of our baptisms, with both the girls, comes from them wearing a 61 year old baptismal gown that was made by their Groot-Oma (Al's Oma) for Allan's father when he was born. Al's dad and all his siblings wore it, as did Allan, his sisters and brother. It has been a privilege for our two girls to wear the same dress for their baptisms. Needless to say I have been extremely careful when taking it on and off so as not to tear it! We would like the legacy of the dress to go on for all the other great-grandchildren that might come along.

Thank you to our family who attended on the day, it was a great moment to have you celebrate with us. And a BIG thank you to Figtree Anglican Church for accommodating us, again, at such a busy time of year. We appreciate you accepting us into your church family for such an occasion.

Is 13 the magic number?

Ezzy is 13 weeks old today and I am wondering if 13 is the magic number? Colic be gone! After almost a week back at home the reality of not having any family to carry her around when she is screaming is setting in.

But I must say she has improved immensley while we've been on holidays. In fact she slept so well while we were down south I threatened to move back there, just so I could get a decent sleep.

She is now a very smiley and happy little girl who loves it when you blow rasberries on her belly. She is extremely alert (just like her big sister was) and looks out at the world with her googly eyes with great interest. Shopping centres amazed her, so much to look at! As did the movies. It was funny watching her trying to watch Happy Feet Two on a gigantic screen, she couldn't take it all in at once and kept moving her head to scan the screen.

We had her baptised at Figtree Anglican Church (thanks Stuart) while we were there and she got to have lots of cuddles with all of our family and friends. It was amazing how many people we got to catch up with while we were there.

It's funny to think only two years ago we were doing the same "rellie run" with Miriam when she was the same age.



Cuddles with Nanna

At the "Big Sheep" with Mummy (I have the same photo with Miriam at the same age!)

Looking somewhat unimpressed with my Christmas present

But very impressed with Opa!

Chillin in the Qantas Club with Dad on the way home

My Crazy Christmas

By guest blogger Miriam De Rooy
This year we went on two planes at Christmas. I loved the planes because we they go up in the air they go "whoosh". I got to eat pasta on the plane and listen to Elmo.

We went to the Zoo and I saw Crocodiles "snap snap" and Ephalents (translation: Elephants). Mummy's favourite animal is the Gorilla. I saw a baby Gorilla and the baby tigers...Rrrraaaaaaaa!

Me and the Crocodile (dont worry its just a statue!)

Daddy showing me the Ephalents

I got to play with Zechy! It was the best part of the holiday. Zechy came to the zoo, we played at Squeezy's house and we watched Bananas together. We also went and saw the Penguins on the big TV (Translation: Happy Feet 2 at the movies)

Zechy is a fast runner

Bananas!

At home I play with Ava and Zali but on holidays I got to play with Aunty Nita, Aunty Meale, Uncle Dean, Aunty Asty, Uncle Chris, Oma, Opa, Ken-Pa, Nanna and Mo mo. They are so much more fun than Mum and Dad! Aunty Nita painted my face, Aunty Meale came to the zoo with us and Uncle Dean showed me how to eat bubbles and jumped on the trampoline with me.

Aunty Meale is great at playing chasey in the backyard

Got you Aunty Nita!

Aunty Meale helped Ezzy and me have a bath



These bubbles taste funny but Uncle Dean says its cool!

Christmas is fun cause I got to open lots of presents. I also helped Ezzy open her presents cause she is little. Ezzy got a Big Bird for Christmas and I like to 'borrow' it. Mummy says its okay as long as I am gentle.

Unwrapping presents is fun but I'm still not sure why I have to wear this hat?

I was scared of Santa so I didn't have my photo with him. Ezzy seemed to like him, maybe he is okay? Mummy says I will see him again next year and I can see if I like him then.

I went shopping lots of times with Mummy. I like the red trolley. The best shop is ABC. It has Timmy and Charley Bear and Bananas and Sesame and Wiggles! I got a Hoot bag for Christmas, it's great. Ezzy and I also got a big red car like the Wiggles.

Toot toot here I come!

On the way home we went on two planes again! This time I got my own TV to watch and more pasta. These red planes are great. Daddy says we are going on two planes again in March. I hope I get to eat pasta then too.