The Baptisim of Beautiful Baby B

We had an absolutely beautiful day yesterday! One of our dearest friends, and N's Godmother, recently had her first child. Baby B was born three weeks after our Miss M. They didn't know ahead of time if they were having a boy or girl, so we were left wondering if they would be delivering M's best friend or her future husband! As it is, they had M's best friend...and N's future wife! Well, I guess there is plenty of time to figure out that situation, but I can't imagine a  better family to be connected to forever! We met Baby B's momma while F was in graduate school at U of I. F knew her for a few weeks before I was able to meet her so the anticipation was building as F told me how much we had in common and how well we would get along. Finally as we were introduced, she said "Hi, I'm C, and were going to be best friends!" She was right! We have been fast friends ever since! She came to visit us in Champaign on November 21, 2004. (Most of you know what happened the next day!) She came for one last day of hanging out before Baby Flood #1 was born. We only had a few minutes of hanging out before F and I headed to the hospital that night! C was there to meet N soon after he was born. She has played a vital role in his life ever since. About 5 years ago, C introduced us to this great guy she met while playing in a softball league in Chicago. We were thrilled she had found such happiness with such a great guy (even if he is a Cub's fan!) They were married 2 years ago and had the cutest little ring bearer in their wedding! C and I had talked about how much fun it would be to have babies at the same time and to see them grow up together. By God's grace, we welcomed our little girls 3 weeks apart! Yesterday was Baby B's baptism! She was georgous in her fantastic Christening gown, even though it didn't actually make it all the way to the baptismal font! Here she is sleeping off the excitement with her proud Momma and Popa!

After the festivies we spent the afternoon visiting with C's parents and her sibilings. They are such warm and welcoming people. Just a joy to spend time with! C's 98 year old grandfather was able to join the party for a short time. It was such a joy to see him enjoying his great-grandchildren. I must admit I was a bit teary thinking about N and M missing out on their Grand Nan and Poppie, but I know that there will always be a knowledge and love for them in their lives.
During the afternoon, we enjoyed 5 babies ranging from the age of 5 months to 3 weeks. There were babies everywhere you looked. Tons of fun! We were also able to snap a few pictures of M and B together,

M looks a bit frightened and B seems unconcerned with the whole thing! They have already changed so much from their first meeting about 6 weeks ago. I thought I would include some pictures of that day and the baby dance party that followed:

While all the babies hung out inside where it was nice and cool, the older kiddos played outside with C's very gracious sister. N did some very inspirational drawings with sidewalk chalk and he practiced for his next Brewer's tailgate with a beanbag game! He has always enjoyed spending time with C and her family.
After leaving C's house, we headed into the city to Dude's loft! Dude is one of F's best friends and N's idol! He lets N do and try absolutley anything and has some really cool things to play with! N usually leaves with some new coveted item that Mom and Dad won't buy but that Dude has laying around. Yesterday it was a mandolin that he was pretty sure was a guitar! It didn't come back to Milwaukee with us, but he sure loved strumming it! N has brought home a huge skateboard that is Dude's size (he is 6'10"!) and an ant farm that mysteriously disappeared!!! It was great to see Dude and his lady friend!
We arrived home just in time for baths and bed! Both of the kiddos seemed to have enjoyed their day and it is always great to spend time with close friends!