Not Entirely Mini-Me

Three weeks before the actual First Communion day we gathered at church for the session with the professional church photographer.  While it meant getting her dolled up on two separate occasions, it also allowed for a calmer morning on the real day and removed any post-ceremony delay in providing a meal for our extended family.  A few years ago I gifted to Bay my childhood church purse -- one that was given to me on the celebration of my own inaugural Eucharist.  While she preferred not to have the little purse in her formal altar pictures, she humored me with a few snapshots on the stairs to the choir loft.  I'm a sucker for symbolism and had in mind that some year in the future she, too, may be glad to have this picture.

Yes, I know, she looks eerily like me in all things genetic, and like her mama, she wanted nothing to do with a veil, but her style on this special day thirty years after my own is definitely all Bay.  Grandma Finch made the dress according to her specifications, and her tendrilled locks were inspired by the tiny curling iron she'd spotted at sitter Coco's a few days beforehand.

A week after pics (2 weeks before today), the Altar and Rosary Society hosted a breakfast for all of the First Communicants and their families, and it was most delightful -- from the cheerful table settings and delicious food to the cards and special atttention paid to the kids.  Bay has also been blessed by cards in the mail and prayer books and cards bestowed on her by various church members.  She's really felt special during this journey into the next phase in her spiritual life -- thanks to a lot of wonderful people.  We are fortunate to have an intimate place of worship with a peaceful, calm tone and a genuine people so generous of heart.

We began the day the same as we did Hunter's special breakfast three years ago --

with braided egg bread  .  .  .

Father Jim emphasizes the mass as a sacramental moment, rather than a Kodak moment and kindly asked that we not crowd the sanctuary with cameras and flashes.  And since the pro session three weeks ago will provide us with images of Baylor on the altar with Father, her CCD teachers, and her classmates, I GLADLY obliged  .  .  .  it was nice to relax and not feel all "I should get a picture."  (And I have a sweet shot from photo day of all of the girls together, but I haven't asked permission of all of the other parents to post here; so, that will have to be reserved for Bay's private hardcopy album.)

After a simple lunch and a bit of visiting, it was gift time  .  .  .

 Striking a pose -- at the end of the festivities (after the rose had fallen off of the dress 

while giving hugs to aunts and uncles -- some happy wear-and-tear).

And then a night of thank you notes (by Baylor), a note to take the dress to the dry cleaner's (for me), and rest (for all).  It's been a pleasant journey; thank you, family, for making the trip!