A year ago and only 2 1/2 weeks old, Andrew and I had Harper baptized in the Catholic Church. Since being married, Andrew became a full member of the Catholic Church when he was Confirmed in 2016. It is important to both of us, that Harper is raised in the Catholic Church and learns to love her faith just as we do. We encourage her to find her own way, but we will be there supporting her and giving her all the resources that she needs.
We chose to have her baptized so young because Andrew's mom was here for a visit and since she is so far away we thought it would be special to have her involved in such an important event. Harper can definitely consider herself a cradle Catholic.
Harper's gown was made by my friend Cheryl, completely out of my wedding gown! I love how simple, yet gorgeous it turned out. I also love that my wedding gown was repurposed instead of sitting in a box and taking up space in the back of a closet (I never actually had my gown cleaned after our wedding - oops) I dream that the gown can and will be used for any future babies we may have and then be handed down for a few generations. Side Note: this was a very small portion of my dress and I have a few more ideas for the rest of the material 😉
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| Isn't it stunning? |
My sister, Anne accepted the responsibility of being Harper's only Godparent. When I learned that I was pregnant one of my first thoughts was, "Who is going to be Harper's Godparents?" We don't have really close friends that are Catholic, and unfortunately not many family members that are practicing Catholics. We wanted someone that was practicing, would be present in Harper's life, and most of all would be a great Catholic example.
For a few years Anne stepped away from the Catholic Church to find her place for herself. I admire her for taking that time for herself, because although I've had my moments, that Catholic guilt is real and always got the best of me. So maybe not the best, but I had my moments where I was just going through the motions. Fast forward to when we found out we were expecting in January of 2018 and unbeknown to be, Anne had starting going to church again. It felt like it was an answer to an unspoken prayer. Of course I had dreamed of my sister and even brother being Godparents to my children and when that felt like it wasn't possible I just felt lost. I love that my sister, and best friend, can full-fill this role in my daughters life.
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| Godmother, Parents, and Father O'Keeffe |
After the ceremony we held a small reception for the family that joined us. Since Harper was so young, Andrew and I made the decision to not pass her around, so I strapped on the baby carrier and she slept while we ate and talked. It was a beautiful day, but being so new to parenthood, completely exhausted, and overwhelmed and nervous that Harper cried during most of the ceremony, it feels more like a blur than I would like to admit. I'm thankful for everyone that made the trip to St. Alphonsus Ligouri in Zionsville on this beautiful Saturday to be part of this very special day.
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| My mom's brother and his family |
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| My mom's youngest brother and his family |
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| My mom's dad. Harper is his first great-granddaughter |
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| My mom's sister and her husband |
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| My two youngest cousins |
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| Can't beat Costco cake! |
Thank you for taking the time to be here, it means the world to have your support. I hope you all have a blessed day and week.
