Celebrating Gabriel

On September 19, 2010 Gabe received the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Thomas More Church here in Atlanta, GA. Wil and I were so happy to have him baptized at that church. Its such an inviting community with great pastors and we couldn't be happier. 30 of our close friends flew into town to celebrate with us. Friends and family came in from New Jersey/New York/Minneapolis to be with us. It was a blast! Its always fun when my NJ friends mesh with my MN friends. Plus it was fun for everyone to finally meet our baby boy.

Just like we did it in Aruba, we tried to make it a weekend long celebration.

On Saturday, Sept 18 - we had a welcome dinner at our favorite local Italian restaurant - Anthony's.

On Sunday, Sept 19 - we had th Baptism and a beautiful outdoor reception at Park Tavern near Piedmont Park here in Atlanta.

On Monday, Sept 20 - we had a goodbye brunch here at our home before everyone took off for home

Here are some bits and pieces from Gabe's big celebration. A lot of TLC went into this party with a lot of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) party ideas.

(Gabriel in a vintage christening gown from his godfather - RG. RG wore this at his own christening 30 years ago)

(Gabe getting baptized by Father Brian at St. Thomas More Church in Avondale Estates. Godparents Gail and RG were there to witness it)

(All of our family and friends who flew in for the occasion sqeezed into a big family shot)

(The celebrant at his baptism reception after a long nap. Gabe is wearing a Gap button down shirt with Burberry shorts)

(Our table setting in the outdoor patio at Park Tavern in Atlanta, GA)

(Beautiful DIY centerpieces, Blue and white ceramic vases from Home Goods, fresh blue hydrangeas from Dekalb Farmers Market)(White cutout vases from Home Gooods)(Our lil family :) I'm wearing an H&M dress, Fioni shoes, and a David Yurman cocktail ring. Wil's wearing a DKNY pinstripe suit with a Burberry tie, Kenneth Cole shoes. Gabe is wearing a Gap button down with Burberry shorts)(DIY cupcake stand that i created with a crystal cross on top. Cupcakes from Atlanta Cupcake Factory - 2 flavors - Red Velvet with Almond frosting and Sugar Cookie Caramel Cupcakes. SOOO good. )(My family pic: Jim -Gail's boyfriend, my middle sister Gail, my dad, my mom holding Gabe, my youngest sister Christine, her husband Eddie, me, and my love Wil)(Favors were handmade rosary bracelets courtesy of Designs by K Cayetano. I loved that i was able to make something meaningful and special for our guests) (The handmade rosary bracelets were blessed and placed in sheer pouches with personalized ribbons as favors for all of our guests at Gabe's baptism)

Relaxation

After going to birthing classes, aside from massage and touch techniques, music, and aromatherapy, they suggest having visual aids to relax your body during labor. Wil and I discussed it and the two places that make me happy and have great memories are of course, Boracay, a tropical island in the Philippines, and Santorini, Greece .

Here are some pics from Greece that i want to think about during labor. Greece is literally heaven on earth. The pics don't even do this island justice .

.My cutie pie Wil with Fira in the background, i hope baby looks just like Wil :)Sunset over ImperviogliThe crowd watching the famous sunset in OuiaEven the doggie has a VIP view of the sunset in OuiaOur view of Ouia as we waited for the sun to setCliff diving in Ouia3 bells adorned many churches in Greece, reminded us of San Antonioyum, fresh tomato salads everydayOur walk to FiraOne of the doors of Santorinibeautiful restaurant along the waterOne of my favorite views on the island, it really felt like the doorway to heaven
Not a view of Santorini, but this is the train in Greece, and this is my motivation to get back into my pre-pregnancy clothes after baby arrives. lol. I can't wait to wear a belt again!!!!

Have Hope

i'm getting anxious - to the point that i called my mom freaking out whether whatever i was feeling was normal. So today's homily at mass really hit home for me.

The priest at St. Thomas More in Avondale Estates - the church i'm hopeing to baptize baby - said, "Have Hope. Fight Fear with Faith." I have to have faith that everything will be alright.