Eden's infant baptism

The original intention of our trip to Jackson on Labor Day weekend was to have Eden's infant baptism -- having her initiated into Christ's church and pledging to raise her in a believer's home while directing her to come to an understanding of Christ's love for her, thus allowing her to make a personal decision to have a relationship with God at some point in the future.

After speaking to Pastor Matheny in the sanctuary, it was time for Eden to get dressed (she got to the church in a "before" outfit so she did not ruin her baptism outfit). Ashley's mom and sister helped get Eden ready in the Bride's Room at the church. Eden wore her pearl bracelet for the first time and evidently thought it tasted yummy.







Here we are making sure that an empty stomach did not distract Eden from the service ...

The gown Eden wore was originally made in 1921 for Ashley's maternal grandfather, Laurence Rowe Crowder (he is the baby in the picture next to Eden below), by his mother Laura Rowe. [[Sidenote ... Ashley's mom is named Laura Christy, Ashley is Laura Ashley, and for about 8 months Eden was going to be Laura Brooks, but we fell in love with the name Eden a few weeks before she was born. Guess we have to make up for breaking the tradition at some point, but I digress]] Ashley's mom, Ashley, and Ashley's sister, Whitney, all wore the dress for their infant baptisms as well. After the service, Eden was changed into outfit #3 for the day -- a new gown that was safe to wear to lunch.

Eden's service was held during the same month as Ashley's, only 30 years later. Another special moment of the service was the fact that Aunt Whitney got to hold Eden's bib and burp cloth while Eden was held by the pastor. Why is this "special?" Well, because Whitney is the one who held Ashley's bouquet in our wedding while Ashley and I made a covenent before God.

In addition to the special gown Eden wore, a special song was sung for her during the service as well. Jeannie Melton is a member of St. Mark's, and she sang How Beautiful after Ashley and I took communion at our wedding. For Eden's infant baptism, Jeannie sang a song composed by Ashley's uncle, Jay Jones, for Britton's infant baptism 28 years ago.

All of this was seemlessly coordinated by Eden's CC. She found a tape of Britton's baptism so that Jeannie could transcribe the music and lyrics for the song. She took the gown out of its frame, and washed and pressed it to make it perfect for the day. She scheduled the baptism with the church. Eden is a blessed little girl.

After the service, Eden was happy to visit with family who came to witness her special day.

Eden and The Great Aunt Kathy

Eden and "Grandmama" (Mary Joyce Jones)

It was a wonderful service, and we're very appreciative that so many could share in this special day. We were disappointed that my family could not make it due to the hurricane (that morning, all of coastal Mississippi was under a mandatory evacuation making it impossible for my family to drive from Mobile to Jackson), but we know they were there in thought. Regardless of physical presence at the service, family is a vital part of a child's upbringing. We're thankful for our families and the role they will play in Eden's life. Plus, we certainly take a pretty picture!

Pictured (L to R): CC & Grandaddy (Christy & Chip Jones), Grandmama (Mary Joyce Jones), Miss Eden Brooks Bodie, Mommy (Ashley), Aunt Courtney (Church Jones); back row - Uncle BeBop (Boston Little), Aunt Whitney (Jones Little), Great Aunt Janet Scott, Daddy (Graham), The Great Aunt Kathy Jones, Uncle Britton