The Lost Blogs: Dominic's Baptism

I'm not exactly what you'd describe as a "religious" (imagine me doing air quotes there). In fact, you can count the number of times I've been to church on one hand (maybe two).
So when Melissa said she wanted to get Dominic baptized I was mixed. But since she grew up going to church and it was important to her, then I was all for it. Besides, I figured it at least meant more presents for Dominic at Christmas and birthdays (again, not that religious).

What I didn't realize is that I'd have to follow all these rules. First, you have to pick Godparents. No problem. Oh wait... they have to be Catholic? And confirmed? What does "confirmed" even mean?

Next you have to go to a baptism class. By the way, this was pretty silly. All they did was show us a movie made in 1985 that ultimately told me I need to show up, bring the baby, and the Godparents. Done and done.

Proof that I went to church and didn't catch on fire.

Then comes the big day. All our family came including grandparents, great grandparents, Godparents, and aunts and uncles. We all went to the church and ironically on a day Dominic was going to get water poured on his head, he needed an umbrella to keep him dry.

We attended the full mass. That's a pretty good workout. Lots of standing and sitting and standing again.

(Side tangent: Obviously it was a Sunday and football was on. Do you know who didn't look at his phone for a score or fantasy update once during the service? Me. I can't say the same for everyone in our party.)

At one point the church got quiet and what wouldn't you know... Dominic let one rip. A big one, people actually looked. Again, I'm not very religious, but I don't think you're supposed to do that in church.

Finally the service was over and it was time for the baptism itself. That took a long time. Nearly an hour. About three-quarters of the way threw Dominic fell asleep... so imagine the rude awakening when the water was finally poured on his head. He cried, but just for a second.

Afterward, we headed home for a nice afternoon of football and delicious food whipped up by my beautiful wife.

All in all, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Thank God!

Wedding Day Priorities

That's one good looking family!

There I am, decked out in a tux, my wife a beautiful bridesmaid, the reception is just about to get going and the only thing I can think about is getting Dominic out of all the noise.

This is how your priorities change when you have a child, even when you're at his uncle's wedding.

A beautiful wedding

We had big plans. Melissa and I were both in the wedding, we even bought a sweet suit for Dominic to wear. We were one good looking family.

And it's not like Melissa and I never expected to stay all night, but we figured we'd bust a couple moves, watch the cake get cut, maybe even have a cocktail or two.

Nope.

As soon as we walked into the cocktail hour... I knew it was over. Dominic was overwhelmed by all the people and all the noise. His eyes were as big as saucers.

Can you tell he didn't like the noise?

And as soon as I saw that, I was ready to go and didn't even think twice about it.

Ultimately, we stayed through dinner, and Dominic fell asleep on my lap. After the meal, I took him back to our hotel room, and let Melissa stay and party (it was her brother's wedding).

How sweet is that?

Would I have loved to stay for the party? Yeah. Would I do the same thing about in a heartbeat? Absolutely. After all, it's all about priorities and my family is priority number one.



The good news is... before we left we took some really good photos.

Daddy and his boy... check the shoes!

Six Month Birthday

Dear Dominic,

About a week before you were born I wrote you my first letter. Now, six months later I figured it was a good time to write another.

It’s only been six months since you’ve been in our lives, and yet I can’t remember what life was like before. I don’t remember what it was like to sleep through the night. I don’t remember what it was like to sit through an entire, movie, TV show, or video game. I’m also pretty sure I used to go to these places that served adult beverages, but I don’t remember them either.

But here’s the thing… I wouldn’t want to change any of it.

Your toothless grin brightens my morning, and welcomes me home. Your funny sounds crack me up. I’ve even gotten used to finding mysterious spots on my clothes.

Every day brings something new, something amazing. One day you’re grabbing my finger, the next you’re eating real food, rolling over, sitting up, and the best so far… saying “dada”.

Dominic I want you to know, that your mommy and daddy feel like the luckiest parents in the world.

Happy six-month birthday, we can’t wait for the next six.

Love you,

Daddy