In Which The Baby Gets Dunked

Mr. C is no longer a Pagan baby, having cast out Satan and all his pomps when he received the Sacrament of Baptism this past Sunday.

While it is WAY too long of a service for little babies, he did the best a little guy can do and powered through in his baptism jersey (don't call it a gown). Such a champ. He only whimpered a little in surprise when he got Holy Water'd--with much more gusto than a "sprinkle."

In all seriousness, it was a very special day. I wouldn't get up and go to church for very many people (unless it's a wedding), so I was truly very touched at all the people who came to celebrate with us--either at the service or at brunch afterwards. Or EVEN via the live webcast, in the latest installment of "Ain't Technology Grand?". So thanks be to you.

So holy with my prayer hands

C wore my paternal grandfather's christening gown. Gramps was born in 1892, so the gown is over 120 years old. He's the fourth generation to wear it (I also wore it when I was christened in a vineyard, setting the stage for a life of wine). It is delicate--I only buttoned a few of the buttons in the back so as not to over-handle it--but still in good shape. 

We also have my maternal grandfather's gown, and I wanted him to wear that for a little while or a photo as well, given that he's named for that branch of the family. As it turns out, there are only so many costume changes one can impose on a tired baby, so that one will just have to wait. 

For those who might find themselves in the baptismal way: C is about 3.5 months and I think that was a pretty good age for this. Our church (so I suppose Episcopal churches in general) offers four dates per year. I think he would have been too little/in a crying phase at the Easter service. If he were much older, he'd need to be entertained a lot more. The other babies being baptized were about a year old, and needed a lot more wiggling and exiting and such. So if you can hit this age window, it works about as well as it can given the entirely developmentally-inappropriate nature of the rite. 

his general feelings after about an hour and 15 minutes of incense and pentecosting

and then a crash

followed by a delicious brunch

which would not have been complete without caramel cake (it's in disguise)

Citrus Lane

For a while, I wanted to be cool enough to sign up for a subscription box like Birchbox, where you get a delivery of goodies every month. Now I'm not cool anymore and I never did Birchbox, but there is of course a whole world of baby and kid sample boxes.

I looked at reviews of several (overview at the bottom of the post) and ultimately decided to sign up for Citrus Lane because the boxes are designed around your child's age as opposed to a theme or project. He's not really old enough to understand any of that yet, so I just wanted to try good products.

Our first box came yesterday--a few weeks after I signed up--and I thought I'd share a peek in to the contents if you wanted to see what it's all about.  They'd probably make a great gift, too, if you've got kiddos in your life (especially the project boxes for older kids). There are, of course, also the ones for grown ups and even dogs (BarkBox).

Bear Takes a Trip
A cute little board book. I've not seen this series (am I missing something?) but it's a cute little rhyming book with a story about Bear's trip to the mountains.
Use code DISCOVER for 20% off at barefootbooks.com

Rattle Keys from Green Toys
I think these are going to be a hit. They're made in the US from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs and are dishwasher safe.
Use code CLSPRING13GT for 10% at shop.greentoys.com through 6/30/13

Gripe Water from Mommy's Bliss
Some people swear by this for upset tummies. It's billed as a remedy for colic, hiccups, teething, and gas. If you're a devotee, this is a good one because it's all natural. Personally, it made my baby vomit when we first tried it, so we'll probably pass. He was littler then (I had bought a bottle on my own), so maybe it would be better now, but we no longer have the gas issues. So basically I have an unopened bottle of this that I'll give you for free if you want it.

Dish Liquid from Dapple
A "green" detergent for baby feeding items. I'll try it out.
dapplebaby.com

The Mommy Hook
Stupid name, pretty smart product. Just a giant carabiner that can hook to the stroller or grocery cart and hold your purse, shopping bags, etc.
themommyhook.com

I found varied prices online, but it looks like the total value of the items in the box was $35 or so, which I think is pretty decent. Boxes are $25/month for 1-month and 3-month subscriptions, and $21/month for a 6-month subscription.

If you want to explore more, here's a little overview. I don't know much about the others except what I've read on the internet, so you might have additional insight. I am not going to link to all of these because I am lazy, but I'm sure you are a good enough Googler. Also, some blog people are brave (or boring) and have reviewed all or some of these boxes, so you can search for reviews if you want to know more.

BabbaBox - theme-based "learning-oriented" boxes for older kids

BirchBox - for grown-up ladies. Samples of beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products. You can also review the product samples to receive "points." Less expensive at about $10/month.

BirchBox Man - you get the idea

bluum - samples for moms and babies (and, more recently, toddlers)

Cravebox - not a monthly subscription; more like a themed grab bag (for grown ups), e.g., Summer Beauty, Coffee Lovers, etc.

Glossybox - luxury-sized cosmetic samples

The Honest Company - Jessica Alba's line of green/organic baby and home products. A full-service site in addition to the subscription boxes

Julep Maven - nail polishes and nail products

Kiwi Crate - craft projects for kids ages 3-7. People like this one.

Stork Stack - for babies

Wittlebee - kids' clothing

Have you done any of these? What did you think? Did I miss any? Let me know...

Jam Sesh

on my Kick & Play Piano.

#Lambstand

Oh Ceiling Fan

Don't tell Lamp, but I love you too. 

Stronger Than Yesterday

I'm working so hard! 

Outtakes

Too sleepy, mom.

I can REACH for the camera!

Ehhh....

I'm a wild and crazy guy! Do you know any swinging American foxes?

Oh. I found Light Fixture. Be back never. 

Yeahhhh, I'm just gonna hang out right here and look at Light Fixture. 

Hey ladies. 

{I did not pose this.]

Draw me like one of your French girls.