Baptism

We flew back to Nebraska over Memorial Day for Brax's baptism.  He was baptized in the same church where my mom was baptized.  This is the church my mom's parents were an instrumental part in building.  They were very active members of the church.  They believed and practiced the Catholic faith which is now being passed down to Brax.  My great great grandfather was an original founder.  He was tired of driving his horse and buggy so far to the neighboring town in Fremont so he started the Catholic church in Valley.  My grandfather couldn't marry the first person he asked because she would not become Catholic.  I am glad because we all wouldn't be who were are if it wasn't for my grandma.  When I converted, my Great Aunt Edna said my grandparents would have been so happy.  My Aunt Diane said they would have been pleased as punch to see Brax be baptized there.

My friend, Father Ryan, baptized Brax which meant a lot to me.  During the Mass, Father Ryan had some special words to say about Brax during his homily.  Brax cried for a few minutes at the beginning of Mass, but he was very quiet during the rest of the service.  Then, we had the baptism following the Mass.  Brax was pretty good and only cried a bit at the end.  He actually smiled at me after the water was poured over his head, and he had a big smile for Father Ryan when he held him after the baptism for pictures.  My niece, Ava, who is two added some excitement to the end of the baptism.  She grabbed the tall lit candle in front of the baptismal font.  Luckily, someone was quick to react and held onto the candle.  She was pretty scared by all the commotion.

My sister, Ali, and brother, Mike, were one set of godparents.  The other set of godparents were Wade's cousin, Phil, and his wife, Stacey.  We are thankful to have them be a special part of Brax's life.

Needless to say, it was a very special day.  We had many people attend who met Brax for the first time.    I think there were about 45 people there.  It was quite the celebration.  We had Hy-Vee cater the dinner, and my elementary school teacher made the cakes.  Thank you Mom and Dad for all the hard work especially with the reception!

On the way to church

The Baptism

Proud Mom and Dad

From left to right:  Godparents:  Stacey and Phil Haussler, Mike Gitt, Ali Gitt, Father Ryan Lewis with Braxton, Angie, and Wade

Godparents:  Phil and Stacey Haussler

Godparent:  Ali Gitt

Godparent:  Mike Gitt

The Reception:

My best friend, Kirsten with her family- hopefully, Brax's future wife

Nana and Aunt Jill

The Guest of Honor

Meeting Great Great Aunt Irene

 Finally at home with Grandpa and Grandma- what an eventful day!

Nebraska

We flew to Nebraska for Brax's baptism.  This was his first airplane ride.  We stayed with Grandpa Stan and Grandma.  It was Brax's first trip to the farm.  Also, it was the first time Brax met his Aunt Ali, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Kelly.  Also, he met his cousins, Gina, Brendan, Emerson, Aiden, and Ava.

For the weekend, my mom's sister was in town.  Brax met his Great Aunt Diane and Great Uncle Greg.  My cousins, Sarah and Elisa, were also along.  Elisa brought her three kids.  There were a lot of people staying at my parent's house, but it was so good to be able to see everyone since we don't get to see them very often.

At the baptism, Brax met his Great Aunt Ellen, Great Uncle Dan, Great Aunt Joey, Great Uncle Dave, Great Great Aunt Irene, Great Uncle Dee, and our cousins, Phil and Stacey, Joe and Staci, and their kids.  Also, he met my best friend, Kirsten and her family.  Her daughter, Sloane, is two years old, and hopefully, one day, they might be married.  That would be convenient for us!

We went to Mike and Kelly's house to celebrate my dad's birthday and retirement.  Brax was definitely not used to the noise that five children can make.  It was hard for him to relax and sleep when he wanted to sleep.  When we got home, there was a tornado warning at about 1:00 in the morning.  We all went down to the basement.  The laughter created by Dad and Mom making shadow animals on the wall woke up Brax.  Everything was fine except a blown over plant pot and a shutter that fell off the house.

It was a very nice weekend!  It is always so great to be around family!

Brax wearing his John Deere outfit with Grandpa

Hanging out with Grandma

Meeting Aunt Ali

First Cousins

The Gitt Family- missing Adam and Sophia

Siblings

Sisters

The Girls

With Dad

My sister is very creative!  She made this sign.

Meeting Great Aunt Ellen

 First Cousins- Ali and I don't look too bad for being in our pajamas!

 My mom's sister and her family

Buddy

If Brax could talk, and someone asked him what his name is, he would probably respond with Buddy.  Wade and I have definitely given him a nickname since he was born whether he likes it or not.  It is such a habit now, but I am trying to call him by his name, too.  We love you, Buddy!