Born January 16, 2007, Hayden Grace Mulder entered the club of choir babies! We brought dinner over to the family and visited for a few minutes when she was only a week old. You’d never know that Erin just had a baby! Steve couldn’t be a prouder father. And Will couldn’t be a sweeter big brother!

Today was Emma Kate’s baptism. Raised in a Baptist church, we didn’t have infant baptism. Instead, Baptists have “believer’s baptism.” It is reserved for those old enough to make the decision for themselves, as a sign of their dedication to Chrsit. Methodists, at least in my understanding through my limited knowledge, view infant baptism as more of a sign of commitment from the parents, family, and church congregation. We gather together to celebrate Emma Kate’s birth, and we pledge to do our best to raise her in a Christian way, to shower her with love, and to help her understand the unending love that God has for her. It’s a very special way of recognizing the wonder of life.

Both sets of grandparents were able to attend, which we were very thankful for. Also, Alison’s sister, Kaye, and her family drove down from Knoxville. Good friends Lisa and Clara Lee also came, even though Lisa had the flu! And it wouldn’t have been the same without Ashley, Blaze, and Walker. Emma Kate was surrounded by people who love her and she was on perfect behavior the entire day! Thank you all for supporting her!

The Ceremony itself – Emma Kate, Alison, Bradley, Barbara & Quentin (Alison’s parents), James & Linda (my parents), Pastor Dan, and Pastor Gene:

It wouldn’t have been the same without Emma Kate’s friends to join her – Robert (accompanied by his big sister Leah and parents Justin & Kate) and Brittain (accompanied by her parents Dan & Valerie):

Brittain telling Emma Kate that she watched her baptism from the closed circuit tv in the nursery:

Alison learning what it would be like to have twins (and Robert watching the girls from a distance):

Leah:

Megan (Emma Kate’s cousin):

Emma Kate with her cousins Megan and Jake:

Clara and Lisa:

OK, this deserves some explanation….across from the music suite at church, there are water fountains. Someone had placed this big warning sign above them (and note the “There is a Fountain” sheet music tacked behind it”!):

Emma Kate, Alison, Megan, Madline, Jake, and Addison:

Kaye and Grandpa Kirkland:

Are they twins?:

J. & Madline:

Dee, Emma Kate, and J.:

Note sure why this photo is down here and not with the rest of them!:

Alison, her mom, and myself all have birthday within a week of each other in January. It has become tradition that the whole family gets together for good food one weekend in January. The last couple of year’s we’ve had it at Maggiano’s.  Since Emma Kate’s baptism was the next morning, she was the guest of honor.