Christening in Detroit

While things are fresh in my mind, I thought it would be a good time to write about our visit to Detroit. First airplane ride - check. First visit with great-grandmother Maura -check. First time at the pool - check. Christening - check. It was an overwhelming success; the only downside being how tired everyone is (including Ripley who is asleep in the sling right now).

On Friday midday, we headed to BWI with Ripley's entourage (Chuck, Vivienne, Fiona, mom and dad). It does seem to take a village to get a child on a plane. We divided and conquered with Chad and Chuck parking the cars and Fiona and Vivienne helping me with baggage and baby.

Once on the plane, we used the tried and true strategy of "try to put baby into a milk coma". This worked to an extent, but it took being put into the sling to truly knock her out. I don't think we disturbed the people around us too much - and since Fiona, Chuck and Vivienne were the ones behind us, I think it all worked out just fine.

When we got to Detroit/Dearborn, we checked into the Dearborn Inn. I had never stayed there before, although others in the party had. There have been several McCartan family events that have taken place here - I don't remember all of them, but they usually involve lunch/brunch and then photos by the fireplace (you'll see an example later).

After checking in, we headed to Gertrude Street to see Granny Maura. She and Ripley hit it off right away.

On Saturday, we all headed to St. Mel's for the Christening. Little girl was very accommodating as we put on her dress - it was a team effort.After a beautiful, quirky ceremony led by Uncle/Father Tom, the photos began in earnest (many are linked here at my Picasa album). Ripley didn't flinch when the water was dribbled on her head; in fact, she was asleep for 3/4 of the ceremony, and an angel during the rest. We are so thankful to Culann Kramer and Katie Brisson for agreeing to be Godparents.

There is so much more, including two wonderful brunches at the Dearborn Inn, but I think the most incredible part of it all was having 4 generations all in one place. The love for Ripley, but also for each of us in the family was such a wonderful gift.