Olive's Oceanside Baptism

3 years ago we tried to convince Divine.  She is a stickler for rules and the norm, so we knew it wouldn't happen.  18 months later Pearl was all for out of the ordinary, but it was also February.  Another 18 months later and we have Olive, a bit hesitant, but also lover of exciting and new.

She agreed to have her baptism in God's setting.

The scene could not have been made any more perfect.

We held it just before the sun went down, so the sands were close to solitary.

I went out with her (and Azure) to take some photos before friends and family gathered to witness and celebrate this milestone with us.

She was excited, but I think also a bit nervous,

especially as people began arriving.

Her dress is an Oliver + S design with a tiny bit of handmade striped yellow (her favorite color) bias piping, and she asked if I would add a butterfly as well.

I made it out of fine wale cord and it's lined, so even wet, it's not transparent.

Clover caught: as she came walking up dripping just after I told her NOT to get wet

words of comfort from gramma

We all stood around in a big circle, Ryan explaining what was going to happen to those not familiar with baptism by immersion.

The baby dills sang sweetly, and how wonderfully their voices blend together.

As Ryan and Olive (and the two witnesses) made their way out into the water, the noise of the waves and moving water made the words in audible and I imagined how it must have felt even more private, peaceful and spiritual for Olive.  We named her after the Olive branch, which symbolizes peace.

My mom and I were concerned they hadn't gone out deep enough, but just as Olive was lowered into the water, a little wave appeared and washed over her.

It couldn't have been more beautiful

or perfect.