Harald's Christening

Time flies and now it's almost two months since Harald's Christening.  We did a "favorit i repris", as the Swedish expression goes, and "copied" Isolde's christening two years ago.  Service at Gustaf Adolfskyrkan, followed by a reception in the pub* at work.  Same gown; same order of service though with different solo song and poetry reading; carefully chosen godparents (but not the same of course); same guest list but different composition depending on who could make it; and almost the same food and drink (sparkling and canapés) although we also added coffee and mini cupcakes.

It was a lovely day.  The pastor was really sweet and made it all very informal and personal.  He made us smile and laugh as well as think about the joy and love children bring but also the responsibility we have for them.

Sadly, a very important person was missing and that was Isolde who had a high fever (we're very grateful to grandma who missed Harald's big day to take care of Isolde).  It was very strange not to have Isolde there, like we only had one child.  But we didn't have a choice :(

Another person who was missing was Harald's fourth godparent Sabina who unfortunately couldn't make the Christening, but godparents Anders, Åsa and Jessica were there.

Waiting for the service to start and already asleep.  He continued to sleep throughout the whole service and half of the reception.



Peter held Harald and I read one of the bible text and all godparents had been given a task. Jessica poured the water (and would have been assisted by Isolde had she been there), Åsa read a poem (Ett barn by Dorothy Law Holte) and Anders lit the candle.



Helena, who's one of Isolde's godparents, sang for us like she did at Isolde's christening, this time Ute blåser sommarvind by Samuel Hedborn.

Harald woke briefly when he got water on his head but then fell asleep again :)

Just before closing his eyes again




Harald surrounded by pastor emiritus David Holm, parents and godparents.

Incomplete family photo as poor Isolde was sick at home

Harald with three of his godparents - Anders, Jessica and Åsa.  Anders is an old friend of Peter's since school; I met Åsa in Oxford; and Jessica as well as Sabina are former work colleagues of Peter's who have become good friends.  Sabina is also best friends with one of my best friends Helena and that's how Peter and I met!

Harald with my parents.  Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of Harald with Peter's parents as his mum wasn't there but instead home with Isolde.

Guests

Unwrapping presents mess

Thanks to family and friends who came and celebrated our boy and thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

* Not a pub that's open to anyone but only to people at work, and it's available for hire for free for employees.