For a long time now my parents had planned a trip to L.A. (where the Filipino side of my family lives), to spend New Year’s Eve there. Since this would have been the only time I’d have most of my extended family around, they thought it’d be a good time to get me baptized as well.

Mommy and Daddy had to prepare for it before even getting there, by attending a baptism class at a local Catholic church. They picked my godfather (Mommy’s friend Alex) and godmother (Daddy’s friend Roxy).

We flew there at the end of December, on a Monday, since Mommy was on call the whole previous weekend. My first plane ride wasn’t as bad as they thought it’ll be. I had some milk for take-off and landing and played a bit afterwards in Mommy’s lap. Apart from that, I slept all the way.

The whole trip was a blur - everybody was excited to meet me. Grandma & Grandpa, my aunt and uncle, even my cousins took turns to hold and play with me. To be fair, at this age I don’t have much facial recognition, so I doubt I’ll remember them a week from now.

We got to visit a bit of the area - they took me to Santa Monica Pier and through Beverly Hills. It was a bit chilly out (by California standards, for us it felt like Spring) so we didn’t stay too long.

We spent New Year’s Eve at my grandparents’ place, with a lot of relatives. Since the 31st was also the day I turned 4 months old, they got me a cake! Which they ate :(

The next day, I got to meet my godmother! She came all the way from Canada to see me and be there at the baptism. She changed me and played with me - clearly the most experienced of the bunch, since she just went through all this only a few years ago.

After the baptism
After the baptism

I got baptized on Saturday, January 3rd, at a local church. Mommy got a nice white outfit for me to wear which took me a while to put on. I was able to stay awake up to the water part, then fell right asleep for the group picture. Hey, at least I didn’t cry.

After the baptism we went to a restaurant to celebrate. And once again, I got a cake! Which, again, they ate :(

On Sunday, we came back home to Kansas.