My Christening

On April 4, 2004 (04-04-04 - how convenient!), I was baptized in Christ Church, the Anglican Church in St Lucia, Brisbane in Australia. After the baptism, everyone came back to Grandma & Grandad's house for a BBQ. Here are photos from the day.

Click the image for a larger version [10:23AM] Here's me in my Christening outfit with Grandma Rakkar. Grandma bought it from a designer in Melbourne. It is made of silk, satin and organza and looks very pretty don't you think? I have my bib on too (Gerrie got that for me - its embroidered) so you can't yet see the fine detail of my outfit. Look at later photos.

Click the image for a larger version [10:24AM] I also wore my two gold bracelets, one on each wrist. One came from Aunty Suzi and the other came from Aunty Monika and Uncle Winfred. They have my name engraved on them - lovely!

Click the image for a larger version [10:26AM] Everybody got dressed up in new outfits for the occasion. Here's my Mummy and me. Don't we look lovely?!

Click the image for a larger version [10:31AM] Here's Uncle Rob and Aunty Julie. Julie is Grandad Watts's sister. They came down from the Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane) especially for the occasion.

Click the image for a larger version [10:32AM] Aunty Marie also came down from Burpengary on the Sunshine Coast. And Marie is also Grandad Watts's sister. The three of them caught the train into Brisbane and Uncle Nick picked them up from the Toowong station. Today is also Aunty Marie and Uncle Arthur's 50th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulation! Unfortunately, Arthur couldn't make it for my Christening.

Click the image for a larger version [10:33AM] The three Rakkar generations: Grandma, Mummy, and me!

Click the image for a larger version [10:42AM] Here's my pretty Christening dress without the bib. Note the pretty flowers on my dress. Its a designer outfit, you know.

Click the image for a larger version [10:45AM] Am I cute in my Christening outfit or what?

Click the image for a larger version [10:46AM] Everyone looking on while I'm doing my photo shoot: Aunty Jen, cousin Sarah, Grandma Watts, and cousin Peter.

Click the image for a larger version [11:06AM] We're now at Christ Church. The three godparents or their proxies are in the foreground (l-r): Aunty Jen, Grandma Rakkar (proxy for Amanda Kouri), and Peter Hedges. The parents and godparents have lines to say during the ceremony and I'm looking on too to ensure they get it right.

Click the image for a larger version [11:18AM] The Baptism Ceremony There are three parts to the baptism: the pouring of water on my head (3.1 MB movie), the signing of the cross on my forehead (2.3 MB movie), and the gift of a candle.

Click the image for a larger version [11:23AM] With the ceremony over, now its photo op time. I'm having a nap though. On the left is Father Jonathan Holland, the priest of Christ Church. On the right is Father Rodrick who was visiting from Papua New Guinea.

Click the image for a larger version [11:24AM] During the ceremony, Father Rodrick read from the bible - St Paul I believe. I started to get a little bit tired around here.

Click the image for a larger version [11:26AM] It's still very hot, so Dad is fanning me. In the background is Mark Armstrong, a long-time friend of Dad's, and Aunty Jen. Mark's kids Martin and Tanya were also there for the ceremony and lunch afterwards.

Click the image for a larger version [11:37AM] Now that we're outside, there's a breeze so its much cooler. I get to admire my new candle with Mummy and Grandma Rakkar. What a pretty dress I have on!

Click the image for a larger version [11:37AM] More photos! Me and my Mum under the trees.

Click the image for a larger version [11:40AM] Me and my staff!

Click the image for a larger version [12:13PM] After the ceremony, back and Grandma & Grandad's house, its time for a feed. My godfather Peter is happy to oblige. Grandad is in the background at the BBQ preparing to start cooking.

Click the image for a larger version [12:14PM] After my formula, now its time for a drink. Hey! That's my champagne!

Click the image for a larger version [01:50PM] We've had quite a spread for lunch - steak, sausages, stuffed fish, salads, bread, zucchini bake, not to mention lots of champagne, wine and other drinks. Now its on to desserts: apple pie, trifle, and, as shown, my Christening cake.

Click the image for a larger version [01:51PM] My Mum helped me cut the Christening cake. Totally yum - even I got to have some! The decoration on top are some pretty butterflies. Aunty Jen looked on.

Click the image for a larger version [01:53PM] Patrice Shaw, with Bruce Crouch & Jennifer McArdle out on the deck admiring the view.

Click the image for a larger version [01:54PM] Jo Pike & Alan Waite, with Peter Hedges. Jo and Alan are getting married in July.

Click the image for a larger version [02:20PM] Father Jonathan and his wife Kerry also came for lunch with me too.

Click the image for a larger version [03:17PM] Here's some of my family and friends who came to celebrate. From the left: Grandad Watts, Lyn Milns, Bob Milns (Bob was Professor at University of Queensland in Classics Department, working with Grandma), Mummy, and Grandma Watts.

Click the image for a larger version [03:22PM] Peter Hedges, Patrice Shaw and Alan Waite, also in the lounge room. That is Goddaddy Peter's serious face!

Click the image for a larger version [03:22PM] Warren Shaw and Mark Armstrong relaxing in the lounge room.

Click the image for a larger version [03:23PM] Uncle Nick have a quiet cup of tea in the family room ...

Click the image for a larger version [03:24PM] ... with Judith and Mike. Aunty Jude is Grandma Watts's sister.

Click the image for a larger version [03:25PM] Me and Aunty Jen - lovely!

Click the image for a larger version [03:26PM] I'm saying goodbye to Jim Buckley - he has an interesting face! Jim is a long-time friend of Dad's family. He was principal of Our Lady of Mercy College in Mackay when Grandma Watts was teacher there in the late 70s and early 80s. Aunty Jen also went there as a student.

Click the image for a larger version [03:30PM] Aunty Jude brough Easter bunny ears for me, Peter and Sarah. So of course I had to wear them. I got some matching pick boots too.

Click the image for a larger version [03:36PM] Of course Dad just had to try them on too, didn't he!

Click the image for a larger version [03:54PM] This pretty summer dress came from Aunty Dagmar in Germany. Aunty Dagmar is Grandma Rakkar's sister. It has lovely lace and pretty pink ribbons on it.

Click the image for a larger version [03:57PM] Dad feeding Peter some trifle.

Click the image for a larger version [04:04PM] Goddaddy Peter was making me laugh - he's so funny!

Click the image for a larger version [04:26PM] After a big day, now we all need a nap. Peter makes a good bed - even my arms are up in the sleeping position!