Canon Joins the Church (and other "Firsts")

Canon was officially initiated into the Christian community on July 12, 2009, as he was baptized at our church, Covenant United Methodist, by Dr. Hayes McKay. Barry was a good sport as I invited family and friends to come witness the big event. Poppa, Nonna, Lydia, Houston, Doc, MyGoo, Jason, Ann Steiner, Amelia, and Ceil all drove south, while several of our friends - Ed, Leslie, Will, Tuan, Alex, Mary, Colt, Alicia, and Ava - drove from across town. We arrived at church (late as usual), and the music had already begun. We became the center of attention as we filed down the aisle to the front pew, a place Barry and I usually avoid at all costs. Our praise band was playing Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" at the time. I might need to explain this. The sermon series this month focuses on the book of Daniel, and the morning's sermon was on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace. Thus, the literal meaning of "Ring of Fire" was insinuated. (What can we say? We're a little progressive, especially for Dothan!). I only hope this is not foreshadowing Canon's future endeavors.

Canon, of course, was on his best behavior as water was sprinkled on his head and Hayes held him up to show him off to our fellow church members. Afterward, everyone came to the house to enjoy lunch on the front porch. It was a memorable morning for our tiny family.


After family and friends had returned home, we decided Canon was ready for another big event - his first taste of "solid" food. After mixing and re-mixing cereal (how am I supposed to know how to do this stuff?!) he was finally ready for his first bite. There's no telling how much cereal he actually ate, but there was a lot left in the bowl, a good bit on the tray, and, as you can see, plenty left on Canon.