some_myrrh's Profile

We use Calico Critters for my son and daughter. The animals have the advantage of being more gender neutral as well.

I would check etsy for custom dolls, though, if you want a certain type of human doll.

We have had our baptism parties either at home or in our church's parish hall. In either case, the key word is catered. Last year, for my daughter's baptism party/anniversary of my son's baptism, we hired a juggler because my older child loves juggling. For the first couple of years, though, we focused on the season and nearest feast day themes. May is a great season for flowers, and if your child is going to be baptized on a Feast day, you can theme the party around the saints/church season nearest. For instance, my children were baptized on or near the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, so we had an angel costume party one year, with small icons of angels as prizes. I agree with the cross shaped or decorated cake/cookies.

Baptisms are really special one time events, so catering is my best advice. You want to be able to spend your time going over the top on one special part of the celebration, not worrying about dishing out food for the extra church folk who you may want to invite last minute. (We over ordered for our buffet so we could be spontaneously hospitable, since hospitality is a Christian virtue we want to teach our children.)

Whatever you do will be fine, though. (Whispered: Babies don't remember their first parties.)

We use an LED pillar candle for our son. He has a twilight turtle, but just plays with it. I love the fairy mist idea!

In a moment of lucidity, do the math for yourself and then make a little paper chart with columns across the top with the kids' names, and rows that read Tylenol 6pm, Motrin 8pm, etc. for the next couple of days (the crisis time). That way all you or other caregivers have to do is check a box on the chart rather than attempt math at some ungodly hour of the night.

I agree that unless you are a godparent or close family member, a book is probably the best gift choice. Some of the Christian book stores carry very cheesy books indeed, so amazon is probably a better shopping venue for one with which you feel comfortable.

Our two year old will be receiving mini child safe measuring tapes, a chocolate bar, a natural dyed candy cane, stickers, and a set of watercolor washable paints.

My favorite tea is Harney & Sons English Breakfast with turbinado sugar and whole milk. Unless I am feeling cranky/crampy, in which case I mix H&S jasmine and oolong teas about 1:1 and drink them straight.