Samantha's baby naming went beautifully. She was very calm and well behaved during the entire service, including the part where she was held up in front of the entire congregation to receive her Hebrew name (Simcha Ganit). Toward the very end of the service she got a little cranky and I had to take her out into the lobby just after Kiddush, but that's understandable -- the service was a little long, and the room was bright, crowded, and loud. No surprise that she was a little overstimulated by then.

Various friends showed up for the service including Debby and Zvi Cohen (who were two of the witnesses at our wedding), Alex, Leslie, Shannon, Ellen, Erin, and others. In addition, many of the people we knew from the temple (and some we didn't) made it a point to come over and say Mazel Tov, and wish us well. It was strange in a way -- have a baby naming and suddenly everyone wants to talk to you. I suppose that having children automatically gives you something in common with people you might otherwise never meet, or having nothing in common with.

After the service we came back here for a small party. Erin, Aleza, Alex, Leslie, Ellen, and Shannon joined us, and Mike Huben came over as well. It was a very pleasant evening. The food and wine were pretty good (though we had way too much food, of course) and I think people enjoyed themselves. Amy and I certainly did. People talked, ate, and laughed, and Shannon and Ellen took turns holding Samantha when they could get her away from me, Amy, and Amy's mom. She fussed a bit now and then, but overall she was surprisingly well behaved.

I must say that we have some amazingly generous and talented friends, and Samantha has received an embarrassment of riches where gifts are concerned -- clothes and books and toys and more. Erin knitted her a jumper outfit that's simply gorgeous, friends from the temple gave her an adorable knitted sweater, and the amazing Shannon Knight has written her a lullaby. It's not posted on Shannon's web site yet, but perhaps it will appear there in the future. It's called "When You Cry", and it's the most beautiful thing. She gave us a framed copy of the lyrics and music; we'll have to find an appropriate place to display it in the house. How many children can say they've had songs written especially for them, let alone good ones?

There's probably a lot more to say about the baby naming, the party, and our wonderful friends, but it's midnight and Samantha is peacefully asleep (she's been pretty well behaved all day, really), and since I'm tired I think I'll finish my tea and take advantage of the quiet to join her in sleep. More tomorrow.