Then...A Leikvold Baptism

Tradition, tradition...TRA-DISH-UN. As a close to our summer stay in Hayward, we baptized the Goose in Lac Courte Oreilles. But let me clarify baptism so there's no undue consternation about Lucie's soul.

Pronunciation: 'bap-ti-zm
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English baptisme
1 a : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community b : a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification
2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named

Given that I am neither ordained or particularly holy, this was clearly a purifying, sanctifying, and initiating "ordeal." I think the only naming was Lucie calling me the mush-baby-brain equivalent of %$#&^@# for dipping her in the cold lake water. So worry not, Whitney, Lucie isn't being indoctrinated into an obscure Norwegian-Lutheran cult. It's a Leikvold thing - someday you'll understand.

And for those thinking about calling social services, Nana was there to chastize Daddy and wrap Lucie in one of the giant cushy Hayward towels that we fought over as children. Mommy also watched from the shore to make sure she was in no way associated in Lucie's mind with this cruel rite.

It's fun to think that these first drops will be followed by waterlogged days in the sun and water. Hopefully, the only tears caused by the lake will crown purple lips that are being ordered out of the water because the sun is setting and it's time to eat...