Incorporating baby into vow renewal

mlmccoy12

My husband and I were in the Marine Corps and thanks to location, deployment and training schedules never had a "wedding" just a JOP ceremony.  

It's been five years and we're renewing our vows and having a ceremony and big party with all our friends and family.  We have a 10-month-old and want to include him somehow towards the end of the ceremony.  Any ideas?

We've thought about a family blessing, blessing of the hands, etc. but I can't find a good script or example.

HELP!

itzMS

mlmccoy12 said:

My husband and I were in the Marine Corps and thanks to location, deployment and training schedules never had a "wedding" just a JOP ceremony.  

It's been five years and we're renewing our vows and having a ceremony and big party with all our friends and family.  We have a 10-month-old and want to include him somehow towards the end of the ceremony.  Any ideas?

We've thought about a family blessing, blessing of the hands, etc. but I can't find a good script or example.

HELP!

He's 10 months old. He certainly won't remember it! Plus, any 10-month old I've known has been super squirmy and active...

I'd be a fan of doing nothing at all since the vow renewal is about you and your DH, or having the officiant say something quick and simple while the two of you hold the baby like "We bless Mlmcoy, DH, and Baby as they continue to grow in love and faith as a family" (Though this only works if you're religious)

manateehugger

You did have a wedding. Calling your JOP ceremony not a real wedding is insulting to the brides who are perfectly happy with their weddings

Anyway, I agree with the idea of a very brief family blessing.

mlmccoy12

We're thinking something real quick, right at the end.  The ceremony is really short.

harper0813

A vow renewal is between you and your husband. Maybe you can mention your child in the vows themselves, but I'd leave it at that.

Anastasia517

I'm glad you recognize this as a vow renewal instead of a wedding.  You'd be surprised at the number of people who don't.  However, like others have said, the vows are between you and your husband.  You and your husband can include mentions of your son in the vows and take some lovely family pictures, but getting a 10 month old to do something would be not only odd but very difficult.  Kids at that age aren't known for their dexterity or self-control after all!

Jen4948

My advice about incorporating a baby into this: Don't.

A 10-month old:
1) Can't handle breaks in routines well
2) Can't remember or understand what's going on

Just have him in photos and let it go at that.  Don't try to "incorporate" him in some cute capacity-it just doesn't come off as "cute."

NOLAbridealmost

I'm visualizing the presentation of Simba on Pride Rock.

mlmccoy12

Although, I'd love to do a Simba-esq presentation.  This is a super casual event, and I'm talking about holding him while the pastor does some sort of blessing.  I'm sure babies have no idea that they are getting baptized or dedicated but they seem to hold up well for to minute and a half their parents are holding him. 

That's the kind of script, I'm looking for. A short family blessing.   

LiLe422

mlmccoy12 said:

My husband and I were in the Marine Corps and thanks to location, deployment and training schedules never had a "wedding" just a JOP ceremony.  

It's been five years and we're renewing our vows and having a ceremony and big party with all our friends and family.  We have a 10-month-old and want to include him somehow towards the end of the ceremony.  Any ideas?

We've thought about a family blessing, blessing of the hands, etc. but I can't find a good script or example.

HELP!

OP, it is highly insulting of you to say a JOP ceremony is NOT a wedding.  My parents were married in a JOP ceremony, 30 loooong years ago.  HA!  Try telling them they didn't have a wedding.

itzMS

mlmccoy12 said:

Although, I'd love to do a Simba-esq presentation.  This is a super casual event, and I'm talking about holding him while the pastor does some sort of blessing.  I'm sure babies have no idea that they are getting baptized or dedicated but they seem to hold up well for to minute and a half their parents are holding him. 

That's the kind of script, I'm looking for. A short family blessing.   

I gave you one a few posts up.

To re-post...

having the officiant say something quick and simple while the two of you hold the baby like "We bless Mlmcoy, DH, and Baby as they continue to grow in love and faith as a family"

s-aries8990

I agree with @itzMS's blessing. Maybe during your vows you promise to care for your family.

And just because your wedding didn't involve the hoopla doesn't mean that it wasn't a real wedding.

MairePoppy

@mlmccoy12  A real wedding doesn't require anything more that a bride and groom and officiant. 

I noticed that you're using an Irish SN, have you googled Irish Blessings? I found this poem that may be appropriate for your vow renewal:

What is a Family?"
Author Unknown

A family is .....
The sweetest feelings
The warmest hugs
Trust and togetherness
Unconditional love
The stories of our lives written on the same page
The nicest memories anyone has ever made
Treasured photos
Thankful tears
Hearts overflowing with all the years
Being there for one another
Supporting and caring
Understanding, Helping, Sharing
Walking life's path together
And making the journey more beautiful because .....
We are a family.....And a family
is Love.