The Boy gets Baptized

This Saturday, the boy got baptized. It was really cool. We kept it low key. Around here since there are so many people who share the same faith as we do, it's easy to get carried away and turn something like a baptism into a major event, but I kind of feel like that detracts from the importance of the baptism and places the emphasis on the party. Plus, I'm the step-mom so it's not really supposed to be my deal anyway.
I left it up to his dad to arrange the details, and it was decided that we would have the baptism, and then a small get-together with cake at our house for family afterward to celebrate the boy and Luis, who turned 33 on Thursday.
The actual event was very intimate, as well. The only people in attendance were hubby's close family (mom, sister, cousins, aunt, nieces/nephews), Andrei's mom, and a few representatives from our congregation. Luis gave a small talk, as well as his cousin Hector (who might as well be his brother). Luis also performed the baptism, and afterward the confirmation. It was very sweet and emotional, especially since hubby didn't get a chance to bless Andrei as a baby. I wrote down the major stuff from the confirmation blessing since I think it will really be an inspiration to the boy as he grows older. There is something so wonderful about hearing what a man who holds the Priesthood says to his son while under the influence of the spirit. It was sacred to say the least, and I bawled like a baby the whole way through.
In my family we have a tradition that you get your first real set of scriptures when you turn 8. I had gone out shopping with the boy prior to his baptism and he selected a very nice set of black, leatherbound scriptures with gold leafing on the pages. It will last him for the rest of his life, I'm sure. I plan on getting them embossed with his name, and inside I will put a copy of the picture I took with him and his father dressed all in white, as well as a copy of the blessing.
All in all, it was a fantastic experience for all involved. I'm very glad that Andrei has a testimony of his own (albeit very simple due to his age), and he really felt that getting baptized was his choice, not just something his parents wanted him to do. I asked him several times why he was choosing to be baptized, what he thought doing so meant, and if he was willing to live up to the responsibilities of being a baptized Christian. He always answered that he believes in Christ, that he knows being baptized means that he is making a promise to live Christs' teachings, and that he is excited to be a full member of our church. I'm very glad, and proud of him.
Yesterday, we went to go visit his aunt at her apartment in Pleasant Grove. Last week when we were there he was running around outside and carrying on like a maniac. I had to ask him several times to settle down and eventually he was told he had to come in because he was just a little too out of control.
So before we got to Ana's, I reminded him that he was not to run up and down the halls screaming. He replied, "Oh, Nana. I don't do that anymore. Don't you remember yesterday?" I was both humbled and greatly amused at the sincerity in which he is honestly trying to live up to the covenant of Baptism. As usual, he ended up teaching me a lesson instead of the other way around.