The Baptism of Mary Elizabeth

"You see how many are the benefits of baptism, and some think its heavenly grace consists only in the remission of sins, but we have enumerated ten honors it bestows! For this reason we baptize even infants, though they are not defiled by personal sins, so that there may be given to them holiness, righteousness, adoption, inheritance, brotherhood with Christ, and that they may be Christ’s members"
-- St. John Chrysostom (Baptismal Catecheses in Augustine, Against Julian 1:6:21 [A.D. 388]).

It took us awhile to get everything lined up for the baptism of our eighth little one, but it was God's timing and a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Little Mary Elizabeth was welcomed into the Church on Sunday September 23. I know it's taken me awhile to get this post out too. These days it seems to take me awhile to do most anything. :)

How blessed I am to have this man as the most wonderful husband there could possibly be. He loves the memory of his grandfather at a family gathering looking around and remarking, "Look what Lil and I started." I have visions of dh saying those same words some day. I never imagined we'd baptize eight children, I'm sure he didn't either. I'm so thankful my children have him as a father, that they see him really live his faith. He is a gift to me and them.

Is there any sweeter smell than that of a new baby christened with holy oils? I really don't think so. The hope new babies and baptism bring to our world all mingle together in that beautiful scent. God gives us so many wonderful gifts.

I can't help but post this picture of the baptismal gown my talented sister took after the baptism. I've posted about it before, but it means so much to me. The gown has been worn by most of our children (Joseph and Peter were too big) and was made by Sophia's godmother from a piece of my wedding gown.

Our first picture with all the new family members. How blessed we truly are. 

Two New Christians

What a beautiful Sunday we had as our sons officially ended their pagan phases and became new little Christians.
Little Gabriel slept contentedly all through Mass. I did not want to break our cardinal baby rule (NEVER wake a sleeping baby) during Mass, so he was quite upset and hungry when I had to wake him to put on his baptismal gown before the ceremony. Despite this, he only let out a few small cries as the cold water initiated him into the Church.


Joseph was quite the active, curious little boy he always is. Of course, just to cement our initiation into the world of boys, he is sporting a nice shiner for his baptism. The day before our court date to readopt him and five days before his baptism, he fell off the girls' bed and hit the headboard. I kept hoping it would heal. Instead it was a nice hue of brown and yellow to match his pants and tie.
Despite boys being boys, it was a beautiful ceremony. We are blessed with a wonderful parish family. Knowing the boys were finally official members of the Church, I even felt comfortable speeding home to pull out all the good food for our celebration :)
Now there are two extra guardian angels watching over our family home.

Juliana's Baptism Revisted

I wanted to post some more pictures of Juliana's baptism. We were fortunate to have my little sister there taking all kinds of great pictures and I thought I would share.



Kim also commented about Juliana's baptismal gown and I couldn't resist posting the response as I love our baptismal gown. Yes Juliana wore the same gown as the other girls. Even though she is almost a year old, she only weighs 13 lbs. Bear was 9 lbs when she was born! I have mentioned in a few posts Bophie's talented seamstress godmother (she has made beautiful quilts for my girls). We became dear friends when I was pregnant with Banana. I had this brilliant idea to have a baptismal gown made from the train of my wedding gown. My wedding gown was made of brushed silk and I loved the fabric. It was a brilliant idea that Stella made a reality. She did an absolutely amazing job. It is a beautiful gown that all my girls have worn to their baptisms. How could I ever thank her enough for such a priceless gift?

I also thought I would take this opportunity to offer a piece of advice to those of you who know any converts. There is nothing that brings out the insecurities in this convert more than the etiquette of how to celebrate a sacrament. This Easter will mark my tenth year in the Church, but I still am so clueless about how sacraments are celebrated. So if you know someone in this situation, fill them in on the secrets you cradle Catholics take for granted. Walk them through every little step. What you think is basic, common knowledge is not. Who should be invited--big party or family gathering? What is the protocol for gifts? Proper attire? I spend most of the time feeling as though there is some secret code I just don't know. I worry I am offending someone because of my lacking knowledge. This baptism I learned it was OK to invite good friends. I was under the impression baptisms were small, family gatherings. I learn a little each time, so maybe I'll eventually get it. Until then, be patient-- I am a conversion still in progress.

A New High

This weekend, on the eve of the Baptism of Our Lord, we celebrated the baptism of Juliana Therese. I thought that Christmas Mass would be the high point of our entire adoption journey-- this weekend I found out I was mistaken. Don't get me wrong, being together for the first time at Mass as a family with Juliana was incredible and certainly a Christmas Mass we will always remember. However, yesterday Juliana's adoption was finally complete as she was welcomed into our eternal family through Baptism.

I have on many occasions held this little child and felt so much love for her. I am grateful for the opportunity to feed her, to clothe her, to hold her and to love her. I know that these are good, but they pale in comparison to the gift she was given at her baptism. Bringing her into the Church is the absolute pinnacle of this adoption.

It was a beautiful ceremony. The priest who celebrated is a good friend and an incredible priest. He used portions of the old rite, and sang many parts. It was a truly remarkable ceremony. Juliana being older than a newborn (all my other girls were less than a month old), was squirmy and difficult to contain at times. She especially didn't like the water, but who can blame the child it was a wintry January day and she was in a short sleeved gown.

I just can't tell you how blessed I felt to hold this little one and welcome her into God's family.