Zélie's Baptism

August brought a much anticipated and very exciting event for our family: Zélie's baptism! Both sides of our families came to town (minus the sisters - we missed you all!) as well as our good friends, Zélie's godparents, the Litts! Our seemingly "big" house felt quite small with all the guests. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way! 

  

  

  

  

  

Can you tell Miss Zélie is very loved?

(Sorry, Mom and Matt. I don't know why we didn't get any shots of you at home with the kids!)

Zélie was baptized on August 4th at our parish, the Church of St. Mary, by Father Jack Gleason. For both of my children, their baptism days have been very joyful and at the same time very sobering. It's sobering because speaking the words at their baptisms reminds of what I really signed up for.

At the beginning of the Baptismal Rite, Father Jack asked us, "What do you ask of God's Church for Zélie? 

We answered: "Baptism."

He continued: "You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training her in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring her up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?"

Yikes! In all the hustle and bustle after the birth, with all the sleepless nights and dirty diapers, the visitors, gifts, phone calls, and everything else that happens in that short time after a baby is born, it's so easy to forget the real reason why this all matters. Heaven. We have given this child life, and we want to give her so much more: eternal life.

This is where the joyful part comes in. My children's baptism days are joyful because of the indelible mark on their souls as children of God. They are HIS! Again, words from the Baptismal Rite reminded me of this: "Zélie, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross..."
While I am reminded of my responsibility for Zélie's soul, I am also reminded that I'm not doing it alone. Aaron will always be by my side. Together, we are a team. Together, we have created this beautiful little girl, and together we will care for her as long as she is entrusted to us. I couldn't do this without him. I don't even want to try. 

We are also surrounded by so many family and friends who we know are going to help us raise Zélie in God's family. The Litts, though, have made a special promise to guide her and us on this journey. Matt and Erin have made sacrifices, both big and small, for our family. It gives me much peace knowing they will be always be there with us and for us.

"Zélie you have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven." (Baptismal Rite)

A beautiful, clean soul on my beautiful, little girl.
She just screams perfect. (Get it? Hahaha.)

But, really, she is perfect.
Thanks be to God.