Claudia Sealed for Christ

I can still smell the Chrism that anointed Claudia's head yesterday as she was baptized and sealed for Christ. We filled the pews to worship together and celebrate. Our girls were so excited to be in church with all of the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We got to sit close to the front and we could see Claudia throughout the Mass. Little Lily sat with us since Heather and Will were the godparents. Emma was happy to make sure Lily and Bridget were quiet and happy throughout Mass. After the homily by my dad, they called all of the cousins up to the edge of the altar. The kids all tried to get a good spot. It was sweet to see the biggest of them help the little ones find a spot so they could see. Magaly held Claudia wrapped in a big towel until it was time to immerse her in the holy waters. Dad held her little naked body in the air and immersed her 3 times. The little cousins' eyes were huge and giggled as she was baptized. Bridget thought it was great. We all did.

Claudia is the 18th grandchild for my parents and we excitedly waited for her to arrive. Back in November we had a baby shower for Magaly and Claudia as we looked forward to her birth. The girls of the family came together at my house for conversation and tiny gifts. Heather came up with the idea to make a baby blanket, so a few days before, she came over and we spent hours preparing squares. On the day of the shower each little girl joined an adult to help tie knots and together we made a beautiful fleece blanket for Claudia.

I told Magaly that I would love to help her through labor and I was so giddy when my Mom called me to let me know that Joe and Magaly were on the way to the hospital and they asked her to call me. What an honor. It was after 10 PM so my girls were asleep, Jim just looked at me grinned and said "go". Joe and Magaly were just checked into a room at the hospital when I arrived. It didn't take long before Magaly could no longer chat and instead worked through each contraction. Watching my brother support his wife and comfort her was an unexpected blessing. Labor was just that and Magaly got through it gracefully. Claudia slipped out early in the morning only a few hours after contractions started. I was awestruck. God is good! And Claudia is adorable. I was so glad to see this sweet little one come into this world and then be sealed for Christ.