We formally welcomed Nora Marie Caswell as a Daughter of God when we celebrated the sacrament of baptism.
The entire day was so special to me.
Lots of people=lots of help with the kiddos.. bonus!!!
It gave me several moments to reflect and pray.
I started the day with EARLY risers. Little ones who don't give up trying to get in our bed at night, even when they are walked back to their room 5+ times in a row.
You gotta love a two year old's perseverance!
I looked over at my two month old sleeping soundly in my room and thought to myself, "Why are the twins keeping me up? Something is wrong here!" Just joking. I thank God daily that he gave me a rare type of newborn who likes her sleep as much as her mama. Since I had the twins first, I do not take it for granted.
Then of course I couldn't get back to sleep because I was too excited for the rest of the day!! So I made breakfast for our overnight guests, started the ham for the lunch, then I got a really special treat...time with my sister Julie! We hit a couple garage sales and scored big with a $4 queen sized air mattress that works! Then we pretty much drove around laughing and drinking coffee until we had to report home to feed our respective babies.
The entire day was so special to me.
Lots of people=lots of help with the kiddos.. bonus!!!
It gave me several moments to reflect and pray.
I started the day with EARLY risers. Little ones who don't give up trying to get in our bed at night, even when they are walked back to their room 5+ times in a row.
You gotta love a two year old's perseverance!
I looked over at my two month old sleeping soundly in my room and thought to myself, "Why are the twins keeping me up? Something is wrong here!" Just joking. I thank God daily that he gave me a rare type of newborn who likes her sleep as much as her mama. Since I had the twins first, I do not take it for granted.
Then of course I couldn't get back to sleep because I was too excited for the rest of the day!! So I made breakfast for our overnight guests, started the ham for the lunch, then I got a really special treat...time with my sister Julie! We hit a couple garage sales and scored big with a $4 queen sized air mattress that works! Then we pretty much drove around laughing and drinking coffee until we had to report home to feed our respective babies.
As everyone gathered at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, several things struck me. First, how significant it is to be standing in the church that Jason and I met at and shared mass together for 4 years through college, about to baptize our third child together. I never would have guessed that we would end up back at the same church for this season in our lives. I love watching God's plan unfold in amazing ways!
Another impressive thought was the number of people who gathered together for this day.
Father Robbie has been a friend for 12 years. He was my spiritual director and a role model to me through high school and college. He concelebrated our wedding (& Julie and Reed's!), and performed the sacrament of baptism for Dakota and Kiley, as well (& Elaina!). He traveled to Mississippi to be there, and it meant SO much to us. It sure is nice to have a family priest... and one that I consider a close friend, too!
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| Father Robbie & all the Caswells he has baptized... |
Additionally, we were surrounded by both of my sisters, a BIL, a niece, both of my parents, Jason's brother - The Godfather, both of his parents, and a significant number of friends.
Father Robbie gave a very personal sermon. It felt like he was speaking straight to each of us. (He was!) Even Nora seemed captivated by his words. She had her eyes locked on him and even smiled at the right parts!
I looked around the baptismal font at all the people gathered and it was hard not to get emotional.
WOW! Look at all these people who support us in our faith and our growing family.
Look at all these people who took time out of their busy weekends to spend time with us.
Look at all these people who traveled more than 2 hours just to be here.
and most importantly...
Look at all these people who think that this sacrament is important enough to make these sacrifices to celebrate with us.
After the sacrament, the mandatory pictures, a beautiful lunch reception with tons of fellowship (& Platten family's special birthday cupcakes!) we went home. At one point I was holding Nora as she fell asleep.. YES, she is the spoiled third child.
I was rocking her, soaking in the scent of Chrism.
We had some Pandora Praise & Worship music on in the background (Not uncommon- sometimes we need something calming in the background!)
It seemed like every song that came on gave me a chance to pray for this newly baptized Child of God.
For example: Matthew West, "Do Something."
He sees things all over the world that disgusts him, and he shakes his hand at God and asks, "God, why don't you do something?" God responds, "I did. I created you."
Yes, God.
You created this beautiful human and somehow entrusted her to me. I thank you for that. I beg for you to give me wisdom in parenting to bring her up in your ways. Let her be the one that "Does something." Give her courage and perseverance. May she always know that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you, God.
Please join us in covering her in prayer. Thank you for being our support in our faith and family!!
[Disclaimer: I had similar thoughts at the twins' baptism, but I had no time or energy to record it. This weekend gave me an incredible opportunity to refresh my own promises I made at their baptism, too. I certainly need a reminder of the massive responsibility. So I spent this day focusing on Nora, but of course I feel this and pray this for all of my beautiful gifts from God.]
I was rocking her, soaking in the scent of Chrism.
We had some Pandora Praise & Worship music on in the background (Not uncommon- sometimes we need something calming in the background!)
It seemed like every song that came on gave me a chance to pray for this newly baptized Child of God.
For example: Matthew West, "Do Something."
He sees things all over the world that disgusts him, and he shakes his hand at God and asks, "God, why don't you do something?" God responds, "I did. I created you."
Yes, God.
You created this beautiful human and somehow entrusted her to me. I thank you for that. I beg for you to give me wisdom in parenting to bring her up in your ways. Let her be the one that "Does something." Give her courage and perseverance. May she always know that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you, God.
Please join us in covering her in prayer. Thank you for being our support in our faith and family!!
[Disclaimer: I had similar thoughts at the twins' baptism, but I had no time or energy to record it. This weekend gave me an incredible opportunity to refresh my own promises I made at their baptism, too. I certainly need a reminder of the massive responsibility. So I spent this day focusing on Nora, but of course I feel this and pray this for all of my beautiful gifts from God.]
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