Birthday Party

We had a combined gymnastics party for Gloria, Stephen and Anastasia (all having birthdays within about 2 weeks of each other!). I had warned them ahead of time that they would have to share a party this year since we would have a newborn. There was some excitement and some complaint about sharing, but ultimately it turned out great aside from a few friends having to miss due to illness.

Austin offered a prize to whomever could climb this rope all the way to the ceiling. Guess who did it?!

It was so cool because when we prayed, one of the coaches helping at the party made the sign of the cross and prayed the meal prayer with us. Gloria asked him if he was Catholic, and sure enough he was!

 I didn't realize until later that 2 of our guests were missing from the group picture. Oops!

 This guy had a blast. He loved that they had these balls everywhere and kept doing his soccer kicks every time he came across one. He must have run several miles while we were there!

They advertise "hassle free" birthday parties, and they aren't kidding. We brought pizza, cupcakes and water bottles for the adults. They provided everything else and ran the show for us, even handing out party favors at the end. I took care of the baby, and Austin and I chatted with the other grown ups and watched the kids have fun. By the end of 2 hours, the kids were pooped.It was the perfect party for a family with a new baby!

Friend time

I have tried my best to let the girls get together with friends over the break, when they are out of school and I have Austin here to help coordinate things. I think it has paid off, as they have had a great time and not ever really been bored! Here is one of our sweet friends holding Cecilia.

Sisters

Cecilia is having a little more alert wakeful time. Thankfully she isn't so alert that she cannot sleep through noise yet. I am really dreading that because our house is sooo noisy! Allia was enjoying a chat with her yesterday. I know they say newborns can't smile, but we really think she can. She almost always smiles a little when one of us is talking to and smiling at her.

She has Allia's eyes but redish hair and fair skin. One of our friends  at the baptism called her "strawberry Allia." Perfect!

Happy Baptism, Cecilia!

We had the great joy of celebrating Cecilia's baptism with many family members and friends. It was a beautiful day! Cecilia did so well. She didn't even cry. And our photographer, one of the children of Cecilia's Godparents, did an amazing job.

 What do you ask of God' Church for Cecilia? Baptism

In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead and invite your parents and godparents to do the same.

We anoint you with the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savior; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.

 

She is to walk always as a child of the light. May she keep the flame of faith alive in her heart. When the Lord comes, may she go out to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.

Blessing of the Mother and Father

 

 The paci saved us, as she realized she was hungry about halfway through!

Austin was amazing! He smoked and pulled all the pork and even served it up in the food line!

By the time we were at the party, Cecilia was really worn out, so Uncle James took advantage and had a nice long turn holding her (she tends to cry after about 5 minutes with anyone but me!)

Then Gloria finally talked him into a quick turn before I had to feed her.

Afterwards, Mariana got her all changed back into her clothes for the trip home. She loves changing diapers and dressing Cecilia. Sweet!

 The kids opened Christmas gifts from Uncle James and Aunt Karen when we got home.

 Poor worn out baby!