Claimed for Christ!

One of my favorite parts of the baptism ceremony is when the priest lays his hands on the child and says, "N., the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name I claim you for Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross."

Julia was claimed for Christ on September 16 during a private Sunday mass in the same historic chapel where Philip was baptized.  Two of our priest friends celebrated and we were surrounded by family and friends. 

Philip was invited to draw the sign of the cross on Julia's head along with her parents and Godparents.

The celebrant invited our good friend's sons to participate by serving the mass and holding the chrism.

He also invited Philip to help pour the water over Julia's head.

As you can see, there were lots of nice touches that made the baptism so personal and special for us.  The readings for that Sunday were beautiful and perfect for the occasion.

The celebrants with my parents

Andy's parents stayed with us for a week and a half leading up to the baptism to help us out.

We asked Andy's oldest brother and sister-in-law to be the Godparents and were so happy to have them travel from Georgia to celebrate with us.

Now a family of four!

Afterwards we enjoyed the beautiful weather and had cake and drinks with our friends.  I love getting so many friends from different parts of our lives all together at the same time.

My mother purchased this gown for my sister's baby who is Philip's age.  Now Julia has worn it and it is going back to my sister who will have another baby girl in November!

Thank you Lord for blessing our family with this beautiful baby girl!