Welcome to the family of God, Zipporah Marie!

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come tome and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."  And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.  (Matthew 19:13-15)

I'm not sure this verse is mentioned in the section on baptism from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but I have always thought of it when I have my infant children baptized.  Today it really struck me how it is the faith of the community that is witnessed to at this event.  True, the grace happens to the baby.  Little Zipporah Marie is now a daughter of God, adopted through Jesus Christ, but she is also still just a baby.  And it is up to us as parents and her godparents and in fact, the entire Church community to help her learn and live the faith.

I should also note that Father Fred gave us kudos on picking her name and quizzed the congregation on who Zipporah was in the bible.  He also chose Mass today to mention how kids are most welcome and he understands how it can be tough for parents with little kids.  He, himself, was the second oldest of 10, so he "gets it," and was most encouraging of families that pack up all the kids to get to Mass on Sundays.

And now, without further ado, here are some pictures:

For the record, I have no idea what I found so funny at the time of this picture.

Receive the light of Christ!  :)

Being baptized really wears a girl out.

In the gown made from Great Grandma Mary Schmeidler's wedding gown.  (Which all the grandkids and great grandkids, thus far, have been baptized in.)

Decorated with lots of love (and perhaps not so much skill).  This was "Grandma's recipe" for chocolate cake and there were no left-overs.

Happy Birth Month Paul and Miriam!!

Paul and Miriam share a birth day, exactly two years apart.  And let me tell you that for some reason this makes me very happy.  It was not exactly planned, although I could have prevented it by maybe a day if I really tried.  Paul was induced right on his due date, I believe.  Miriam was induced a few days after hers and although I got to choose the day, it really came down to this day or the next.  At the time I was unsure, but ready for Miriam to be OUT!  Now I enjoy having them share a birthday.  As of now they do not seem to mind, but I wonder if that sentiment will be altered as they grow. . . oh well, it cannot be changed now!  So, on to the fun facts!


Paul

*LOVES TO TALK - His latest habit is to ask anyone whom he comes into contact with their name.  (Even if he "should" know their name - for example my cousin was over and he has seen her MANY times, but he still asked her name.  But he often asks "strangers" - like the mailman or the neighbor he does not know so well, their names, too.)  He will then proceed to call that person by name and tell them anything and everything that comes to mind.

*Paul's favorite color is red. . . no blue. . . no orange.  (Ok, so apparently he does not really have a favorite color, I honestly got this answer when I asked the other day.)

*His favorite food is pizza . . . well, assuming you are not counting things like ice cream, cookies, and cake.

*Paul still enjoys talking about himself in third person.  (Which is common and totally normal for his age, in case you were curious.)

I made this up to brag about him on facebook and figured I would share it here, too.

Miriam

*LOVES kitties. . . and also enjoys dogs, bunnies, and other soft friendly mammals.

*Enjoys her books.  She loves to point at pictures in them or even listen to short stories.  She is a big literature fan.

*Gives the best kisses of any of our children thus far.  I think maybe this is because I have probably kissed her more than any of our kids so far.  (That is what happens when you finally have another girl after three boys :)

*Gives better hugs - and hugs more people than any of the other kids thus far.  She is just a very affectionate child.

*Her favorite meal is a toss up between meatballs and lasagna.

*Random cute story:  A few days ago, Miriam noticed she had some bruises on her legs and she pointed at them to show me and I told her "owie" for each one and then I pointed at her knee and said "and here is your knee."  The same thing for her arms, she had some little bruises and I told her "owie, owie," and then we got to her "elbow."  So the other day, she fell down and hurt her face.  She comes running to me pointing at her chin, saying in a most distraught voice, "knee, KNEE!!"  When she meant to say "owie."  Another time she said "elbow" instead.  Fail parenting here I guess.

Happy Birthday to two of my greatest blessings.  With your endless energy and creative spirits, you two make my life so full of excitement and adventure.  May God blow on the flames of your enthusiasm to set your hearts on fire for Him, more each day.

I love you, Paul and Miriam!!