Limbo No More

Yesterday, John was finally baptized. I was very concerned that he'd wind up in Limbo if he were to die unbaptized (catechism will do that to you).
It was a lovely day. John woke up at 6 AM and was ready to go. No amount of hugging or patting his back would get the young lad to go back to sleep. It was as if he knew something big was going to happen. He was just soooooooooooooooooooo excited and happy.



Whilst Maureen and I finalized preparations, he did settle down enough to allow me to step out and buy way too much ice for the reception. If you ever need to buy 20-lbs bags of ice, go to Smart and Final. They open at 7 AM every day of the week. Maureen took care of giving him a bath and washing his hair. We wanted him to look extra special on this big day.

At the Church, we had to dress John in his baptismal gown. DON'T CALL IT A DRESS!! It was a special gown that Grammy Brady picked up in Ireland at the behest of Maureen. It'll be passed on through the generations in the family. One day, his children will be baptized in the gown. Doesn't he look like a little choir boy who sings at Midnight Mass at the Vatican?


For the most part, John was silent during the ceremony. Fr. Truc did a very good job and spoke about love and responsibility. He did something that I don't recall happening at other baptisms (then again, I really haven't been paying attention at other baptisms). He gave John a quick exorcism...Original Sin and all, you know. Then, he went into the Rite of Baptism and did the traditional pouring water on the head. John did not like that. He started to fuss. The only times he gets his hair wet is during tubby time and he likes to get his head massage. After that, he anointed John's head with oil. Now, I thought Fr. Truc would trace the sign of the cross on John's head with the oil...OH NO, HE DUMPED A LITTLE TIN OF OIL ON HIS HEAD (See picture at the end)!!! Our John was actually ok with that. He really didn't cry much aside from getting the water on his head.



The reception at the Brady manse was lovely. It was a hot day, but it wasn't unbearable. Everyone lunched on sandwiches from Larchmont Village Wine, Cheese, and Spirits and pizza from Village Pizzeria (honestly, the pizza was for the kids). We had a lovely cake from Hansen's Bakery. Maureen told them NOT to put the fake Bible or Rosary on the cake, but they didn't listen. Oh well, Life goes on. As for presents, John made out like a bandit. He received several frames, some money for his college fund, and some great books. All in all, I'd have to say it was good day (thanks to Ice Cube for that line).






Now for greasy little John. We call him Ponyboy in this shot. (his hair has been washed since this photo was taken):