"Emma Elisabeth, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!" And with that, Monsignor Jameson ushered another Last baby into the Church.
Monsignor did a wonderful job talking about Emma Elisabeth's name -- particularly the Elisabeth part: her closeness to Mary, her sensitivity to the presence of God, her instinctual faith. He made a point of discussing St. Elisabeth's love of Mary, whereupon Cordelia Mary shared, "I love Mary, too! And, I love Ariel!"
Emma listened attentively, blowing bubbles and bobbing her head in agreement, causing Monsignor to remark that he thought Emma was trying say yes! Cordelia haughtily informed him--and the whole cathedral--"No, Emma can't TALK, Monsignor! She just cries."
Emma looked darling in her sister's baptismal white. And she was wonderful -- she only cried when Monsignor poured the awfully chilly water over her head (then mumbled to me, "I ask, every time, for warm water...it never happens!"). At which point Cody helpfully announced, "Don't worry! It's okay if Emma cries. That's just part of God's plan." Thankfully, it was also part of God's plan for the adults to narrowly prevent Cody from accidentally sending the table (which was on wheels) upon which the baptismal water sat off the altar and crashing into the pews.
We all prayed together, and reaffirmed our baptismal promises. Naturally, when Monsignor asked the "Do you believe..." questions, Cody shouted joyfully, "I do!" Cordelia was more muted in her responses, and downright circumspect at this question: "Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his empty promises?" Perhaps the glamour of evil holds a bit of attraction for our little jailbird.
All in all, it was a beautiful, truly joyful day. We are so thrilled she is now officially claimed by the Church, and so blessed to have her loved and held and prayed for by two amazing sets of godparents--Kelly and Mark, and Mary Beth and Walter.
Time to go home, now, Mommy -- I'm hungry!
Here's Emma, having some bonding time with her godfather.
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