The Other Uncle BJ

Cody also got to hang out with Uncle Brian, and seemed to love every mellow moment of it.

Bonding with Mary Beth and Walter

Cody just adores Mary Beth and Walter, and even though he was sick and a little cranky, was immediately peaceful and sleepy as soon as he was in their arms.

Grandparents Rock

Kisses for Granny, as usual -- and holding onto Pop Pop's finger for dear life. CJP has quite the grip.

Long Day of Love

He had a fabulous time this weekend, in spite of his cold. This smile is for everyone who came to give him love!


And this is about 15 minutes later. : ) He is totally sacked out after being doted on all day. : )

Cody's Baptism

Cody John Paul was baptized on May 31st -- the Feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, when Elizabeth first felt her own son leap for joy in her womb. He was miserably sick and sniffly, but did a great job.

A huge, gigantic thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us on the most important day of his little life. Never has a baby been so welcomed or so loved! Whether you came from a few blocks away or a few thousand miles -- and especially if you had to fight through traffic on I-95 -- it meant the world to us to have you there. And come on -- wasn't this adorable face worth the traffic? : )

Blessings from friends and family

Just a few shots of friends and family who came up to trace the cross on Cody's forehead...

Homily

Monsignor did a beautiful job with the entire ceremony -- and we were particularly touched that it took place in the Chapel of Our Lady, the same place we were married.

Cody Has Two Godmothers

Kelly and Mary Beth -- the best Godmothers EVER. We are all so lucky and so blessed to have them!

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Reaching for the Light

Ok, who the heck managed to light the Christ Candle in the first place? I've never met anyone at St. Matt's who is tall enough. A special shout-out to Levenick, without whom Cody and his Godmothers might not have received the light of Christ. : )

Oil and Water

The one place where they do mix.

Cody did great with both. Didn't mind the water at all!




Most awesome part (aside from salvation, of course) is that Mr. Snuffles continued to smell yummy from the oil for days, despite several baths and shampoos. Hard to shake God.

Mom and Dad get blessed, too.

Satan, his works, and his empty promises: successfully rejected!

Mom is relieved on a multitude of levels. : )

Brothers & Sisters

...and Grandparents, Aunts, & Uncles too!

And an added bonus: Cody finally got to meet his third Godbrother, David, and his sweet sister Clare! They gave him a rosary blessed by Papa Bene at the Nationals Stadium Mass -- something he will treasure forever (and so will we)!

After Party

A few shots from our family dinner afterward, which was lovely. And dignified, too, as you can tell from the last picture. We were back in the "upper room" at Sesto Senso, where we had our wedding rehearsal dinner. It was a wonderful and fitting place to celebrate this happy milestone!

Our Own After Party

Yeah, sounds exciting, right? Not so much. But awesome nonetheless. Cody made it about halfway through dinner before conking out, and then slept until...wait for it...3:30 a.m. This miracle has not yet repeated itself, but we're hopeful.