"Exorcizo te, immunde spiritus, in nomine Patris + et Filii + et Spiritus + Sancti..."

Today we had baby Benedict baptized in the older form of the Latin rite liturgy. The Baptism begins in the narthex (entrance) of the church with an exorcism of unclean spirits. Next, the family processes down the nave of the church chanting the Creed followed by the Our Father. Throughout, the child is exorcized, blessed, anointed with oil, impressed with salt ("salt is the symbol of wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment") and finally baptized with water and words of the sign of the cross. Parents and godparents partake in "The Renunciation of Satan" (cf. the scene from Godfather Pt. II!) where they reject Satan and all of his evil works and promises. The baby's white garment (in olden days worn for 8 straight days by the newly baptized) symbolizing the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin. The godparents are given the baptismal candle as a sign to keep the new light of faith burning brightly for the child no matter what the circumstances.

A beautiful and symbolic liturgy administered by Fr. Ubel - our thanks to him. We had an open house with a few family and friends beforehand. Danish ebleskeevers (sp???) were feasted upon by all.

Good times. Deo gratias.

Welcome, Benedict Joseph!

Merry Christmas!
Benedict Joseph was born at 1:17 a.m. on Christmas Eve.
Specs: 8 lbs. 9 oz. / 21 in. long / 13 in. head circumference
Both mom and baby are well and we hope they'll be home this evening.
Jude and Faustina anxiously await their arrival! Deo gratias!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Blessings to you and yours on this Christmas day!

Someday...

Jude, maybe you'll be able to grow a beard like your Dad.

Bath time!

Faustina's a little hesitant about the water, but she's gotten a lot better. See the pics below of her first bath in the hospital and at home!




At hospital...

at home.

My Absolute Favorite Photo

Of all the pictures taken over the past 6 weeks (which is quite a few!), I am putting this photo of Faustina's bathtime at week 3 in a frame on my dresser. I love this picture because every time I look at it, I am immediately transported back to May 20th at 2:27am in the morning when little Faustina was placed on my chest at St Joe's hospital; she looked at me with those eyes and said, "Hello, Mom! Here I am - I am the daughter who has been in your tummy the last nine months. I decided to come 2 weeks early!" And since then, Faustina had gazed up me with those same eyes (even though they changed from brown to a beautiful blue!), the same tilt of the neck, the same cute cheeks in such a gentle, serene way as we sit at church, as I rock her to sleep, when I am talking to Mike, or as she nurses. Although I have witnessed her face change, mature, and fill out as she grows, she still looks at me the same way. I can already see how it would be difficult to properly discipline children when they looks at a parent with such an innocent, inquisitive and loving gaze. I realize Faustina will probably be giving me these same looks the next 10-20 years as she grows up - but I plan on enjoying holding her in my arms while I can!

Who's in charge of the blog?

Mom & baby

Crazy hair! (Video of the day: Sun., June 29th)

I'm tired!

Video of the day (Sat., June 28th, 2008)

Dare to compare!

Here's a picture of Faustina in her carseat for the first time...

and one of her just yesterday.

Do you see a difference????

Hospital Photos

BAPTISM DAY!

Today Faustina Elaine was brought into the Church, and what a lovely mass it was. Fr. Andrew Cozzens celebrated, and Deacon Jim Meyer delivered a wonderful homily on the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI's immensely important letter "Humanae Vitae" (On Human Life). Faustina slept the entire time, but she was very sweet in her little baptismal gown, made for her specially by Grandma Gail.

Faustina's godparents, Uncle Jason and Aunt Annamarie were a wonderful support to her new life in Christ.

Thanks to everyone who attended and helped out.




As I had written previously, today is the 5th anniversary of my mother, Elaine Marie's death. Faustina's middle name is in honor of her grandmother, and we purposely chose to have her baptized on this day. Indeed, the day was filled with the grace of the Holy Ghost and we are certain that Mom was proud to witness this day by the grace of God. We continue to pray for my Mother and we also pray that she intercede on our behalf in the presence of the angels, saints, the Blessed Mother, and our Lord- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.



We are sad that she is not physically with us, but Faustina Elaine's baptism reminds us that we shall see her again in the resurrection of the body, when Christ comes again in the Final Judgment. We are given the promise of resurrection in baptism, as the sacrament reminded us today. Just as Christ rose from the tomb, so shall those faithful to the Lord in this life also rise again.

Faustina Elaine's name will also remind us of Mom and her infectious joy. May the Lord bless them both!

Thanks be to God for a healthy baby girl! Give to me and Cynthia the grace to guide Faustina Elaine in her walk with you, Lord; we also ask for the intercession Saint Faustina on behalf of our little one.

Deo gratias. Amen.

Bilirubin count too low...

We were about to take Faustina home, but here "bilirubin" count was too low. So Faustina had to go "under the lights" for a number of hours to right this problem. Here are some funny photos. She looks like she's in a tanning bed!

sleepy head

Greetings!

Welcome to Faustina's blog! We hope to update you as much as time allows on all things Faustina. Please visit anytime, drop comments, and pray for the little one.

Blessings to you,
Mom, Dad, & Faustina