Today was Xavier's Baptism at Saint Sebastian Church in Middletown. This event has been in the works for a long while. It's so exciting that we are finally ready to celebrate!!
The day was off to a bit of a rocky start when X-man woke up very early and very fussy. He's been feeling under-the-weather since Christmas. First, he had some sort of cold/congestion/cough. Then, he caught (and shared) a stomach virus and now it looks like he's starting another cold. Poor little guy! Happily, his sweet personality won out and he let us give him a bath and get him ready for his big day.
The most important step in getting ready was choosing which baptism gown to wear. Xavier had the enviable choice between two beautiful, handmade, family heirloom baptism gowns with different histories. He tried on and took pictures in both gowns. I only wish he could have worn them both for the Christening itself!
One choice was the McNichols Family gown. It was handmade from an old wedding dress by Helen McNichols Hayes, my maternal grandfather's younger sister. This baptism gown was worn by several Mc Nichols babies including my Aunt Joan, my mother, several of my first cousins and several first cousins once removed. In the pictures, it is the gown with the long, long see through skirt and tight cuffs on the sleeves.
The other choice was the Le Febure Family gown. It was handmade for my father by Jeanette Grujon - a first cousin of my paternal grandfather. Worn only by my father at his baptism, the gown "escaped" Castro's regime when it was sent by Jeanette to my father in a French diplomatic package from Cuba. While I'm sure my father (single and in his 20's at the time!) probably questioned the utility of sending him a baptism gown, it's really nice to have it today! Key features on this gown are the shorter skirt, more lace details, and the loosely tied sleeves.
The day was off to a bit of a rocky start when X-man woke up very early and very fussy. He's been feeling under-the-weather since Christmas. First, he had some sort of cold/congestion/cough. Then, he caught (and shared) a stomach virus and now it looks like he's starting another cold. Poor little guy! Happily, his sweet personality won out and he let us give him a bath and get him ready for his big day.
The most important step in getting ready was choosing which baptism gown to wear. Xavier had the enviable choice between two beautiful, handmade, family heirloom baptism gowns with different histories. He tried on and took pictures in both gowns. I only wish he could have worn them both for the Christening itself!
One choice was the McNichols Family gown. It was handmade from an old wedding dress by Helen McNichols Hayes, my maternal grandfather's younger sister. This baptism gown was worn by several Mc Nichols babies including my Aunt Joan, my mother, several of my first cousins and several first cousins once removed. In the pictures, it is the gown with the long, long see through skirt and tight cuffs on the sleeves.
The other choice was the Le Febure Family gown. It was handmade for my father by Jeanette Grujon - a first cousin of my paternal grandfather. Worn only by my father at his baptism, the gown "escaped" Castro's regime when it was sent by Jeanette to my father in a French diplomatic package from Cuba. While I'm sure my father (single and in his 20's at the time!) probably questioned the utility of sending him a baptism gown, it's really nice to have it today! Key features on this gown are the shorter skirt, more lace details, and the loosely tied sleeves.Xavier ended up wearing the Le Febure baptism gown - mostly because it fit him so much better. Seven month old babies are a bit older (and larger) than the average baptism recipient so it was nice to have a less snug garment. Another consideration was that Xavier loves standing up so much. The shorter skirt was a huge help keeping him happy and quiet during mass and the baptism itself.
Unknown to us, we learned that January 20th is the Feast of Saint Sebastian in the Catholic Church. To celebrate Sebastian's sainthood, local third grade children performed a play in six (long) acts highlighting many details of his life, miracles, conversions and martyrdom before the mass began. The Knights of Columbus also joined in on the processional in full regalia.
After the regular mass, Godfather/Uncle Charlie and Godmother Emily Smith joined Chris and I in baptizing Xavier. He did very well throughout the sacrament. In fact, when the priest was pouring water on him, he tried craning his head back to see the pitcher!
After the mass and ceremony we held a small reception at our place. Highlights included catering dishes from Illiano's, my favorite non-alcoholic punch (pineapple juice, diet ginger ale, OJ "ice" cubes, and orange sherbet), and a delicious cake from Front Street Bakery - the best bakery ever!
What a lucky little man to have such amazing Godparents, family and friends there to celebrate with him! God Bless Xavier James!
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