Noemi was baptized on Sunday morning. We felt it symbolic to have her baptized on the weekend of her birthday and the first Sunday of Advent. Advent has taken on new meaning for me in recent years. As each year passed that I waited for a child I found new ways to appreciate the holy story of a beloved baby coming into the world (or at least tried to). I did not wait with great patience; but this Christmas I get to celebrate Advent from the perspective of the joy at the end of the waiting. We had a dress made for Noemi in royal blue (thanks to Illiakids), the liturgical color of Advent, to symbolize the beauty and blessing that emerges from waiting. Doesn’t she look so snappy with our pastor, Bill? We also bought her a cross while in Ethiopia to give her on her baptism day, but we didn’t put it on her knowing that it and the little shiny beads would end up in her mouth. I could barely contain myself as I watched Bill pour the water over her head and bless her. Of course she cried after the third pour left water rolling off of her curls and down her face—I found it perfect that she waited to wail until being blessed in the name of the holy spirit. What a glorious moment to see our daughter being formally welcomed into Christ’s family. My life-long friend, Carissa, stood as Noemi’s Godmother and the three of us took vows to raise her up to know that she is loved by God. With God’s help, baby, we will.
Carissa, me, Noemi, Donovan and Bill
Noemi stopped crying immediately after going to Donovan--we were all laughing at her drama.
Taking a break with her big cousin, Salena.
Her sparkly new Ethiopian cross
We were fortunate to have family and friends present for the big celebration. What a day filled with happy and fun. My mom made a lamb cake to commemorate the christening which is quite a tradition in our family. This cake, however, was the first brown lamb in our family. How does a brown coconut lamb with raisin eyes and a maraschino cherry nose not make you smile, come on!? Only for you, Noemi!
Sosi posing with Nana and the infamous lamb cake. Thank you, Nana!
