Zoe Fiona-Grace's Story: Baptism

Yesterday we baptized Zoë at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii in Little Italy. Zander was baptized here as well in October 2010. This church is extremely beautiful and we love the neighborhood feel and quaintness, plus its close to home.

We couldn't have asked for a better day. Although it was extremely hot and humid (92 degrees), everything went without a hitch considering NATO was going on.

For the family and friends that know me very well, I'm all about traditions, I try my best to incorporate family heirlooms when I can. Zoë wore a 58 year old christening gown that was worn by my mother (as well as my Aunts Donna, Carol, Linda and Uncle Mike, my sister, me, my three cousins). The gown is in phenomenal condition. We also brought in Mike's (32 years old) and my baptismal candle (58 years old). We used these candles in our unity procession at our wedding (and Zander's baptism), and I only hope my kids (and their kids) use these as well.

Her first set of diamonds (from Great Aunt Annette and Great Grandma)

Her Cake

And here is a pic from our wedding...I just love using family heirlooms!

Her baptism was during 11:00 a.m. Mass. I've never seen a baptism during Mass. We walked down the aisle (I felt like we were getting married again) with Zander and the Godparents, and the priest presented Zoë. The priest briefly told Zoë's story, which made me cry in the pews. He knew what her name meant, "life" and made a beautiful speech about her and her future. We had alot of the parishioners come up and tell us how lucky we are and will continue to pray for Zoë's health. When the priest said she's one in a million and our miracle baby, I just lost it.

Her God Family is Josh, Stephanie and Jessie. Three people (and their families) who we consider family. Zoë (and us) are very lucky to have them in our lives. There are only a few other close friends (other than these three) that really know what Mike and I have gone through, who have been there for us when I needed a shoulder to cry on (or still need a shoulder to cry on). No one can really understand what we've gone through and what we will continue to go through unless you have a child with needs, heart problems, intestinal issues, etc. Yesterday's sacrament meant so much to us. Although we don't attend church as often as I would like, having faith and making sure our kids make their sacraments means alot to me. Zoë sleeps with her relic of St. Theresa in her bassinet, I rubbed St. Padre's Pio on my belly and it was used as part of her anointment before her surgery at 5 days old, the list goes on. My faith and all my prayers have helped me get through some tough times. Yesterday, just sealed everything for me.