One week ago, our boys were baptized. It was so wonderful. I can’t tell you how proud I was of them both, sitting still and quiet throughout the service, which was beautiful and held at Josh’s grandparents’ church, St. Andrew Lutheran in Whittier. When it came time to baptize them, Jackson, little exhausted guy, started crying. Really crying. As hard and loud as he has ever cried. But then the holy water (which contained water from the river Jordan!) touched his face and he was calm and quiet. I think I could hear the collective intake of breath at that moment. It was such a personal and emotional ceremony. Leaves bearing their names were placed on a quilted tree in the church. The wonderful Pastor presented them each with a small stuffed animal of hers that she had picked and a shell. Jacob was given a wonderful, colorful Bible. The kids’ sponsors, Lisa and Dillon, lit candles and later blew them out. We were encouraged to remember this day each year with birthday candles, and I will. Their Baptism Birthday is October 25. After the ceremony, the band started playing a song called “God Claims You” with the kids’ names in it. 

Jacob, Jackson, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

We this day do all agree a child of God you’ll always be.

Jacob, Jackson, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

We your family love you so, we vow to help your faith to grow.

Jacob, Jackson, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

We are here to say this day that we will help you on your way.

Jacob, Jackson, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

And if you should tire or cry then we will sing this lullaby.
(God Claims You from The Faith We Sing #2249 with words by Stanley Farr).

During this song, Jackson fell asleep in my arms. Jacob and Cassidy quietly paged through his new Bible. After the service we had cake and talked. We were surrounded by the people whom we love, and who love our children the most. It was a beautiful day.