So, yesterday was a big day for Miss B. The night prior, she had pulled out her O2 supplemental feed tube and slept the whole night with it out.
OMG! Isn't that dangerous, juvat? Probably, that's why there's a sensor that is attached to her that measures her blood oxygen saturation level. That alarm starts beeping when it gets 90% or lower.
Never beeped even once. Now, we're not suggesting that we be over and done with the supplemental oxygen, rather that maybe we can start some kind of controlled weaning schedule. Getting her off supplemental oxygen has a few good points. First, she doesn't need to have a extra large scuba oxygen bottle attached to her at all times. Second, when off, she and her mother can rejoin with Little J on a more permanent basis.
Which will do all three an awful lot of good.
So, fingers crossed for the next pulmonologist visit. (Interesting, Blogger squiggle lined pulmonologist and after googling the word, I spelled it right the first time. Guess Blogger hasn't had a preemie grand child yet. Not that I'd wish that on even them.)
But, back to yesterday. Went to church as usual although we went to the 9AM mass. We usually go to the 7:30 Mass as they don't have a lot of time to reset everything between the two masses. Keeps the Priest from getting too loquacious. Not that he does that, no. Not more than 98% of the time.
And he did it again yesterday at the 9. See, we had something very special scheduled for 10:15.
Miss B's baptism.
Nice ceremony, I was a little nervous as the Deacon that did the service has a habit of giving off a Southern Baptist Tent Revival Preacher (not that there's anything wrong with that!) act during Mass.
Here, he was laid back and funny. Moved us Grand Parental folks around so we'd get better photos of the event.
He gave a short sermon on what the three sections of the Baptism represented. Those were Oil, Water and Light. Water is a symbol of divine life, grace, new birth, growth, power, deliverance, cleansing and the covenant. Oil is used twice and represents salvation and the strength and power that come from Christ. After the water is poured, Sacred Chrism anoints the crown of the head representing salvation, participation in the priesthood of Christ, membership in the body of Christ and a share in eternal life. The candle is lit from the Easter Candle and represents the light of the World. Jesus.
Sacred Chrism |
Mom, Dad and the Godfather. |
Both Mom and Dad got their own blessing.
MBD and my other two grandkids were there for the ceremony. Here's a picture of the threesome.
Brother/Cousin to be is still in hiding. Will make his Grand Entrance late October.
All in all, a Great morning. All is good in my world for now.
Peace out y'all.
Thank you, a wonderful way to start out my week. We are blessed to be a blessing to others.
ReplyDeleteMichael,
DeleteYeah it was a great start. Thanks.
Those photos are really good to see. Miss B is looking like "What's all the fuss about?" Thanks for sharing this juvat.
ReplyDeleteNylon,
DeleteYeah she was pretty cool calm and collected throughout. The other girl being baptized, fussed a little with the water. Miss B had a look on her face that was kinda "You think THAT's bad? I got some stories to tell ya, Sister!". Been through a lot, she has.
Thanks
juvat
HUZZAH!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
Deletejuvat
Thank you for starting my day with great feelings.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all!
JiP,
DeleteMy pleasure. Thanks.
juvat
Great news and great pictures. To John's point, thank you for giving us all something great to start the week off with!
ReplyDeleteTHBB,
DeleteThanks, and again, My Pleasure!
juvat
Juvat, another Joyous milestone in your trek through this life. May they continue to pile up!
ReplyDeleteCletus
Cletus,
DeleteThanks. Just as an aside, the Godfather flew in from the DC area. He'd worked with Little J in HK. He was pretty awed by both Churches. The main one for Mass and the original one for the Baptism. I probably ought to do a posting on them. Their history is fascinating.
juvat
Great way to start the week!
ReplyDeleteSarge,
DeleteThanks Boss, Hope you're feeling better and continue to improve.
juvat
As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country. Thanks Juvat!
ReplyDeleteSTxAR,
DeleteProverbs 25:25. I like that. Thanks
juvat
(an apology for all the links)
ReplyDeleteBravo Zulu! Getting her off to a good start. A truely blessed day.
A prosperous and peaceful life, health, salvation, and furtherance in all good things, grant, O Lord, to Thy handmaiden, Miss B, her godfearing parents, godparents, and family, and preserve and protecte them for many years! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgIDptHkts
Re: water in baptism. It also is symbolic of entering the Tomb with Christ and being resurrected (more obvious with full immersion baptism, which is still a valid option in the RCC even though infusion is almost universally used). From circa Anno Domini 70: "In Chapter 7 of the Didache, we read, "Concerning baptism, baptize in this manner: Having said all these things beforehand, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living water [that is, in running water, as in a river]. If there is no living water, baptize in other water; and, if you are not able to use cold water, use warm. If you have neither, pour water three times upon the head in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." In Orthodox churches in the US large galvanized water troughs are frequently used. https://youtube.com/shorts/NHz4JN6rij0?feature=share
Some clergy do get carried away with enthusiasm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTTIgIGtopY but that opening is rather unusual. To put it mildly. Setting: Georgian Orthodox, https://eurasianet.org/georgias-baby-boom-and-the-union-of-church-and-birthrate and https://sputnik-georgia.ru/20171120/Patriarh-Gruzii-pokrestit-bolee-670-i-detej-na-prazdnik-Giorgoba-238226541.html
Re: "Keeps the Priest from getting too loquacious. Not that he does that, no."
Brings to mind the old joke, "That's nothin'! OUR preacher can talk for THREE HOURS and say nothing!"
Joe,
DeleteI know I shouldn't have, but....I laughed so hard at that that Mrs J, MBD and MG all rushed in to see what was so funny. Thanks.
As to ours, sometimes it SEEMS like three hours and usually I have a "Huh??" running through my brain. .
Thanks
juvat
Why shouldn't you laugh? (I'm assuming the overly enthusiastic baptizing). It's FUNNY to American, and Western eyes. And to many Eastern Orthodox eyes, too. "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord our God!" And what is more joyful than a heartfelt laugh?
DeleteAt one baptism of an Eritrean infant in our parish when it came to the anointing of the child the mother uncovered it and low and behold, she was nursing it. Fr. Michael (30 years USAF Chaplain, a couple of tours in Vietnam, Bros with 3 repts and a V) didn't miss a beat and annotinted the kid as best he could, then, for good measure, anointed the mothers breast because, why not? We all did out best to keep our stoic faces on. But AFTER the ceremony, as we were taking off our vestments we all lost it in joyous laughter. Google "Eritrean women in church" and click on the Image tab to get an idea of how she was dressed.
Joe,
DeleteInteresting. Yeah, it was the multiple dunkings as well as the baby's face when it was over. He/She seemed a little perturbed, in a YGBSM way!
juvat
That one reminds me of a sign I saw in the base chapel office once. My job is to preach, your job is to listen. Please don't finish before I do.
DeleteTuna,
DeleteInteresting. I think I'd respond "Then do a better job of preaching, Padre!" But that's just me...being diplomatic. I think a significant portion of a Priest/Minister's job is teaching through preaching...Some do that better than others.
juvat
Most excellent news and photos. Congratulations on the Baptism; it's great to hear about!
ReplyDelete-Barry
Barry,
DeleteThanks.
juvat
Given your recent loss, watching the circle of life continuing must be a comfort.
ReplyDeleteWSF,
DeleteThat event is next weekend. Not exactly looking forward to it, but it will be nice to see some family I haven't seen in quite a while. Believe me sitting there watching the Baptism, that was exactly what I was thinking.
juvat
Cool on all parts of the now Annointed One!
ReplyDeleteAs to Little Juvat, are you sure he's not actually working in Louisiana at a duck call factory? Or working a side hustle as a Greek Orthodox priest? Does he play the banjo? Front a ZZ Top tribute band?
In other words, impressive facial hair. Find any missing animals yet in that thing?
I could go on, but...
Just about any level of Orthodox clergy, really. Even simple country subdeacons. The priest in the photo is the aforementioned Fr.Michael of blessed memory.
Deletehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/WCa86oBms1WYDzpY6
Beans,
DeleteWe refer to it as his "Chin Parka", as far as I know he doesn't have any animals in it. No, I'm not going to ask his wife to provide any details.
Joe,
DeleteOther than the amount of Gray, it's a match.
May God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteJB
JB,
DeleteHe already has in a multitude of ways and we ask him regularly to continue to do so.
juvat
and the Continuity of Family continues. Bravo Zulu.
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteYeah, that's what came to me while it was going on.
Thanks
juvat
How good.
ReplyDeleteBBC
BBC,
DeleteThanks
Good to hear from you. Hope all is well.
juvat
What a lovely start to a day. Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteMiss B looks pretty comfy there in Dad's arms...
As I am gathered with family here at the beach in CT, we are going to celebrate my Mom on Thursday at a dinner, not a "churchy" type was Mom, I can just imagine how happy having Miss B's baptism must make you. And the photos are great!!
Prayers Miss B continues to progress in the positive direction so she and Mom can go traveling with Dad.
Suz
Suz,
DeleteThanks. It was a great day! Little J had donned the Father Mantel quite well, I'm very proud of him.
Prayers are always good.
Cheers,
juvat
Does this mean the FBI are now investigating your entire family?
ReplyDeleteMM,
DeleteSorry, I'm not picking up on the subtle, but no doubt humorous nature of your comment.
juvat
I am very joyful that some of these prayers are being answered. Such good news about ljd, and big congrats on joining the faith.
ReplyDeleteTuna,
DeleteMe too.
Thanks
juvat
Great news and a 'joyful' noise was made!!!
ReplyDeleteOld NFO,
DeleteThanks and yes it was!
juvat
A whole lot of goodness. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAnon,
DeleteThanks.
juvat