Bob Esponja: un Operetta

We got this finger puppet for S $1 (which equals about 30 cents US) at the local market and Erin has gone crazy for it!

It is one of her new favorite toys! She sings to it all the time.


"Really, Mom? Another picture?"

Christening Video

Christening

Erin got christened today! We are so proud and happy that we were able to do this. I have to admit, I was the one putting a major push behind it due to fear.

WARNING, PERSONAL BELIEFS BELOW. PLEASE REALIZE THIS IS JUST MY VIEW:
I remember being taught that all babies are born with original sin, so if something were to, God forbid, happen she would go to either pergitory (aka limbo) or hell. I didn't like the idea of that one bit! And I realize that not everyone was taught that. Chris wasn't and he didn't understand why I insisted it had to be a christening and not just a dedication.
You see, original sin goes something like this:

The Council of Trent solemnly expressed the Church's faith concerning original sin. In the previous catechesis we considered that Council's teaching in regard to the personal sin of our first parents. Now we wish to reflect on what the Council said about the consequences of that sin for humanity.

In this regard the Tridentine decree states first of all:

Adam's sin has passed to all his descendants, that is, to all men and women as descendants of our first parents, and their heirs, in human nature already deprived of God's friendship.

The Tridentine decree (cf. DS 1512) explicitly states that Adam's sin tainted not only himself but also all his descendants. Adam forfeited original justice and holiness not only for himself, but also "for us" (nobis etiam).

Therefore he transmitted to the whole human race not only bodily death and other penalties (consequences of sin), but also sin itself as the death of the soul (peccatum quod mors est animae).

Here the Council of Trent uses an observation of St. Paul in the Letter to the Romans. The Synod of Carthage had already referred to it, repeating a teaching already widespread in the Church.

Letter to the Romans the Apostle wrote: "By one man's disobedience all became sinners" (Rom 5:19), and in the preceding verse: "One man's trespass led to condemnation for all men" (Rom 5:18). St. Paul connects the sinful situation of all humanity with the fault of Adam.

The Tridentine decree contains another statement: Adam's sin is transmitted to all his descendants by generation and not merely by way of bad example. The decree states: "This sin of Adam, which by origin is unique and transmitted by generation and not by way of imitation, is present in all as proper to each" (DS 1513).

Therefore original sin is transmitted by way of natural generation. This conviction of the Church is indicated also by the practice of infant baptism, to which the conciliar decree refers. Newborn infants are incapable of committing personal sin, yet in accordance with the Church's centuries-old tradition, they are baptized shortly after birth for the remission of sin. The decree states: "They are truly baptized for the remission of sin, so that what they contracted in generation may be cleansed by regeneration" (DS 1514).

Straight from the Vatican itself

I hope this explains a little better on why I was pushing for the Christening to happen. And please realize, this is my personal belief as I have grown up with Catholic teachings. I understand that others don't believe this view at all. Chris, for example, does not believe in Purgatory (which is somewhat understandable. It is a mainly Catholic device) and believes that because Erin herself has not sinned she would go straight to heaven. Eather way... she's Christened and has been saved.
................................................................................................................................................................

Allright, back on track:
So we had Edwin Gungor preside over the christening, which was great. He was the same man who married Chris and I in the faith (we had already been legally married).

Erin's godmother is Heather Mary Ward, and her godfather is Joshua Adam Rich.

Tim and Patty hosted the lovely "swarre". It was nice and light. People were wearing sandals, no suits, just some jeans and nice shirts. It was a wonderful event and I wouldn't want it any other way. It was good that it was intimate as well. Only a very small crowd joined us, which was perfect. It was our closest people: Clayton, the Balliquoi's (and Liz's sister), and Gail. 14 total (not to cout the 2 buns in the oven or the 4 dogs outside).
We had brisket and bbq chicken (and sides). I made a georgous honey glazed lemon cake that I'm told was very good. I also made shortbread.
We ate before hand, then the Christening happened. It was wonderful. I will have to share the video Clayton took for us soon.
Afterwards some more munching and major swimming! It was good, most everyone (of the young-uns got in), except Liz and her sister.
And Erin recieved some wonderful gifts! (which I will also list soon)
It was a good day, and a great event. We are so very blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives. For those of you who are too far away to attend such an event; please know you were in our hearts. We miss you and know that you will help us keep Erin's path with God right. Thank you, everyone. We are truely blessed to have family, both near and far, praying and watching out for us. Thank you.

Erin Babbling

Erin babbles away. Just thought I'd share it with everyone who can't be witness of it. She's moved to having her hand in her mouth for her to speak.

Standing the Night

Chris was watching Erin as she faught against sleep one night, and ... POP! She did this! So he quickly called me in to watch (and I grabbed the camera).

Practice Crawling

Erin practices crawling in her crib.

Yummy Foods: Eating Rice Cereal

This video is of Erin eating all her rice cereal! She just loves it (even licks the bowl clean!).

Coming soon

In a world where the best way to get cooled down is to jump into water, a little baby girl kicks her feet to stay afloat with some help from a smiley starfish.
Erin Elizabeth Rose is the Lil Swimmer, coming soon to a computer screen near you.

And here it is... the video we've all been waiting for:

Erin Stands

Erin's been standing on her own two feet for a couple of days now.She doesn't like just sitting, so she loves standing anywhere: changing tables, floor, chairs, bellys, etc. It's so cute, she looks like a doll. But it does make me want to cry how fast she's growing up. I keep wanting to say "Erin, you don't need to stand up just yet! Don't grow up so fast!"

Erin and the Dogs

So Erin loves laughing at the dogs playing, so we decided to try and capture it on video. She knows when the camera is on, so didn't laugh but did give a few smiles. The dogs were a bit co-ersed.

Chatting it up

Erin loves to talk to her "Mrs. Sunshine" toy that makes funny noises. I thought you'd enjoy it.

Laugh and Play

Erin has some fun playing and "talking" to her Mrs. Sunshine and rolls over at the end.

Johnny Jump-Up

Erin is loving her jump-up! Enjoy the video
She lines to have her arms down by her sides as well as chewing on it. The epitomy of cutiness!

Too Young for TV

Wow, this is something I've worried about a little lately and today recieved this article. So I just had to share it. So, no more TV time, Erin. Sorry. It's gonna be hard to do, but it's for you so I can do it.


Too Young for TV?
Is time in front of the boob tube bad for baby? In a word, yes. But in the real world, TV happens. Here's how to turn it on in moderation (and without guilt!).
While the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics recommends no tube at all for kids under two, it's the rare parent who doesn't turn to Sesame Street or Baby Einstein for an occasional, sanity-saving break. At her age, your baby gleans little from even a so-called educational program, so avoid TV whenever you can. But don't guilt yourself to death if you flip it on from time to time.


If you need a break from holding or entertaining your baby, or you need to chop the veggies for tonight's dinner -- or simply grab a shower—set your baby up in a seat or on a blanket with a few toys, in a spot where you can see and hear each other. She'll enjoy that just as much as Elmo or the Teletubbies. Listening to music (it doesn't have to be kiddie tunes!) will often lengthen the time she's willing to sit solo.


When you do turn on the set, try to make it a do-together activity instead of a babysitting session. Talk about what you see ("That doggie looks just like Aunt Susan's!") and explain what's happening ("The boy is painting a picture—he is using a pretty blue color"). Stick to shows designed especially for small children, without distracting commercials.


If you've been in the habit of leaving the TV on for company, now's the time to stop. Otherwise, your baby may grow accustomed to its constant noise and lights, and expect the Great Entertainer to be on all the time. Before you know it, she'll be big enough to demand the shows and characters she neeeeds to see and want to watch them instead of engaging in other kinds of brain-building, muscle-building play.

Laughter

Erin laughed sooo long today, but we didn't get the video out in time, so I've been following her around with the flip for a while with little success. She loves watching the dogs play around, and has enjoyed the mirror. Enjoy the video, I'll post another of her laughing when we get her going for a long amount of time again.

McDonalds Baby

Yesterday I left Erin with Patty and Heather and they all had some fun together. I can tell Erin loves McDonalds already.

Erin as a Cheerleader

I totally didn't even know this video existed! Thank you Heather, it's so cute!

For Grandparents

This is for all ya'all that aren't able to see her this past weekend.

Erin Says "hi"

It honestly sounds like she says hi... this isn't a great video of it, but you can get the point... I wanted to share her cooing.
She's been really cooing for about a week now, and it's so cute. These last few days she's been really working that tounge. It's too cute. Just wanted to share. Enjoy. :)