Religion

Madeline,
Jenna's christening was yesterday. You were such a good little baby all day! I was very proud of you.

I wanted to quickly write to tell you that your father and I are not having you baptised in the Catholic church like Jenna was, and that means you also won't have the big First Communion party and the Confirmation and all of that down the road. I wanted to explain why...

Your dad and I want you to grow up with God in your heart. We want you to love Him, not fear Him, and we want you to know that you can always turn to Him with your problems, needs, fears, gratitude, love, and whatever is on your mind and in your heart.

To us, this means going to a different kind of church than Jenna and Aunt Wendy and Uncle Jay go to. Both churches are good, but there are very different.

You will be baptised, but in a different way. Instead of memorizing the prayers that Jenna will, you'll be listening to band play their guitars and belt out some great religious songs. Our church is a lot more upbeat and alive, and it's not as "serious" and "solemn." You'll see a big difference.

When you are old enough to decide what you believe in, you can choose whatever religion and church you like. Your father and I will support whatever choice you make, and promise not to try to persuade you to adopt our beliefs. You are your own person, and God will be there for you no matter what.

But here's how we feel now - Jesus Christ died for our sins, and as long as you believe that, you will be forgiven and go to Heaven. You can pray to Him anytime you need to, and He is someone to celebrate.

Maddy, we're taking you to our church because that is what we think is best for you now. I hope you will be happy with our decision down the road, and I hope that our church will make you feel happy and loved.

I know you'll be sad and jealous when Jenna has her First Communion party, and all of that, but please understand that the party is not what church and religion are all about. If you know God and love Him, you will never need that party to know how special you are to Him.

Love,
Mommy

Completely Spoiled Rotten...

You spent the night with grandma c. on friday, and when we came to pick you up on sat. she had bought you a new exersaucer to keep at her house, new Dora shoes, two new bibs, new pacifiers and a new outfit. They just had a blast with you though - you were a little angel. You slept in their big bed and snuggled up with grandpa (he didn't want to get up for work on sat. b/c he didn't want to disturb you). Daddy and I went to the movies and out to eat. It was a much-needed adult date night. Don't get me wrong - we love going out and showing you off too, but sometimes we just need some alone time.

We took you out to dinner on Wednesday night - we went to Chili's and you were so good. All smiley and babbling. Those big blue eyes.

You are just so pretty! Yesterday, I put you in little khakis and a onesie and your new Dora shoes and your pink Nike baseball hat. Everywhere you went, you got your picture taken :)