Training Future Fathers {On Handling a Newborn}

Pre-performance rehearsal with first time baby handlers and 'Angelina'

When Father Abbot suggested little Angelina play the part of baby Jesus in Peter's high school Advent play, we were quick to give our consent.  The high school boys were delighted to have a real live baby in the play, rather than the lifeless doll with which they'd been rehearsing.  But their delight was tainted with a dose of understandable nervousness, given that the two young men with baby handling parts were novices in handling a newborn.

Tim gives a few baby handling pointers to the cast of Christ the King's Advent play before showtime.

Tim gladly stepped up to the task of training the guys in the fine art of baby handling, meeting about an hour before show time to offer a few pointers and allow for hands-on experience under close supervision.  The guys warmed up to Angelina right away, and practiced picking her up and passing her off, two important movements for 'baby Jesus' in the upcoming Advent show.

Rehearsing the hand-off of baby 'Jesus'

As the time for curtain drew near, we prayed that our little foster daughter would remain calm and quiet for her debut performance as our Newborn King.  Our prayers were answered, as Angelina gave only the slightest indication of liveliness during the show, squirming a bit in the arms of 'Mother Mary' to the excitement of the audience, many of whom had assumed the figure was probably a doll.

The Three Kings pay homage to baby Jesus in the arms of Mary.

Cast of Christ the King's Advent play, with our son Peter the centurion

Seminary of Christ the King's high school orchestra performs at the Advent program.

In addition to the great privilege of delivering the 'baby Jesus' for the high school play, we enjoyed an outstanding Advent program by the high school and college seminarians of Christ the King.  The high school orchestra, though only a few months along, performed pieces suited for third year, including a favorite piece from Lord of the Rings, and pulled them off beautifully under the direction of Father Peter Nygren.  The entertaining vignette put on by the major seminarians highlighted their unique skills and abilities, including a humorous and fantastic martial arts display and a rousing Celtic musical number.   Under Father Prior Benedict, the high school boys' choir sang "O Holy Night" in its original French, an angelic delight for those of us in the audience.

Bridget, Peter and baby 'Angelina'

Our heartfelt thanks to the monks, teachers and prayer warriors at Christ the King Seminary and Westminster Abbey.  We trust that your efforts, by God's grace, will have everlasting results in the lives of our son(s) and in our families.

Uprooted & Replanted {Journeying}

Final tagging of baggage before check-in at the departure gate

Another family transition officially transpired without (reported) incident: Zachary has been transplanted to European soil.  Zac's departure via Vancouver, BC, went off without a hitch; other than a very random series of questions by the Canadian Peace Arch border guard, the event was fairly uneventful. We officially received word that he landed and found lodging:

"Couldn't sleep on flight...took a train to Innsbruck and am here now."

Although the first 5 nights of his European stay are unstructured and mostly unplanned, we trust in his survival skills and good intuition, and eagerly await his occasional email updates and hope for photos, too.  As his first update arrived ~at the very moment Tim read it at work~ a customer who lives in Garmisch-Partkirchen, Germany, happened to be in our shop.  The customer overheard Tim sharing Zac's whereabouts and offered him lodging in a six bedroom apartment with a view of the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, where her husband is currently stationed.  Whether or not Zachary takes the free lodging offer shall remain a mystery for the time being, but talk about Divine Providence at work!

Zac fires away during a pre-departure target practice session for fun on our private property.

Zac's unarmed on this journey, except for his trusty pocket knife, but he's packing a whole host of prayers and an extremely talented and holy guardian angel.  His hammock and lighter may prove useful; whether or not he'll miss his sleeping bag and hiking boots remains to be seen.  He's traveling light, with backpack and day pack, yet stuffed in his Church clothes ~ hand-me-downs from our former parish priest, Father Qui Thac~Marion who passed down and gave away all his belongings before taking the Benedictine habit and living the vow of poverty in extreme simplicity during this past year of discernment.  So in a way, Father QT~M is along for the journey with Zachary as well!

Quote of the day:
I announced, "Zachary is in one of the most beautiful places in the world today!"
Peter replied, "So are we." 
So true.

On top of the world

Like father, like son; at the target range with Mt. Baker looming in the distance

Family supper with our very special guest from Mission, BC

Speaking of Benedictines, we had the pleasure of hosting Father Peter Nygren, OSB, rector of Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC, for dinner at our home a few days ago.  Father Peter makes a few stops after the school year ends to visit families whose boys have attended the live-ins and made connections with the Catholic boys' school.  We served grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and in return received a beautiful blessing and the opportunity to chant Vespers together in our living room (more or less on key).

Zachary, Peter, Father Peter and Joseph

Dr. Dude gives Zac the business over his beard

Speaking of special visitors, our Goddaughter Hope, and her family are visiting from San Diego.  Former neighbors and faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart, this adorable, growing family lights up the whole city upon their return.  We have cherished a few rowdy suppers at home and some squirming in the pews.  Things are always more exciting with little ones running around, and the timing of their visit coinciding with Zachary's departure helps ease the heart strains a bit.  

Zachary and Dominic chill in the company of Dominic's wiggly sisters: Miriam, Hope and Hannah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three brothers; apart for the time being, but very close at heart