Jesus Spotter

Teddy has regained his earlier interest in icons, and his fourth and fifth words were "Jesus" and "cross" (well, okay, "-oss").

Today I let him help me empty the dishwasher. (So I carried him around and let him hold onto the dishes.) When we were putting the glasses away, however, he started saying, "Jesus." I was a little confused.

I saw Snoopy.
I saw Grumpy Bear.
I saw the Norman Rockwell glasses.

Then, after a few repetitions of "Jesus," I looked more closely.

Yep. That's Jesus in our kitchen cabinet, on the mug from the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity.

Swimming

I need to do a proper post on Teddy's swimming, but we were really blown away by his efforts this week, and especially today.

He's not water-safe, but he's definitely swimming. He went from Daddy's arms (no pushing) to the wall, of his own volition ... and the wall was at least four and a half feet away. Daddy measured.

And this wasn't the first time.

Often, Teddy will hold onto something (wall or parent), gauge whether or not he can get to his destination, then let go and sink. When the top of his head pops up (not anything useful, like his nose or mouth), he'll kick and kick until he gets where he's going. (Sometimes where he's going arrives to help him, because there's only so much suspense we can take.)

And all this is without us pushing him. Unless, of course, bringing him to the pool five times a week is pushing.This photo was taken on February 10. He's outgrown the swimsuit, but not the happiness. (I know, I know, but who wants to take pictures in the pool instead of playing with Teddy!?)

Applesauce, by the Andro-Muppets

In the great tradition of Mahnahmahnah (however you may spell it), here is today's performance of snacktime.

Applesauce! (doot-doo dee do-doot ...)

Applesauce!
It comes from apples,
And apples grow on trees,
And trees live in an orchard,
And it all comes down to bees!

Applesauce! (doot-doo dee do-doot ...)

Teeth!

My husband noticed that Teddy's next two teeth have come in. We tried to get some pictures, but that can be difficult.

Our new camera rocks, however, and with the large picture, you can see them, on either side of the two lower middle incisors.Not realizing that we'd gotten a good enough picture to show off his "dinți," we went with our usual method of laying him across a lap and making him laugh, which is just plain fun for everybody.

South Bend

While Tudor (paternal grandfather) and Valentin (uncle) visited from Romania, we all went to South Bend via Chicago.

Teddy enjoyed meeting his relatives for the first time, playing with Uncle Valentin's "toys" ...... visiting the dunes of Lake Michigan ...
... and meeting Mommy and Daddy's kombaroi with their little boy.Mommy forgot to take pictures of meeting the priest who married Mommy and Daddy, with his family, and of Mommy's nouna and her family. Teddy and Mommy napped while Daddy took Tudor and Valentin on the campus tour of Notre Dame. We also didn't take any pictures with our hosts, alas, who fed us with tastiness and housed us with love and companionship. Also, their dog was a trooper for putting up with Teddy's attentions.

Hristos a înviat!

 

 

My dear little son,
     Last year at the Resurrection service I felt you kick for the first time, like a heartbeat. This year I cannot imagine a greater joy than holding you in my arms at the Resurrection service and sharing you and the joy you bring with the entire parish. You are still my heartbeat.
  Love,
     Mommy

Teddy's Baptism

Due to the events taking place around Tampa Bay during the beginning of January (Theophany celebration in Tarpon Springs, patronal feast of St. John the Baptist in Tampa), we delayed Teddy's baptism to Thursday, January 8. On Monday night, our parish hosted its annual Archbishop Luncheon (except it was a dinner).

His Eminence Alexios and Fr. Peter were seated close enough to each other for the following conversation to take place:

Metr. Alexios: So... when are you having the baptism?
Fr. Peter: Thursday.
Metr. Alexios: Wednesday?
Fr. Peter: Thursday.
Metr. Alexios: Why Thursday?
Fr. Peter: Well, because tomorrow is Theophany, Wednesday is the feastday of St. John the Baptist ... so we thought Thursday we'd have some time.
Metr. Alexios: Okay... In the morning?
Fr. Peter: 11:30.
Metr. Alexios: Can you make it 11?
Fr. Peter: Well, we already put it in the monthly newsletter.
Metr. Alexios: Okay... 11:30... I think I can make it.

So our clergy count for the baptism was one bishop and three priests. Additionally, we invited the parish (but, being a Thursday, not many were able to attend), and my mother came, and one of Fr. Peter's classmates was in town, invited for the GOYA Winter Event which would start the next day.

Fr. Ioan (John) Bociu read the exorcism prayers, Teddy beamed, Paul Lundberg ... godfathered, and Thanasi Pantazelos chanted. Then we undressed the baby while the clergy and gentlemen did their thing.

Thanasi and Fr. Ioan chanted. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos	Paul, Fr. James, Fr. Peter, and Metr. Alexios prayed. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos

Teddy was oiled... Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos
... dunked ... Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos
... tonsured ...
... and communed. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos

Metropolitan Alexios heard there was cake—Fr. Ioan Bociu makes an awesome cake, by the way—so he stayed for the reception.
At the reception, Teddy woke up and was the happiest baby ever.

My husband and mother have a disagreement about which is the cutest baby picture of Teddy so far, so you are invited to weigh in, or at least have more baby pictures to admire. (Okay, this may just be my own addiction.)

Before.

After. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos