We’re baptizing our son, Santiago, on Saturday. I feel terrible that we’ve waited this long (most Catholics do this right after a baby is born). His sister was baptized when she was barely 2 months old. Santiago is 19 months today.
I can come up with a handful of reasons why we’ve waited this long, but the truth is that I’m really happy we’re finally doing it. I’m also really happy because Ana — who is Santiago’s godmother — and her family are coming over for the weekend which means our niñas get to spend some time together! It’s been almost two years since the last time they last saw (and met) each other.
Maybe because I feel a bit guilty about waiting this long, I decided it’d be nice if I took Vanessa to get some gifts for her little brother in celebration of his baptism. I wasn’t too sure what we’d be able to find at our local Walmart, in terms of something appropriate for a baptism, but I have to say I was not disappointed.
The first thing we got was a small 14K gold cross perfect for a little boy. I plan on putting it on Santiago the day of his baptism so it can be blessed by the priest presiding over this religious rite. I really like that, because it’s children’s jewelry, it’s small and the chain that goes with it is short enough for my boy to wear. There were only two options, but the other one was a bit more elaborate. I ended up choosing this one because of its simplicity.
The other thing we got, and it’s something I’ve been wanting to buy for my children for a while, was a children’s bible. While there weren’t a lot of options in this area (not when compared to what’s available on Walmart.com), I was happy I found one called My First Read and Learn Bible because it’s published by Scholastic, a company I totally trust.
I like the idea of using the children’s bible to explain certain religious concepts in a simple manner. And, even though Santiago is still very little, I think it’ll be a good for all of us to read together and get him used to the stories told in the bible.
I hope you come back next week to read more about the actual baptism and to see some of the pictures I’ll be sharing of the celebration.
Disclosure: We received a gift card and compensation as part of the Walmart Moms program to facilitate this post. As always, all stories and opinions are our own.
I like the simple little cross. Felicidades to Santiago… And how exciting that you and Ana are getting together!
If you think that your son is being baptized late, how about 8 years old? … Our first son was baptized a few days after his 1st birthday when we went to El Salvador, but his younger brother was born later and we didn’t around to it for a long time. Part of the problem was that I’m not officially Catholic and we married in the court, not the church. Here in the U.S., there is a lot of red tape just to get the child baptized. Finally, last year, we found a priest who had been a missionary in Latin America – he was much more laid back, and he was willing to do it.
We ended up running into bureaucracy with the church itself, not wanting to issue the certificate even though the ceremony had taken place… we did finally get it, but now they’re giving us trouble with 1st confirmation. We may just have to wait until we go back to El Salvador to take care of it.
Anyway – have fun with Ana, and blessings on your muchachito. I love him so much
Thanks, Tracy! We’ve been having a blast!
Santiago’s baptism was beautiful. He behaved like an angel. Will post pics soon!
I’m glad it all worked out with your son!
Tracy I wonder why they gave you such a hard time. My hubby is also non-Catholic and we’ve had no problems. Though maybe the difference is that we did get married through the Catholic church. Since, we’ve baptized both kids with no problems at a completely different church (state and all) than where we got married.
I am really sorry to hear you’ve had such a hassle and hope it all works out for their first communions.
I meant 1st communion – (not confirmation), obviously. LOL.
Hi! My son received a very special bible from his Godmother when she got married 2 weeks ago. It is the “Little Boy’s Bible” (I believe that is the correct title – I’m not in front of it). It gives a short bible story and then a discussion. After the discussion, there is a q/a section for Daddy to do with his son. It makes it very personal and is a neat way to incorporate the Bible into every day life. Ours is in English, but they may have one in Spanish. If you want more information, go ahead and email me.
I love this idea. I found a very cute leather-bound Bible with a magnet closure that I got my daughter from Walmart. It is now her favorite Bible, and I loved how affordable it was! (Prior to this, I didn’t even think to buy our Bibles at Walmart!) Lovely post
You reminded me that I had intended to buy a children’s Bible and had not gotten around to it yet.
We just got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0829752552
It has Spanish and English side-by-side and a colorful picture on every page. I wondered whether my son would enjoy these stories and was prepared to just read to him from this in small frequent doses. But in turns out, he wants to hear it as long as I can stand to keep reading it. (I do have human limits…) It’s nice when a favorite book of his can be taken to any adult handy and they can read whichever language they can, not have to tell him they can’t do that book.
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