Mommy's Little Munch

Since making the decision to take Vince to Mass with me, I've gotten to see a much calmer side to him.  Ha. 

This weekend, he was gold for me.  I was surprised, because he'll typically wanna get down and run around the cry room.  Since we were the only family in there, he didn't have any bad examples to follow, so he calmly sat in my lap the entire time and watched the Mass unfold quietly.  He didn't even want to read his books!

When I'd hold him in my arms during those parts where we stand, he happily played with my hair / veil, or he'd simply put his arms around my neck and lay his head on my shoulder.  I could've snuggled him happily forever!

During the Offertory, we had a few folks come back to use the bathroom (which is in the cry room).  Vince simply waved and said "Hi!" to everyone, but remained content in my arms.  There was one little girl, probably about 6 years old, who entered with her family.  She skitted all over the place and eventually hurt herself while her father tended the younger sister in the bathroom.  I thought for sure Vincent was going to fight to get down and run with her, but to my happy surprise, he didn't!  Soon they left and we were left to ourselves again.

For Communion, I led Vince to Father's line.  We could've gone to the deacon's line (which was closer), but now that I've got Vince, I want the added bonus of his special blessing over Vincent.  Until he's able to receive Communion himself, I want Vincent to understand that the Communion line is a special blessing, even for him.  Vincent patiently walked up the aisle with me, beaming at everyone, calling out the occasional "Hi!"  During his blessing, he smiled up at Father while trying to grab the altar server's robe.  Ha ha. 

Anyway, upon settling back into our seat, I kissed Vincent.  It's something that I've done ever since reading about Little Nellie Organ, who wished that her "Mudder" would kiss her upon coming from Communion so she could pay reverence to the Holy Sacrament.  Little Nellie, for those unfamiliar with her saintly story, was only 4 years old at the time of her 1st Communion.  In fact, it was through Nellie that Pope St Pius X received the signal he was waiting for to drop the age of 1st Communicants!

Upon completion of Mass, I led Vincent to the back door, crossing the center aisle.  As always, I genuflected and said to Vincent, "Say 'bye-bye' to Jesus!  'Bye, bye Jesus!  I love you!'"

No sooner did I make that motion than Vincent, himself, stooped to the floor saying "Bye bye."  Granted, he didn't genuflect, but he attempted to follow my lead, and it made me so proud of him.  :)  Our kids are capable of so much more than we give them credit for, as I'm quickly learning.  Ha ha ha.  He's such a blessing, this one!

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