Bodhi's Christening in Massachusetts July 28-31 2012

    

On July 27, cousin Ashton and his mom and dad moved to California. The next day, our little family hopped on a plane, Bodhi's first trip, to go to Massachusetts to meet all his cousins and relatives there. And for his Christening, of course.

Bodhi was, as they say, "an excellent baby" on the plane. He slept most of the time, and if not sleeping, he had a bright-eyed smile for everyone around him.

The first stop upon landing was Yaya and Papu's house, the home where Mama T grew up in Worcester. Linda, technically his cousin, but more appropriately Aunt, and soon to be Godmother, "Ginkamar," was there with her munchkins, Adrianna and Nicholas, who we'll consider cousins.

Both Yaya and Bodhi were pretty excited to meet one another. The youngest grandchild, besides Bodhi, is his cousin, Jon, who is 16 years old. While Yaya has two, and soon three, great-grandchildren, Bodhi is her 4th grandchild.

                  Linda meets a snoozing Bodhi.                   
 Nicholas and Adrianna were so happy to meet "Baby Bodhi!"

Tina, surrounded by the munchkins!

July 29th ~ Bodhi's Christening

Relaxing the morning of his Christening.

Bodhi was Christened in the same church as quite a few of his cousins and other relatives. 

Bodhi with his cousin, Mine.                 Bodhi with his great Aunt, Aka.

With Mommy H and Gunkahar (godfather) Alex

After the Christening, family and friends gathered at a local Japanese restaurant to celebrate, and share lots of hugs and laughter.

July 30 ~ perfect day to play outside and climb trees!

July 31~Bodhi's first post-Christening bath

When it comes to the first bath after a Christening, it is tradition for the Gunkamar (godmother), Linda to administer the bath. Family gathers, putting coins into the bath water to symbolize wishes and blessings for the baby.  The coins are kept among the child's special treasures for good luck, and the bath water, filled with holy oils, is poured under a tree.

After bath time, we moved on to a celebration of Birthdays, Heather (7/27) and Paulette (7/28). Per usual, we had a delicious feast, good laughs, and tasty cake! 

Alex, Jon, Paulette and Anna