Life with Baby

He remained nameless for a couple of days. All the children had suggestions. Eventually, they chose a name Georg had suggested. His first name was Joseph and after further discussion it was decided his second name would be Karl, Maria's father's name.

And a week later they brought him to church for his Baptism. The couple answered the Baptismal questions. Together they responded to the first one. "We present Joseph Karl to receive the Sacrament of Baptism."

Father Paul took the baby from Maria. He held him securely with one arm over the Baptismal Font. Then then all the congregation heard.

"Joseph Karl, I baptize you in the Name of the Father," here he took the blessed water and dripped it on the baby as he said. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Joseph didn't cry but he did open his eyes. Father Paul took a cloth and blotted the water on his forehead.

"Joseph Karl you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever, Amen."

And everyone said. "We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us his eternal priesthood."

Father Paul finished with this. "The peace of the Lord be always with you."

And everyone said. "And also with you."

He then invited Georg and Maria to walk with him as he presented him to the congregation. And everyone joined in a reception celebrating Joseph's Baptism.

When the family returned home, Joseph was fed and Maria laid down to take a nap. Liesl was in the kitchen heating the stew she had made earlier and baked the biscuits. The others found quiet things to do.

A hungry baby woke Maria. And she was grateful Liesl had dinner prepared; she was hungry too. And this glorious day day came to a close.

The next day Georg called the General and told him about the birth of his son. He had an immediate response. Take a week or so to stay home with him and Maria. And that's what he did. He hadn't been around the others after their birth for only a couple of days before he returned to the submarine. And Maria was elated to have him home.

She was also pleased with the other children's interest in Joseph. Georg had told her that even their older children had little interaction with their younger siblings after they were born.

Marabelle was required to check on the baby and the mother. Her first visit was the day after his birth. She came that afternoon. Liesl had answered her knock.

She was pleasantly surprised to see Georg sitting in a chair with Joseph on his lap so he could see Joseph's face.

She commented. "It's nice to see your not scared to hold him. I've known new fathers who wouldn't hold them at all right after they were born."

"I was more cautious with my first born, but soon learned to be more comfortable holding her."

Marabelle turned her attention to Maria. She asked. "How often does Joseph nurse?"

"About every two hours."

"That's good. It's now known that a woman's early milk is exceptionally good for your newborn. It contains protein, sugar, and fats and another substance which protect them from becoming ill. It's also digested differently.

"When Joseph has his first bowel movement, it will be a black sticky stool. Don't be alarmed. This is normal. And you will need more than one warm wet cloth to remove it."

"I'm so glad you told me. Otherwise I would have be frightened."

"Yes it can be frightening. That's why I make sure I tell all my first time mothers about it. I'll be back to see you in two days."