This weekend, Nicholas began the process of preparing to make his First Communion. Although we go to church regularly, this weekend, we had to sit towards the front, as he, along with his classmates, would be called to the altar during the mass to talk to the priest. It was the first time that Madeline had attended church outside of the “crying room.” I don’t go to the crying room because she cries, but because, at nearly 20 months, she’s not exactly quiet.
For the first half of the mass, she was fairly quiet. She has a few back teeth coming in, and she was a little under the weather, making her more subdued than usual. And then she perked up. And “perked up” might be a slight understatement.
When she saw Nick leave the pew to go up to the altar, she stuck her head out down the aisle to see where he was going. “Ka! Ka!” she yelled for him (it’s what she calls him). She struggled to get loose to go join him, but then decided she was happy to take his now-empty seat next to me, instead of sitting on my lap. I could see how proud she was, sitting up straight, and smoothing out her pants. She was feeling very big.
And loud. Big and loud.
When the kids all came back to sit with their parents, she spied one of Nick’s friends across the aisle from us. “Kara! Kara!” she called. Luckily the people around us thought it was cute.
This happened, as luck would have it, to be a mass with a lot of singing. Have I mentioned that Madeline loves music? Loves, loves, loves it. As soon as the congregation stopped singing, there was a little voice that didn’t stop. Yeah, that would be Madeline. It was too adorable not to smile.
And after everyone was done singing the responses… that quiet little round of applause? That would have been coming from Madeline. She was thoroughly enjoying herself.
When we did the usual “peace be with you” and turned to shake hands with those sitting near us, I quickly apologized for Madeline’s, um, exuberance. Luckily everyone was fine and understood. I mean, I can’t exactly keep her quiet for an hour, especially when there’s so much new for her to take in.
After mass let out, I saw the the priest in the back and he mentioned how good Madeline was, as did a few of our friends. Another crisis averted. Another mini challenge overcome. She is so adorably full of life, even the challenges are fun. Well, most of them anyway.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Awww, kids in church are cute. I dont go very often, but I always like it when there are little kids to entertain me. I usually don’t behave too well myself.
my four kids are growing up fast, youngest 10, eldest 17, but one of my fondest memories is when each learned the Lord’s Prayer and almost shouted it out during Mass. Anyone who didn’t smile wasn’t in the right state of mind! I never used the crying room. I think they learn bad behaviors there. Rather, I brought the children’s bible and other children’s religious books, reserved only for Sunday, and that kept them with us and involved. Have fun preparing for his big dayl.
Congrats to Nick on this exciting time! I always found it so hard to stay quiet during church, but Madeline seems to have stolen the show. At least her noise was that of happiness and excitement rather than crying. She was just appreciating the mass to its fullest potential!
congrats to nick…Madeline reminds me of my baby brother…now a thirty something six ft two man….once in church they asked if anyone had a song request and he said “what about the devil went down to ga?” lol
Those children of yours are adorable!
I have been a fan of your blog for a long time…that little Nick has captured my heart ever since the post about him sitting in Maddy’s room with her as a little baby!
Whata doll of a kid! And I just want to say this to you….I admire you for the way you are handling your situation….you are a great Mom! It shows in every blog you put up….so from one woman to another>>>>>WTG!
Mandy – lol, sounds like you’d be perfect company for Nick and Maddie! :)
Joanne – she was definitely enjoying every second of it.
Anon – aww, too cute! It probably wouldn’t hurt to bring a few things to occupy Madeline – will definitely do it next time.
Laura – omg, how cute is that?!
Suzi – thank you so much for your kind words – I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
Ryan, my five year old, farted at church recently during a quite moment. My husband and I were mortified for a moment, until the crowd around us laughed so hysterically we all couldn’t stop.