Thomas is Baptized on Day 4 (Dec. 20)

Thomas' baptism was scheduled for 10:30 am on Saturday. The priest had told Debora and Josh that he would not wait, if they were late. Those of you who have been to Brazil understand that there is a different concept of time there, so it was a minor miracle that we were at the church ahead of time! We had to wait for the priest to finish up the baptisms that were scheduled before Thomas! His was not a private affair, as there were two other little ones baptized at the same time. The chapel where this was done was fairly small, and it was beginning to get warm. You will notice by the pictures that Thomas was shedding clothes throughout the event. He gets warm, just like his Daddy, and I think Josh envied him the right to remove excess clothing.
Following the baptism, we drove to a restaurant for a wonderful meal. The group present turned out to be the one we spent most of the next couple of days with - wonderful people! Besides Debora's immediate family [Her father, Nicola; mother, Neusa; sister, Claudia and her husband, Fred along with their daughter, Giulia; and sister, Cibele (Thomas' Madrinha, or God-mother).], there were Debora's Uncle Nino (Nicola's brother) and his wife, Landa; their older son, Ricardo (Thomas' Padrinho, or God-father); their younger son, Rodrigo and his wife, Lu; Lu's mother, Luiza (sp?); and for part of the time, Maristela, Debora's friend from school here in Madison, but also from São Paulo. Family is very important and the more often you all get together, the better! Wonderful, warm, generous people!

Later that night, some of us went over to Nino and Landa's apartment to help her celebrate her birthday! The Grandpas stayed back. as they were tired. I think it was Debora, Josh, Thomas, Cibele, Neusa and myself that went. I did not take my camera, but their apartment was beautiful! We met some friends and relatives of Nino's family, including twin girls around 2 years old, that were Lu and Rodrigo's nieces. Digo and Lu were married this past spring, and will make wonderful parents someday! They were so good with all the little ones. Besides having to have some birthday cake, we were served a variety of beverages, not the least of which was some very expensive wine! I felt like royalty!