Final Part: Annika Muller The Mother

Epilogue: Blessings

November 1992

It was a cold and gloomy morning in Glavni Grad. The first snowflakes of November danced around the window of Annika's room. But Annika was not paying much attention to the conditions outside, because she was focused on to her pudgy newborn son as she bathed him thoroughly. The baby splashed the water around and seemed to be mesmerized by the bubbles the soap made. Annika smiled at her sweet child as she prepared him for today's baptism celebration. As she poured warm water over his fiery red hair, the boy giggled with delight. Annika was so happy that her child was so sweet and calm. It would seem that he did share some of his father's temperament after all.

"We're going to get you all clean and handsome for your baptism celebration today little Jake." She said gently rinsing off the remaining shampoo from his red hair. "Not only are you going to be baptized, you will receive your baptismal name too. I hope you like it my Sweet Jake."

The little boy giggled and cooed happily as Annika finished rinsing off all the soap from his body. When she was finished, she took Jake out of the sink and dried him off. When she was finished drying the boy, she moisturized his plump little body, then quickly put a diaper on his bottom. While she was busy dressing him, someone knocked at her room door.

"It is open." Annika said. "Please come in."

In walked Ksenija and Kazia. Annika looked up from her son and smiled to see the two women walking over to her.

"Oh, look Jake." Annika said happily. "It's Auntie Ksenija and Auntie Kazia."

The two women walked over to mother and child and they both sighed sweetly at the child.

"How is little Jake doing this morning?" Kazia asked looking at the little boy in awe.

"He is well." Annika said as she finished dressing her son for the celebration.

"May I hold him?" Kazia asked.

"Of course, you may." Annika said handing the baby boy to her dear friend.

"Oh Annika." Kazia said cradling Jake in her arms. "He is so perfect."

"Thank you Kazia." Annika said trying to get herself prepared for the day. "I can't take all the credit for him being so lovely. Part of that goes to his Papa."

"Do you think Jake is ready for his baptism today?" Ksenija asked.

"I think so." Annika said tying a colorful kerchief to her head to cover her hair for Jake's baptism. "I just hope he won't cry too much during the actual baptism."

"I'm sure he'll be fine; won't you Jake?!" Kazia said tickling the little child's stomach as the boy laughed. "Won't you Darling Boy?"

In the distance the cathedral bells chimed the time, 11 in the morning. Annika smoothed out the wrinkles in her modest dress. She was beaming with motherly pride and excited for the day. With a smile, Annika turned to everyone and asked, "Is everyone ready to go?"

"Yes, we are, Dear Child." Ksenija said.

"Good." Annika said happily. "Let us go to the church then."

A short while later, Annika, baby Jake, Ksenija, Kazia, and Dr. Vasnev were at the small church standing at the baptismal alter listening intently as Father Ponomarenko gave the welcoming blessing. After the welcoming was delivered, Father Ponomarenko began to give a blessing to Annika and the initial blessing to Jake. When the first blessings were finished, Father Ponomarenko had to confer Jake's full name before the actual baptism took place.

"Annika Teresa Muller." Father Ponomarenko began. "Is it your wish to baptize your infant son with the full name of Jake Alexei Albert Muller?"

"Yes." Annika said softly. "That is my wish."

"I hereby affirm the baptismal name Jake Alexei Albert Muller on this infant child." Father Ponomarenko said giving the sign of the cross to Jake. "Please hand your child to me."

Annika handed Jake over to Father Ponomarenko.

"We consecrate the mortal soul of Jake Alexei Albert Muller to our father in heaven." Father Ponomarenko then took the baby and covered his nose and mouth, before quickly submerging him in the deep bowl of holy water three times. "May God grant Jake Alexei Albert Muller a long life. May God grant Jake Alexei Albert Muller a prosperous life. May God grant Jake Alexei Albert Muller a peaceful life. May Jake Alexei Albert Muller's patron Saint, Saint Symeon protect and guide him always. "

Father Ponomarenko handed the wet boy back to his mother and she kissed him sweetly as she dried the plump babe off, then held him and bounced him tenderly as the rest of the ceremony continued. She was surprised that he didn't cry even once during the baptism; he didn't even fuss. He really was brave like his father and that filled Annika with intense pride.

"The child has been confirmed and baptized in the eyes of God, his mother, and these witnesses on this day, the 7th of November in the year of our Lord, 1992." Father Ponomarenko continued. "I bless this child, his mother, and those who witnessed his baptism today. May peace be upon you all, Amen."

"Amen." Everyone said in unison.

The ceremony had ended, everyone received their final blessings from Father Ponomarenko, then filed out of the church and into a small lobby to wait for Annika, who had to put Jake back in his clothes before returning back to Ksenija's house for a small lunch celebration.

"You did very well my sweet Jake." Annika said as she put the warm knitted hat Ksenija made over his red hair.

"He did." Father Ponomarenko said walking over to Annika. "I don't think I've ever had a baby not cry during a baptism. That was an amazing sight to see."

"Yes." Annika agreed. "I thought surely he would cry, but he was remarkably well behaved. That must be his father's influence. I was told, during my conformation I cried endlessly."

Father Ponomarenko looked down at Jake and smiled.

"Young Jake is going to grow up to be quite a brave man." He said. "You are very fortunate to have such a good child Miss Muller."

"Thank you, Father Ponomarenko." Annika said putting on her coat before she picked up her baby boy. "Thank you for everything."

"Of course, Miss Muller." He said graciously. "I look forward to seeing you and young Jake tomorrow for service."

"Yes Father." Annika said sweetly then turned her attentions to her infant son. "Let's go home my Sweet Jake."

Annika bounced the boy around and he smiled happily. As the pair left the church Father Ponomarenko looked at them and thought at how happy the two of them would be. Yes, their life would more than likely be difficult, but they would undoubtably be an inseparable pair and their home would always be filled with unimaginable love.

-End-