First few weeks with Marla

...and then there were five.  💙💙💙💜💗

 And just like that we were home again and the days and week rushed by!  All went so well with the birth and recovery that we were up and at it in no time at all, and we had to be too as we were bombarded (in the best way possible) with company from all over. 

Abby and Marla ~ sisters

 Me and my baby :)

The first week we had many people offering to take care of the older children so I spent alot of time gazing at this new little person and soaking in her sweetness, and enjoying some quiet time. Once Seth, Tristan, Rowan and Abby were home the place was anything but quiet! But Marla was also happiest when the place was loud and she was surrounded by her siblings.  She was used to the noise and such from when she was inside me still.  So fascinating and amazing how God creates families.

Opa and Oma came for Marla's baptism and even though it was a short visit we had a super fun time.  One of the benefits of living far from family is that when they come for a visit they come for a couple days or more so we get them all to ourselves for the whole time, which is very special for everyone, especially when there is a new baby to cuddle and love.  The older kids were also thrilled to see Opa and Oma and show them everything as it had been over two years since there had last been here! It was about time. 

Marla Helene Bijlsma

It's been two months already since we welcomed another baby girl into our family!  Time flies when you're having fun!

At 6:35 pm on February 6, 2017 after a quick delivery we were blessed with another beautiful little girl, who we named Marla Helene.  She was born at 41 weeks in Taber hospital so the wait was long but she came teeny tiny, weighing 6lbs 12 oz.  She is healthy
and as sweet as can be, making it easy for us all to love her intensely and adjust to another member in this family. 
I haven't been blogging since I'm too busy soaking in all that newborn preciousness. Even though this is our fifth baby it hasn't gotten old. I think I treasure it more each time actually, as you realize how quickly it's gone.  Oh the sweetness of your very own newborn!  The staring at the tiny little being that grew inside you for 9 months. Finally getting to meet that little bundle of life and to discover who it is! Babies are good for the soul, to see the goodness of God and most amazing work of His hands.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"   Psalm 139: 13, 14.

 

Memorable moments from December

 December had some pretty cute everyday and also not-so-ordinary moments I just wanted to file away before bigger news hits the screen, like, the Lord willing the birth of this child that is still safely and quietly in utero for the time being. 
First of all Andy made the kids a skating rink.  I can't believe the feeling I got from it. I was so proud of him!  Looking out my kitchen window daily seeing the kids skate, made me feel slightly like I was constantly looking at a Norman Rockwell painting.  Backyard hockey, carefree kids, frightful cold - the epitome of a Canadian winter. 

Not a clear picture, but you get the idea below of our coffee breaks.  Due to the changing seasons we had to find some new hobbies for the winter. Chess is a hit this year.  Skills were honed and developed thanks to library books, internet games and much practice.  Seth and Tristan and Andy played more games then we can count, often leaving Andy grinning at how hard he had to try to stave off the moves of "the boys". not even always winning.  Rowan knows all the moves and is more my speed.  I'm glad we have two chess boards! Hours of fun!

Alot of book work happened here too, but a break during the holidays was very welcome.  This is how we do our Math in grade 3... :)  

We had some very tired days during the month of December as well.  Our little Lady gave up naps.  Which for me is a terrible thing.  ;)  The adjustment is hard, for the child and for the mother.  And no, she would say over and over again, "Abby is NOT tired." Oh my dear child, no not tired, just completely exhausted.  (and me too!!).  Supper time, strapped in her chair, seemed to be enough to make her nod off instantly.  But no, not tired!

We all took turns having the flu for a day as well.  Leaving more tired people.  Apparently these two didn't mean to fall asleep this time either.  I didn't mind but left them to sleep as obviously it was much needed!

By Christmas I hit 35 weeks pregnant.  Up till then, this pregnancy flew by!

And on the 23rd our baby girl turned two years old!  Where that time went, we aren't sure, but we do know we have enjoyed her immensely.  What a lot of sparkle and frills she has brought to this family. So thankful we are, for this girlee.

"Sinterklaas" didn't happen till the 24th this year - and by that time we were anxious to fit it in some evening!  Life was so busy during the month of December and the weeks (evenings), filled up faster then we could imagine.  Some say to us how is that possible as we have no family here, but you'd be surprised, it does happen!  Church functions, commitments  and hosting friends seem to keep us all booked up!  Which is a blessing too, and we enjoy helping out where needed as well. 
So back to Sinterklaas, here we are, almost ready for the fun to start.  Abby, having had a birthday a day earlier, understood the whole opening gifts thing and was thrilled to do it for a second day.

Between Christmas and New Years we had a visit from Ontario friends - the Meerstra family. It was short but sweet, and we had a great time reconnecting. 

Laura and I checking out the ice.

We went to Taber pool so had the opportunity so pose by the "famous" Taber corn with Silas.

They came with all their skating stuff! How fun!

Welcome 2017

Happy New Year from our family to yours!  

Wishing you much joy, laughter and love in 2017!
May God bless and keep you all.

I asked Seth for his take on our New Years adventures skating on the lake two roads over. Here's what he wrote for me.
"Dad, Tristan and I found Fincastle Lake. A few days before we found it there was alot of wind so the ice was clean. Dad still fit his speed skates from Holland and he brought them!  He could go fast! So fast that we got super tired super fast and dad pulled us with our hockey sticks.  We saw men ice fishing too. We also skated on a canal it was alot of fun." 

We went also as a complete family, Rowan and Abby and I didn't want to miss out on the fun.  Sadly I couldn't skate due to the big belly in the way (and I didnt' want to fall on it!) but Andy pulled me on a sled much to the extreme delight of the boys and jealousy of Abby.  ;)  Small moments of fun like this make wonderful memories of family time and holiday pleasure. 

Of Politics and Parties

Approximately six weeks ago the talk of the town was my younger brother Sam.  He's the new kid on the block when it comes to Ontario PC politics.   We could talk for hours with passion about the history being made, the news releases, the media scrums and the blood that's running hot, the Donald Trump comparisons and yes, the real live politics of it all.
The fact is, it was all incredibly interesting and I'm sure you've either read about it and heard enough already or you could just use Google and get more than enough of it. Either way, things lined up with the chicken cycle and such so perfectly that Andy and I took the opportunity handed to us to have a little get away and go to Ontario with just Abby for the day of the election. (We left on a Wednesday, come home on a Saturday).  It was a whirlwind trip and we are grateful for dear friends who so willingly and cheerfully offered to have the boys. We came home loaded with enthusiasm and energized to make a difference.
Please pray for Sam that he will receive wisdom and strength as he grapples with all that this very public job entails.  We pray that God will use him to further His kingdom and bring glory to His name. 

The morning after the election we went to the local truck stop for breakfast out on the new Member of Parliament.  Thanks a bunch!

We also spent one afternoon/evening in Elora and visited Andy's family.  All in all a very last minute trip - random and fun - sometimes it's great to just seize the moment and run!