Pictures - finally!

Darren doesn't take much interest in Liam except to give him toys occasionally. Today, though, he found Liam's hat and decided to help him wear it.

Bath time! This involves me standing at the sink and Evan & Darren standing on chairs on either side of me "helping."

Evan still loves to hold his brother.

Here's a few videos - hope they work. Liam isn't doing much yet, but the video is nicer than a still photo.




The boys like Liam's playpen - it has many uses!

Sorry, no pictures!

I've been here at the library with Evan for the past hour, doing email and waiting for the other computers to become available so I can post pictures. Unfortunately we can't spend all day waiting, so I can't post pictures of these adorable boys. They are all doing well though, and really enjoyed the weather yesterday! Eric, Evan & Darren were all out playing street hockey after we went for a walk. Liam continues to grow, and Evan continues to be the very proud big brother. I may try to post sometime this week (as long as these kids who are playing video games aren't here again!)

Life with Liam

We are all settling in pretty well here. The boys think Liam is just fascinating (though Darren was quite bored with holding his little brother - he'd rather climb into the bassinet). Liam has been doing quite well at night (often up just once...sometimes twice!). During the day he tends to sleep a lot, so I still have time to play with the boys, which works out well.
People ask me who he looks like - Eric or me, or one of the boys. I can't really tell, but when I look at pictures, I think he looks a lot like Evan. He certainly has the hair that Evan had - thick and blond!

Evan loves to hold him, and asks all day long if he can. He looks down at him and says over and over, "Hey, buddy. Hi buddy! How are you, buddy?"

Everyone is enjoying some "tummy time" - notice that everyone has thier own blankets. Our house is full of blankets these days. Liam needs them for swaddling and spit-ups. Darren needs one for naptime/bedtime. Evan needs one because everyone else has one.

This weekend I got together with a group of girls from Redeemer. We rented a hotel room in Toronto, and just visited and got caught up with eachother's lives. It was really nice. I took Liam along, and he was on his best behaviour (you can see his carseat next to me at the end). It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since most of us rented a cabin at "Sunny Point". We had promised to come back in 10 years, but a hotel sounded much more comfortable for 3 pregnant women and one newborn.

Welcome, Liam Josiah Renkema!

Born Tuesday, February 10 at 5:40 pm, weighing 7lbs 1 oz, 20 inches long.

I had a midwife appointment in the morning, and when she checked me out, she said that I was already six centimetres dilated (though not in labour yet). She said the little one would come within hours, or a day, most likely. I went home, put the boys down for naps, and had some contractions. I called Eric, who came home, and we had a neighbour watch the boys until our friends could come and pick them up for a few days.

We met the midwife at Cobourg hospital just after 3pm. I still wasn't having very strong contractions, but we would rather have the baby in the hospital than in the car! Good thing, too, because 2.5 hours later, he was born! As soon as he was born, they put him on me - didn't weigh him or take him away until 90 minutes later - it was so neat. Especially since our first two birth experiences were just the oppposite. The midwives were wonderful, and the hospital was beautiful - it's only a few years old. I had a private room with my own bathroom/shower (even though we had no insurance coverage for that).

The boys are meeting their brother for the first time - look at Darren's face! Although, the hospital bed became much more interesting than this little thing that didn't do anything. They stayed with our friends David, Lisa & Job for two nights and had a great time there. Now that everyone is home, it's taking a bit of settling in, but we're doing well. We're looking forward to some visitors over the next few days, and Eric is off work until sometime next week.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. We feel so blessed!

No Baby Yet!

I had to make a few phone calls yesterday, and that's what I started with - everyone seems to be waiting for this little one now!! The midwife was pleased, and things are looking good. My belly is definitely bigger than it was with the other two boys - it's getting tricky to pick up things or reach the faucet on the counter! Darren still enjoys reading and resting on my belly, holding his blanket.

Uncle Dave stopped by for one final visit before leaving - this time no one was sick or jet-lagged! He is currently on a plane, beginning his 17 hours of travelling. It was great to see you again, Dave!!

Brenda & Michael came by a few weeks ago. She's due in March, so the cousins will be fairly close together in age.

If you remember a post a few weeks back where Darren is posing with the cat, Evan decided to pose with him to. He wanted me to get the camera and take a picture of him "just like Darren"!

In Memory of Opa/Great Opa Renkema

Opa Renkema passed away on Tuesday - he was in his nineties. He will be missed. Here is a neat picture of the four generations, specifically the four E. William Renkemas (left to right are Egbert William, Eric William, Evan William and Egbert William).

Pictures

We spend a lot of time these days on the couch. Darren enjoys lying on my belly - it's so convenient.

Evan, Reuben & Nadine were working so quietly and intently at Grandma's house. Poor Evan still looks so pale - he had a rough day there. No fun being sick.

Long-lost Uncle Dave and his two youngest nephews. I think Darren looks a lot like Uncle Steve here.

Grandma was over while we were all in the midst of being sick. Hopefully she hasn't caught it yet!

Feeling a little better

I had another appointment today - my last with the specialist!! Since I am past 36 weeks, the midwives can deliver, and I can give birth in Cobourg (which was my first choice with the boys as well!). He was pleased with the last ultrasound (baby is over 6 pounds now - a giant!). We are (still) so thankful and amazed at every week and day that this child stays put!

35.5 Weeks!