School!

Evan went to his first day of "school." We're homeschooling for JK and SK, but he's going one day a week to the preschool program at the local Christian school. He had a great time!Liam has learned to say cheese whenever he sees the camera...this is one of about five pictures I took in a row!

Evan loves to be a dog...and Liam likes to pet him!

Self-feeding....what fun!!

He's Smiling!!

Isaac is now 4 months old (one month corrected).

He has a wonderful smile that lights up his whole face!!

He's been doing really well at night too - only up once, usually. Evenings are another story...from about 7-10 he fusses... oh well...with a smile like this, he can get away with a lot!!

Isaac's Baptism

Isaac was baptized on Sunday in a wonderful service at our church. We were surrounded by family and friends and a congregation who has held us up in prayer. Isaac behaved wonderfully with Grandma, and the older boys did a great job standing at the front! We had a nice afternoon afterwards, and the weather was great! Here are the VanBredas:

And the Renkemas (there was a picture later with all the Renkemas, but my camera battery died)

I just got this new bassinet for Isaac last week - I ordered it online after I heard great reviews about it. Up until this time, Isaac was sleeping most of the night in our bed, mostly on me...very tiring. And I would put him down sound asleep, only to have him wake up 10 or 20 minutes later - even during the day. But with this bassinet, he sleeps for up to 5 hours at a time (last night he was only up once) and stays asleep when I put him down! I love this product!! I'll do a commercial for Fisher Price if the need me. It has an inclined position so the head is raised, and he doesn't spit up. He also stays in a semi curled up position, but it supports his neck so there is no breathing issues, and it is certified for sleeping in (unlike carseats, swings, & bouncy chairs).

Liam wanted a chance to hold his youngest brother too...it didn't last long, but look at that smile!

It has been quiet this week as the 3 older boys have been visiting Oma & Opa. I've been able to take naps, run errands, clean the house! All those things you can do with only one child!

A Visit to Belleville

Isaac got to meet his Grandpa for the first time, as well as a lot of other people who have been praying for him. He will be baptized this Sunday in Bowmanville, if you'd like to celebrate with us. He is doing really well - he no longer fits into his preemie sleepers!! He still likes to be held a lot, and I (usually) don't mind. He isn't much of a night sleeper, but since he's only supposed to be 3 weeks old, it's not surprising.
The older boys had fun, and spent a lot of time with Grandma. She read to them and taught them some great games.


Liam has been very cheery these past few weeks. He repeats what he hears around him - "Oh man!" "NooooPUPPY" (from the commercials on TV - Nooobody!). He learns a few new words every day, especially from his brothers!

Some pictures (finally)

Things are going well here, with 4 boys. Busy, of course. Not much sleep...but it's good. It's great. To be all together as a family. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks.

We visited with Auntie Jenn & Uncle Brian, and enjoyed their nice backyard & hammock.

Liam was so fascinated with the grass (I guess we have more weeds than grass at our house!)

Isaac is a baby who enjoys to be held. With three other little ones around it can be difficult sometimes, but this wrap is really handy. It keeps him nice and snug, and he just sleeps while I do other things. He had a checkup today and now weighs 8lbs 2oz!!!! Everything continues to look great, and the pediatrician continues to be impressed with his progress!

We went to the zoo on the holiday Monday and had a great time. The boys' favourite parts were the train, the park and the splash pad! The animals were nice too!

One evening while we were getting ready for bed, the boys decided they wanted to hold Isaac and pose for pictures...here are some cute ones!

Trip to Hamilton

We managed to sneak in a a trip to a park on Hamilton's waterfront before it rained (again). Liam (above) is contemplating whether or not to go through "The Rings of Water"!


Evan and Darren shared "a plane ride to Korea".

On the Friday it was raining, so Auntie Jenn found us "Jungle Jam" - basically a McDonald's Play Place on steriods. It was lots of fun for all five boys (Evan, Darren, Liam, Eric and Uncle David).

Aunt Colleen met us in a park on the Thursday before we met the VanBredas. Isaac let her hold him for her first time.

Isaac is home!

So Isaac came home Wednesday morning. He's been settling in quite well. His first official outing was to the Stanley Cup parade through our little town of Orono (Brian Bickle of the Chicago Blackhawks grew up in Orono).

The boys have enjoyed getting to talk to him and try to make him smile. Liam is very enthusiastic about "baby!!"
One last picture of him in the hospital - no more NG tube in the nose!!

Somehow in this carseat picture, he looks bigger than he actually is - I don't think his face is really that chubby.

It's really strange to not be spending the day at the hospital anymore - first time in 2 months!! Isaac has 3 appointments next week, and several more scheduled throughout the summer.

I'm trying to get used to waking up every few hours at night. My mom has been around for a few days to help with the older boys, and will bring them to Belleville for a few days next week. Thanks, Grandma! We also have other people offering to watch the boys and bringing us meals. We are so thankful for all the support, and are thrilled to have Isaac home with us! Thank you, God!

Day 61

Isaac should be coming home tomorrow...assuming he cooperates tonight!!! Stay tuned!