Friday, February 19, 2016

All About Benjamin Nicholas Faber

About an hour after birth.  He just laid on me for an hour before he was even weighed.  I loved it!!
This little guy came out posterior like three of his sibs.  So after being induced, having sciatica during labor and an up side down bundle of joy, I was VERY thankful that he came when he did. He was an amazing answer to very verdant prayers!!   It was definitely my hardest labor (Will agrees as my objective, outside the pain and anguish, perspective here) and transition but I had excellent support throughout.  Will was my rock, he didn't leave my side once and his strong presence kept encouraging me to keep going. I still can't believe we've done this seven times (!!). Our doula, Nicole was awesome - as usual.  She helped me into different positions and doing the hip squeeze for all that back labor was such a relief!!  I also have to mention our friend (and aunt :)), Alice who provided the most delicious gluten-free chocolate chip banana muffins that I scarfed on before, during and after labor.  They kept me going!!  It was an addiction hard to break once I got home.  I tried to bake them myself a few times and that sated my taste buds but alas it was never the same.  They were a special treat for a special time. 

  
Father and son moments. 
With Grandma Faber
Big bro Ethan. 
A day later and he already had scratches on his face.  Poor guy!! 
Big sis, Aleana.

Big brother Peter loves Ben and he will hold him any time and for long periods of time too. 

Matthew is in love with Ben too and his important job has become making the little man smile!! 
Pictures of the girls with Ben are coming on the next post - super cute!!  
Auntie Michelle came to visit the next day.  



Baby feet are so adorable. 

All the stats.  He had an Apgar of 9.5.  
His hair is not this dark or thick anymore.  
With Will V.S. - I always give Ben to Will to hold before Aleana because he's not always here.  
Aleana hates that!! But...it's only fair. 


He slept that deep, just born and shocked by the world sleep the first night.  The second night - not a wink because he wanted milk. The third day it came in and he slept so soundly that night and he's only had two fussy nights since then.  So thankful!!!  

He sleeps in the VanDelft's Pram beside our bed.  
Ethan is so impressed with this pram because it has leather (leather!!) shocks.  
It is really amusing to watch the pram when he is waking up.  He can get that thing going all on his own!! It's a wonder to me, and fills my heart with so many different emotions.  Relief, love, and thankfulness all blended together. 

He has already grown so much!!  Still cute though. 
We were in the ER with him on Wed. this week with a fever.  
He had tests done to make sure it wasn't anything serious and thankfully it wasn't.  
Just a virus, that caused his immune system to kick in.  That's a blessing.  
God was good to us and spared us any more drama, because that's what it is when your little baby is having his blood taken, catheter put in and chest x-ray (the worst!) and all you can do is force him to take it and cry your eyes out. He's been fine today so far. 

Not the most flattering picture but Ben is looking at me so intently that I wanted to remember it!!! 
Auntie Heather came to visit after church - he's just hours old here. 
Grandma and Grandpa Bredenhof came after church too.  
Thanks for coming to meet Ben!!! 

I have lots more pictures of this little guy and the family with him so stay tuned!!! 
At least I got this far...
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above Ye heavenly Host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!! 
- old version because this chick is getting old (tehe!).  

Thursday, February 11, 2016

December Glimpses





William of Orange Christmas concert.  
Our boys wore blue shirts and red ties.
The concert highlighted songs  from around the world - it was beautifully done.  



Nadia's mountain.


My only picture of our new niece  - Anna!!!
The girls love having a new cousin.  







Double Trouble!!!