We are now a family.
Little Israel was born on Dec. 2 2011, at 6:43am and weighed in at an incredible 8lbs 9oz. I am so happy that she is here... finally. We have all been so patient, waiting nearly 10 months for her to show up, and there are still many, from all around the world, that are anticipating Israel's introduction in person. We are looking forward to these wonderful moments but are so thankful for Skype in the meantime. I have to admit I was looking forward to blogging last month about my sweet moustache that I was sporting for a few days just near the end of November, but it seems that, due to Israel's arrival, she took precedence over anything of the sort. Maybe I can get away with throwing in a picture of it anyways. So, what has the Friesen 3 been up to? Pretty much just getting used to the whole number 3 thing.
With a new one on the scene it sure has created a whole new dynamic in our relationship and how we do life. Everything, and I mean everything, takes longer to do, get done, or get somewhere. I mean, I never knew nor understood what parents went through, until now. I like to think that I had a lot of grace for parents, I mean of course right? they have kids, its bound to take them a bit longer to get somewhere, etc. No way man! I had no idea. I'm surprised that parents don't look even more haggard than they all ready do. I mean how in the world does people like my sister and bro-in-law ever get anywhere with 4 kids??? twins, another and a newbie? I mean I'm spending over half the day in my long-johns cause I can't seem to find the time to put on pants! And I only have one. Not only do they actually go out and have a life, but they have Hockey, Football, Soccer, Judo and God knows what else. I think I'm officially going to claim that anyone who has more than 2 children and can still dress themselves as parenting genius's. So what am I rambling on about? Basically that it's awesome! I love my little girl and if i spend the rest of my life walking around in my underwear because of her, she's worth it. Fortunately, I've heard that it does get easier and that, not only do you reach a stage of being able to get fully dressed once again, that you even start having crazy thoughts about doing it all over again. Insane!
I absolutely LOVE IT!
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| Minutes after Israel was born |
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| The Movember Moustache |
What else to say about life... well, since it really seems to revolve around Israel right now there isn't much, however, i will say this... I'm looking forward to seeing my good friend Greg, who is due for a visit and it was really cool seeing Merrilyn who came for one. Christmas was awesome, New Years will be great, the cold weather makes me want to go to Australia ASAP, I feel like going to a Hockey game with Dave, it's been awesome house sitting, I actually miss working, school was great and my wife has never looked better! I am a blessed man! I wish you all the same incredible favour of God on your lives as he has blessed me. Love to you and yours... Kev
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| Merrilyn visits Israel and helps out tired parents |
The Mommy (Mummy) Update
2am She's finally asleep. I tiptoe, backing away from the bassinet listening for any sounds that may indicate that her falling asleep was a false alarm.
215am I lay in bed, tense, still listening for any sign I may have to get up and put on my robe.
228am There it is...grunting. I lay still, wondering how my precious angel-faced little baby turned into a little piglet?! The noises that are coming from this child...oh, yep and that one is a diaper change.
231am I get up. It's inevitable - sleep is no longer a leisure activity in my world but something that occasionally graces my life at random intervals. I peer into the bassinet and my once swaddled baby girl Israel is now unwrapped and practising her motor skills quite vigorously. No wonder her Dad calls her Houdizzy - the master of great escapes!
245am Mother and daughter are quietly sitting as one of many feedings takes place in the wee hours of the morning. I find myself praying for gangs in LA, inspired by the old rap song by Coolio 'Gangsters Paradise'. Next I'm interceding for a family in Moscow. Have I gone slightly biscuits? Or has my prayer life just taken a turn for the better?! Either way it's a good story to tell.
343am The feeding has finished and my precious little girl is sleeping soundly in my arms. I gaze upon her face and wonder how Kevin and I created such an incredible little person. More so did we have the opportunity to be part of helping God in a miracle. I walk back to the bassinet and slowly, softly and gently ease her in, watching like a hawk for any signs of disturbed sleep...success!
401am I am in bed, again still listening for any odd or tell-tale sound that may mean my little bundle is awake. Nothing. Just the sound of her fast infant breathing. I drift off to sleep, for how long I don't know, but whatever the amount of sleep, I don't care. I just look forward to the next time I get to see my sweet Israel again.
Yes, being a mother has it's perks and peeves but all in all, I have to say I lOVE IT! and mostly, I LOVE Israel Hope Friesen. Each day I fall more in love with her than the last. I now can say I am in love with two people. Her father and her...love truly does multiply and grow. What an incredible feeling.
Well, that's it from the Friesen's for now. Enjoy the New Year break with family and friends, wherever and whatever you are doing.
Love and hugs,
Amy
and Kevin
and Israel x
231am I get up. It's inevitable - sleep is no longer a leisure activity in my world but something that occasionally graces my life at random intervals. I peer into the bassinet and my once swaddled baby girl Israel is now unwrapped and practising her motor skills quite vigorously. No wonder her Dad calls her Houdizzy - the master of great escapes!
245am Mother and daughter are quietly sitting as one of many feedings takes place in the wee hours of the morning. I find myself praying for gangs in LA, inspired by the old rap song by Coolio 'Gangsters Paradise'. Next I'm interceding for a family in Moscow. Have I gone slightly biscuits? Or has my prayer life just taken a turn for the better?! Either way it's a good story to tell.
343am The feeding has finished and my precious little girl is sleeping soundly in my arms. I gaze upon her face and wonder how Kevin and I created such an incredible little person. More so did we have the opportunity to be part of helping God in a miracle. I walk back to the bassinet and slowly, softly and gently ease her in, watching like a hawk for any signs of disturbed sleep...success!
401am I am in bed, again still listening for any odd or tell-tale sound that may mean my little bundle is awake. Nothing. Just the sound of her fast infant breathing. I drift off to sleep, for how long I don't know, but whatever the amount of sleep, I don't care. I just look forward to the next time I get to see my sweet Israel again.
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| Our first family outing |
Well, that's it from the Friesen's for now. Enjoy the New Year break with family and friends, wherever and whatever you are doing.
Love and hugs,
Amy
and Kevin
and Israel x
