"As long as it's healthy"

I hear this comment a lot from people when they (or somebody close to them) are expecting a baby. When asked if they are having a boy or a girl, often times the response is: "Oh, it doesn't really matter, as long as it's healthy." I heard that comment again today, and just thought I'd write down some thoughts on that. Before having Rebecca, I think I may have said the same thing. On more than one occasion. I thought nothing of it, and did not expect to NOT have a healthy baby. That happens to other people, not us! "We don't really care what we're having, as long as it's healthy." NOW, whenever I hear that comment, I feel so different about it. I always think, well what if the baby is NOT healthy? Does that mean you would want it or love it any less?? I don't think so!!! I always think of our sweet Rebecca when I hear people saying that now. She is blind, has severe brain damage, can't walk, talk, sit or even roll over....but I LOVE her no matter what, healthy or not! Now believe me, I do NOT hold anything against anybody who ever said that statement. I know they don't mean anything bad by it, and of course we all hope for healthy babies! But, what if your baby is born with a disability? And the 'as long as it's healthy' part no longer applies?
Just my humble opinion, and something to think about.

Well, it's about time!

Well, it's about time for an update. I haven't been good at keeping up with this blog, mainly cause just about everyone who would look at this is also on Facebook. But I do enjoy reading and looking at other people's blogs, I am just too lazy to keep up my own!

So Rachel is 2 months old now. She's changed so much, that newborn stage sure goes by fast! She is now smiling and talking ('cooing') at us which is so cute to see. She still does not have too much of a 'routine' with sleeping but she has had some good nights where she slept 6 hrs straight....that only happened twice though so far. I've enjoyed being able to go for some walks with her in the stroller, something I hardly ever did with Rebecca since she absolutely hated being in the stroller.

Here are some recent pics of Rachel and her big sister Rebecca.

Introducing the newest member of our family!

The newest member of our family, Rachel Ann, was born on April 2, 2008 at 7:23 a.m weighing 8 lbs 15 oz and 21 3/4 inches long. She is such a little sweetheart, just like her big sister. We are so glad that she is healthy and thank God for this precious addition to our family. This newborn stage goes by so fast that I'm just trying to enjoy every moment of it.

Still waiting...

I guess it's been awhile since I've posted! It is now 2 days before my due date (due Wed the 26th), and we are still waiting for the baby to arrive. Unfortunately Calvin had a cold last week, and now a few days ago Rebecca and I both got it, just as he was starting to feel better. Rebecca's coughing and I've got a headache, stuffed up and coughing, ughhhh! I never thought I'd actually wish to go overdue, but in this case I do, I can not imagine going through labor feeling like this. So I'm hoping baby will wait till the end of the week to arrive.....and who knows, maybe baby and big sister Rebecca will share the same birthday of March 29? Can't believe Rebecca is turning 3 on Saturday! Hopefully by the next time I post, we'll all be better and baby will be here. Thank-you to everyone who has been thinking about us and praying for us, we appreciate it.

Poem

I came across this poem awhile back, and thought I'd share it on here. Rebecca has truly been a blessing to us, and I can't imagine not having her in our life. She is our special little Sweetie, and a gift from God. As we await the arrival of our second little one on the way in just a few weeks, I sometimes wonder how it is that you can love the second child just as much as the first, but from what I hear, your heart just opens up another place for that little one and you love it just the same .... I am looking forward to meeting our new little one very soon, and experiencing that same love all over again! But for now, we are enjoying the last few weeks as a family of 3.

Here is the poem:

Special Child

by Sharon Harris

You weren't like other children,
And God was well aware,
You'd need a caring family,
With love enough to share.

And so He sent you to us,
And much to our surprise,
You haven't been a challenge,
But a blessing in disguise.

You winning smiles and laughter,
The pleasures you impart,
Far outweigh your special needs,
And melt the coldest heart.

We're proud that we've been chosen,
To help you learn and grow,
The joy that you have brought us,
Is more than you can know.

A precious gift from Heaven,
A treasure from above,
A child who's taught us many things,
But most of all - "Real Love."

C-O-L-D

This is what COLD looks like:

Rebecca in her Stander

January is almost over, and the really cold weather has hit us. The forecast for the next 4 days range from highs of -31 C to -34 C, with nights from -37 C to -42 C! So I don't think I'll be going out to much in the next few days, especially not with Rebecca.
There are now less than 2 months till we will meet the newest member of our family! There are still lots of things I want to get done before the baby comes, so I think the time will go by quickly.
I took some pictures a few days ago of Rebecca in her stander, she hadn't been in it for awhile cause we had to get it readjusted to fit her properly.

Some more pictures....

So the new year is here and things are back to the regular routine now, we finally took down the tree and decorations yesterday, and Calvin's parents left for home today after visiting here for 2 weeks. Now that the busyness of the holidays is over, it's time to get started on some projects that I want to complete before the new baby arrives. Only 11 weeks left to go!
Here are a few more pictures that were taken in the last few days.

Sweetie

Our family of 3....for now.

Rebecca with her Grandma and Grandpa. Calvin and I took a little spin around the lake...don't worry, didn't do anything too crazy!

Calvin doubled his mom on the snowmobile, before she went for a little ride by herself.

Happy New Year!!

It's been awhile again since I posted, so I thought I'd post some pics from the last little while. Calvin's parents came up for Christmas, it's the first time they've been to Yellowknife at this time of the year. We've had a nice time visiting and playing games. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and have a happy and healthy new year 2008! The new year looks like it will bring a lot of changes in our family with having a new baby in March and moving later in the summer, but we are looking forward to the adventure! Here are some recent pictures:

Hanging out with Grandpa.

Becky and Grandma.

Making German Paper Stars with Grandma.

Keeping warm by the fireplace.
"Daddy, may I open this present now?"
"Sure, Sweetie. Daddy will help you."
"Hmm, what is it?"
"A fleece Winnie the Pooh blanket!"
"Look at my new Teddy bear hot water bottle!"
Trying to get a family picture. "Trying" is the key word here.
Smiles from Sweetie.
Calvin got some SuDoku books for Christmas, and couldn't put them down for days afterwards!
Sweetie opening up another gift.
A really neat tree ornament that changes colour.

Morning smiles from Sweetie

This is how Rebecca greeted me this morning when I went to her bed to get her up, she was just quietly lying there, but when I got close and started talking to her, she gave me some big smiles and was so happy, she did the same thing yesterday morning too! I had to grab the camera and snap 2 pictures. I think it's helped that I've started having her sleep on her side now instead of on her stomach, her neck probably doesn't get sore from being turned and and I think she's much more comfortable.

Trip to Winnipeg...

Rebecca and I went to Winnipeg for a couple of weeks and had a nice time visiting with family and friends (Calvin just came for a few days at the end). The time went by fast but it was nice seeing everyone again and getting to go shopping in bigger malls and eating in some restaurants we don't have in Yellowknife. Here are a few pictures from the trip (more can be found in my Facebook album):

Rebecca sitting with her Oma and Opa:

Becky LOVED clapping with Oma!

Another favorite activity was sleeping!

And I enjoyed spending time with friends, like Melissa and Michelle:

Becky with Opa:

One last day outside on Christina's deck:

With Melissa and Sarah: