Going Home!!!!

hello Henry!

A few pics from our first days with our little guy. Hours were filled with lots of snuggles and hugs! And of course, our first diaper change (see third pic below!)

Day One

After being in the hospital for nearly two full days, our little guy finally arrived. I could go into great depth with details -- labouring in our "hotel room" sans medication, the seemingly endless hours of active labour, my love affair with my anesthesiologist, crazy nurses with mile-high 80's bangs -- but I will save them for those who actually care to hear! 

At 7 lbs. 9 oz., Henry Jeremy Wilms came into this world at 5:36 am on Sunday, March 18th, 2012. Planning to make a "game day" decision on a name, we waited for the shock and awe of the morning to wear off before sitting down together and unanimously saying, "He's a Henry". As they say, we just knew. 

Dad cutting the cord!

it's time...

Following my OB's orders, and after a trip to my local Shopper's Drug Mart to check my blood pressure, we hastily made our way to the Royal Alexandra hospital. My numbers were high, but I so badly wanted to deliver our baby that I was sure they would end up sending me home! Alas, after 4 hours of being hooked up to monitors and speaking with interns, residents, and docs alike, we were told that it was time! Induction started at 8:30 PM on Friday, March 16th, 2012. ...Our baby was about to be born!!

Our wish came true–a super private room had our name on it! We got lucky and were able to score one (they are first come first serve) for the entire duration of our one week hospital stay. It was like being in a hotel. With a queen sized bed, two pull out couches and a flat screen TV (not to mention a private bathroom), we were made to be completely comfortable. And Jeremy could stay overnight. Whew. 

After two hours of being monitored post-induction meds, I was finally able to eat dinner at 10:30 PM. Thank you Boston Pizza for making g-free!!

Patiently (or not so patiently!!) waiting...

The days are slowly ticking away as we begin the final countdown to our little guy's arrival. Now, at a mere 33 days left to my due date, I find myself looking back on the last nine months. I have had a few extra prego bumps along the way (but who doesn't!?). I wouldn't trade any of it in. I have relished every kick and thoroughly enjoyed beginning a bond with my child as we, together, moved about my daily life. He has already been introduced to techno (and loves it!), yoga (and loves it!), and always wakes up when Daddy talks to him through their secret belly button portal.

Here are a few shots to show his growth over the last nine months -- and I'm sure there is more to come as we round out the final few weeks! We can't wait for you to arrive, little man.

Christmas Greetings!

It has been nearly a year since I have posted something new to this blog. For those of you who were checking (Grandma Loewen), I apologize and vow to do better!!

As the Christmas season approaches, it is common practice to reflect on the year's events, experiences, and general "goings-on". This has been quite the year. I remember kicking it off with Veronika by saying - "wow, so many life-changing things are happening to so many of us - 2011 is going to be epic!!". Well, true-to-form, life stepped in and altered quite a few expectations, and changed the course of how 2011 was to unfold. But, epic is has been!

We are expecting our first baby, a son! He has been dubbed "Little Jerry" from day one and each day his little kicks make us more and more excited for his arrival. Due March 25, I am officially in my sixth month of pregnancy and feeling awesome. I am tired, I'll admit, but I know that's par for the course...

We are truly blessed - and have been blessed this past year. We kicked it off by jetting to sunny Barbados with Dad and Sharon. It was a relaxing week of sitting by our backyard pool (we were in a rented house), reading in the hammock, and taking trips to nearby beaches. The sand was the softest we've felt anywhere! And Sharon and I discovered our new favourite beverage -- spicy V8 juice! Of course, not to be found anywhere in Canada :(

Like I said, we are truly blessed, for we followed up our Barbados trip with a jaunt to the Dominican with the other half of the "W" clan, Amanda and Andrew. The resort was at the top of our favourites list and I would recommend it to anyone. Sushi at 11pm anyone?? Yes, please!! Just don't ask Jer about jumping over cement water features.... Unfortunately, this trip ended with a farewell to our Edmonton family. Andrew was awarded a promotion, therefore the Weir's picked up camp and moved to Montreal. We miss them dearly and Edmonton life has certainly not been the same since.

What is a year without a trip to the mountains? They're practically in our backyard, and are the only viable replacement to the Whiteshell, so we definitely try to frequent them. In April, we took a quick weekend trip to find some serenity and peace from the daily grind. We ate amazing food, drank good wine, and capped it off with decadent (gluten free!) chocolate birthday cake. Oh, and we skied Sunshine! Another highlight: I did my first black diamond run (on purpose this time!) and made it to the bottom unscathed!

Summer brought a week-long trip to Winnipeg (with the added bonus of seeing Charlie and (expectant) Julia) and a long weekend trip to take part in Nicola and Ryan's (beautiful) wedding in Vancouver. We got to spend some time up in Squamish and Whistler, where Scott and V showed us the most amazing time in their hometown. We also extended our deck and built a fire-pit (well, when I say "we", I mean paid help and Jer, respectively!!). All the better to party with, my dear. And thanks to the Squad 2 wiener roasts, that we did!

So yes, in a nutshell, this year will be one to remember.

Much love to all of our friends and family. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas season.

Robin, Jeremy, and Little Jerry