Nomad and Babies

With Marriage comes the inevitable moments when you look at each other and think 

where are we going with this relationship?  And how do we need to move forward in order to grow closer as we get older rather than apart. 

Johan and I had a few days where we really needed to reevaluate and get on the same track with a few things, which of course adds a heaviness which wears a couple out. After some heavy conversations and some not so happy moments. After things were back on track again and peace was restored to our home, we decided we needed to get out and enjoy some happy relaxed family time: full of lots of laughs, kisses, cuddles, and NO deep conversations. Shakinah especially was a fan of the kisses and cuddles! 

In the town next to us they have this beautiful park, called the "Hei", where during this time is totally covered in purple flowers, aka Heath. Which I spent way too much time trying to figure out what it was on the internet. 

(My Grandma would be proud). 

It always does the soul good to take time and enjoy God's amazing creation! 

Who wants to focus on nature when you have food in your mouth?

Eventually Ki really did start to enjoy the flowers 

Relaxing in some much needed sun!! 

we've had a cold and rainy summer...so at the chance of sun...we are out in it!

This is Johan's idea of bonding time with Shakinah in the stroller :) 

I went to visit Julia yesterday but before I left I wanted to make sure that my Grams knows that I wear the skirt she gave me. My grandma made this skirt and had worn it on the day Grandpa Dick was killed. It's very sentimental to me, and felt very honoured that my Grams would give to me. 

plus...I'm terribly humbled by how good the sewing is. 

I just love them dearly!

until next time 

xx 

Bethany 

hanging out on the couch

Got to watch out for this one! haha

Two buddies 

We have had an interesting start of  Shakinah's first year. 

She had a severe allergic reaction to something (thinking it might be gluten) and had to be rushed to the hospital. The scariest moment of my life as her face swelled up past recognition and her lips and tongue swelled up as well. Her hands and feet were at least triple the size they normally were and her body was covered covered covered in hives! Considering she had never had an allergic reaction to anything until this happened which took place in a very short amount of time it has been a battle of a weekend. After 4 days her swelling is finally down! Praise the Lord, and she is finally back to her old ways! Enjoying (errr wrong word) a gluten and dairy free diet at the moment until we figure this thing out.

this was day three after the calamity. 

 However...I thought I would update you on that, because I know a lot of people have been sending well wishes and prayers our way...and we really really appreciate it!

 Today, I had my 20 week ultrasound (Can't believe I'm already 5 months or... that I am only half way there) 

The baby was strong and healthy and every bit as active as Shakinah was (which I already knew because it has been persistent in kicking and rolling around all night long!)

I decided I wanted to know what the baby was this time around. So I was all excited to find out. 

But little proper baby had it's own idea and tightly kept it's legs closed and sat in that spot directly under my navel (which makes a blind spot for the  midwife) the entire time. So once again...it will be a surprise! We have our plans...and this baby clearly has its own :)

me and baby vk #2 at 20 weeks. 

Shakinah's first birthday was last monday and of course in our fashion had a very low key birthday

which we all enjoyed immensely! 

Thanks Ali for the sweet skirt and sweater!!! 

Shakinah looked so sweet! 

She loved the wrapping paper best of all. I should have just wrapped a bunch of boxes and given her nothing...and she probably would have enjoyed it the same (note to self with second baby:) )

Of course it wouldn't have been a party without Julia and Jacob coming. And Julia baked and decorated the cutest cake for Shakinah 

Julia and I are a month apart in our pregnancies...so I am really blessed to have a friend who I am able to relate so closely with being pregnant and having a one year old!

Thanks Alicia for the hat! And Mum for the coat...it's the perfect combination for a July outing in the Netherlands haha

And of course at the end of a long tiring week...sometimes you just want your buddy to relax with.

xx

Bethany 

It would seem quite logical while Mum is cooking to jump into the onion basket

(this amazing tie dyed onesie was made by the beautiful Megan!)

And this is her favourite chair (in her her room) to climb up on and have a nice relaxing sit 

and then it's also a great idea to destroy the craft basket 

All was quiet in the house (which usually means something sketchy is going on) and then i heard a burst of giggles from Ki's room so I ran in...to find her cuddling in her chair, chewing on a (clean) earbud and playing with my sock (not quite as sure if that was clean). She was having the best time.

And I forgot to mention this is how her leg was being held when I first walked in. 

Who knows?

Johan and I were playing with her in her room and she was just enjoying herself so much

Although she didn't quite see the humour in papa playing dead 

She was quite creeped out and wouldn't go anywhere near him! 

Have a beautiful Sunday!