Oh, friends–forgive me! I forgot how to blog this summer. Something about welcoming the fifth child into our family…Then I got a sweet note from one of you yesterday that reminded me that I’ve not yet done an official announcement for #5…so, here you go!
Elaina Jantine Holden arrived at 4:40 in the morning, June 27th, 2015.
She was born at home with Daddy assisting the delivery. She was delightedly welcomed by 4 adoring siblings, and we are now a family of 7! This still blows my mind, and may be the reason I haven’t been able build a blog post since. 😉
Here are some of our favorite pictures from her first week…
Elaina (or Lainey, as we call her) is laid back, peaceful, and sleeps a lot! We have spent the majority of her first two weeks of life cuddling and napping together.
I was apprehensive about welcoming a new baby when #4 was such a mama’s girl still…I’m grateful to say my fears were unfounded. Not only is their plenty of room in my heart and on my lap for both my baby girls, but the bond they have developed already is pretty much the most beautiful thing I’ve witnessed as a mother. Lydia ADORES her baby and would hold her all. day. long. And she gives her 40 kisses a day.
Her birth was smooth and exactly what I’ve prayed for–I hope to share more when I write her birth story. Recover has gone well, thanks to friends and family pitching in with meals and childcare. Also, having older children is amazing–I can actually sneak away for an afternoon nap almost every day, and it makes such a big difference! (Mamas of lots of littles–hang in there! Eventually they do get old enough to keep themselves relatively quiet for an hour at a time, and you will get a nap someday!)
As I’ve experienced with each of our babies, the advent of a new sibling seems to give each of my kids a boost in their development–they seem to blossom as they move up in ‘rank’–and this time has been no exception. The transition to 5 has been blessedly smooth and full of such precious moments.
Elaina means “light” and Jantine is the Dutch form of Jane, which originated in Hebrew and means “God is Merciful”. Jantine is pronounced Yan-teen’ and is also a variation on my mother’s name, Jantena. We are so blessed to welcome her to our family, and are busy watching for her first smile…
It’s (obviously) tricky for me to find the time to blog right now, but I’ve found instagram fits well into this season–I post recipes, things I’m excited about, and cute baby pictures several times a day, so head over there if you wanna stay in touch during this season!
You have such a beautiful family!
Blessings!
Peggy
Aww, thanks, Peggy!
Congratulations Trina!!! She is SO gorgeous.
She is absolutely beautiful.. So thankful she arrived well. Praying for you daily and continuing on my real food and home made life at home. Hugs sweet friend.
Rebecca! I’ve been missing you on instagram! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me here! Your prayers are so appreciated. I can’t tell you. It’s the only thing getting me through the crazy. This week, especially, I have had more joy and peace than could be expected and I’m praising His name.
You are so blessed! The baby is precious. I’m glad you have been posting on Instagram! Take care of yourself and that beautiful family!
Thanks, Danielle! And thanks for following me on Instagram–I miss blogging but am grateful we can connect over there!
Congratulations Trina!
Your family is sooo beautiful.
I guess the busyness is the reason why I haven’t gotten a reply to my mail…yeah, understandable.
God bless you and all yours 🙂
Congratulations! She is so beautiful! Thanks for the update. I’m thrilled for your whole family. 😀
Knew a new little person would be here by now and thought you would be rather occupied with such a busy home. She looks such a sweet contented little darling God Bless her and all of you.
Congratulations Trina! So exciting to finally be the family of 7 you’ve always wanted. I LOVE the pic that looks like she is smiling.
Congratulations! She is so beautiful! I love that downy hair all over her.
Congratulations! You’ve been on my mind off and on the last couple weeks and I’ve been eagerly watching for a post. 🙂 So glad to hear everything is going well with you all and little Elaina. She’s a beautiful blessing!
LOVE!!! <3