Thanksgiving in MI

Arie had his first flight experience on Nov. 20, 2012 when we flew from Denver to MI. Thanksgiving this year was spent in MI. There is so much to be thankful for when it comes to our families. We were able to spend a lot of time with our families and catch up with some friends.

Someone is super excited about the airport and to experience his first flight!! So much so that he slept the entire time - tee hehe.

Landed in MI and mom and dad picked us up - first time meeting Opa!

Oma getting some one on one time in front of the mirror (his new favorite thing!).

Opi and Omi enjoying their 7th great-grandchild (2nd great-grandson).

Tay, Ash, Liv and Cam loving on their cousin.

The trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Huizinga's House for din din and hang time with Levi. Arie having a minor meltdown and each time he would cry, Levi would start (like he felt for his little buddy!)

We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the VerMaas' this year. Tony truly outdid himself with sides, 2 hams, 1 turkey and delicious flanksteak. Woo-hoo!

 The kiddos after playing kick-the-can with Uncle Kevin! (and, yes, we actually enjoyed the sunshine in MI in November!)

In't Hout Farms

Arie and I took a trip to visit Auntie Lo. :)

Auntie Jamie loved chillin' with little man!

Hans, my cousin from the Netherlands, was out to visit as well. Loved hanging with him (as did the kiddos while playing games).

After being at the In't Houts for a couple days, we headed to the De Vries'. Makenna just loved holding Arie - making sure his pipey didn't fall out, singing and talking to him... He is loved!

"Uncle Drew throw me higher!" says Jakers.

After stopping at Ida's for some cinnamon rolls and danishes, a stop at Grandma Joan's was an order! Arie wore his Lil Stormy Cromer cap in remembrance of Grandpa Blake!

Nana and Arie

Arie got a couple baths at Nana and Papa's house! His favorite (until he comes out!). This one was with his cousy, Jakers.

Russ, Julie and Jakers stopped by for a while before heading out for a night on the town with the adults!

Vail Friend Weekend

The weekend before heading to MI for Thanksgiving, we spent in Vail with our buddies! It was such a relaxing time drinking coffee, walking to the Village, going in the hot tub...

...Arie was clearly relaxed right when we arrived!

Piper and Arie enjoying playtime (and Piper creeping on the little man!).

Auntie Gina soothes him to sleep.

Vail Village for some Pumpkin Spice Goodness with Carlee, Gina, me, Becky and Leash...oh, and the babes and bayley (the dog).

Drew and I were in charge of dinner, so a Thanksgiving feast we had - including the chuck roast from In't Hout Farms!

nana and papa visit

Nana and Papa came out to visit Oct. 11th - 16th. I had broke out in 2 fevers when they were here, so we did alot of just hanging out and taking it easy (not something that comes very easy for me especially with guests around!).  We were able to get out a couple times (including yummy omelettes for breaksfast at the hotel) and despite the fevers and flu (Drew), it was a great visit!

Arie loving his Nana and Papa (and his new outfit too!)

Three generations of AJDV.

Family photo op.

Thanks Mrs. Hoekwater! Don't I look like a little Bean?!

first photo shoot

 He had his first mini photo shoot beginning of week 2! Pretty adorable!

Week 1

Week 1 was pretty interesting. Drew's Grandpa Blake passed away on Sept 30th, 2012 (one day after Arie was born). He meant so much to Drew and was an amazing role model for him throughout his life - teaching him how to hunt, fish, and live life well. He is very much missed. Drew ended up going home for the funeral the Thursday after Arie was born.

PTL that my mom was here for that week, so I did not go it alone! She was great with cleaning, doing the laundry and the dishes...

...and occasionally having some Arie-time :)  He loves his Oma!

He discovered his thumb early on and so we started him with his Binkey!

Keri and Boaz came by to visit and Boaz gave Arie some lovin'! They're going to be best buds!!

Arie John

Arie John De Vries was born on September 29th, 2012 at 6:43am. He was 7lbs 4oz and 20" long!

What a joy it is having this little man in our lives! It's hard to remember what life was like before the sleepless-ish nights, diaper changes and contentment in having a sleeping baby in your arms! We are overwhelmed with love for this little dude and praise the Lord for this precious gift!

 Getting his first bath from Daddy!

...those eyes...



 

Cleaned up and cashed out!

 

 

9 months

Pregnancy is far from what I thought it would be - it's much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. It's such a surreal and wonderful experience: growing and sustaining a life.

 

My amazing hubby asked if I'd get a little decked out so that he could take 37 week maternity photos, something now I'm very glad he got me to do. Here are some of the shots. Not too shabby, Drew!

 

I think one of the most anticipated bits of motherhood is to see Drew as pops. I cannot wait!

Of course, this would not be a complete shoot without our first child, Maups.