Around Here

Juliette and Karis feeding their babies.

Last Saturday we moved. Thankfully we had lots of help and it went quite smoothly. This week has been quite full getting set up and caring for our newborn. We are very happy with our new place. Above is a picture of our girls playing with their friend Diya. Diya lives in the house above our basement suite.

Peter continues to get plenty of attention.

Ella had her first day of community class on Wednesday. She really enjoyed it. She is in a K/1 split and has already made a few new friends. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Thain.

And here is our growing baby boy. We are overflowing with love for him. He really is the sweetest little thing.

Peter's First week

Peter has had a wonderful first week. He is now feeding well (after a rough start), he is sleeping well, and he is a very good sport about being handled by all of his sisters. The girls are mostly adjusting well to having a new baby in the house. So far, the biggest argument has been "when is it my turn to hold him?"

morning snuggles

Our dear friend Serenity came and stayed with the girls while we were at the hospital.

Peter was excited to meet all of his little friends. Here is our friend Moriah holding Peter.

Hailey and Peter.

Keith, Hailey and Peter.

Juliet, Ethan, and Peter.

Natalie and Peter.

Peter was the youngest fan at the Senior Games. Grandpa Clark and Peter.

The girls were very excited to assist in giving Peter his first bath.

Miriam and Peter.

"Mom, can I please hold Peter for my reading lesson?" One of the joys of homeschooling :)

And today Ella had her first class at music school. Her class actually started last Monday, but we were busy doing something else. Here's Ella getting ready to go into the music school (cards in hand for her teacher). She made Ms. Rita (her teacher) a card during quiet time today. 

The card read: "Dear Ms. Rita, I was not at music school last week. We had a baby boy. I hope to see you today. Love, Ella xoxo." 

Ella loved her music lesson. At the end, she came bursting out of the classroom and said "I got to play drums and a xylophone!" 

Behind the name Peter

Peter has been our favorite boys' name for over 5 years (we just haven't had the opportunity to use it until now). We chose his name after the Peter in the Bible. Peter is an apostle of Jesus Christ and is one of the courageous founders of the early church. In his letters, Peter talks about being Holy, living for God, and suffering for doing good.

We did not name our son after Peter Rabbit, but while we were studying the story of Peter Rabbit in preschool this year we came across some funny similarities in our families. Peter Rabbit is the youngest brother to his 3 older sisters: Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. Our preschool craft was a family tree. Below is the picture of the example craft, and of our family tree (this was made before knowing Peter was a boy). Halloween costumes are already in the works ;)

Peter Malachi Lafleur

It's a boy!! Peter Malachi Lafleur arrived into this world on September 8th, at 12:04 am. He weighed in at 7 lbs and 14oz. All of his sisters were much bigger - and Karis was a whole pound bigger at 8 lbs 14oz. We are thrilled with him. He is such a blessing and labour and delivery went great. Thanks to all who prayed for our baby and for our delivery. Your prayers were felt and God was so present throughout.

After my water broke on Sunday afternoon, we went to the hospital. I wasn't having contractions yet and baby was still facing the wrong way. Strong contractions started at 9 pm and Dr. Busletta was able to turn our baby to face the right way. She remained present throughout the labour to ensure that baby didn't turn back to it's original position. She said that after what happened with Karis "we've got this baby's number." Just before midnight it was time to push - I pushed for 19 minutes and out came our little boy. I can't describe the feeling of complete joy and gratitude that we felt as they handed us our little boy. It was a moment we will never forget. He is a gift. 

The handsome boy.

Dr. Busletta, Momma, and Peter. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Busletta - so thankful for her.

Proud Poppa.

Peter = strong rock

Malachi = messenger of God

Proud Grandpa.

The Lafleur name lives on.

3 proud big sisters. Juliette asked "can we take him home?" "Why are his hands so wrinkly?"

Karis was so giggly and smiley while holding her little brother. She is officially a big sister.

They discharged us after 12 hours :)

The girls helped out with a diaper change, only to have Peter pee all over Juliette. Juliette started to cry and said "put a diaper on him, put a diaper on him!" This was the second time we had him pee all over the place. Having a son is a whole new world.

Peter joins in on the bedtime routine.

Thank-you Jesus.