Months 7 & 8 with Hans

July and August have gone so quickly. This may be the first summer I wish could go on a little longer. Normally I’m ready to get back into the routine of schooling the kids. I can’t put my finger on the reason behind my feelings … maybe it’s that the summer was busy without any major vacation … maybe it’s that we’re loving this season of Hans’s life and the joy he is … or it could be wanting to hold on to these last days of everyone under our roof while it lasts. It’s good and right for our children to grow, to have their first job, and eventually leave home. The reality of Anne starting her sophomore year is hitting home. Just a couple more summers with all of us together. Anne even said the other day, “Where did my childhood go?” It’s a strange time of parenting a teenager, a baby, and lots in between. Hans will have a much different childhood from Anne. 

I’m a much more relaxed mom now than I was nearly 15 years ago. Anne was kept on a rigid schedule whereas Hans is dragged from one sport, sister’s work drop off and pick up, doctor, dentist, therapists appointments to another. He naps randomly, usually in the car, often in someone’s arms. Anne could only ever sleep in her own bed and rarely fell asleep in anyone’s arms.

I couldn’t say that one way is better than another; it’s just our reality. Hans will be different from Anne for his experiences. He is extremely laid back most of the time. He is most happy when someone is talking to him, looking at him, or holding him. He for sure does not like to be alone. Yet, in a flash, it’ll just be Hans and Heidi at home. As I type this he is laying beside me on the bed, gently falling asleep, his foot pressed against my arm. So peaceful. 

I intended to share some new things that Hans is doing but found as I sat down to reflect on the past two months that all these other feelings are in the front of my mind. 

The milestones are precious and beautiful to see unfold. But again, I’m much more relaxed in the way I parent baby seven. Hans starting sitting up pretty well around 6.5-7 months. Just this week at about 8 months he had been up on all 4’s, rocking, lunging forward, pressing with his feet, rolling and trying to move. He finds toys and paper and all manner of things and puts them in his mouth. 

He wants to feed himself bites of food rather than eat puréed baby food. 

He will grab hold of something and shake it vigorously. 

He smiles the sweetest smile. 

He looks like his dad and his grandpa. 

He has the brightest blue eyes. 

He is absolutely adored by so many. 

He has brought joy to our home. 

He is so loved by his sisters that they want us to have more babies. 

Heidi & Hans 

Hans & Magdalena 

First French fry! (Loved it!)

Last bath in the baby tub. 

Hans has been to the zoo, the pool, camping, to Cherry Crest, Dutch Wonderland, and craft shows.

He’s truly a joy and delight and we are continually grateful to God for his life. 

Love you, little buddy!