…milk stains, PJ’s, and all!

So many people have asked us how Evan is adjusting to having a baby sister. Overall, he is very sweet to her. He has certainly had his moments of being a bad boy more than usual- maybe because he’s not always the center of attention anymore? He asks to hold her a lot, and he hugs and kisses her often. He also likes to shake her hand - not so gently. Yesterday, he said, “she is DANGEROUS!” He actually meant “delicate,” as we have had to remind him often to be gentle with her! What a privilege to raise these two precious children.

-Just a quick post to say that I’ve added a couple of pictures of Maren to our Flickr. She is now 3 weeks old, and she’s really starting to fill out. We’re all doing well and enjoying our sweet girl. We’re so blessed to have 2 sweet children!

Several of you have asked for more pictures - we’re working on it!

As the previous post says, my parents are here visiting. My dad was really wishing for snow while he was here, and did he ever get his wish! He’s even been excited to shovel our sidewalks. We’ve had a good bit of snow the last couple of days, and as I type, it is about -16°C (3°F). Brrrrrrr!

Needless to say, we’ve been drinking lots of hot chocolate, tea, and coffee!

Suzanne’s mom and dad arrived in Frosty Canada yesterday (from Texas). When they arrived, the weather was very bearable (23° F), and Evan has really enjoyed his new playmates! So much so that he’s been sitting (and bouncing) in his bed for 2 hours in hopes that we’ll get him up from his “nap” and let him play with Grandma and Grandpa.

G & G like the sub-zero temperatures so much that they took Evan out for a 30 minute walk. Suzanne and I were happy that they did it instead of us!

…is pretty much the sweetest thing ever!

…is one week old.

…likes to eat - a lot.

…likes to be awake in the middle of the night, but we’re working on being awake more during the day.

…is so loved.

Thanks everyone, for all of your sweet comments and well wishes. We’re doing well, and just enjoying being at home together. We’ll keep you posted!

Okay, many have asked, so…

How is it pronounced? (turn your volume up)
Maren Pronounced (Press Play)Maren Pronounced

Where did it come from?
Well, my brother-in-law (L L) thought that I must have come up with the name Maren from some Greek or Latin word. Though, it didn’t happen that way. Maren is the name of one of our friends from college (you’re right, Jennifer…Danica’s sister!) Suzanne and I have both really liked that name for a long time and had the opportunity to use it, so we did!

What does it mean?
The most common usage of the name seems to be in Scandinavian countries (esp. Norway) and, hence, carries the meaning of “Pearl,” so Maren Grace would mean “Pearl of Grace” or, you might say, a very valuable undeserved gift! And that she is!

If we were to utilize the Hebrew meaning of the word “maren,” which is “bitter,” Maren Grace would be translated Bitter Grace. This would carry great significance, too, for much of the grace (undeserved gifts) we receive from the Lord may at first taste very bitter (e.g. labor pains, for instance!), but then manifest themselves as great blessings. We appreciate your prayers and pray that Maren Grace would live up to her name.

She’s here!!! Our little baby girl arrived yesterday, January 6, 2008. Thank you for all your prayers for her and Suzanne. They are both doing great. Here are the details:

Name: Maren Grace Thomas
Birth Date/Time: January 6, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
Weight: 7 lb 5 oz
Length: 18 3/4 in

And here are a couple pictures (see more on flickr):

Hey all! Just checking in to wish you a Happy New Year! We look forward to what the Lord has in store for you and for us this year, and we’re especially excited to start out the year with the birth of our baby girl. She’s not here, yet, but she should be soon. My due date is in one week!

Blessings to each of you this year! May we seek Him with all of our hearts in the days and months ahead.

We’ll keep you posted on baby girl and other happenings around here, so stay tuned for some posts with pictures. We love you!