Evelyn's baptism

March 29, 2015 was a blessed day. Our dear Evelyn Joy was baptized! The day was great. All of Ryan's family came as well as my parents and brother. On top of that, Evelyn was probably the most well-behaved that she has ever been.

A special moment for us

Grandpa Huizinga showing off his new granddaughter

A few smiles

A family of five!

The three kiddos

So glad that Uncle Matt could be a part of Evelyn's special day

crazy days

Having three kids is crazy! Someone is always needing something, crying, being disciplined, eating, making a mess, going to the bathroom, etc. Life is a bit overwhelming. On top of that, Evelyn is a rather fussy baby. She consumes a lot of my time and energy so there is definitely some 'Mom guilt' that the other two kids don't get nearly as much of my attention. I'm hoping this is just a phase and soon life will settle down a bit.

I took this picture before Evelyn was born:  the kids sorting through baby toys.  It kept them busy for quite some time.  So funny!

Another one of Andrew's designs with his hexabits.  He is quite amazing!

More designs with his Magformers

This girl loves puzzles!

Sleeping beauty

For some reason Evelyn loves the changing table.

I caught Sylvia reading the dictionary.  Maybe this is why her vocabulary continues to amaze me :)

More puzzles and big smiles

Grandma Huizinga has done it again:  another amazing quilt!  How she spoils us.  She made this quilt for Sylvia's big girl bed. 

Andrew just loves his new sister.  He always wants to hold her and he is always willing to help when she cries.

My serious little baby.  Like I said before she is a 'tough nut.'  We have started to get some smiles and cooing so that makes all the tough days and nights worth while.

Evelyn's pictures

Here are just a few samples of Evelyn's newborn pictures. Yes, she looks SO sweet! But we are finding that she is a tough nut to crack :)

Evelyn and her siblings

Andrew and Sylvia have adjusted quite well to baby Evelyn. Sylvia is quite the helper by telling me when the baby is crying, putting in her paci, and wanting to hold her all the time. Andrew is helpful by telling me when the baby needs to be 'milked.' I think everyone has been a bit more emotional since the baby arrived. But it could also be due to being homebound with the new baby and frigid temperatures. Evelyn has been a rather good baby, a typical newborn in that she wants to held all the time which can make balancing life a little difficult.

Evelyn Joy!

Evelyn is already loved! Here are just a few pictures of family and friends who visited her shortly after her birth:

Happy birthday!

We are so happy to announce the birth of our daughter, Evelyn Joy! She was born February 9, 2015 at 6:06 AM (one day after her due date). She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. We think she is absolutely beautiful and is living up to her middle name :) We praise God for this gift!