Update on our Ger bear...

On Tuesday, September 11, Gerad had his third open heart surgery.  It went well and he is now recovering at Sick Kids.

Here is what Hannie wrote a few moments ago:

Besides having pain he is doing quite well!  He is off medication and all IV is out!  Just on pain medication.  Now we are waiting for his chest to stop draining then they can take his tubes out....He has 3.  Maybe 1 or 2 out tomorrow.

Hopefullysoon we can post some pictures for you all!

Best of friends!

While Mom was in the hospital when baby Marcus was born, Gerad stayed at cousin Gesina's house!

..doing things he normally is not allowed!

...sharing his favorite items!

... and just having a wonderful gut time!

" I'll give you your soother...

...if you give me cheerios! "

Oh, the BLESSING OF CHILDREN!

Enjoy them, love them as it it were your very last day with them!

All dressed up!

Urreker Gerad

Moet dit nou allemoal...?

Geen belang...

Mag ik nou noar buuten?

Traditional Urker costume worn on special days such as 1st birthdays!

Do I look nice now, Mom?

Hee, there kitty!

Oh, how I love you mom!

Ok, one more picture for Opa...!

It's a boy!

Marcus Pieter Neels

born today, November 21, 2009

at 2:20 p.m.

Weighing 8.1 lbs!

All is well!

Two sweet cousins!

This was the best pictures we could get because they were both rearing to go and would hardly sit still for pictures! Soon Gerad hopes to visit (when his mom needs to go to the hospital) and we hope to get some better pics then.

Did you notice Gerad got a haircut?!? His first one!

One Year Old!!!

Happy 1st birthday Gerad!

Our miracle boy!

Gerad is doing well. Crawling and walking around furniture and keeping his momma busy. He likes his food, and Hannie makes sure he gets lots of it! When Hannie asks him what the cow says, he'll say 'mooo'.

For his birthday his dad had put a sign at the road which read; HONK 4 GERADS BIRTHDAY. And folks did honk, from cars, to trucks, to revved up pickups to dump trucks...they all made a joyful noise in honour of this celebration!

WE LOVE YOU GERAD!

GoNe FiShInG WiTh DaDdY

I know these pictures are from a few months ago, but they are enjoyable just the same!

`

Marvin, Hannie and Gerad recently went to Beautiful British Columbia to visit family and friends. Even though Gerad wasn't quite himself, I am sure it still was a blessing to have him around getting everyone attention, which he is very good at!

Soon enough, he will need to share that attention, as there will be another wee one to love and hold and to go fishing with! He will be thrilled, as is tante Bou already!

~~~~
O taste and see that the LORD is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psa 34:8

New Pictures!

:: Lekker bai z'n va ::

:: watching the ponies... ::

:: ...a favorite past time ::

:: "hurry, hurry! We need to go, or we'll be late... Marv, can you get Gerad dressed?" Sure, Marvin gives Gerad a new diaper and puts on his pants~Hannie later discovers his pants inside-out!

:: as soon as he is seated in his highchair, up goes his feet and his toes lock into place! ::

:: book worm ::

Thankfully NO surgery!

The doctors were very happy with Gerad and his diaphram is much better. Things were good too at his regular check up, so Hannie is relieved...we all are!

Surprise! Surprise!

More pictures and a small update on Gerad!

:: He LOVES his exersaucer ::

:: and loves to watch his momma work around him in the kitchen. ::
He is learning that even if momma disappears a few moments out of sight, she WILL be back!

::His eating has picked up, BUT he detests chunky foods. ::

...the mushy stuff is what he likes.

:: LOOK! LOOK! His first tooth!! ::


It is only these last two weeks, maybe three by now, that Hannie has really felt she is finally living the dream of having a baby and enjoying the baby. Gerad is now 8 months old and he is happy, content (all day long) and a joy to have. He likes to play in his playpen, rolling around and chewing on whatever he can find. He uses the cutest giggle to get your attention, and it is hard to ignore him once he starts.

Tomorrow he goes in for an ultrasound on his diaphragm area. It got damaged during his last surgery and because of the coughing that had picked up after that, it couldn't heal the way they had hoped. If it does not look healed, they will do surgery to repair it, but since his cough has been gone for about two weeks now, I am thinking it has had time to heal and things will be alright. That is my prayer.

Marvin and Hannie have given me the OK to update once in a while again, if I have time (they think I am busy) so I will gladly do that. I know it makes the distance a little more bearable for you all and I am honoured to be at your service and to post about our dear little harte diefje.

All because of JESUS.