I Hate Goodbyes

Jill's Journal: Our whole family gathered from different corners of Southern and Central California for one last time over Father’s Day weekend before we start heading East and leave this clan. We all so enjoy our time together, which we know is a great blessing, so these last days together were appreciated. Of course we’ll share visits in the future, but the chances for us to all be together at once will most certainly be few and far between. *sniff, sniff*

The girls got some last time with their new baby cousin. We tried to talk Kristi and Adam into letting Logan come with us, but to no avail. I want these cousins to grow up knowing each other. *sniff, sniff*

Erika said a special goodbye to her most favorite dog in the whole world, Kristi and Adam’s aging Meisje. She’s never known life without Meisje and had a harder time saying goodbye to her than the people. (I remember moving across half the country when I was about Erika’s age and having to leave my beloved pony behind, so I understand). *sniff, sniff*

It was hard for me to say goodbye to these two. How I love my sister and brother, best siblings in the world. I really, really wanted to be an only child when I was a kid, but now I’m so glad I’m not (thanks, Mom and Dad!). I couldn’t possibly imagine life without these two. *sniff, sniff*

One last shot of my parents with their four granddaughters before Uncle Adam, Kristi, Kristi’s Adam, and Logan had to leave. Happily, we’ll get a little more time with Grandpa and Beppy in the coming week or so, but then we’ll wish them farewell too. I hate goodbyes. *sniff, sniff*

Nieces of Adam

Jill's Journal: Only in California does one spot foreboding signs like this. Since I grew up in California, these signs don’t phase me, but I can see how they might strike a little fear into the heart of someone from another part of the country. And just for the record, I would take an earthquake over a tornado or a hurricane any day. Somehow I’ll bet most natives to the Left Coast would agree with me…and just about everyone originally from other parts of the country would adamantly disagree. Funny how that works.

Also spotted in downtown San Luis Obispo today: one Uncle Adam walking with two of his (now) four nieces.

Spotted yesterday: two Adams in their pajamas making breakfast for the whole crew. Three siblings, two spouses, four kids…our numbers are growing!

Uncle Adam made the long drive up to the Central Coast for the weekend to meet his new niece. Look at her look at him!

Yes, another niece to adore this awesome uncle. And it’s just a hunch, but if his first three nieces are any indication, I’m pretty certain Logan will too adore Uncle Adam.

Days of Logan

Jill's Journal: Goodness gracious, I believe it’s been a whole week since I’ve had a picture of our new niece/cousin on here and I just can’t resist adding one (or two or three) more. Baby Logan is such a content and sweet little one and Kristi and Adam are so adept at this parenting gig that you’d never believe they’re only 11 days in. As for us, we’ve been so blessed to see this little lady every single day of her young life so far…oh my, it’s going to be hard to leave next week!

Logan Admiration Society

Jill's Journal: While I promise this little spot in cyberspace won’t be solely spent in basking in the Logan glow forever, that little sweetie is the focus of our days right now. Here’s the two grandmothers meeting their new granddaughter for the very first time, about three hours or so after she was born. What a special moment.

And the next day, our girls finally got to meet their one and only cousin.

Madelyn, who has always had a soft spot for babies, is head over heels in love.

It’s safe to say they’re all pretty smitten.

Even Erika, with all her talk about wanting to be an only child, would very much like her little cousin to just move right in with us.

Beppy, Kristi, and Logan…three generations of special ladies.

Grandpa has had so much fun with his older three granddaughters that he was kind of hoping for another one. He got his wish! Four granddaughters for Grandpa and Beppy…that always makes me think of my Grandma (the girls’ Great Grandma June and my Dad’s mother), who had four sons and would have been over the moon at the prospect of her son having four granddaughters. I can just see the smile on her face if she were still with us today.

What a cutie! Yeah, we’re definitely all smitten. And Rob and I are so proud to finally be an uncle and an aunt! :)

Introducing…

Jill's Journal: It is my privilege to introduce the precious and perfect Logan Grace, newborn daughter of Kristi and Adam. This beautiful little baby made her grand entrance into the world on Sunday morning after putting her mama, my incredible sister, through a long and arduous labor. True to family form, Kristi did it all without any pain medication and was a complete rock star (us Dutch girls are tough!).

In one of the three greatest honors of my life (the others are being married to my wonderful husband and being entrusted by God to take care of three amazing little girls), Kristi and Adam allowed me to be present at Logan’s birth from start to finish. It was miraculous and phenomenal and magical…and I’m not ashamed to say tears streamed down my face as I was witness to her first breaths and saw Kristi and Adam become parents. I will madly love that little girl –and her parents– until the day I die.

Welcome to the world, precious Logan Grace. You are so loved.