First Things First

 We've had a couple weeks filled with 'firsts' around here. 

Lynden isn't generally first at anything.

Walking for example... 

Haha!

But, thanks to his hardworking Daddy, he now has a big boy bed!

The first week or so took a few tumbles and being returned back to 

bed innumerable times, but he's getting the hang of staying in bed now.

For the first few days Ryder borrowed my blanket ladder to get into his top bunk.

I'll have to get a new picture with the matching walnut ladder Braden made for him.

And I finally finished Lynden's first big boy bed blanket. 

How's that for alliteration? 

 Quincy had his first doctor's appointment last week as well.

Getting three kids up, dressed, fed, and to the doctor's office on my own by 

8am was a task of Olympic proportions, but we made it with 5 minutes to spare. 

I think this is my new favourite photo. 

Lynden still won't walk on his own, but to give me a break, 

Braden took both big boys to the shop with him on Saturday.  

Quincy accompanied us in the Lillebaby on our first 'family of 5' walk. 

And this sweet big brother was absolutely 

tickled to be able to hold his baby brother for the first time. 

Lynden is not my sensitive and affectionate boy, 

but he was fiercely possessive of Quincy 

and even bestowed a few kisses on his soft head.

Looking forward to more 'firsts' to come. 

Day #1

My next few posts will just chronicle the 

first few days and weeks of life as a family of 

5

What a thought! 

Here's Quincy's first photo with Daddy & Mama.

Nothing looks nearly as uncomfortable as those couches the 

Daddy's have to sleep on at the hospital.

Having a buddy makes it a little better.

Quincy weighed in at 7lbs 10oz.

Exactly 1lb less than Lynden and 2lbs less than Ryder.

That'll make it easy for me to remember!

Big brothers were excited to bring their baby brother home on Monday morning.

But in all reality, this is a little more what life looks like...

Haha!

So grateful to have this little sweetie as a part of our family. 

He's Here!

Quincy Oliver Apperson

We welcomed our third sweet son into the world on 

Saturday, August 13 at 10:27.

7lbs 10oz

For the first time, I experienced over 24 hours of labour.

After 10 and 5 hour labours, I have a whole new appreciation for those 

Mamas who are in it for the long haul!

 This little fella is the sweetest baby a Mama could wish for.

And he's got two very adoring big brothers.

Our hearts are filled with gratefulness to God for blessing us with this boy!

The Week In Review

These little monkeys have been keeping me on my toes of late.

Ryder was never one to be too adventurous as he learned to walk, 

so keeping up with Lynden has been a learning curve for me.

There's something pretty fun about two mischievous boys though...

With it being baby shower season around here, 

I've finally gotten around to a few more little sewing projects. 

I'm absolutely loving my new sewing machine!

And Lynden hasn't quite figured out how to model my creations successfully yet, 

but we're working on it.

 And then on Friday we packed enough snacks to feed a small army and headed to our church campout a couple of hours away - just for the day.

Ryder had a blast swimming with his little friends. 

 Lynden kept me company nearby...

...and opted for no nap, even in the comfort of the hammock. 

Our day ended with dinner and s'mores.

And these two were asleep before we even made it out of the campground.

Here's to a few more fun summer adventures before Baby #3 arrives!

Summer Reading

One of our favourite things to do over the summer is spend more time at the library. 

It helps that we have a great summer program with reading incentives and special events.

Last week we got to enjoy seeing and learning about a lot of different
wild animals native to this area - plus a few other exciting creatures.

Ryder wasn't sure if he wanted to look at the rattle snake, 

but the golden eagle, iguana, monkey, and opossum were all very exciting!

He was even brave enough to touch the 3ft tail of the iguana after the presentation.

Of course we always leave with a stack of new and interesting books - most involving animals.

And for those of you waiting on another baby bump picture, 

here's Baby #3 getting his story time in too.

Our Canadian Vacation

Well, I lost track of documenting each stop along the way at about this point.

I was having so much fun seeing friends and family that I forgot to pull out my camera and preserve memories in photo - but, we saw many dear friends and toured my uncle's dairy farm (where my Dad grew up) while north of the border.

One of the big highlights of our trip was spending a day visiting my Grandma (Oma, to the boys) and Great Aunt Helena.

Here they are with Aunt Helena - after playing all morning with her fun vintage toys.

At Grandma's house we had to play a game of Scrabble for old times' sake.

She had some pretty fun old toys tucked away in a closet as well.

We sure do love and miss Oma.

And so many members of our extended family got together for a Duerksen brunch gathering. 

We were glad to see so many and can't wait to live closer again.

One last picture with Oma

and Auntie Joanne, who was a great host for the week.

Finally it was time to get back on the road home. 

We didn't attempt the drive straight through again, 

and broke the trip up into two days on the road with these traveling champs.

Pretending to sleep - and actually sleeping.

We stopped to stretch out legs at an outlet mall on the way home. 

While I was browsing, 

Daddy sniffed out the cotton candy vender and gave the boys their 

first experience of this sweet fluffy treat.

A request from Ryder to dip his toes in the water couldn't be passed up as we were driving through Klamath Falls, OR. 

Everyone stayed healthy and the van gave us no trouble at all.

We were so blessed to see loved ones over the course of our vacation.

And finally, 

Home Sweet Home!