We have officially entered our three under three era!
Jonas Matthew vandenBoogaart made his appearance on September 26 at 12:13 AM, weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 21 inches long.
Ryan and I are so grateful to all of the friends and family who have reached out, made us meals, congratulated us, checked in on us, and prayed for us during this transition. Ryan and I can fairly testify that it truly takes a village, and we are so blessed with family and friends who have been that for us.
So again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The Meaning Behind Jonas
The name Jonas comes from the Hebrew name Jonah, meaning “dove.”
That meaning has become even more special to us because of the dove’s connection to the Holy Spirit. It feels like a fitting reminder of what the Holy Spirit can do in our lives when we stop trying to control every detail and allow God’s will to be done.
Constantly, I am hearing about God’s divine providence and, golly, I feel like we have seen it firsthand over and over again.
There are so many moments in life where we think we know exactly how something should happen, when it should happen, or what the next step should look like. Then God has a way of reminding us that His timing and His plans are so much bigger than ours.
Jonas feels like another one of those reminders.
And Just Like That, There Are Five of Us
It still feels a little strange to say that we are now a family of five.
Three little kids. Three car seats. Three sets of little hands needing something at seemingly the exact same time.
We knew this season would be busy, but I don’t think anything really prepares you for what “three under three” actually looks like until you’re living it.
There is a lot less sleep.
There are a lot more diapers.
Getting everybody out of the house now feels like a small logistical operation.
And our house certainly isn’t quiet.
But mixed into all of that chaos are some incredibly sweet moments.
Watching the older two meet their baby brother, seeing them slowly figure out that he is actually staying with us, and watching our family settle into this new normal has been really special.
Life Hasn’t Exactly Slowed Down
Of course, a new baby doesn’t mean everything else stops.
The animals still need to be fed.
Projects around the property are still sitting there waiting for us.
There are still dishes in the sink, laundry that somehow multiplies overnight, work to be done, and two toddlers who wake up ready to go.
Our little farmstead has probably made this season both a little more complicated and a little more special.
There is something funny about coming home with a newborn and immediately returning to the normal rhythm of feeding animals, checking on things outside, and trying to keep the household moving.
Life keeps going.
Maybe just a little slower for now.
Learning to Accept the Help
One of the biggest reminders we’ve had since Jonas was born is just how important community really is.
We like to think we can handle things ourselves.
And most of the time, we probably try to.
But having a baby has a way of humbling you pretty quickly.
A meal dropped off at the house means more than someone probably realizes. A text asking how we’re doing matters. Someone praying for our family matters. Grandparents, friends, and family stepping in to help with the older kids matters.
Those little acts of kindness have made this transition so much easier.
There really are seasons when you need your village, and we are incredibly thankful for ours.
Soaking Up This Season
If there is one thing we’ve already learned from having kids, it’s that every stage seems to go faster than you think it will.
The sleepless nights eventually end.
The newborn clothes get packed away.
Toddlers start talking.
Little personalities start coming out.
And suddenly you look back at pictures from six months ago and wonder how they were ever that small.
So while this season is undoubtedly going to be a little crazy, we’re trying our best to soak it up.
The newborn snuggles.
The chaos of having three little ones running our lives.
The farm projects that might take a little longer to finish.
The meals around the table.
The moments when all five of us are home together.
Even the exhaustion.
Because someday, I’m sure, we’re going to miss a lot of this.
Welcome to the Family, Jonas
We don’t know exactly what this next season will look like.
I’m sure it will include plenty of messes, little sleep, unfinished projects, kiddos getting into something they shouldn’t, and more than a few moments where Ryan and I look at each other and wonder what we’re doing.
But there will also be a lot of love.
And through all of it, we continue to see God’s hand in our family and in the life He is building for us.
For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, thanking God for three healthy little blessings, and adjusting to our newest title:
A family of five.
Welcome to the world, Jonas Matthew.
We are so incredibly thankful you’re here.
