A baby brother!
Aria has been very much on our hearts and minds in recent days. Of course, she always is but her absence is felt more keenly.
Our family has a new baby brother and we are pretty thrilled with him. He is healthy and lovely. Born at full term and weighing in at the same weight as his big brother Asher at 4.5 kgs (10pounds almost).
His name is Abel Joel Aslan MacDonald. The middle name Aslan is a nod to Aria in a way. Her name meant lioness of God and Aslan is the lion from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.
Our little family is doing well. Asher is in his second year of school and doing great. He still talks about Aria and his sadness is obvious on some days. He is delighted with his little brother and Abel was an answer to prayer. Sylvie is also doing great, 2.5 years old now and no long term health effects from her early delivery. She is a ball of energy and great fun. She has a mop of curly hair and blue eyes like Asher.
Hamish has moved jobs from Fisher and Paykel to a charity called Christians Against Poverty NZ. He has been there about a year and it has been a real blessing to be involved in this work.
We still miss Omaha a lot and our friends there. But mostly we just miss Aria. I went back and read the blog posts from our first few weeks with Asher, what a life we had. Aria’s life was very difficult at times particularly around the times of her transplants. It seems like a lifetime ago but just yesterday too. She was an amazing girl and we miss her.
36 Responses to “A baby brother!”
Leave a Reply
Support Aria
There are many ways that you can support Aria.
- Bank deposit
- Cheque by post
- Contact us directly
Subscribe to updates
Fundraising progress
Aria's support to date:
Progress meter: 75%
Links
- Hirschsprung’s disease
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Starship Children’s Health
The hospital that takes great care of Aria - The Kids Foundation of NZ
The wonderful charity that supports Aria
# 24 Aug at 9:10 pm
Thank you for sharing this post. It brought a smile to my face to know you are happy and enjoying the new arrival. Aria will always be in your hearts.
Lots of love.
# 24 Aug at 9:17 pm
This is the best news ever, so happy for you all.
# 24 Aug at 9:18 pm
Beautiful family! God bless you all!
# 24 Aug at 9:28 pm
‘Aria mail’ in my inbox!!! that made me smile! Love to y’all MacDonalds! x
# 24 Aug at 9:33 pm
I agree with Lisa – exciting to receive “Aria mail” – even though I already knew the Abel news – love to Aslan name association – I nursed an Aslan once – he was an awesome kid – awesome grown-up by now:)
# 24 Aug at 10:07 pm
What wonderful news . Thank you for the photo. Asher & Sylvie have grown so much. Best wishes to you all.
# 24 Aug at 10:26 pm
What a lovely surprise in my inbox. So exciting to hear your wonderful news. Aria will always be part of your family- she just moved on to our real home quicker than we wanted. Bless you guys- and bless you for the work you are doing Hamish
# 24 Aug at 10:59 pm
Great to get an update on your beautiful family just thinking the other day how things were going for you. Thank you for that. Lea
# 24 Aug at 10:59 pm
So lovely to hear this news. And lovely for you to experience a bit of a stress free pregnancy and birth after all you have been through (I am assuming a lot here). Special thoughts of Aria and I wish you all the very best. XX
# 24 Aug at 11:15 pm
How absolutely wonderful to read your family update. I think of you often and, perhaps not surprisingly given the way God works, I was thinking about you just a few days ago; hoping and praying you have much joy in your lives. It is therefore absolutely thrilling to read about Abel’s safe arrival. What a gorgeous wee boy.
How much you must miss Aria. I hope it may comfort you to know that she continues to be loved and remembered by myself and countless others. She touched our lives profoundly. Her brave battle, beautiful smile and inspirational life will never be forgotten.
With much love XX
# 24 Aug at 11:35 pm
wonderfull news !!!!!God is great to bless you both with four gorgeous children,blessings to an amazing wee family xx
# 24 Aug at 11:51 pm
how wonderful to receive news from you again! congrats on the new baby! that is wonderful news! looking forward to receiving more updates on your lovely family as you move into your new chapter of life with Abel.
lots of hugs xxx
# 24 Aug at 11:59 pm
So wonderful to hear about Abel. Such a beautiful family, may you continue to prosper and grow. Like so many others I have never forgotten about you and Aria and think of you often. God bless you.
# 25 Aug at 12:19 am
Aria popped into our dinner conversation very recently. She has not been forgotten by me.
Best wishes to you and all your family.
Elizabeth Smith
# 25 Aug at 3:41 am
I was thrilled to see an update email in my inbox this morning. Delighted to see how the Lord has blessed you with another wee son, that Sylvie is well, and that Asher is thriving (he’s got so tall). Aria’s short life will always be precious to you, and the many other lives she touched. May you continue to know the Lord’s love and comfort day by day.
# 25 Aug at 7:28 am
Congrats!!! Welcome to the world Abel!
# 25 Aug at 8:03 am
What wonderful news. Thank you for the post, particularly the pictures. PTL. From Omaha.
# 25 Aug at 10:45 am
We miss her (and all of you!) too. Such a beauty.
Love you guys!
# 25 Aug at 12:55 pm
I was just thinking of you guys a couple of days ago. I had this feeling and prayed for you all. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy, Abel!! He’s adorable and I can’t believe how much the kiddos have grown!! Awwww…thank you for updating us!! <3 God Bless!!! <3
# 25 Aug at 6:42 pm
Congratulations! I am so happy for your family. I think about Aria often. I have a night gown and the brand name on the tag is Aria. I think about her and your amazing family every time I wear it. I’m sure that sounds strange but I will never forget such a special beautiful fighter. Wishing you much happiness always.
Tammy Morris
# 26 Aug at 12:12 am
So delighted to read your news. I had just rewatched the YouTube clip of Aria and Asher dancing to Eagle Rock…..when feeling low , it inspires me. I googled your names and was lead to your news. I think of your family often and am so thrilled to see you all so happy.
# 26 Aug at 1:38 am
Awesome to hear your news of the arrival of Abel – and we are thrilled to hear that Hamish is working for CAPNZ – that would be a fulfilling and worthwhile undertaking. We were thrilled to see Aria’s name appear in our inbox so thank you for sharing. May you all receive much joy and happiness. 🙂
# 26 Aug at 2:43 am
Wonderful to hear your news, congratulations, and thank you for your photo. I was wondering how you were getting on. God bless your family. Judy.
# 28 Aug at 4:52 am
So lovely to see Abel and your family photo. Aria is such a vital part of your family and her life was truly incredible. You inspire so many as you carry on doing life well. I am so very delighted you have the joy of a new little one, as well as to see the spark in Sylvie’s eye. What 4 amazing children you have embedded in your hearts. Looking forward to catching up someday soon. Much love, Shirl
# 1 Nov at 6:53 pm
I am so happy to read your latest post….congrats on your newest addition! He is beautiful and everyone looks so wonderful! I am so glad to see everyone is well. Aria is missed by so many. Thanks for keeping us updated. Take care and best wishes to you all!
Love, Brandi
# 9 Mar at 9:49 pm
Thank you so much for sharing the update, congratulations on you are family addition. May 2016 be an amazing wonderful year for you all 🙂
# 12 May at 12:06 am
Nice website you possess there
# 20 Aug at 11:13 am
The unexcelled auto insurance companies offer more than a low-lying rate here: http://www.usinsurancereviews.com. They also oath broad coverage, receptive consumer support, and a clear, timely claims activity backed near solid financials. Six companies—USAA, Amica, Erie, Geico, Esurance, and Majestic Allotment—stood loose in our estimation, but all 14 of our top picks are believable providers worth considering.
# 11 Nov at 3:58 am
Добрый день!
Такой ппц какой Ñайт.
Много приколов…ÐœÑу-ÐœÑу, Меф, Ðнаша, МДМÐ, и Ñ‚.д.
Жми на Ñайт:
https://frankcasinos-play.com/
Ðаркотики
frank casino официальный Ñайт
Ðаркотики
# 14 Jul at 5:30 pm
Its my first time Im coming here. And I have already falling in love with articles you written. I’m also a big fan of writing down goals and keeping up with them for that very same reason–to see my progress and get encouraged to keep going. If there’s no feeling of progress, then motivation can dwindle before you accomplish what you set out to. Great article!
# 18 Aug at 2:31 am
When you realize that this baby is already 6 years old today,..
Regards,
https://www.roofingrepairswestauckland.kiwi/
# 8 Oct at 11:35 pm
I found your blog, I like it.
# 6 Jan at 7:10 pm
handwritten by the author.
# 6 Jan at 11:18 pm
from a printed book, reproduction
# 12 Jan at 5:51 pm
The most common form
# 17 Jan at 10:14 am
XVII century was Nicholas Jarry .