Daenens-Hein 2005 - A YEAR IN THE LIFE

It’s holiday time, and a new year is dawning. It is rare that one finds the time to reflect on the year that has passed. On Wim’s suggestion I have decided to take the time to do so, and to share the events with the family.

I began the year with a swollen belly, and an expectant Wim. As I waddled to my last week of work, so did Wim, spending his evenings worked on getting the family home into shape – there was the baby’s room, windows, repairs, and the unpacking of boxes still taped shut from the October 2004 move. It was a hectic time, as home, family and new life came together.

Elliott Albert Daenens-Hein arrived January 9th, a healthy 7.2 pounds. He escaped my womb without much struggle, anxious to see what the world had to offer him. He never had to worry. Alas, the year held many exciting times for him.



And so our new life began. We didn’t know the first thing about taking care of a newborn, but I believe we were quick learners, and Elliott cooperated well where we were clumsy. Lucky boy, he spent his first nights in a beautiful cradle constructed by his Daddy.
He slept peacefully swinging from satin sash between two wooden penguins. We spent a lot of time standing over him “Oooh, he moved, oooh he’s so cute.” We fell in love over and over again, as our prince Elliott gurgled and burped his way through his first months, happily enjoying mummy’s milk and daddy’s embrace.

While we’re a bit isolated living in Montreal, this year we’ve seen lots of family. We never knew that having a baby would make family so extra special. We never knew what stake our own mothers and fathers would have in it. It proved to be something very special.

Grandma and Grandpa Hein came to visit and helped out in the first week, trying their best to bring calm to chaos. And with Grandma Hein, came a plentiful wardrobe, teething rings, toys and teddy bears. Elliott was showered with kisses and cuddles. In the meantime Grandpa made himself useful and made sure we had an extra bathroom downstairs – and when in baby-mode he urged Elliott to do push-ups and flex his muscles.
Auntie Christine came for two weeks thereafter, offering playtime, stimulating toys, songs and cds. She went about happily helping out around the house.
The family brought selfless energy for the half-ready home, and for the new baby.


When he was a month old, Elliott attended his first days of university. My classes were scheduled for three 9 to 5 days per month, and Elliott came along for the intellectual stimulation, and of course, because he went everywhere with me. He was loved by his colleagues. He got spoiled, and I got a lot of advice.
We learned about Community Economic Development; Elliott nodded off, and mummy nodded with knowledge. Those nights in-between feedings served as a good time for study. Elliott became part of a class project – helping to lower climate change by wearing cloth diapers. I’ll keep you posted. His impact is yet to be known.

While we studied, and learned how to stay close under a parka walking the dog, Wim rushed home from work for lunch to see his little prince.


He crammed in time to build Elliott yet another fine place to sleep - a bed fit for a king, both ends in the shape of a crown; a throne crib for his little prince with changing table to match. Elliott showed his appreciation in Daddy’s arms, cooing and smiling.



University was not the only place where the little man got educated. We made sure we put physical education on the agenda. At three months old, Elliott and I started swimming lessons.

It was fun to play in the water together. I learned French songs in the pool, and Elliott learned to float and kick. While he never got to the diving board, he did a very good job of looking cute in a lifejacket!


He also had his first experience skating – on the Rideau canal in Ottawa with his friend Gabriella, three days older than him, daughter of a close friend of mine. His potential as a winter-lover was clear, and the crisp fresh air did us all a world of good.






In April, Elliott was baptized in Toronto at St. Theresa’s church. Grandma Hein cooked up her famous schnitzels for the entire extended family, seated at an extended table. His baptism happened Easter Sunday, along with chocolate bunnies and colored eggs.




Joseph Daenens took on the role of godfather, and Christine Hein took the role of godmother. He met is second cousin (three months his senior) –Veronica, daughter of my cousin Heidi and Mario. He played with two and a half year-old Jessica, daughter of Christine and Danny. Elliott’s wardrobe, toy collection, and education fund increased.




Elliott’s grandmother from Belgium arrived in the spring, during the hottest May in many years. GodeLieve Daenens enjoyed every minute with Elliott. When his teeth came in, she begged God to transfer his pain to her.


When Elliott slept, she knit him scarves of fine wool. Her love for him, and her joy for our new family and home was sweet and pure. However, it was obvious that it would be her last visit to Canada, her health not what it used to be - and with that knowledge, Wim and I decided to tie the knot during her stay.

The wedding plans went into high gear by early June. Rings were purchased, suits and dresses found, a fence erected in the backyard. It was a busy time. Notary Rock Tousignant married us at the house on June 11th, at 4pm, under a burning hot sun.

The 60-odd guests happily celebrated in the sweltering heat. Again, the Hein family came to help out with all aspects of the wedding.



A fine buffet was served, and champagne was uncorked. Much time was spent in the yard, where a brand new 14-foot red canoe sat, ready to launch on the lake in front of our little red cabin in the forest near St. Donat.









Two weeks later, Elliott set sail for the first time, strapped in with lifejacket and mosquito net. While a family visit to the cabin was challenging, it was good for Wim and I to get out into the woods, where we enjoy ourselves most.


We attended my cousin Anita’s wedding to John in July. It was a story-book wedding with a fun party to follow. Elliott thoroughly enjoyed the festivities, dancing late into the night with the whole family. He is truly a social little man.





The second half of the year brought unexpected news. Wim’s mother, Godelieve had only been back in Belgium for four weeks. She was returning from a shopping trip with his sister, and tripped getting out of the car. She hit her head quite badly, and died a day later, July 22nd. We immediately organized ourselves for travel. We cancelled our honeymoon road trip, and booked for three weeks in Europe. We arrived in Belgium two days later.


It became clear that Godelieve had very little to say about Canada upon her return, but had a lot to say about Elliott. His picture, taken while she was visiting us, followed her from room to room. She brought it to her bedside at night, and back to the living room for the day.



She even forgot to mention that we had been married. It was good to be at the funeral with the little man. His presence, so full of new life, made her death make sense. He brought continuum to a sad occasion and joy where there was pain. Wim’s extended family came together for the weeks of mourning as if it was a family reunion. Godelieve would have been proud of her family’s closeness during our time together.






I got to know his brothers and sisters and in-laws quite well, and now feel that I have a very full and complete family. We were sad for her passing, but glad that she had seen our son and witnessed our wedding, just in the nick of time.


We are also very grateful for the time we had with the extended Daenens family. It was a rare opportunity to get closer to all of our relations in Belgium.



I also took the opportunity to visit some family in Germany while in Europe. Elliott and I boarded a train and went to Frankfurt to visit my cousin Oliver and his wife Simone. Elliott learned a little bit about his German heritage as Oliver took us on a tour of the historic city.




Tante Lucia and Oncle Jurgen continued the cultural lesson in their small village near Frankfurt. We strollered up and down the cobble-stoned streets visiting and enjoying, and learning German children’s songs. It was fun.




Wim and Elliott and I took the TGV to France in our last week in Europe. We enjoyed a week at our friend Benedicte’s home in the countryside near Avignon. Overlooking a vineyard, the enormous property, with over four “houses”, we enjoyed the sun and the incredibly beautiful scenery. Ah la joie du vivre! France was great. Elliott traveled well, and it gave us a chance to slow down a little, take time to smell the flowers, so to speak. The last months and days had been busy.




Two weeks after our return to Montreal, I started back to work and Wim took over the household and Elliott’s care. We traded places in life. I had taken eight months off work, and he would take four.


His home job turned out to be a little different from mine. Elliott was on solid food by that time and he began crawling around by early October. Our 18-year-old nephew Robin arrived sometime just before the crawling started at the end of September. He proved to be an invaluable help in the house, cooking up a storm and developing a special relationship with Elliott, giving Wim the opportunity to continue the many household repairs and changes that need to be tended to. Robin became a good friend to all of us in his three and a half months here – thus, we have promoted him from cousin to Uncle.



Here we are at the end of the year 2005, readying ourselves for the holidays. Elliott has started daycare, is taking his first steps and Wim is returning to work. It has been a full year full of joy, sorrow, and activity, and we look forward to the year ahead.


We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a very happy new year. And we wish you all the best for your families - for happiness, peace and prosperity, that your dreams are fulfilled, and that each day gives you joy. We are very happy to be a part of this family, and to have shared this wonderful year with you.

We hope to see you all again soon.

Lots of love,
Ingrid, Wim and Elliott