Hey everyone! Did you know that we have had a few covid baby additions to our church family since the pandemic? Obviously it's been hard for our community to connect so we're hoping to introduce the littles to you! We also wanted to gain some understanding, insight and empathy for what it is like for families with young children during the pandemic. Here's Henry, Ahsley, Isaiah and their new little one, Elliana!

1) What, you had a baby?! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and about your little one!

Ash grew up at South E Free while Henry has been coming since Jr. High. I guess you could say we're a bunch of oldies now! We recently added a fourth member to our family. Eliana is consistently mesmerized by everything her big brother Isaiah does!

2) What was your experience of being pregnant and being on mat leave like during the pandemic?

It was extra challenging since I work in a hospital, so there was constant worry of getting COVID. I tried to be as diligent as I could with precautions, but there the worry was still consistently on my mind.

Being on mat leave is the complete opposite! I now have a very valid excuse to hermit at home allowing me to keep a schedule for Ellie's feeds and naps. However, I do miss seeing people in person and going on mall/shopping trips with other moms.

3) What do you find challenging for your baby particularly because it’s a pandemic?

One of the big things is we're limiting the number of people we see in person. This really limits the amount of faces I can expose to Ellie, so I worry she won't be good with new people in the future and they may make her upset. I worry also about Isaiah's social skills since he's 2.5 now and developing social interaction is a big thing. I do praise God he goes to a dayhome, so he is able to get some socializing while there!

4) Did you see anything positive about having a baby during the pandemic?

They say babies/toddlers thrive on a predictable schedule, so the pandemic has really made most of our days have a very predictable schedule!

Henry's also been working from home, so that's been a huge blessing. He gets to spend more time with the kiddos since there's no commute!

5) How has your perspective of church and community changed since the pandemic?

Though we're very blessed to have technology to allow us to connect virtually, the pandemic has really shown me in-person connection is so powerful and incredibly important. Even though technology is a great temporary solution, I believe it's extremely difficult to have community without in person connection and care.

6) Do you miss in-person worship/life group?

So Much Yes!!!! Online worship isn't the same at all. Even Henry is looking forward to seeing everyone! That being said, Sunday mornings are also much less rushed for now! haha

7) How do you manage your stress/anxiety with your babies during these times?

Lots of support from Henry (he's generally more calm) and lots of prayer!! Many of my prayers now are about asking God to help me let go of my fears and learning to trust Him.

8) What would your advice be to expecting moms/families who’s going through pregnancy for the first time during this time?

Lean on your current ALG (if you have one) and other friends right now. If you're an expectant mom, please join our (unofficial) SCCEFC mom's group chat!! I've learned sooo much from the moms of our church and have received so much helpful advice in my times of need. SHOUT OUT to JONI for starting something so amazing and supportive!

9) What would your advice be to friends and small group members who want to support new parents during the pandemic?

If they're comfortable with you visiting, I'm sure the new parents could use a hand with their laundry load, dishes or vacuuming! Another idea would be looking after baby while mom/dad take a shower/nap or both!

If they're not comfortable with you visiting their home, please don't be offended. However, I'm sure they would appreciate a hot, cooked meal or treats if you could drop something off.

Thanks Ashley for sharing your experience from the past two years. Our church family would love for everyone to be plugged into a life group (or youth group!) for community. If you would like to join a group check out https://sccefc.ca/get-connected or contact [email protected] we'd be so happy to hear from you!