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 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 Vania, Eric and their little one, Ella!
1) What, you had a baby?! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and about your little one!
We have been coming to SE Free since the fall of 2021. We are returning SE Freeers having taken some time to explore other communities and have decided to settle back at SE Free with our little one, Gabriella (Ella) who is 15 months old. Vania works in the finance department at a not for profit housing provider called HomeSpace. Eric is an elementary school teacher with the Calgary Board of Education. He is currently teaching grade 6 online.
2) What was your experience of being pregnant and being on mat leave like during the pandemic?
While it has been challenging in some respects, COVID was a mixed blessing for our family as it gave us more time to spend with each other as a family. There were times where it was difficult to not see friends and family, but it gave us the opportunity to have more intimate, smaller gatherings with people. We also learned to adapt during mat leave. It gave Vania a lot of time to go for walks outside which is one of her favorite activities.
3) What do you find challenging for your baby particularly because it’s a pandemic?
We found it to be challenging for Ella to interact socially with other babies. At the beginning, she cried even with grandparents. Thankfully she is now in daycare and having the opportunity to socialize on a daily basis. We look forward to going back to service in a more regular manner so that Ella can be more tied in with her SE Free family.
4) How has your perspective of church and community changed since the pandemic?
We have learned that community can be done online and in a way because we are spending more intentional time together, it can be more fruitful in some respects. It has also taught us that it's ok to slow down, the life we were leading prior to the pandemic was unsustainable and tiring. It was a good time to re-focus and align our priorities so that we can be our best in serving God. We do see the importance of in person worship though as it is such a huge component of community.
5) Do you miss in-person worship/life group?
Definitely! We would love for Ella to have the opportunity to meet other kids at SE Free. We also love being able to have dedicated time, undistracted time to worship.
6) How do you manage your stress/anxiety with your babies during these times? Walks, lots of walks outside. Also Whatsapp vent sessions.
7) What would your advice be to expecting moms/families who’s going through pregnancy for the first time during this time?
To enjoy the time that the Lord has given to you to spend together. Take time to evaluate what is important. PRAY. Say yes to what God has prompted on your hearts and honestly and respectfully say no if it's not the right season.
8) What would your advice be to friends and small group members who want to support new parents during the pandemic?
Meals, whatsapp messages and walking sessions are certainly appreciated.
9) The floor is yours - is there anything you would like to say!
We look forward to seeing everyone! Life will return to a new normal, but we also think it's a good new normal.