Family

Last week our house was filled with family. It was a beautiful thing! My big sister, her son, and my mama came for the first half of the week. Lucky for them, I had just started a lengthy and severe bout of laryngitis, so I was a little less talkative than usual. Aunt Tinie is always up for an adventure, so we all headed out for a little hiking fun the first full day they were in town.

Aunt Tinie and Colette took the three year old track together (which, by the way, was definitely further than the sick/postpartum track that I took with my gracious hubby). My mama, Anni, and my nephew adventured the furthest. From the bottom of the hill, we could sometimes hear their laughs drifting down... they had so much fun! Apparently, when she started to get tired, Anni would say, "I'm a Volk! I can do this!"

We all made it; though!

Oh, my, and one of the sweetest moments: getting to see my big sister snuggling her namesake.

There was also cookie making time (I know you don't see Anni, she still had school in the mornings while they were here.)

After a little lesson from Aunt Tinie,

and some extra help from her awesome cousin, she finished off the decorating of the peanut butter cookies all by herself.

My girls are so lucky to have their cousin. Because he's the oldest, we consider him their big brother (and he is their god brother since Tinie and her husband are Anni's godparents.) He is so patient and sweet with them!

There was lots of Grandma lovin'

as well as a tea party (because all the excuses to eat said peanut butter cookies were pulled out that day).

In conclusion... family is good.

The Vintage Honey: A Review

A little over a month ago, I bought myself a nursing necklace in hopes that it would:

a) keep Miss Colette's little fingers busy so she would stop pinching when nursing or trying to fall asleep in the sling

and

b) Give me a little something extra special/pretty to wear with my very limited post-partum wardrobe. 


This sweet little necklace from The Vintage Honey totally came through!   In fact, my hubby took a quick iPhone snapshot, and the photo got a pretty immediate, happy response (I couldn't even include all the sweet comments, there were so many!):

 

So, when they asked for baby-wearing reviewers, I was all over that one!  (Yes, they did send me the pretty mint colored necklace you see below... but I actually purchased the one above myself and my opinions are all my own!) 

Miss Lettie enjoying my new necklace while she hung out with me in the kitchen.

As far as my hopes for the necklace(s), they were definitely fulfilled!  Lettie seems to like the shape of the necklaces to tug and pinch (rather than my skin, thank goodness).  I really like that the necklaces are adjustable, they tie with a ribbon in the back, so I can easily make it a little longer when she's nursing or awake in the sling and then I like to tie it almost like a choker while she's asleep so it rests in the hollow of my throat and I don't have to worry about her lying on it while she sleeps.  I was a little worried that the ribbon tie would slip undone all the time, but it seems to be the best of both worlds (stays tied, but comes off when I need it to). 

Dancing in the kitchen while our dinner cooked... love this sweetie!

The necklaces have also added a little somethin' to my rather limited wardrobe during these "in-between" months.  I love that both necklaces go with so much, and I get asked about them often (which means people are noticing the necklaces instead of any of the other wardrobe issues I worry about, score)!

Ready to go out for Daniel's birthday!  Well, almost, I had to change that shirt... cream cheese frosting is messy!

On the babywearing side of things: I've mostly worn it with my ring sling since that has slipped into top place for ease (and gorgeousness), but I did use the moby the other day and it still sat in a great spot both for her to play with and then me to keep it out of the way when she was sleeping.

Trekking through the zoo with a very sleepy babe.

I've worn the necklaces just about everywhere: church and lunch with the girls at Daniel's office, fireworks, the zoo, Anni's swim lesson (though not while swimming myself) and dancing in the kitchen. 

Fireworks on the 3rd of July!  Lettie actually was in the sling most of the night, but she stretched out a little before all the craziness began.

At the pool (see, didn't the necklace distract you from the wet hair?!)

Whether or not you're a nursing mama (I mean, aren't they just cute whether or not you have a baby to tug on them?!), check out The Vintage Honey Shop, I think you'll love them!

A Letter to Our Antonia

Dear Anni Grace,

Today is your birthday!  It is the day, that two years ago, we were finally able to snuggle you and welcome you into the world!  The parties are planned, your second year book is done - we are ready to celebrate you.

Your daddy and I have been marveling at all you are recently, my sweet.  We didn't know much of anything when we became parents, but you've taught us that we'll never stop learning.  We're okay with that.

You are kind, polite even.  Recently you make sure to say, "Sank you, Mommy" or "Sank you, Daddy" when we do something for you (although; sometimes you just say it, and we try to guess what we did to deserve your sweetness).  Sometimes you like to share and sometimes it's hard for you.  Mostly you just love your friends as much as you possibly can.

I don't think there is anything better than when you run to one of us, wrap your arms tight around our legs and kiss... just because.  Daddy and I couldn't ask for anything better.  Sometimes you like to narrate the action, "Daddy hug.  Daddy kiss.  Momma hug.  Momma kiss."

You've been singing a lot lately.  We hoped you would love music, and so far you do.   You will dance to anything, anything at all: Baa Baa Black Sheep, Simon and Garfunkel, and the most recent made up song about tailies, daddy or baby. 
 

The truth is, Miss Anni, that while we love all of these things about you... they aren't even the beginning of our love for you.  Even if all of those things go away, if you end up hating music and are grumpy and you don't want to dance anymore - we'll still love you.  We love you, no matter what you do or what you love to do, and that will never change.

Happy Birthday, Baby Nugget.

All about Anni

I know I've been away.  Miss Anni and I just spent a week with my family in Kansas... trying to do a little rest and relaxation, as well as be there for my beautiful sister's first craft fair while my hubby took a business trip.  We had a wonderful time, but I admit to still feeling a little overwhelmed with life.

How do you deal with the overwhelming demands of motherhood, being a wife, business and life in general?  I think I need some new coping mechanisms... and we're going to start with a little update on my sweet little one.  Yesterday marked 17 months since her birth, so I just want to revel in her little personality for a few minutes.

Nugget has definitely gotten the hang of walking.  She tends to do it at full speed with her arms in the air, yelling "Go, go, go!" or "Yaaaaaay!"  She's also picked up the "Go Big!"  of "Go Big Red!"  after spending a week with hardcore Cornhusker fans.  She is still a little unsteady, especially when she demands to walk on our jaunts outside, but I can't really blame her, I still trip over my own feet.

Our gal has hit the sorting phase.  It's pretty awesome.  These buttons keep her happily entertained and were especially helpful when I had to run out to a meeting and my mom watched her.  I love watching her little self busily at work sorting and thinking through what she's going to dump, pour and sometimes throw next.  She likes to sort other things as well (drawers full of paper, books and kitchen supplies), but this is probably the easiest to keep contained and takes up very little space.

This girl has a very distinct personality, and I love discovering all of its little facets.  She has very distinct body language for "shy" (a little chin dip and tiny smile while she keeps her eyes on the new person) as well as "nervous" (holding her wrists and plucking at her clothes a little).  She also has a wide array of smiles, some of which I haven't quite figured out yet (can a 17 month old have a sarcastic smile?).  As wonderful as it is to watch her grow, I also have to admit to being scared stiff that I will mess it up.  She is such a beautiful little soul and I'm a new mommy, just trying to figure all of this out.  My dad reminded me this weekend that he still didn't have it all figured out.

  
Anni got to spend a lot of time with her cousin, Charlie, and she loved it!  He was amazingly patient with her and she just wanted to follow him around and make sure she could pat his head whenever she wanted.  I love getting to see her love others.

We find her in some interesting positions as her flexibility lets her stretch beyond that of a normal toddler.  Even the normal toddler squat stretches into a little froggie pose.   Oh, and speaking of body parts (great segue right?), she knows a whole lot of hers.  She can point to her belly button, mouth, nose, eyes, ears, hair, feet and hands (well, she just wiggles the feet and hands, but she knows what they are).  Isn't it amazing watching little ones learn?

Oh, and we can't forget the temper tantrums.  She has a good scream on her and likes to instantly alert us to things that are not going her way.  We're working on it :).  

 
Sweet Anni, I love watching you grow!

Miss Nugget at 15 months

Sweet little Anni has reached the ripe age of 15 months! Of course, I can't actually give you any stats, because she again managed to postpone a doctor's visit with illness. Do you see a pattern? Because the last time she was sick was... exactly 3 months ago... on her birthday.

Anyway, onto the exciting things... she is growing and changing so fast! I feel like moments are just slipping by. Luckily, she's super snuggly lately, and during one of our many rocking sessions throughout the day, I just breathe that sweet, spunky little girl in and pin that exact moment to my memory.

 

She finally started standing!  This actually happened a couple of weeks ago, but it is still a fresh and exciting feat.  She can even, on occasion, stand up by herself.  I can't even begin to tell you how proud we are.  I'm pretty sure we called our entire family the day it happened.

She has definitely picked up on the lovin'.  She spent several days crawling around making kissing noises and if you were lucky and caught her at the right moment, she would lay one on you.  Best.  feeling.  ever.  Most often; however, her dolls are the ones that get the kisses, hugs, and rocking.  She had mostly ignored her collection of dolls for a while, which really, was fine... she can play with whatever she wants (within reason).  Then one day, she started picking them up, rocking them, and giving them kisses.  Both hilarious and heart melting-ly (I know, so not a word) adorable.  She has also started to pat Daniel and I on the back when we pick her up and she wants to hold extra tight.  It's funny... but that little pat from that little girl can definitely lift my spirits.  

She's such a character.  I love watching her learn and grow, even as I yearn to hold her back and keep her as my baby forever.  It's so fun seeing her express her likes and dislikes.  She currently loves anything that involves music - especially something with a strong beat.  When the metronome plays or the washing machine is running with a beat, she does this quirky little swaying dance to it.  You can see a little bit of it around second 6.
 

Really, she just likes to move.  When she's in a good mood, she loves mommy and daddy to walk her around (which, I am extremely proud to say... she can do holding just one hand!).  She also likes "jumping" on the bed and then throwing herself into the pillows.  She also likes to crawl on and off things... especially mommy's lap.

She has also figured out the whole "dressing up" game... which cracks me up!  I really didn't expect that for awhile, but one day one of my shirts was sitting on the the floor and she spent a good 10 minutes trying to put it on.  Nearly everything she tries to put on ends up being worn like a scarf... which works well since I have amassed a rather large collection of scarves which are now being mostly utilized by the little munchkin.

Nugget now "lounges."  It didn't work quite as well in the above picture as it usually does for her, but she generally just throws her whole body forward or back and lies there for a few moments before continuing on with her baby ways.

One of my favorite new Anni-isms is that she talks... a lot!  She will sit and tell us entire stories.  I'm excited for when I can understand what in the world she's saying.  She does say a few words clearly... each of which could have their own blog explanation.  I'll try to keep it short.  Momma, Dadda (which occasionally is "baba"... I assume because I refer to him as papa sometimes), cheese (also said with a big grin... so not my child in that), please, hi!, poop and Jesus (only referring to an icon we have of the Holy Family, I love that He's a child in the image - she loves other children). 

There's so much more, but I think I'll leave it at that.  It is such a marvel how all these tiny little quirks and accomplishments, any of which another child is doing, but none in this exact unique combination, make up our sweet little girl.  She's my big girl... but, at least for now, she's still my little one.

Pardon the er... curtains.  She has some really adorable ones coming, but until then, we have the ones my sister made for her old window (the purple ones in back) that are too short, and my most favorite quilt over top to keep the light out.  I can't wait to share her finished room... it's so close!

I'll be back...

 

I am currently recovering from an overscheduled (but insanely fun) June as I prepare for a wedding next this weekend.  Oh, and there's a bout of carnival induced food poisoining.  But I'll be back.  In the meantime, you should go to my sister's blog and enter to win one of her cute hats :). 

FOCUS Training... and our family

I have been a travelin' fool the last few weeks... so I need to backtrack just a little to fill you in.  The last you heard from us, we were at FOCUS Staff training.  We had a fun little schedule that worked quite well for us. 

We got up in the morning and ate breakfast with the other missionaries.  Anni loved when we sat with other families so she could watch all of the kids.  She loves other little kids and very frequently lets our her most adorable, "Hiiiii!"  when she sees them.  

Then, while everyone headed to adoration, we would go set up for the head shots I took all afternoon, take a little walk as a family and make sure to get Miss Antonia a nice long morning nap (um, and oftentimes Mommy, too.  I was consistently exhausted.)  Daddy tended to run errands or actually run during those naps.  There is only so much you can fly with... so a few runs to the store were in order for some basics for the week.    

 

Then, it was on to headshots.  As you can see, Anni was quite helpful in getting everything set up.  But really, my dear, darling Daniel was the rockstar that helped me figure out tethered shooting and toted all the equipment around.  He rocks.

Daniel also did a little video shooting, and although the setup is slightly different this is where we shot all the headshots.  (We didn't use a green screen, obviously, but rather the FOCUS blue in the picture of Anni).  It's normally a music room, so the poor choir had to work around all of our stuff for the week. 

And in the afternoon while everyone was in class and we were done?  Anni would be halfway into her nap and I would veg with some netflix and a pillow... unless it was the day I had more photos to take... then I would do that.  Then, Mass with all the amazing missionaries. 

I loved it in there.  It was not only a beautiful chapel, but filled with so many people intent on the same mission.  Plus, there were always plenty of other mommies and daddies trying to keep their little ones in line, so we felt right at home when Anni pitched a fit because she couldn't rip apart a book. 

Then, we had the evening generally for dinner, walking and hanging out.  One night a lovely missionary that we went to college with sat in the room while Anni slept so that we could have some couples only time at the marriage retreat we attended (which was packed full of good, practical info - we loved it!). 

One night we explored the Student Union and found an art exhibit tucked away in back room.  My little art major's heart went pitter patter and Anni's little knees went pitter patter across the shiny floor.  (See her pointing at herself?  Cracks me up.)

 

We found time for our first pigtails ever, for Benedictine connections and to see dear friends and their sweet little boys, oh and of course of Anni and Daniel to come on a photoshoot for those same friends... and wander around a waterfall as they attempt to stay out of the back of my shots :).

Phew.  And to think, I left on a trip only a few days after that.  And we're leaving on another one this weekend.  I maybe, possibly, booked myself a little too solid this month.

Just maybe.