Home Sweet Home

Ah, home! I'm happy to be back to my own house, my own bed, and back to our routine - but I can't say I'm happy to be back to this weather, snow, and cold. Spring you are welcome anytime now! 

We had a really great trip! Greta had a great time with her Oma & Opa, playing with her cousin, and meeting her greatgrandpas. We enjoyed lazier days with less routine. Were spoiled with fresh broetchen from the bakery every morning that my father in-law would go get. We walked along the beach, in the forest, and on cobblestone streets with sunshine (most days), green grass, and flowers beginning to bloom. Nights after Greta was in bed my mother-in-law had some great German traditional meals on the table, and of course a glass of beer or two were consumed. Games of skip-bo we played, and broke German / English conversations occurred.  It's the stuff great memories are made of and sadly the time passes too fast.

tulips on my mother-in-law's table 

I'll be back with a bigger trip recap, travel lessons learned, and photos in the coming weeks. Need to catch up on my 52 project portraits and Greta's 9 month letter (wow -- she's nine months today!). In the meantime, we will be working on getting our (well mainly Greta's) body back to this time zone - which I hope only takes a few little naps and an earlier bed time.

Stay tuned lovelies!

Our Home {Guest Post}

Hey folks!

Just popping in to let you know that I'm guest posting over at Joyful Life today, as part of her "Happy Home Maker" house tour series!

Here's a sneak peek:

\

Head over to see some more of our home!

Tschüss! (for now)

(note: Tschüss! is bye! in German)

Well, only a few more days until we are off on our trip! I'm getting really excited, although at the same time - I'm feeling a bit unprepared. I still have quite a bit to do before the we jet-off but just wanted to pop in one last time before there is a bit of radio silence here on the blog.  I had considered asking for a few people to guest post while I'm gone, but I really didn't want to burden anyone else with posts-- and frankly, I didn't find the time to think to much about it. So sorry, it will be a bit quiet around these parts over the next couple weeks -- but stick with me (please!) and check back in a few weeks -- because I hope to post lots of travel pictures!!

I would like to tell you to make sure you follow me on Instagram, but I'm afraid it might be a little silent too since my in-laws don't have wi-fi (gasp -- the horror! hehe) and I'm not aware of how/if you can post from a computer. Hopefully when we head on our little trip to Dresden, the second week of our trip, I'll be able to post some travel pictures of the beautiful city and Greta! You'll probably get some classic airport picture thou - if that interests you (hopefully a dead-tired mom, crying baby selfie won't make an appearance...).

Well, I'm off to tackle some heaps of laundry, start planning what to pack, and then will tackle the packing this weekend. I had thought of doing a "Travel Diaper Bag" post but that will depend on time or it might wait until we are back to ensure I actually packed the right stuff, lol.

 Hope you all have a great Valentine's day! I'll be snuggling with this lil' valentine tomorrow:

serious cuteness right there!

Take care guys!

6|52

"a portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

| sitting pretty with Auntie Melanie |

currently. {5} & a waffle bar

thinking about | our trip. Been busy planning, making lists, booking rental cars and hotels for a little trip we are taking while at Matt's parents. Just over a week until we head off on this adventure. I'm excited and dreading it all at the same time. I just really hope the flight goes well, but I have visions (more like nightmares) that Greta screams the whole flight and has teeth push through on the plane. Ugh, I hope it does not become reality! I hope she smiles and bats those baby blues as all passengers oh and ah at her, praising her calm demeanor. I guess time will tell which is the outcome. Traveling with a baby/kid(s) is going to be our reality over the years so I better get used to it. My goals for this week are to get everything packed up and organized so we aren't rushing around next weekend and we can just relax before our adventure. 

listening to | this song

reading | nothing currently, but looking for suggestions to read on the plane...oh wait will I have time to read on the plane this trip as I have Greta to keep entertained?! I'll take one just in case I do -- read anything really good lately?

watching | the Olympcs! of course!  I'm a huge fan of watching the Olympics, love cheering on our athletes and take pride in how they represent our country.  Every 4 years I end up wishing I had taken up speed-skating or skiing as I watch in awe at these athletes - especially since we have had major olympic speed-skaters come from right here in Manitoba!! Gold, silver, bronze or 25th - I'm proud of every athlete who wears the maple leaf with pride! Just love the unity the Olympics bring to our country & the world!

thankful for | great friends. "My Girls" a group of girls I've been friends with since elementary/high school came over this weekend for brunch! I just love our get togethers, we've gone from single ladies night out, to meeting "the boys" as they entered the group, to weddings, and now our children are growing together. I am so thankful for their friendship, their advice, their hearts, and their support. Friends that have been around for the good, the bad, and the ugly are the absolute best!

For our brunch I did a "waffle bar" which was so fun! Here are a few photos ( I love hosting, just wish my home was bigger!). Sorry I never got photo of the delish waffles and pfannkuchen, I snapped some photos before they arrived and then go too busy talking and being present (which is more important anyways!) that I never took photos of the complete spread but this is a little peek! 

I'm linking up with A Mama Collective for this post.

Dear Greta: 8 months

Dear Greta,

Oh my sweet girl, I can't believe that you are 8 months today! You are growing up so fast right before our eyes as it seems you are different and learning something new everyday. It's so amazing to see you getting so big.  This month your little cousin, Brenna, finally arrived - it's going to be exciting watching you two grow up together - she just might be bigger than you before you know it!!

Your Stats:

We are going to a doctor's appointment in a few days where will get your current weight.  You are not gaining weight very quickly right now, and at at your last appointment the doctor was slightly concerned.  We will see what you have gained after the last month and then see what the doctors says. Your eating solids now, twice a day, so we really hope that this helps.  Your in 3-6 month clothes tight now and we have passed all your old 0-3 stuff to Brenna.

About You:

You are napping so much better lately, taking a good long morning nap - which makes you and Mommy happy!  Your sleeping okay at night, although you had a few rough nights lately where you just want to be held or in our bed. Your still sleeping in a cradle beside our bed, but we think it's about time we move you to your crib, Dad thinks your waking yourself up from hitting the sides of the cradle.  I never thought it would be so hard to move you into your own room, but it is time and we have decided that once we are back from our trip to Germany it will happen. 

Your sitting up by yourself! You can't get into sitting on your own yet but if I put you into sitting then you sit and play very well.  You have just started pushing your bum back while on your tummy and I think that you'll start attempting to crawl soon -- and then things will change!  Your eating oatmeal, rice cereal, sweet potato, banana, pears, carrots, avocado, and apples. It's a fun mealtime with our little family of three eating together and your grabbing at our plates!

You have started to get some nicknames! Daddy loves calling you "Gretski" and jokes that you and cousin Ebba are going to be great Germany hockey players at the Olympics one day! Haha. We also call you, sweet girl, sweet pea and squeaky.  

You Love:

• pears and oatmeal is your favorite food right now, with carrots a close second.
• music
• listening to Mommy read
• bathtime
• swimming! we went the first time this month and you really had fun.

In just a few weeks we are off on your first airplane ride and trip to Germany it should be exciting and I think there will be so much change this month!

Love you sweet girl!

Mommy, Daddy & Milka

5|52

"a portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

| cuddles with Grandma |

currently. {4}

This weekend I was watching Marley and Me, man I love that movie and now as a mom I really related more to Jennifer Aniston's character, especially when she makes the decision to stay at home with their children because she doesn't want to be the mom that only sees her children for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. This go me thinking about returning to school. I have a meeting later this week to discuss my options for returning to school in the spring/summer.  I was still on my fieldwork placement when Greta arrived and was therefore unable to complete the last 4 weeks I had left of the 8 week placement.  Therefore, I need to redo this placement plus the last year of school.  I have to decide how I want to go about returning, whether I want to do redo my placement in May/June and then return to classes full-time at the end of August or if I want to just return to school in August and bumped the reminder of my placements back which pushes back my graduation and licensing exam back. I never knew how hard this decision would be. I was always so career-focus prior to becoming pregnant and becoming a mom. Now, I'm having a rough time think about putting Greta in daycare, and being a full-time student alongside being a mom. It's going to be rough. I have to finish school -- I'm one term away from my Masters, a goal I have set for myself since I was 16 but then I think of missing so many first and all the time with my girl. I'm so torn. Do I do school part-time over two years or do I just go full-time for a year and just get finished? There are finances to consider, precious time with Greta to think about, and future plans to consider. Lack of sleep this weekend is not helping - I've been so emotional about this decision that a year ago while pregnant I didn't think would be so hard to make. I guess what I really need to starting listening to is what my heart tells me is the right decision and be thankful for a husband that will support my decision, a school that is willing to be accommodating, and for all the minutes I have gotten to spend with my sweet girl over the past 8 months.


Besides a major lack of sleep, due to Greta only wanting to be held or in our bed to sleep this weekend, it was a pretty good weekend since we went to visit my sister's family again. Here are some pics:

I'm linking up with A Mama Collective for this post.

Friday Ramblings {vol. 2}

Hello Friday! How has your week been? I have to say I have had a pretty good week - I don't want to jinks myself but you guys...Greta has been napping really well this week! We were having a little issue with her morning nap, I think maybe I was trying to put her down too early (around 9ish) but as soon as I decided to bump it to around 10 or slightly after she has been great (nearly 2 hrs!), that's ALOT of time. I've gotten dishes, laundry AND a workout in twice already this week! I feel so re-energized it's amazing. We are still working on the afternoon nap - Wednesday it was brutal and she ended up sleeping in my arms, but Tuesday and Thursday she slept over an hour. Fingers crossed it keeps up...and then we will head to Germany, oh I think that might mess with it! Oh well, I've learned it's on ongoing journey of nailing the right time.

If you follow on Insta the you have seen this pic, but seriously have to post it..she's just too cute!

Few random things:

one | Today, I'm taking Greta swimming for the first time! We are meeting up with two of my girlfriends and their little ones! I'm really excited, she's going to be so cute in her little bathing suit! I really hope she likes it and we can make it a more regular thing.

two | I'm so obsessed with coconut oil these days. Using it instead of butter in recipes. Toasting my oatmeal in it in the mornings. Using it to remove make-up. There so many posts about it's benefits, lately, I'm sold on the food aspect, but am coming around to it as a moisturizer too my skin is so dry this winter, if anything I'll smell great!

three | Excited to go see my niece again this weekend! Oh, just can't wait for some more newborn cuddles.

four | I'm super excited for February.  I swear I might spend the first 14 days cooking anything chocolate, red, and heart-shaped - I might start with this quinoa chocolate cake. Oh, ya and dress Greta in everything hearts! Ya, Valentine's is such a commercial "holiday" but I kinda love it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Raising a Bilingual Baby

With our trip to Germany approaching (!), I have been thinking a lot about the need for Greta to be exposed to the German language and our plan/approach to raising her bilingually.

The problem is we don't really have a plan.

Sure we have talked about her being bilingual. We talked about it before getting married and we discussed it when we found out we were pregnant but we have never actually sat down and thoroughly mapped out a plan.  (Does that make us bad parents?) I (we) just assumed Matt would talk to her in German and she'd learn it, expose her growing brain to the language and we will be good, right? Well, we are 7 months in and I have to repeatedly remind Matt to talk to her in German. It's really hard. I think mainly because I don't speak German well, so he never speaks it in the house (unless he's extremely mad ie: putting together ikea furniture lol, drunk, or just finished having an in depth German conversation with someone). He speaks German when we Skype with his parents but not as much as he used to as his parents converse with me in English and try to include me in all aspects of the conversation.

I've concluded lately, that raising her bilingually is going to take a lot more time and work than I first expected and it's going to take me working at it as well too!  Over the past 6 years, I have made attempts at learning German, when I realized that Matt was 'the one'.  I took night German classes for 3 - 3 month sessions, my best friend speaks German so she tried to help, I bought German language CD's and listened to them on my way to school and work. I tried a lot!  I had some success - I know the basics. Alphabet, numbers, colors, basic travel questions, foods, etc. My problem is sentence structure, phonetics, and just the overall speed people speak. It's funny, at our wedding I did the thank-you speech to his parents in German - they were so impressed (!) but do you know how long it took me to learn how to say that 5 minute speech? Months. I had what I wanted to say translated by my teacher and then I practiced, practiced, and practiced some more! Then unfortunately, I let what I learned slide. I got busy with life, with school, and all my work felt like it never happened. Matt and I had discussed that we would set aside one day a week where he would only speak German to me and I had to respond in German only as well, but that only lasted a few weeks. His parents are repeatedly on our case to work at it -- and I really do want to learn, visiting would be soooo much nicer if I knew more than 15% of what was going on! 

I don't want Greta to be in the same situation as me. She needs to speak German fluently to have a good relationship with her grandparents, to preserve her roots, and to potentially use this gift of a second language and citizenship to her advantage for future endeavors. So as parents we have a lot to do!

After watching this TEDTalk (guys! are any of you TEDtalk nerds like me? I could seriously spend the day watching them) it seems we are at a critical time for Greta to at least hear the German language, and it really works out well that out trip to Germany is during this time! The following are some of the plans that we have leading up to her 1 year birthday:

• Matt will primarily speak to Greta in German when playing, reading, and spending time with her. The past week he's been very diligent with this, and if he does say something in English he usually repeats the German version after when playing with her.
• I will read 1 simple German book to Greta everyday. This is primarily for my benefit, I plan to learn Germany at her level as she grows and hopefully we will both come out fluent in a few year. 
• Oma & Opa will speak German to her throughout our visit and during weekly Skype visits. This should help to to better distinguish German sounds from English sounds she has primarily heard. 

I plan to do a little more research and planning leading up to her first birthday to decide what method we will use to teach her the language but right now exposure is all we can really do. In the future, I hope to utilize Skype visits with her cousin (who is 7 months older), my friends daughter (who is 2 months older), and Oma & Opa will facilitate in her language development. I feel finding daycare and schooling which offers German would be extremely beneficial as well, but I have yet to find anything in our area, my friends who have bilingual children (French) really benefit from a French daycare but that is easier to come by in Canada than German.

In the meantime, I'll be working on my German! Wish me luck, bitte!

Do you have experience with raising a bilingual child? I'd love to hear about it!

Let's Talk

Let's have a little talk about mental health shall we?

Does that question terrify you, or does it make you feel safe to share. I want it to be the latter, it needs to be safe to talk about!

One of the things that drew my into the field of Occupational Therapy (OT) was how it encompassed the whole person when assessing and treating an individual.  Prior to getting into OT, I was focused on Physical Therapy because I wanted to help make people better physically, but as I worked in the field as an assistant I began to realize that among many clients we were treating many not only had physical health issues but there was a lot going on in the aspect of their mental health.  Then I realized that no matter how hard you worked on the physical, if they weren't mentally healthy the treatment was not complete. I'm not saying that every person who had a sprained ankle or torn shoulder, also had a mental disorder - but individuals with chronic pain, multiple traumas, or head injury potentially did.

So, I decided to pursue OT, as I felt it encompassed more of a holistic approach to care that I think is needed and that I would be good at.  Plus, you can strictly work in the area of Mental Health as an OT if that is what is where your interest lies. I still have one more year of school left after my mat leave and in the 2nd year a lot of focus is on OT and Mental Health.  From working with individuals living with depression, anxiety or an eating disorder to working with the homeless by doing outreach work - the possibilities are endless!

Why am I talking about this today? Because today in Canada is Bell's #LetsTalk Day, which is an initiative to bring attention to mental health, end the stigma, and raise money for community resources.

It's important to remember that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and people should feel alright to talk their mental health without the fear of ridicule or being told "deal with it" or "get over it".  These are real issues, that need real attention, and that really matter! I could write a longer post about mental health, the spectrum of mental illness, and how we all need need to focus on our mental well-being; but instead I'm going to leave you with that I think is a powerful video  about how feeling it's OK to talk about it can help:


And please tweet #BellLetsTalk, where 5 cents for every tweet will be donated to mental health initiatives!

4|52

"a portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

| cousin cuddles |

{Question:

      Could you please leave a comment below letting me know how the portions of my blog that are     suppose to be yellow (ie: pretty in the title, the circle around the date of post, all the brush strokes on the side bar) look to you? I was working on my husband's computer the other day and realized it looks like a very pale yellow, nearly green on his screen yet on my computer it is more of a buttercup yellow (as I want it to be). Just interested on what you readers are seeing and how to change it if need be! Thanks a bunch.}

currently. {3}

thinking about | Green grass and spring. Seriously, winter is so brutal this year! I know it's I shouldn't really complain as we choose to live here, normally I don't finds winters this bad, but with this "polar vortex", our bitter cold temperatures started in early December and have not let up.  I cannot wait to get to Germany in February. I plan to take Greta on daily walks along the lake near my in-laws, stroll the cobblestone streets in the center of town, and breathe in the fresh air! In the meantime, I hope the wind decides not to blow so fiercely every other day and the temperatures rise to a manageable degree so we can enjoy some direct sunlight and a nice walk in the cool air. My husband, on the other hand, will remind me daily that the Gold Coast of Australia would be a great place to move - you know once I'm done school, where he believes I'll work and he'll surf and raise Greta all-day long while I bring home the big buck$ (because apparently Occupational Therapists make really good money in Australia..it is tempting right now!)

listening to | Grammy performances. Is Lorde not amazing?! And only 17! Greta sat on my lap and watched her quietly this evening, it was so cute. P!nk was great too as well as Sara Bareilles and Carol King, plus many others.

watching | Homeland. Finally a show that my husband and I could agree on, which is usually rare. We flew through the first season, only to sadly find out that season 2 is not yet available on Netflix. So disappointing. Have you watched it? I've always loved Claire Danes and she is excellent in the lead role.  

thankful for | Heat. A few communities not too far from us are dealing with no heat due to a natural gas explosion over the weekend, in these cold temperatures I can not imagine how they are dealing, running space heaters. We forget how much depend on the essentials until just like that they are gone in the middle of the freezing winter.

Greta starting to sit up independently.

Winter. Cold, snow, and wind,

my sweet niece Brenna {2 days old}

Linking up with a mama collective on this post today:

Friday Ramblings {vol. 1}

Happy Friday!  Here are just a few little things on my mind:

one | I became an auntie for the second time on Wednesday morning! My sister and her husband welcomed a sweet little girl, Brenna Evelyn, to their family! She is so precious, I spent the last day and a half with them and getting some newborn cuddles. My nephew, who is four, is so excited and loves his little sister - it's so sweet to witness the adoration of an older sibling to a new baby. Although I he is seeking a bit of attention for himself at times which is totally understandable, he is going to be a great big brother!

two | I'm so done with this winter already. Seriously, it's either frigid minus forty celsius or warmer temps with snow and high winds causing blizzard conditions. I just want some nice weather! Today on the way home from my sisters, Greta and I were nearly in an accident due to the whiteout and icy conditions. Before having a baby, heading out in stormy conditions didn't bother me as much, but now I'm so much more scared when out, more so worried about other drivers. That little one in the back seat is very precious cargo!

three | We are going through phase where Greta is refusing to nap and in turn becoming so overtired. I guess change in routine of staying at Grandma and Grandpa's overnight hasn't help out situation either. It's exhausting - especially when it has started to trickle over into her nighttime sleep too.  Sticking to my guns, sticking to routine and hope she falls back into her regular schedule but the other day she "played' in her crib for over and hour rather than napping so hope that isn't going to happen everyday.

four | I hate cold sores! Do you get cold sores? I've gotten them since high school, so they just seem to be part of my life but I still hate when they decide to show up, like on my wedding day! Luckily it started just after dinner during the reception and waited to get to the "ugly" phase the following day.  Currently dealing with one now, probably due to decreased sleep over the last week.  With a good prescription medication they are gone pretty quickly but still even after years of dealing with them they drive me crazy.

five | Lastly, just wanting to say a warm Hello! to some new readers/followers who found the blog through the my Birth Diaries guest post & the Mom Lovin' Blog Hop.  Looking forward to connecting with you all and checking out your blogs too, love this blog community and meeting other bloggers!

Have a great weekend all!

Mom Lovin' Blog Hop

I'm so excited to be guest co-hosting the Mom Lovin' Blog Hop this week. Thanks to Hannah, Lena, and Andrea for having me! I'm so happy that I found these ladies blogs as they are all inspirational supermamas and am so happy to follow along as they write about the journey of motherhood as well as their expanding families.

Our Guest Co-Host this week is Kelli at A Pretty Prairie Life

Kelli was our featured mama a couple weeks ago so great to have her as a Guest Co-Host this week! If you don't remember Kelli a prairie girl married to a German boy and they have a sweet little lady name Greta! Kelli recently linked up to Andrea's Birth Diaries series. 

Our featured mama this week is Jenna @ A Mama Collective 

First off I am totally in love with this family photo, aren't you?! Jenna is the founding mama behind the blog- there are 5 other contributers. The Mama Collective is a platform to voice the truths of marriage, motherhood, parenting, and everything in between. I know a blog shouldn't be about the look but this blog is absolutely gorgeous!

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Grab our button!!

Please, if you are new to the hop or have been here but haven't left a comment, please let us know on our own respected blogs that you are a new follower (be sure to say HOW you are following) so we can follow you back! 

Also, If you are interested in co-hosting FOR FREE shoot Hannah an email at hannahsjoyfullife (at) gmail.com to get on the list, growing your followers couldn't be easier! 

3|52

"a portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

| play time in the exersaucer |

currently. {2}

thinking about | how I really, really need to get back to working out an then I think out how I'll be really, really sore and exhausted. Haha. In all seriousness I really need to do something. Winter's are so hard, it's so cold and packing up Greta to head to the city for a class is so much work and the weather is so unpredicatable. So I guess it's time to stop thinking - start doing - and dust off the good old 30 Day Shred. Anyone have suggestions on good, quick, home work out video? 

reading | this post really loved this post, I think that I'm in a hurry for Greta to get to the toddler years but I have to remember to embrace each stage because we all true just grow up so fast! 

listening to | some German language CD's trying to brush up for our trip, but I have the hardest time with this language. I think the best learning process for me will to start out with Greta and learn as she learns.

watching | this video 

thankful for | my husband.  I don't know what I would do without him, This weekend we had a rough night with Greta being up every 2 hours on Saturday night,  Finally at 4 he took his turn, let me sleep in and I woke up to my favorite breakfast and fresh coffee. I truly am so lucky, and I need to remember to tell HIM that because I don't think I tell him enough.

I'm also thankful for this blogging community. Especially Andrea at Hand and the Heart, she asked me to share what was on my heart regarding Greta's unexpected arrival and I am very happy she did. I'm sharing those thoughts today in her Birth Diaries series.  I know it's a long post but I hope that you will head over and read it - spilling those thought and feelings into words truly helped me to be at peace with my birth experience and heal.

Linking up with a mama collective on this post today:

In the Kitchen: Grandma's Quick Cinnamon Buns

Today started out blustery here on the prairies and with that type of weather I had the sudden urge to bake - as baking seems to always bring a coziness over the house (especially if it's bread).  Lately, I've been turning to pinterest or my favorite food bloggers for recipes but today I decided to pull out some old cookbooks. The first one I pulled out was one that had been given to by my grandmother and as I began to flip through I found many scrap papers of recipes in her handwriting scattered throughout.  I instantly got a rush of memories and my heart was filled with joy thinking of the many days I spent alongside my grandma in her kitchen.  Those are some of the best memories! I love when you unexpectedly find yourself taken over by a flood of great memories and this make my need to bake stronger.

    

The recipe I settled on was Cinnamon Buns (Quick) {as it was written in her book} and I decided I'd share the recipe with you guys.

Quick Cinnamon Buns

(makes approx 18 buns)

Ingredients

1 cup milk

3/4 cup water

1/2 margarine (I used butter)

1/2 sugar

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp instant yeast

2 eggs

6 1/2 cup flour (approx)

1/2 cup better (softened)

3/4 cup brown sugar 

3 tbsp cinnamon

Directions

Combine milk, water, sugar, salt & butter (or margarine) in a pot over low heat until butter melted and milk is scalded, remove from heat  and let cool till lukewarm then mix in the yeast and eggs.  Gradually add flour stirring with a wooden spoon until a nice dough forms (add more flour as needed). Note: This could also be done in stand mixer fitted with a dough hook if so desired. Cover pot and let stand for 15 min.

Turn dough on to floured counter and roll out into an approx 18x12 rectangle. Spread with butter and top with sugar and cinnamon. Roll up and cut into 1 inch slices. Place in a greased 9x13  Let rise in a warm space for 1 hour and bake at 325 for 20-25 minutes.

(Oh, and I added pecans to the bottom of my pan)

Do you love to bake? Who do your baking memories involve? 

2|52

"a portrait of Greta, once a week, every week in 2014"

|post bath with daddy|

currently.

thinking about | traveling with a baby. I've been reading a lot to prepare us for our up coming trip, to Germany with Greta, although it is still a month away I want to be as prepared as possible for our first (of many) international trips. How to prepare her for the plane, what to pack, and many other things. If you got any tips to help a mama out - I'd appreciate it!

reading | The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. I started this book around the time Greta was in the NICU and didn't feel that is was a great book for me at that time, so I picked it up again recently and am really liking it. 

listening to | nothing in particular. During the day I have the music stations from our satellite playing while Greta and I go about our day, so some country, some adult alternative and a little folk music fill our days. 

watching | Sons of Anarchy.  Darn you netflix - been binge watching this show after Greta is in bed for the evening.  I didn't think I'd be into this show but I kinda have a love/hate crush on Jax Teller. Do you watch?

thankful for | warmer weather! We were in a deep freeze for the last month thanks to the "polar vortex" and I am so happy we can head outside without freezing our faces off.  Spent some time outside this weekend and hope it keeps up this week, the fresh prairie air is good for my mind and soul.

I'm linking up with A Mama Collective for this post today.