...and Life as a Mom Begins

Dear Olivia,

I am not going to lie, as this post will be more about me than anything. Adjusting to parent-hood is something that is hard to prepare for, but you adapt and overcome as necessary. Lucky for your Dad and I, you loved to be swaddled tightly which helped you sleep almost through the night from Day 1. This gave us much needed rest as new parents, and helped you grow as well. You slept next to our bed in a bassinet for the first two months, while the dogs always kept a watchful eye on you from either our bed or on the floor nearby. Sandy and Jinx love you. 

Once your Oma, Papa, and Aunt Kelsey left Germany (and your Daddy returned to work), you and I began to settle into life at home during the day- just the two of us. We napped together, cried together, smiled together, and played together. You were (and still are) my little buddy. Your first month of life was filled with firsts. You are still a skinny-little thing, but healthy as can be and likely to take after your Oma and Grandma Sheila who are both petite ladies!

I am not going to lie, I struggled with this new identity of being a "stay-at-home" mom, as I have always worked and been very busy. You, as a newborn, slept a lot and ate a lot, so there was not much activity and we were inside quite often (except when we took the dogs for walks). We tried to get out and drive or visit your dad at work sometimes, but usually we spend the better part of the day hanging out at home. 

On your 1 month birthday it was also your Papa's birthday! He should always be able to remember that date :) By now you have become much more alert, you keep your eyes open longer, and you are starting to notice things around you. You immediately know when Daddy is home as you can hear his deep voice which was even comforting to you when you were in the womb. 

I am an exhausted mom, but I wouldn't change this gig for the world. You are so fun to watch grow and develop each day. Your first month FLEW by, but I think your dad and I are finally starting to get the hang of things. 

Oh, your friend Paisley was born a little early too- she came on August 6 and her parents are so excited to begin parenthood too!

Oma giving you a bath, with a watchful Sandy!

You were so tiny, hehe!!

Meeting your friend, Paisley, for the first time at the hospital!

Happy 1 Month

You are loved beyond measure,

Mommy

Traveling Olivia

Guten Tag!

With your Oma, Papa, and Aunt Kelsey in town we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to travel around Southern Germany. You were such a great road-tripper and within your first few weeks of life we visited Tubingen, Triberg, Heidelberg, Garmisch, and the Neuschwanstein Castle.

Tubginen Germany is one of your Dad's and my favorite cities close by our home (we had been before you were born). It has beautifully colored buildings, a very old church, and river you can float down on a paddle boat or canoe, and delicious foods! It was really hot that day we visited that town, so you and I stayed in the shade a lot and I enjoyed some Gelato and a Radler.

Tubingen

Triberg is known for it's famous Waterfall in Germany and Cuckoo Clocks. You, Oma, Papa, Aunt Kelsey, and I visited Triberg on another very hot day and visited the waterfall and some shops around town. We saw the largest Cuckoo Clock ever, and Oma and Aunt Kelsey purchased their own authentic "Black Forest" clocks too. Your Dad and I visited Triberg when we first moved to Germany (Spring 2015)  and you were in my belly. But at that time there was still ice and snow on the ground!

Triberg

Heidelberg was another lovely day-trip, just about 1.5 hours north of where we lived in Vaihingen. It is known for it's very old Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) and a walking bridge over the river. It was beautiful. We saw the world's largest Wine Barrel, had delicious food, and toured the castle and grounds. The history in this city is awe-inspiring. This was my first trip to this city.

Heidelberg

Garmisch- now that place is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!! Tucked into the Bavarian Alps, it is a nice little ski resort-area in the winter and a hiking and exploring area in the summer. I think your Oma stated it perfectly that "we could stay here for weeks". During this 2-day trip we explored the Partnatch Gorge, visited the 1936 Winter Olympic Long-Jump arena, walked around downtown Garmisch, and drove to the Neuschwanstein Castle (aka "Cinderella's Castle). This was your first official "over-night" trip somewhere, and you did marvelous! This was all of our first time going to Garmisch!

Arriving in the Bavarian Alps region

After hiking through the Partnatch Gorge

The Partnach Gorge

Castle from the Bridge Lookout

The Family at the door step of the Castle!

You are already a well-traveled baby, and we have so many more trips with you planned during our years here in Europe, and even once we are back in the United States permanently. We hope you love to explore just like we do, and that you take every opportunity you have to get out and travel! I would say your first 3 weeks of life were pretty eventful... you are one lucky baby!

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy