Jip gives in

From the time Zwitsal came into the house, Jip has decided to follow the 'if you can't beat them, join them' path. Guess he just loves the Z-smell on Nina and gets a nice little pillow for his afternoon nap on top of it. No bad deal. Jip is cool!

Finally fireplace

After numerous smoky living room sessions and three experts taking a look at why our chimney would not draw, we finally found out that when the new chimney was rebuilt during the renovation, they blocked off the wrong vent (there were two). At the beginning of the new year we had a liner and a damper installed and since then it's working great. As temperatures dropped quite a bit here during the past few weeks, we could use a little extra heat.

Korean outfit

When Staszek was travelling in Korea in January, he bought a cute little Korean outfit for Nina. It was strange that all the outfits were so small and that he had to buy a large for his baby daughter. It was funny that they had stuffed doggies dressed in the outfits at the market stalls, but only when he got home and saw the Me & My Dog embroidery, the penny dropped. Never mind. Jip was delighted to show off his perfectly fitting new finery and, OK Nina, you can try it on too...with the matching handbag.

Winter in Waukegan

We had already had quite some snow, but when Guido and Delphine were visiting winterstorm alert was called out over Chicagoland. Fortunately they were more than happy to help dig out the cars and the driveway. Not without snowball fights though... There was a plan to make a snowman, but after almost three hours of deplacing the white stuff, enough was enough.

First guests of 2008!

Already in September last year we knew that they were coming so the guest room was ready and waiting for Guido and Delphine when they arrived in Waukegan on February 2. A welcome diner from Mama's Southern Style 'restaurant' (enough for the whole week or the whole street), cuddling with Nina and, Delphine's biggest challenge since she's terrified of cats, petting Jip! He was thrilled when he finally had won her heart. And of course, lots of snow, but we have dedicated the next post to that
.

Superbowl Sunday!

Sunday February 3 was Superbowl Sunday: THE American Football event of the year. We were invited to a Superbowl Party by one of Staszek's colleagues, to share the fun and excitement and watch the game together with some 20 other people. Guido and Delphine had arrived just the day before so they went off with us for their first American experience. Of course food and drink were present in abundance as well as not one but two huge plasma tv's. No idea who were playing and who won, but we sure had a good time. Nina enjoyed herself too, going from arm to arm to eventually fall sound asleep.

With papa on the couch

Playing and practicing sitting with papa on the couch in between dinners in the evening.

In the play pen

Every day there is play time in the play pen. With so many interesting things around you it's hard to stay still so it's action time for Nina. Watching the mobile go round, grabbing little duckies or cuddle with the snake: lots of fun things to choose from.

Bath time

Nina did not care so much for her baby bath tub. Ever since we swapped it for an ordinary bucket, bath time is a lot more fun. Nice and cozy in the warm water, she is now really enjoying herself. But getting out into the cold air... Fortunately mama has nice warm towels waiting!

Stick out your tongue!

After dinner fun

When the hard work of getting a full tummy is over, there is time to relax and have fun. No problem for Nina!

Nina's little hands

Ever since she was born, we have been fascinated by Nina's little hands. Miniature but perfect with those tiny nails. And she knows how to use them,too. Widespread, clenched in fist or folded. She has a pose for every occasion.

J&J are warming up

At first, Jip & Janneke were not too impressed with the new addition to our family. They were used to being in centre of all attention and now this little intruder called Nina was stealing the show. Not fair and they made that clear, hoping that 'it' would go away and they would get their life back the way it was. But, after two months, they have realised that Nina is not going anywhere and that they will just have to share their territorium. As long as she's not moving and crying too much, they are OK and they will tolerate her presence on their couch and their laps. And for Nina? Furry tails are just another fun toy to hold onto.

Nina's smiles

More and more often Nina decides to flash us a little smile. Here are a few we would like to share with you.

Sunny afternoon

Life is good in the playpen in the sunny study in Waukegan. Nina is taking a well-deserved nap after a demanding tummy time session.