Jip socializing again

Nina's early morning feeding takes place lounging on the bed. Jip likes lounging too and since the bed has actually always been his (and Janneke's) territorium, he felt he should show off a little and join the lounging crowd. Nice and cozy when Staszek is getting ready for work :)

Queen's Day 2008

The Queen's birthday is a happy holiday in The Netherlands. The country spontaneously turns orange for the occassion. We travelled to Zwolle to celebrate together with Lycke and Jesse. Unfortunately we were a little bit too late for the parade, but there was enough time left to play with the cousins, try out the orange finery from the complementary C-1000 orange package, drink orange tea and eat orange cake.

Nina with cousins Lycke & Jesse

Cousins Lycke and Jesse wanted to be the first ones to meet Nina so, as a surprise, they had come all the way to the airport to welcome us. Unfortunately we missed them at the arrivals hall and only found out about this great surprise when already on our way to Apeldoorn. Fortunately they followed us quickly and at the Beiaardiershoeve, Lycke and Jesse could finally meet little Nini. Especially Lycke had been looking forward to it for a long time and she is now officially 'in love'!

Nina & cousin Sophie

Sophie welcomed Nina with open arms! There is only a two day difference between the two cousins. They look both so cute. And of course supercute in pictures together.

The uncles

There are more uncles, but this was the one who made it to an official 'with Nina only' picture: uncle Yoon! He came to Waukegan when Nina was a week old and was just allowed to observe her through the glass window of the NICU. This was much more fun!

The aunties!

For Staszek's sister Marysia it was a first time meeting as she gave birth to cousin Sophie only two days after Nina came into the world. Anita's sister Mirjam and Liesbeth could not get over how big Nina had gotten since they last saw her as a tiny little baby in November last year here in the USA.

Great-grandmother!

Great-grandmother van Wissen was also delighted to finally meet Nina and of course to see her granddaughter again. To have four generations in one picture is certainly something very special.

Opa and Oma

Opa and Oma had met Nina for the first time when she was only two weeks old, still tiny and in the hospital. We've come a long way since then. As a 13 pounder (American) she's quite a handful now. But they only loved having 'more' of Nina and especially having her so close for a couple of weeks as we were staying at their place. Lots of cuddles, kisses and evening walks here, too!

Babcia and Dziadek

Nina is a lucky little girl, she does not only have an opa and oma (Anita's parents), but also a Babcia and Dziadek (Staszek's parents)! For them it was the first time they could hold her in their arms and see her 'live' in action. They enjoyed every minute of it.

Trip to NL

Last month, Nina finally got to use her passport: we went on a trip to The Netherlands. Two weddings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to meet, the Queen's birthday. Reasons enough venture the 8 hour flight. The welcome party at the Beiaardiershoeve brought the Chlapowski and Slats family together to meet Nina for the first or, some already had the privilege, second meeting. It was great!

I can do it myself!

It's starting already; I want to do it myself! No further comment necessary, just see for yourself how the second carrot session went today.

Jip the cozy cat

Jip has made a habit of joining Nina and Anita for the morning feeding. As this event takes place in his favourite spot, the bed, it's only natural that he should be there too. Not just on the bed, but close to us, very close. Preferably between, but that's a bit difficult so next to will have to do for now.

First carrots!

After the rice cereal, the first carrots were on the menu. Different colour, different taste, but Nina loved the orange puree and finished her portion in no time. She even checked if the bowl was really empty. And after that, time to sit back, relax and let it all sink in and go down.

First rice cereal

Nina is now six months old so the time had come to extend her diet. Rice cereal was going to be her first 'solid food' experience. After Nina had tried a little bit off his finger, Staszek had the honor of feeding the first teaspoon full. Then Anita had a go as well. Only a limited amount for the first time, but enough to make a mess. Tomorrow again!

Cat comfort

It's a well known fact that cats have a knack for finding the most comfortable place in the house to lay their little furry heads. Jip and Janneke surely do, too. In the sun on a huge pile of clothes and just folded soft blanket, or even in Nina's little crib on, again a soft blanket. But only when she's not in it: they check!

High chair

It's always nice to see things from a different perspective and to be able to join the grown ups when they are having dinner. An upgrade from the bouncy chair and playpen to the high chair. Nina is loving it! But that green bottle will have to wait a little.

Easter 2008

Easter felt more like Christmas this year: snow, snow, snow outside! We are so ready for Spring. Fortunately we had a little Easter bunny to cheer us up.