it's no ordinary life!

Photo Card

2011-11-28T22:42:00.001+01:00

Pictures Galore Christmas

Customize your Christmas cards this year at Shutterfly.com.

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It's Christmas Time!

2011-11-28T22:41:00.002+01:00

Photo Card

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Cutest Stationary Cards for Boys!

2011-02-14T12:45:00.003+01:00

I just placed my SECOND order from Shutterfly for the cutest stationary cards for Daniel. They are printed on a high-quality cardstock paper and the design is absolutely ADORABLE! I am using them for thank you notes and for sending notes to his teacher at kindergarten. They can be personalized with any name and matching address labels are available too!

Animal Crackers Thank You Card

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I'm back!

2011-01-12T14:51:00.001+01:00

I know, it's been a (long) while. This year is all about new beginnings for me and blogging is back on my proverbial 'to do' list. It's sort of therapeutic for me, a nice (and hopefully more permanent) alternative to the pen and paper journals I created endless years ago. When I visited this blog again today, I was ~~happy~~ thrilled to see that Blogger has finally upgraded their offerings of backgrounds, tools, gadgets, layouts, etc. Such changes were long overdue and, in the meantime, I flirted with several other blogging sites in an attempt to find something more useful. For now, though, I will continue my efforts to work here, with Blogger, especially in light of their happy and colorful new improvements.

I hope you are all doing well and having a great start into 2011! Stay tuned for more updates soon.

A rhyme worth your time

2010-05-08T13:24:00.003+02:00

I am usually not a big fan of chain emails, forwarded jokes, YouTube videos, or anything else one might consider junk mail, but I received a link today that is certainly worth sharing. This woman sums up the MOST IMPORTANT THING so well! Check her out (click on link below)...

RHYME

US - low score on Motherhood rankings. On WHAT?

2010-05-04T21:25:00.007+02:00

Posted Tue May 4, 4:58 am ET by WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States has scored poorly on a campaign group's list of the best countries in which to be a mother, managing only 28th place, and bettered by many smaller and poorer countries.

...One factor that dragged the US ranking down was its maternal mortality rate, which at one in 4,800 is one of the highest in the developed world, said the report.

The full article can be found HERE. I was shocked to read the horrific stats on infant mortality and maternal death that landed the US so low on this list. Unfortunately, it is not completely unimaginable given that maternity leave is almost non-existent, that so many mothers go back to work so quickly following childbirth, and that Medicaid seemingly encourages those covered under the plan to increase the size of their families while unable to adequately provide for them. The article would have held more merit in my eyes it the entire list had been published and the factors considered in ranking the countries. Regardless, I am thankful, and not at all surprised to see that Germany ranked in the top 10.

Having lived here for the past 5 years (almost) under a "socialized medicine" system, I can attest to the benefits. Yes, it costs more than the US... much more! 14% of my gross salary! But, everyone covered under the public healthcare sector pays this amount, regardless of the number of hours they work or their gross income. It's not a perfect system, but it works. Nearly EVERYONE in the country has healthcare insurance. Regardless of my generally republican ideals, I would have to seriously consider voting FOR a universal healthcare system in the US.

Under the German system, I personally received exceptional care, including a fully covered amniocentesis by a top-ranked specialist. My total out-of-pocket expenses were less than 300 euros (less than 500 US dollars)! My PAID maternity leave started 6 weeks prior to my due date and continued 8 weeks after delivery (regardess of due date). Following that time, I received 67% of my net pay for the following 10 months! Granted, the birthrate in Germany is extremely low and this law was passed to encourage women to have children (by lessening the financial burden). Not only that, my employer is legally required to retain my position for a period of up to 3 years should I decide to exercise my "stay at home" right for that entire period.

There are a few drawbacks to the German system...a very few. One that might bother many American mothers is that my OB/GYN had nothing at all to do with the delivery of my child. Unless complications arise, a midwife or two delivers the baby. Immediately following birth, a physician examines the child and conducts all post-birth care of the mother. No, I had never met the guy (physician) before, but it didn't matter. I had a healthy child and he took exceptional care of me, even on Christmas night.

So, I am quite happy with my socialized medicine. I certainly can't complain.

Breakfast with a Monkey (or was it a Caveman?)

2010-04-27T10:16:00.001+02:00

This morning Daniel and I enjoyed breakfast together. While I drank my piping hot latte and lightly toasted piece of strizel (a mildly sweet butter bread with soft raisins and sliced almonds on top), Daniel, I mean the Monkey, polished off two thin slices of the strizel all by himself. He has not yet mastered any sort of culinary finesse and employs more of a cave-man style of eating... shoveling every last morsel in by pouring all the remaining crumbs into his little mouth. Perhaps he was just really hungry, or maybe this is just what boys do. Needless to say... the crumbs went everywhere.

16 Months Old

2010-04-25T14:04:00.002+02:00

What an awesome day to turn 16 months old! The sky is a crystal clear, vibrant blue (no clouds in sight!), there is a cool freshness in the air, and the birds are chirping contently. A few young boys sit peacefully across the lake, enjoying the stillness of the water as they await a catch on their fishing poles. They are more likely to catch a duck than a fish, but I imagine the experience is more about the escape than the harvest!

So, Little Man is 16 months old today. He is almost walking by himself & is so very active during the day toddling around, chasing his cars, and babbling incessantly. It is interesting to imagine what it is he is attempting to say, but just this morning, I recognized that he was trying to say "ball" (which sounded more like "ba") as he pulled his red ball from his toy box. Little guy is working so hard to learn both English & German, but seems to understand us very well!

In the past week, he is back to napping sometimes twice daily (morning & afternoon). He talks often quite loudly in his sleep and I think he wakes himself up in the night. He also wakes quite early (before 7 AM), so seems a bit more tired by mid-morning. Maybe it is a growth phase. Regardless, he is a much happier boy when he gets a good nap, whenever it happens!

The 8th tooth has made it's appearance this month, resulting in lots of biting and chewing on just about anything (shoes, toys, furniture, etc). And... more drooling! Michael is diligent about evening teeth brushing (both Daniel's and his own) - no yuck mouth around here!

Daniel is quite a social butterfly... he obviously prefers playing with other kids than alone. He is really enjoying his days at his babysitter's house with the 3 other children there. He LOVES to go for walks with us outside and we make that an almost daily afternoon event for our family. We have a long 1-hour "loop" in our neighborhood and along the Rhein on which we can see farm animals (mostly sheep & cows), big barges traveling along the Rhein, and beautiful open fields with fragrant blooms trees/flowers. We ALL love it!

It looks like we will have to take Daniel to the pool soon! He CHERISHES his bath - playing wildly, drinking big cupfuls of soapy bathwater, and laying on his back in the water kicking his legs like a zoo animal. The child has absolutely NO FEAR of the water, which is why he probably should learn the basics of swimming as soon as possible.

Our little monkey is so much fun, so entertaining, and yet so challenging for us. He keeps us chronically tired, but smiling nonetheless. We thank God for the precious moments in which we see him experience so many new things that life brings our way. Having him in our lives truly is fun and the most rewarding thing on Earth!

It's (A) Wild Life

2009-03-21T09:54:00.019+01:00

Can you say SUN?!?! We are so happy to have had some really SUNNY and warmer days here this week! Despite being very thankful for the cold, snowy winter we had (since my internal thermostat was apparently set to HOT while I was pregnant), I am so glad the first signs of Spring are finally here! Mr. Quackers, the affectionately named white duck living on the lake in front of our house, is busy 'making his house' in a yet leaf-less bush that extends out into the water. The daffodil bulbs are beginning to pop open revealing their cheerful yellow blooms and the two swans on the lake seem happy to no longer have to walk on the frozen water! Apparently, it is duck (mating) season, since the mallards are often chasing after the brown female ducks.

We love our feathered friends that also make their home here - they are quite entertaining! While Daniel and I were out on a little stroll, I took a few pics of the swans... paddling along, often "diving" in the water for a nibble on a few tender green water plants. Bottoms up!

Little Things

2009-03-21T08:55:00.009+01:00

I truly believe it is most often the little things that count - brief words of encouragment, offering some kind gesture to a stranger, a smile, little inexpensive (but loving and thoughtful) gifts. My husband is a master of so many of these little things. On our second date, he showed up at my front door with a bouquet of brightly colored gerber daiseys. The third date, he unloaded several grocery bags of fresh produce and fruit into my fridge (almost empty except for mustard, water, and coffee), explaining that "if I am going to spend much time here, we need some fresh food to eat". Ok, maybe that was just a matter of sheer survival. Nevertheless... it's the little things. Little things that showed he cared. As he does a couple of times a month, he returned from shopping with a bouquet of fresh cut tulips... beautiful red ones with yellow margins. He said, "You are the best wife and mom ever." For any guys out there who might be reading this, just know that he got BIG (actually HUGE) points for that ;-) ! Little things - the best of all!

First 7 weeks

2009-02-17T16:22:00.007+01:00

It is truly amazing how fast our little guy has grown in only 7 weeks. Looking back over these photos makes me realize how fleeting time really is... and that we must cherish each and every moment.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Clocks Spinning Faster, Nights Shorter (Six Weeks in Review)

2009-02-10T16:20:00.014+01:00

Six weeks? Really? I honestly can't believe it has been that long since we brought Daniel home. Wow - time is really flying! My days are a blur and I find myself looking at the calendar to determine the day of the week. My focus has completely changed, away from myself to our precious little baby, while trying to keep my priorities straight. God, Michael, Daniel - in that order. Sleep is a luxury, spit up on my shirt is no big deal, and each day brings new excitement as we watch Daniel grow so quickly. He has gone from just less than 8 pounds at birth, to now over 11 pounds! I am truly amazed that my body alone is able to sustain this little guy and such an amazing growth rate. If I did not know better, I would think someone was feeding him growth hormone and steroids! He has already outgrown many of his newborn clothes and is almost fitting into his 3-month-old size clothes.

Daniel's grandparents absolutely adore him! My mom came to visit us from the US for a week in January and we look forward to Michael's parents coming from Vienna next week. They eagerly await new photos on Daniel's website everyday, often checking it several times a day in anticipation of something creative and new. It is really sweet.

We are so blessed that Daniel sleeps as well as can be expected at night, waking only twice to nurse. From the first night we brought him home, he has been sleeping in his own crib, more restful both for him and for us. He STILL hates tummy time, but still gets some "exercise" on his tummy while lying on my chest when we catch an afternoon nap together, a wonderfully special time that I absolutely love sharing with him. He is beginning to smile at us and the interaction with him is indescribable. His little smiles and sweet cries melt me.

I can only imagine what the next days, weeks, and months have in store for us and Daniel continues to change, grow, and amaze us...

Welcoming a SON!

2009-01-02T11:15:00.016+01:00

On Thursday evening, December 25, 2008 at 7:46 PM, we welcomed our first child, a beautiful baby boy named Daniel Tyler Cvitkovich, into the world. I could never have imagined receiving any better gift on earth and feel blessed beyond words. The birth of a child is truly a miracle. So many times this past week I have gazed into his blue eyes and wept sobbing tears of joy as I held him in my arms, his tiny fingers wrapped around only one of mine. I am humbled knowing that God selected Michael and me to care for, love, and raise this precious child. This labor of love is both an honor and a pure joy and I pray daily that God will give me the wisdom, strength, and patience I need to be the mother He wants me to be. I have always thought that raising a child is one of life's greatest responsibilities. The realization that Michael and I are now blessed with this responsibility is daunting.

Daniel is now 8 days old and the time since his birth has been a complete blur. I find myself asking Michael, "What day is it? What time is it? Oh, I haven't eaten anything since breakfast?" I have always been one who needed more sleep than not (often taking naps on the weekend even when I was not pregnant) and very much enjoying food (sometimes a bit too much). Sleep seems like a luxury now and I have no idea to where my appetite has escaped. That latter is actually ok, since my pregnancy was a bit more "healthy" than recommended and a missed meal will certainly not adversely affect my health. Fortunately, I have THE BEST husband on Earth who has taken care of cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, shopping, and taking care of Daniel during the day when I really needed to get a few more hours of sleep or take a shower.... not to mention the exception care of me that he provides everyday. We have decided I will take the night shifts since Daniel is only milk fed (naturally) and it makes no sense for Michael to get up with me just to change a diaper. Our system is working well for both of us and since Daniel has finally learned the difference between night and day, we are all getting on a good schedule. We consider ourselves VERY blessed with such a wonderful baby.

Today was our first day "out" as a family. We went to the little mall in our town and then for a nice dinner at the Chinese restaurant there. It was so nice to get out and I really loved feeling like a family! We had everything perfectly prepared to take him out (diaper bag, warm clothes, etc) and were excited to try out our new stroller with him. Funny thing was the stroller was quite wobbly. We had forgotten to check the pressure in the inflatable tires. Fortuanately, there was enough for us to walk around the mall, but we will definitely fix that little issue tomorrow. Michael so proudly pushed the stroller while we were out. Daniel slept the whole time we were out until he woke with a shrill cry less than 10 minutes after we arrived at the Chinese restaurant. I grabbed the diaper bag and walked like an olympic speed walker to the one place in the mall that I knew had a nice baby changing room. I felt like I had a flashing sign reading "NEW PARENT" hanging on me. I have not walked that fast since the last time I was at the gym a few days before Daniel was born. After a very messy diaper change, I emerged from the changing room feeling a sense of accomplishment and confidence that "I can do this!" Each day Daniel teaches us a little bit more about how to take care of him and so each day gets easier. Life is good, life is really good.

Where is that crazy STORK?

2008-12-22T12:44:00.002+01:00

We are asking Santa to send the STORK a GPS/navigation system as an EARLY Christmas present, because apparently he doesn't know his way around Germany very well. In the meantime, we have another appointment (our last hopefully) at the hospital tomorrow morning for a final checkup. If the STORK hasn't found his way to us by then, the hospital will schedule a time for us to return on Wednesday for induction.

Michi and I are about to go to the gym for a workout. Perhaps Daniel will also be enticed to work OUT too ;-)

We'll keep you posted!

Introspection

2008-12-14T13:17:00.014+01:00

As I was reading another blog, I came across an interesting post that was rather introspective and worth some consideration myself. It was quite thought-provoking. Following are my thoughts...

* Maybe I should... spend more time listening to God rather than trying to control everything myself, enjoy the present rather than focusing so much on the future, count more blessings everyday
* I love the smell of... fresh ground coffee, my husbands cologne, magnolia blossoms, rosemary
* People would say that I... am definitely Type A (headstrong, stubborn, loyal)
* I don't understand why... God had led me where I am in life, but the journey is exciting, challenging, and rewarding
* When I wake up in the morning... I kiss my husband goodbye and wish him another good day before making a scalding hot cappuccino and checking my email, weather, etc on the internet
* I lost my willpower to... put on makeup everyday
* Life is wonderful with... hope, peace, a sense of security, and a loving family
* My past made me... stronger, more focused, having a broadened world-perspective
* I get annoyed when... people drive in the left lane and don't pass
* Parties are not... occurring frequently enough. I especially love being invited to the parties hosted by Michael's friends. I always meet many interesting multicultural people with interesting stories to tell
* Dogs are... great pets, loyal companies, better off outside
* Cats are... cleaner than dogs
* Tomorrow I am going to... wash clothes and make sure everything is ready to take to the hospital
* I have a low tolerance for... too many rainy days in a row
* I wonder why I thought my life would be... in my control
* Never in my life... would I have guessed I would be living in Germany (or anywhere outside the US!)
* High school was something that... through several difficulties, strengthened my focus and resolve to do something with my life
* When I am nervous... I get jittery and sweaty
* Take my advice... setting aside some savings early in life is a good thing
* Making my bed is... a must-do every morning (sometimes before doing anything else)
* I'm almost always... doing my best to maintain a positive attitude
* I'm addicted to... the internet (email, Facebook, blogs, etc)
* I want someone... to be honest with me, challenge my opinions, offer constructive criticism, and enrich my life through their own experiences

Any day now (patience is a virture)

2008-12-09T09:13:00.017+01:00

Less than one week to go and the anticipation of Daniel's expected birthday on December 14 seems to consume me. I have read that only about 5% of babies are born on their "due date", but I am hoping to be in the minority group. Many close friends and family have warned me, "Get plenty of sleep now and enjoy the silence." Impossible. Often I find myself part of Insomniacs Anonymous, my mind spinning with all the last minutes things I should do, or think I should do. Apparently this is some type of normal nesting instinct I am experiencing or, perhaps, a sadistic method of parenting preparation.

Fortunately, living in Germany at this point has many unexpected blessings. Maternity leave begins 6 weeks prior to birth and continues for 8 weeks after birth. I am so thankful to have had the past 5+ weeks to be at home, tackling the many projects on my extensive to-do list. Since the population growth here has been declining for many years, there is a government incentive which allows a parent to stay home with a child for one complete year after birth while receiving 67% of his/her salary. Not a bad gig, even if it does feel like German welfare. I consider it payback for the seemingly excessive tax rate that provides for all the socialized services the government provides, including all the ultrasounds I received during my pregnancy, the midwife consults over the past few months (which will continue for up to a month after Daniel arrives)... all with no out-of-pocket expenses. When I first started working for a German company in July 2007, I often complained that I only brought home about half my pay after all the taxes. Now I consider such a system a blessing.

God is teaching me patience, of which I greatly lack. Must be that type A control-freak personality. I am His work in progress. Certainly, I will really have to chill-out when little Daniel finally does arrive.

A new journey

2008-12-08T08:34:00.011+01:00

So, here I go... on a new type of journey. An attempt to capture a written account of my life experiences, adventures, blessings. Nothing ventured, nothing gained - right? At the request of several friends who suggested I start a blog, I'll give it my best shot. As Michael (my wonderfully loving and supportive husband) and I embark on a new path in our lives together awaiting the birth of our first child, perhaps now is the time to begin. I really appreciate your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Thanks for joining me as I document my travels along the path I'm on...