Sweet Dreams

Annika had a very hard time sleeping recently, so we watched a cartoon together while eating graham crackers on the sofa. Later that same evening, I was up with her again past midnight. I was so tired that I finally decided to lie down on the floor beside her crib. When she saw me lying on the floor, she handed me one of her stuffed animals and a binkie so I would sleep well. How thoughtful and sweet!

Purple Hat from Meghan

Annika's cousin, Meghan, made this cute purple hat. We think it's wonderful!

 Her favorite activity at home now is when we push her around in a plastic bin. She likes to load up her fuzzy animals with her and ride around the house. On this ride, the elephant and pink bear got to come along. The following night, I think she invited doggy, penguin, rabbit, and kitty.

Halloween

Annika started her evening wearing a frog costume and riding in a "Red Flyer" wagon. At one house, a husband and wife opened their door, and they were both wearing identical frog costumes! I should have taken a picture of them.

After trick-or-treating, I (Jeff) was determined to get a picture of her dressed up as a pumpkin, so she got to wear another costume.

I think I snagged this package of Whoppers from her when she held them out. It was a good opportunity to teach her the concept of sharing. Hmmm... I don't remember sharing any, however.

She had a lot of fun playing with candy, although she didn't eat any. To her, candy simply represents fun, colorful toys.

Daddy adores his cute, little pumpkin!

I don't know how this lighting appeared in the photo, but the eerie effect seemed perfect for Halloween.

Perhaps I should have dressed up as the Great (Big) Pumpkin, but I was more content sitting and watching my precious daughter.

Annika is enjoying having visitors & meeting everyone

It's been a wonderful to visit with friends and family and introduce Annika to our loved ones.  Here are a few pictures from our guests.

 Auntie Dolly says Annika has beautiful ears

 Cousin Donnell says she's the cutest

Aunt Jenn and Cousin Ava are reminded that Ava looked very similar

 Friends Wendy and Matt Brunner were able to visit from San Diego

 Lance, Kris and Avery Oschner came with Ryan Shively to visit & bring lunch

 Miss Melanie from bible study brought dinner

Noralea (Nana) Goodrow took care of all the shopping and chores the first two weeks

 Auntie Helen & Uncle Carl brought dinner and enjoyed holding & talking Annika

Peter, Jocelyn & Simeon White stopped in to bring dinner and find the humor in the first two weeks of no sleep

 Emily Keith left here three kids with Phil and drove out to bring us dinner

 Newly weds Clark and Tiffany Souers brought us dinner and a lot of laughter

Lindsay and Ivan Ignatzck from bible study visited and brought dinner

Thankful for the meals

We are so thankful for the meals people have been bringing, we didn't realize how difficult it would be to get to the store in the first few weeks.  It's also been really wonderful to visit with friends when they come over, it's so nice to visit with others, laugh and talk about other things than the baby stuff.  It's also a very nice break from Jeff and I staring at each other trying to figure out the next thing we need to do to take care of Annika ;-)

If you're interested in stopping by or bringing something we'd love to visit with you.  Just login and find a day that isn't assigned yet and we'll look forward to seeing and catching up with you!

The website to sign-up to come over is:

www.takethemameal.com

the last name and password to enter is: "buuck"

Thank you again everyone for your food of love and support!

Jeff, Tamara & Annika

Announcing the arrival of Annika Buuck!

On Friday May 20th at 7:47 pm, Annika Poladian Buuck was born at 7 pounds 9 ounces.


In spite a somewhat long and challenging labor, we have been enjoying the first weeks as a new family, although sometimes it feels like a month has passed. She's adorable and has a sweet disposition. We look forward to time with you in person, but we wanted to share a few early photos now.

People told us newborns just "eat, sleep, poop, and cry." So far, she seems to excel at all of them. Fortunately, when we manage to fill her little belly, she "sleeps like a baby." Jeff suggested that we try adding chocolate syrup to her bottle, but of course the pediatrician says she is too young. Reluctantly, he agreed to wait a few weeks. Jeff said he didn't realize after having a baby that he'd have so many decisions, such as "with the few minutes of personal time do I brush my teeth or comb my hair?"

Here's a Breakdown of our Typical Day:

12-15 hrs Feeding baby... changing diaper... changing clothes... burping baby... washing

1-2 hrs Conducting SWOT analysis (Tamara and I are applying our work background) to plot strategic initiatives for infant training development program to make feeding a sleeping more efficient.

2-3 hrs Seeking professional help, as well as guidance from family & friends

2-3 hrs Eating (much thanks to Tamara's mom, Noralea and so many others, for feeding us wonderful meals, running errands, and helping us survive with immeasurable support!)

1 hrs Welcoming visitors and sharing experiences

1-2 hrs Personal time

0-1/2 hrs Personal Grooming

It may add up to more than 24 hours, but we're really too tired to care.

We really appreciate all the sentiments, prayers, thoughtful gestures, calls, emails, Facebook posts, text messages, Morning in America sessions, and love that help us see the sunshine through the fog!!

Love from All of us,

Jeff, Tamara, and Annika

Welcome to our Blog

Our desire is to use our resources, talents, and faith to bless others. We will share our endeavors, thoughts, and memories in order to nurture the relationships we value. Thank you for sharing some of your time with us.