We were so happy and fortunate to have Mom {Nana} here for a whole month! Michael was thrilled to receive lots of extra attention and love and we all benefitted from her cleaning and cooking. Unfortunately because of the touch-and-go scenario due to the breech position and lateness of the baby, I was not able to spend much time taking Mom around for sightseeing because of the number of doctor/hospital appointments required. I took her into Vienna once and walked her around to get the lay of the city, then she ventured in a few times by herself to see some of the churches and museums. Next time we will do more adventuring, Mom!
It was like Christmas when she arrived! Not only in the beautiful gift of herself and her service, but in the books and cars/tractors for Michael, and especially this handmade cloth activity book. Michael loves it. Mom, you outdid yourself! (as usual)
Michael enjoying a cupcake brought over by his friend, Kate.
Nana was very good about including Michael in her activities, like sweeping.
Taking the train to Vienna!
Outside the Hofburg Palace.
On November 9, the ITI community celebrated "Martinigansal" - the feast of St. Martin of Tours, and a traditional goose dinner was served at a local restaurant.
The children put on a short play about the saint before dinner.
Throughout dinner and dessert we were entertained by this accordion player from Vienna. He knew all the popular Austrian songs to play, including Sound of Music. He was very good at encouraging audience participation. Above he is accompanied by Rupert, an ITI student from Salzburg.
We all enjoyed the festivities and I am glad Mom got to experience a classic ITI community gathering and meet many of the students.
4 days before the baby came we drove to a nearby Carthusian monastery to pray for labor to start! Unfortunately we missed the last tour time!
Nana read to Michael about 5-10 times a day. In the morning...
...and all throughout the day!
Two other young families from the States who we have enjoyed getting to know.
He pulled a number of students up to try to yodel. This is Vasyl, a Byzantine seminarian from Ukraine.
Nana took Michael to the park on many occasions.
We love you Nana, and are SO grateful for your visit, and all the hard work you did while here - meals, baked goodies, laundry, shopping, babysitting, prayers - your physical and spiritual presence during this time was simply invaluable! We give thanks for you and love you very much.
No comments:
Post a Comment