A Day in the Life of the Sodergrens

I spent a day with the Sodergrens in November. I love this family so much. They're not only some of my most frequent clients but also some of my closest friends. I spent a Sunday with them and documented a fun, relaxed day with them.

AB sits on the couch without her clothes on

Morning routines involved a lot of nakedness and running around. I'm a big fan of both, so that was fantastic.

After much running around and a diaper strike, we went upstairs to get ready.

Dad was on the phone with his parents, locked up his room, and sweet Anna Bella was not happy about it, so Mom comforted her while AB anxiously attempted to remove diaper.

Anna Bella got in some tickle time in Mom and Dad's room, giggling hysterically and ordering Mom and Dad to switch places when she was ready for a new tickler.

AB laughs at her dad from inside her tent

I love watching Matt and Jen play with Anna Bella. The way they love her and allow her to be just who she is is really inspiring to me.

After we got ready, we got on the bikes and made our way to the Sodergrens' favorite breakfast place. Biking together was a photographic challenge, but a fun one!

Matt cuddles AB in front of Early Birds Cafe

I love the way Anna Bella will suddenly cuddle or make a stinky face or throw her head back and laugh. You never know what you're gonna get!

Matt giggles with his daughter in the cafe

Early Birds Cafe was fantastic! Great food and great service. The Sodergrens definitely seemed to feel welcome there and AB enjoyed eating on her mama's lap.

I love the way mothers eat with little ones on their laps. It's one of those things you never realize you're capable of until you're the mother of a toddler.

Jen and AB laugh on the bike as dad tickles AB

We hopped back on the bikes after breakfast and headed to the park.

Tsurumai Park is big and lovely, right in the center of Nagoya and typically full of people on a weekend morning.

Diaper changes in the park are always an adventure.

Moms can play, too! I love the way Jen and Matt get in there and play with Anna Bella, just really living in the moment with their daughter.

Anna Bella likes for Matt to slide down in front of her, pushing him all the way.

AB and Matt walk in the cold stream at the park

This brave girl insisted that they take their socks and shoes off and climb in the freezing cold creek. So they did! Her sweet dad did just what she asked. They jumped and kicked and played around in the water until she decided she'd had enough of the cold!

I love this girl's smile.

We explored the park some more, peaking at bugs and into tree trunks.

Of course by the afternoon it was time for a nap. Anna Bella got a little cranky, so her mama picked her up and cuddled her while we walked back to the bikes.

Matt cuddles in close while Jen holds AB

Anna Bella cuddles with her mom while she walks

AB makes a funny face about the can of soup

Anna Bella requested some "poop". Poop means soup, apparently, but I had a good laugh when she repeatedly shouted, "POOP! POOP!" until we found a vending machine with corn soup on our way out of the park.

As soon as we made our way back home, Anna Bella conked out.

Matt and Jenny return home with AB asleep in the bike

Nap-time for Anna Bella in the bike is common on the weekend, so as usual, they took the bike upstairs and parked it in the entrance of their apartment while she slept.

Matt looks lovingly at Jenny during naptime

I loved chatting and relaxing with Jenny and Matt while Anna Bella napped. Every time I hang out with them I learn more about them and find I like them even more. They're good people and they love their daughter like crazy.