Maja Volk Describes Life With Three Grandchildren as Her Family Welcomes Baby Marlena

Maja Volk says the arrival of a new granddaughter has brought fresh excitement to family life. Speaking to HELLO!, the author and health-food advocate described the first days with baby Marlena, who joined older brothers Luka and Petar at the end of September. Volk said the family had months to prepare and share experiences ahead of the birth, yet the new baby’s arrival still felt thrilling and unpredictable. The boys were delighted, she said, although young Petar was temporarily left without his mother for a few days and has not yet fully understood what has changed. The first night was lively and sleepless, but Marlena soon settled into a rhythm. Volk said the adjustment has been less exhausting than it was with the family’s first child. Luka, she added, keeps calling the baby sweet, sings to her and gently strokes her. Petar is fascinated by the difference between his own hands and the baby’s tiny ones, and has been talking about her at preschool. Marlena’s name combines parts of her parents’ names, Marko and Milena. Volk joked that keeping up with the boys is the bigger test: there is running, jumping and climbing, and she needs to stay fit to lift them and chase them around the park. She described Petar making a daily dash out of preschool before he is dressed, leaving her to catch him and get his coat on. Volk said she enjoyed playing with her own children when they were young and now has fun with her grandsons through stories, building toys, drawing, origami and music. She has more patience than before, she said, but feels a greater responsibility as a grandmother because an injury can feel different when it happens on her watch. So far, she added, the children have been safe.