Lithuanian Educator Veronika Naumova-Kazilione Embraces motherhood and Celebrates Son’s Baptism
A renowned Lithuanian teacher, Veronika Naumova-Kazilione, has opened up about the joys and challenges of new motherhood, alongside details of her son Dominic’s recent baptism. The celebrated educator shared her experiences with People.lt, revealing a shift in pace and a renewed focus on family life.
The transition to motherhood, like any significant life change, presented initial hurdles. “I’d say it’s better now,” she explained. “In the beginning there were challenges – everything was new, there were a lot of ‘first times’ when you didn’t know why you were crying or what was wrong. Now it’s easier,because the day mode has appeared,I understand and know more.”
This September marked a different kind of beginning for Naumova-kazilione, trading the school bench for time with her grandson, Dominic. Despite the change, she emphasizes a newfound sense of calm. “Because of life changes, it has slowed down the pace of my life – I adjust all the plans to the rhythm of the child. Now I try to just enjoy motherhood, as time goes by so quickly that you want to enjoy every moment,” she said.
The obligation of raising Dominic is a shared one, with her husband, Sim, playing an equally active role. “Everything happens quite naturally with us,” she noted.”It’s not like one of us is responsible for a specific job – we do everything together. We both look after, feed, sleep and do things with Dominic. Both I and Sim actively contribute to the child’s care and education. It is crucial for me that he sees from the beginning that dad is not a helper, but an equal person next to him.”
On September 14th, the couple celebrated Dominic’s baptism in Vilnius, at St. Teresa’s Church. The decision to hold the ceremony when Dominic was just one and a half months old felt right for the couple.”It seemed like the right time – he is still very calm and everything is happening without much stress,” naumova-Kazilione shared. The choice of St. Teresa’s Church was intentional, drawn to it’s beauty, cozy atmosphere, and the warmth of the presiding priest.
for Naumova-Kazilione and Sim, baptism holds deep significance. “For me, baptism is not just a tradition or a formality. It is indeed a special moment when a child becomes under the care of not only us, but also God.” Close friends Ana Rosso and Igna Grinevičius were chosen as Dominic’s godparents, individuals the couple deeply trusts and believes will provide unwavering support and love.
The christening festivity itself was an intimate affair, held at the couple’s home with approximately 20 immediate family members. They prioritized comfort, simplicity, and closeness, enlisting the culinary expertise of “Malka, Šmotas, Dūmas” and drinks from “Aplodismentai” mobile bar. Naumova-Kazilione personally oversaw the decorations and entertainment, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A special touch was the personalized “grandma” and “grandpa” t-shirts gifted to Dominic’s grandparents, a gesture to reinforce their importance in his life.
Naumova-Kazilione kept her pregnancy private, announcing the birth of her son only in the summer. She has also scaled back her social media presence, choosing to dedicate her time fully to Dominic. “Now I’m a little less on social networks, because time goes by so fast that I don’t have time to upload everything,” she explained. “In addition, I want to spend as much time as possible on Dominik – his education, care and being together. The time of infancy passes in an instant, so I want to live it, not spend it on social networks. I will still be able to spend time on them, and the time with the child is irreversible.”
