"The Tractor"

The last few days Noah has been complaining about headache and tension in his neck. That along with that he sleeps poorly normally tells us that it is time to make an appointment with the chiropractor again. So we promised Noah over the weekend that we would make an appointment as soon as possible. Shawn made the call first thing this morning and we got an appointment for this Thursday. In the evening, when Shawn was at work, Noah and I were laying in the bed talking about the day's events. Noah then says "I want to go to the tractor". I was asking where the tractor was and which tractor he was talking about. "The one in the city - where daddy takes me" he answered. I had to think really hard there for a while until I realised that he was talking about the chiropractor!! When we had cleared that out and he then got to complain a bit that he never was taken there today (as we had "promised" over the weekend!), I gave him a little massage. Afterwards he curled up next to me and as usual, the baby belly got a cuddle as well. Lovely end to a Monday night I must say.

Advent 1st

By the time December comes round, Sweden has very few hours of daylight. The sun drops out of sight in the afternoon. The first Sunday of Advent comes as an eagerly awaited sign that Christmas is approaching. This year Advent came early, the last weekend of November. On the first Advent Sunday, people light the first candle in the Advent candlestick. This is always a special event, eagerly awaited. Each Sunday until Christmas, a candle is lit (and blown out after a while), until all four candles are alight. The children’s expectations grow with every candle. On TV, there is a special Christmas calendar show for the young with 24 episodes, commencing December 1st. It, too, serves as a countdown to the big day. In towns and cities, Christmas fairs selling handicrafts and decorations are a common sight, while at home people start baking in preparation for the holiday. Which we of course did this weekend. We made gingerbread dough, lots of cookies and a gingerbread house as well as saffron buns. Shawn also attempted to make chocolate truffles, not bad!!

December is one of the most hectic months for Swedish families. The burden of work is always heavy at this time of year. There is much to be done in a short space of time before everyone can sit back and relax. Also, for me this year I'm training the girl that will be covering for me while I'm on maternity leave. For the children, meanwhile, December involves numerous end-of-term ceremonies, shows and activities. Next week, Noah's preschool will hold its annual Winter Concert which we know they have been practicing lots for - can't wait to watch it! The longed-for peace and quiet comes later, when all the preparations have been completed and Christmas can begin in earnest. On the first Sunday in Advent, many Swedes get together to drink glögg — I'm sure I've mentioned it before, a hot, spicy mulled wine with blanched almonds and raisins and ginger snaps to accompany it. This Sunday we got together with Annelie, Tony and little Elias. The kids were very proud of their hard work baking out the gingerbread cookies, however to be honest, I think they mostly ate the dough...

Lazy weekends

We love spending our weekends in the kitchen together, cooking, baking and doing some arts and crafts. After a busy afternoon, there is nothing better than a cuddle in bed.

Ultrasound in November

Most Swedes would agree on that November is the most boring month of the year when it comes to the weather. In the south part of Sweden it is often rainy, foggy and cold and in general what we would call s***t weather. However, this year November has been lovely with sunny days, hardly no rain and warm temperatures. With that type of weather time flies and the weeks just pass by so quickly. We have been quite focused on getting everything ready for the new addition to the family. We set ourselves a deadline for December 1st so that December can be spent relaxing and enjoying the holiday season - and I actually think we will meet the deadline! Also, you never know if the baby decides to pop out early. The due date is January 14th which is just two days after Noah's birthday - I wish they don't end up sharing birthday :-)!

Attached is a ultrasound picture from week 30. It was then also determined that we are expecting a little girl!

The Annual Dress up Party at Preschool

To choose what to wear at a dress up party is difficult - so many choices! We finally went for the fire man outfit.