Erica's last theme for December - and the last theme of 2010 - is My 2011: expectations, dreams, wishes, resolutions. I thought I'd summarise my 2010 first and then tell you about my expectations for 2011 at the end. The "show" part of the post is in the links!
This year's (2010)...
...happening
Finding out we were pregnant!
...project
The pregnancy, though it hasn't been that difficult, rather the opposite. Maybe flat hunting then, a project which has not delivered yet.
....song
Sarah Dawn Finer's song for the royal wedding; illustrates the love between Peter and me this year as well
...trip
Eight heavenly days in the Maldives, which turned out to be our engagement trip
...hip hip hooray
A proposal and a yes
A blue line on a plastic stick (such a surprise at the time, albeit a happy one)
A wedding
...person
Belly Dancer
....toil
Fruitless flat hunting, though frustrating and fun at the same time
...garment
My red Hunter wellies
...best book
Haven't read much this year unfortunately so among the 10 or so books I have read, definitely "At Home" by Bill Bryson
...purchase
My new bike
...happiness
Experiencing the wait for the little one together with Peter
...TV moment
The Royal Wedding or the Football World Cup
...change
From not really knowing where Peter and I stood at the beginning of the year to getting engaged, pregnant and married!
...film
Saw very few films at the cinema but of those, "Toy Story 3"
...daily joy
Waking up next to my soulmate. And playing with my iPhone :)
...gratitude
That I have had such a sail-through pregnancy, except for the morning sickness but many have it much worse
...greatest expectation
Waiting nine months for our mini-me
...greatest disappointment
Not finding that dream flat yet
...greatest joy
Constant fascination with being pregnant
...greatest "I wish more had happened this year"
I go on and on about it, it seems, but I would have wanted to moved to something bigger
...most wonderful weekend
Not a weekend maybe, more like Sunday-Monday, but our wedding and the stay at Grand Hotel including spa, breakfast and dinner leading up to us tying the knot
...ponder
How this workoholic will manage being "just" a mum for a while
...restaurant
Pontus where we went for my surprise birthday dinner in January or Lydmar where we enjoyed a pre-wedding dinner
...hardest and saddest
My grandmother passing away, my grandfather being ill and one of best friend's still being ill for a second year (though it looks like they are onto something now)
...best party
Our New Year's party (though technically that was the last hours of 2009 and early hours of 2010), or Peter's birthday party in April (also attended five weddings this year but I think our parties beat them! ;) Maybe because at three of the weddings I was busy trying to hide my pregnancy...
...gadget
The iPhone
...personal greatest success
Love and family life in order! :)
...memories
The Maldives and also our UK roadtrip in the summer. Experiencing different stages of the pregnancy from May onwards. And our wedding of course!
...forgot to do (deviance from normal behaviour)
Didn't read as many books I wanted to and had planned to do
...greatest lesson
There's no such thing as a "safe" period of the month - and we're very happy for the "mistake"! :)
...spending
Travelling and baby stuff (but not that bad as we have very generous friends - only expensive purchase is the pushchair)
...new people
New colleagues at work including a new boss who's plain cool and down-to-earth
...most romantic of the year
Peter surprising me with a day of luxury for my birthday. And treating me to breakfast in bed throughout months of morning sickness.
Thoughts and wishes for 2011
* That we have a healthy baby and our transition to parenthood is smooth and happy
* That we find and are able to buy that dream flat
Resolutions
- Read more
- Get back in shape post-pregnancy
- Scan all childhood photos and make more photo books
- Use my KitchenAid regularly, especially for baking bread
- Actually finish embroidery projects
- Apply for a new job
Previous years' annals: 2007 and 2008 (apparently I didn't do one for 2009??)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Updated Birth Date Guess List
What-you-need-to-know recap here and the first list here.
31 December - my brother (boy)
1 January - my mum (girl, early hours of the morning)
2 January - Annika (girl), Helena L.
3 January - Anne (girl)
4 January - Pettas (girl, 03:50)
5 January - Skolfröken (girl)
6 January - Marianne (boy)
7 January - Anna (boy), Mrs Clapper (girl, 04:35)
8 January - James
9 January - my dad (boy)
10 January - Jessica (girl)
11 January - Marie (girl), Miranda (girl)
12 January - Annika (boy, middle of the night)
13 January - Bicke (girl), Helen (19:45)
14 January - Katarina, Charlott (boy, 10:05), Saltistjejen (boy)
15 January - Malin (boy, around 15:00), Marina (girl, midnight, 3.4 kg), Sandra (girl), Désirée (girl)
16 January - Irina (boy)
17 January - Beverly (boy)
18 January -
19 January - Jenny H.
20 January - Edina (girl)
21 January -
22 January -
23 January -
24 January -
25 January -
31 December - my brother (boy)
1 January - my mum (girl, early hours of the morning)
2 January - Annika (girl), Helena L.
3 January - Anne (girl)
4 January - Pettas (girl, 03:50)
5 January - Skolfröken (girl)
6 January - Marianne (boy)
7 January - Anna (boy), Mrs Clapper (girl, 04:35)
8 January - James
9 January - my dad (boy)
10 January - Jessica (girl)
11 January - Marie (girl), Miranda (girl)
12 January - Annika (boy, middle of the night)
13 January - Bicke (girl), Helen (19:45)
14 January - Katarina, Charlott (boy, 10:05), Saltistjejen (boy)
15 January - Malin (boy, around 15:00), Marina (girl, midnight, 3.4 kg), Sandra (girl), Désirée (girl)
16 January - Irina (boy)
17 January - Beverly (boy)
18 January -
19 January - Jenny H.
20 January - Edina (girl)
21 January -
22 January -
23 January -
24 January -
25 January -
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Birth Date Guesses
Your guesses so far (keep 'em coming!) in terms of birth date, sex and any other details given:
31 December - my brother (boy)
1 January - my mum (girl, early hours of the morning)
2 January - Annika (girl), Helena L.
3 January - Anne (girl)
4 January - Pettas (girl, 03:50)
5 January - Skolfröken (girl)
6 January -
7 January - Anna (boy)
8 January - James
9 January - my dad (boy)
10 January - Jessica
11 January - Marie (girl), Miranda (girl)
12 January - Annika (boy, middle of the night)
13 January - Bicke (girl), Helen (19:45)
14 January - Katarina, Charlott (boy, 10:05)
15 January - Malin (boy, around 15:00), Marina (midnight, 3.4 kg), Sandra (girl)
16 January - Irina (boy)
17 January -
18 January -
19 January - Jenny H.
20 January -
21 January -
22 January -
23 January -
24 January -
25 January -
31 December - my brother (boy)
1 January - my mum (girl, early hours of the morning)
2 January - Annika (girl), Helena L.
3 January - Anne (girl)
4 January - Pettas (girl, 03:50)
5 January - Skolfröken (girl)
6 January -
7 January - Anna (boy)
8 January - James
9 January - my dad (boy)
10 January - Jessica
11 January - Marie (girl), Miranda (girl)
12 January - Annika (boy, middle of the night)
13 January - Bicke (girl), Helen (19:45)
14 January - Katarina, Charlott (boy, 10:05)
15 January - Malin (boy, around 15:00), Marina (midnight, 3.4 kg), Sandra (girl)
16 January - Irina (boy)
17 January -
18 January -
19 January - Jenny H.
20 January -
21 January -
22 January -
23 January -
24 January -
25 January -
A blurry photo of me from 22 December (week 37+3)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Santa Peter
Peter made his first ever performance as Santa (tomte) for my cousins' children this Christmas (good practice for next year?). Unfortunately I couldn't experience it live, as me tagging along would have given his real identity away. But there's plenty of live and still footage and here's some (borrowed from my aunt and uncle's blog):
The children have reportedly said that it probably wasn't the real Santa. Erik (soon 5) said that it was probably a person dressing as Santa and Viktor (7) thought he recognised Santa's eyes but couldn't really say who they belonged to :)
The children - Ellen, Emelia, Erik, Gustaf and Viktor (and little Judith who is not in the picture)Sales Finds
First two from Polarn & Pyret and last one from Lindex. Unisex stuff for now - shopping will be slightly easier when he or she has arrived, though I'm still very much a unisex person.
Apologies for the bad photo quality but the iPhone 3GS doesn't always deliver...
Apologies for the bad photo quality but the iPhone 3GS doesn't always deliver...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Baby Sweepstakes!
Guess the birth date! Prize for the winner(s)!
What you need to know:
What you need to know:
- - Baby's due date is 9 January
- - Though the first date we got was 14 January
- - Most babies are born within two weeks of the due date, on either side; i.e. for our little one it means between today (well, yesterday) and 23 January
- - The most common day for a baby to be born is in week 40+3; for us that means 12 January
- - They say genes play a role: I was estimated to arrive 29 January and arrived one day early (and my little brother was 11 days early) and Peter was roughly on time as well
- - The absolute last day the baby could be born is 25 January I think; I would be induced after 14 days (23 January) and after induction labour normally doesn't take more than 48 hours (right?)
So start making your guesses! If you want you can also guess the baby's sex - I can use it as a tiebreaker! :)
Update: I forgot to mention that I haven't really had any signs that something is happening except on Christmas Day when I had menstrual-type ache and slightly stronger contractions (the normal uterus-preparing-for-labour that starts early on in the pregnancy) but I think stronger contractions are very normal in the end and the pain might have been caused by too much food, as I haven't felt it again.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Belly Dancer's First Book
Christmas present from Peter's cousin Alexandra and her husband (I had seen it in the shops but didn't buy it as I thought "this is something Sandra would buy"!):
Via Anna's iPhone
"Picture book for a bit posher children"
Via Anna's iPhone
Friday, December 24, 2010
Show & Tell: No Christmas Eve Without...
I thought I'd tackle Erica's Christmas theme with the help of Annika's Christmas questionnaire!
No Christmas without...
GLÖGG - with or without alcohol? What do you put in your glögg?
Normally with alcohol but this Christmas I will take it easy with the alcohol naturally… I like both almonds (or hazelnuts) or raisins in my glögg.
FOOD - what could you not live without food-wise on Christmas? What do you have for breakfast at Christmas? Cooked or oven-baked ham?
Herring, oven-baked ham, meatballs, my mum’s beetroot & feta cheese salad. For breakfast I would like rice porridge (risgrynsgröt) at some point. I don't like Ris à la Malta though.
FAMILY - do you celebrate at home or somewhere else?
At our parents’ house, splitting our time between Peter’s and mine. Last year was the first year we celebrated together properly; previously we went to our respective parents. This year we will start with lunch at Peter’s parents together with his godfather (annual tradition that I haven’t joined before). After that we will go to my parents in Södertälje and spend the rest of Christmas Eve there and also sleep over. Christmas Day we will visit my grandfather (who usually comes to my parents’ house but since he’s been poorly, he doesn’t feel up for it) and then head back to Stockholm in time for dinner at Peter’s parents. Usually his grandmother comes (but she’s also too poorly now) and his uncle and three cousins but they are travelling / celebrating elsewhere this year so instead Peter’s sister’s in-laws will come (and Peter's sister and her husband of course).
FOOD - eat first and then gifts, or gifts first and then food?
I prefer eating first but this year we may do gifts first since we will have had a big lunch, but we’ll see. Or we may eat a little bit less than normal and still do gifts afterwards.
SWEETS AND OTHER GOODIES - do you want home-made or bought Christmas goodies and sweets? Knäck with or without almonds?
Either! Both! This year we have a mix of bought chocolates and sweets and home-made toffee and fudge. Like knäck both with and without almonds. My grandmother used to make the best knäck. In the last few years I have made fudge instead as it’s both easier and better tasting. But I still like knäck. Don’t like ischoklad anymore though, too sweet.
TREE - what must hang in the Christmas tree? Do you have a colour theme? When do you bring in the tree, on the 23rd or earlier?
Lights, a moderate amount of ornaments, mainly in red, green, white, gold and silver colour. No specific colour theme more than that. Sometimes tinsel but we skipped it in ours this year (when I do use tinsel I vary from year to year, sometimes horizontal and sometimes vertical). And I prefer a REAL tree!
When I was growing up it felt wrong to bring it in before the 23rd but now I feel like a week before Christmas or so is okay, otherwise it’s such a short period. Last year our tree lasted to 13 January but I’m doubtful about this year’s version…
JULMUST - do you drink julmust, coca cola or mumma?
Have hardly ever tried mumma… Love must! No coca cola on Christmas!
TELEVISION - do you watch (the hour of cartoons with) Donald Duck (et al) every year? Have you seen "Karl-Bertil Jonsson julafton"?
Yes, it’s a tradition, though this year I will probably miss Kalle Anka as we will be in a car between Stockholm and Södertälje. Don't want Karl-Bertil every year, at least not all of it, but have certainly seen it MANY times!
GINGER COOKIES (pepparkakor) - home-made or bought cookie dough?
Haven’t baked any for years but last time made some from store-bought dough. But I don’t think it’s that difficult to make your own, or..?
SAFFRON BUNS - what do you prefer, saffron buns or ginger cookies? Saffron buns with or without raisins?
Saffron buns definitely! With raisins, but only two raisins. And I don’t like saffron buns with almond paste, yuck!
PRESENTS - Santa brings presents or presents are under the tree? Rhymes on the gifts or just plain address stickers? Do you buy gifts to many people? Presents for all or just for the children? Do you wrap the presents yourself and what sort of wrapping paper do you use?
Santa used to come in person when I was growing up, and the rest of the presents came from family, I think I always knew that. Now we don’t get a visit by Santa but maybe next year or the year after rather! I use just stickers but I would love to be good at rhyming! But we have never really done it in my family but my aunt and uncle always do, as do Peter’s parents. I buy for Peter, my parents, my brother, my grandfather and a few friends, and then we also buy for Peter's family too of course. Presents for ALL, not just for the children! I wrap those the shops don't wrap for me, which are usually most. I like wrapping and varying paper and ribbon. I think it's boring when presents only come in the box with a ribbon - I wrap it too usually!
MUSIC - Carola’s or Mariah Carey’s Christmas tunes? What is your favourite Christmas album?
I like most Christmas music, including Carola and Mariah, so no favourite as such. There are some very silly Swedish songs I don't like.
GAMES - Do you usually do some sort of activity on Christmas Eve, e.g. take a walk, play a boardgame?
Both features, it depends on the weather and timing of food and gifts. But usually we play at least a game of Trivial Pursuit or similar.
FRUIT - Is there any fruit you just have to have at Christmas?
Clementines but also other fruit so we can make fruit salad.
Further questions...
Advent star or candlestick in the window?
Depends on the room but we have more candlestick than stars
Do you want Christmas cards by post or by e-mail?
By post! I always send a lot myself!
When do you decorate for Christmas?
Usually a week or so before Christmas, when we take the tree inside. But the Advent stuff goes up for First of Advent of course!
What would be the ultimate Christmas present to you this year?
An iPad or even better, an eReader. I prefer still buying real books though but I’m a gadget fan at the same time…
Dipping bread in the grease from the ham (dopp i grytan), or not?
Not. My grandparents used to do it though, at least as long as my grandfather was alive, don’t think my grandmother was as keen.
Would you consider working on Christmas Eve?
Sure, if I had a job that required it.
No Christmas without...
GLÖGG - with or without alcohol? What do you put in your glögg?
Normally with alcohol but this Christmas I will take it easy with the alcohol naturally… I like both almonds (or hazelnuts) or raisins in my glögg.
FOOD - what could you not live without food-wise on Christmas? What do you have for breakfast at Christmas? Cooked or oven-baked ham?
Herring, oven-baked ham, meatballs, my mum’s beetroot & feta cheese salad. For breakfast I would like rice porridge (risgrynsgröt) at some point. I don't like Ris à la Malta though.
FAMILY - do you celebrate at home or somewhere else?
At our parents’ house, splitting our time between Peter’s and mine. Last year was the first year we celebrated together properly; previously we went to our respective parents. This year we will start with lunch at Peter’s parents together with his godfather (annual tradition that I haven’t joined before). After that we will go to my parents in Södertälje and spend the rest of Christmas Eve there and also sleep over. Christmas Day we will visit my grandfather (who usually comes to my parents’ house but since he’s been poorly, he doesn’t feel up for it) and then head back to Stockholm in time for dinner at Peter’s parents. Usually his grandmother comes (but she’s also too poorly now) and his uncle and three cousins but they are travelling / celebrating elsewhere this year so instead Peter’s sister’s in-laws will come (and Peter's sister and her husband of course).
FOOD - eat first and then gifts, or gifts first and then food?
I prefer eating first but this year we may do gifts first since we will have had a big lunch, but we’ll see. Or we may eat a little bit less than normal and still do gifts afterwards.
SWEETS AND OTHER GOODIES - do you want home-made or bought Christmas goodies and sweets? Knäck with or without almonds?
Either! Both! This year we have a mix of bought chocolates and sweets and home-made toffee and fudge. Like knäck both with and without almonds. My grandmother used to make the best knäck. In the last few years I have made fudge instead as it’s both easier and better tasting. But I still like knäck. Don’t like ischoklad anymore though, too sweet.
TREE - what must hang in the Christmas tree? Do you have a colour theme? When do you bring in the tree, on the 23rd or earlier?
Lights, a moderate amount of ornaments, mainly in red, green, white, gold and silver colour. No specific colour theme more than that. Sometimes tinsel but we skipped it in ours this year (when I do use tinsel I vary from year to year, sometimes horizontal and sometimes vertical). And I prefer a REAL tree!
When I was growing up it felt wrong to bring it in before the 23rd but now I feel like a week before Christmas or so is okay, otherwise it’s such a short period. Last year our tree lasted to 13 January but I’m doubtful about this year’s version…
JULMUST - do you drink julmust, coca cola or mumma?
Have hardly ever tried mumma… Love must! No coca cola on Christmas!
TELEVISION - do you watch (the hour of cartoons with) Donald Duck (et al) every year? Have you seen "Karl-Bertil Jonsson julafton"?
Yes, it’s a tradition, though this year I will probably miss Kalle Anka as we will be in a car between Stockholm and Södertälje. Don't want Karl-Bertil every year, at least not all of it, but have certainly seen it MANY times!
GINGER COOKIES (pepparkakor) - home-made or bought cookie dough?
Haven’t baked any for years but last time made some from store-bought dough. But I don’t think it’s that difficult to make your own, or..?
SAFFRON BUNS - what do you prefer, saffron buns or ginger cookies? Saffron buns with or without raisins?
Saffron buns definitely! With raisins, but only two raisins. And I don’t like saffron buns with almond paste, yuck!
PRESENTS - Santa brings presents or presents are under the tree? Rhymes on the gifts or just plain address stickers? Do you buy gifts to many people? Presents for all or just for the children? Do you wrap the presents yourself and what sort of wrapping paper do you use?
Santa used to come in person when I was growing up, and the rest of the presents came from family, I think I always knew that. Now we don’t get a visit by Santa but maybe next year or the year after rather! I use just stickers but I would love to be good at rhyming! But we have never really done it in my family but my aunt and uncle always do, as do Peter’s parents. I buy for Peter, my parents, my brother, my grandfather and a few friends, and then we also buy for Peter's family too of course. Presents for ALL, not just for the children! I wrap those the shops don't wrap for me, which are usually most. I like wrapping and varying paper and ribbon. I think it's boring when presents only come in the box with a ribbon - I wrap it too usually!
MUSIC - Carola’s or Mariah Carey’s Christmas tunes? What is your favourite Christmas album?
I like most Christmas music, including Carola and Mariah, so no favourite as such. There are some very silly Swedish songs I don't like.
GAMES - Do you usually do some sort of activity on Christmas Eve, e.g. take a walk, play a boardgame?
Both features, it depends on the weather and timing of food and gifts. But usually we play at least a game of Trivial Pursuit or similar.
FRUIT - Is there any fruit you just have to have at Christmas?
Clementines but also other fruit so we can make fruit salad.
Further questions...
Advent star or candlestick in the window?
Depends on the room but we have more candlestick than stars
Do you want Christmas cards by post or by e-mail?
By post! I always send a lot myself!
When do you decorate for Christmas?
Usually a week or so before Christmas, when we take the tree inside. But the Advent stuff goes up for First of Advent of course!
What would be the ultimate Christmas present to you this year?
An iPad or even better, an eReader. I prefer still buying real books though but I’m a gadget fan at the same time…
Dipping bread in the grease from the ham (dopp i grytan), or not?
Not. My grandparents used to do it though, at least as long as my grandfather was alive, don’t think my grandmother was as keen.
Would you consider working on Christmas Eve?
Sure, if I had a job that required it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! GOD JUL!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Pregnancy Diaries 2
With the pregnancy coming to an end - only 2½ weeks to the due date (which means I'm 37+3) - I thought I'd continue where I left off last.
I had my latest mifwife appoinment last week and am going again on the 28th - since I have had a very normal pregnancy there's no need for me to go more often than every fortnight. Last week (week 36+1) status was as follows:
Mother
- I've continued to follow my growth curve, occasionallly slightly below; last time I was 33 cm if that tells you anything
- Need to continue taking supplements
- Blood pressure 120/70, which is still low though a bit higher than my normal 105 or 110 through 65 or 70
- Weight 71-73 kg, depending on the day, which means I've gained up to 13 kg.
- Other stuff they check through blood tests and urine samples: normal
Baby
- Average heart rate 140, which is probably average of all visits
- The baby head is still down and almost fully engaged
So to the diary entries, starting from week 20+1 (latest belly shot at the end if you want to scroll down)
24 August - Little bit of morning sickness so was treated to breakfast in bed (again). The baby was a bit calmer and didn't move as much. As soon as I don't feel her/him as much I get worried and think that maybe my trousers were too tight! Should really buy some maternity wear! Peter is still amazed with my boobs! :)
25 August - The baby moved as much as it usually does again so I guess it just slept more than usual the day before. The light nose bleed disappeared so I guess it was only temporary and maybe not related to the pregnancy. Bought my first maternity trousers, black ones appropriate for work, from H&M. Am also planing to buy a pair of jeans from Mama Mia.
26 August - Asked the midwife about the morning sickness that won't go away but she says I'm doing what I can to alleviate/prevent it.
27 August - I weigh 64.5 kg in the morning and 66 kg in the evening (up from my pre-pregnancy weight of 59-60 kg).
Peter hugged me tight this morning and said "this is so cool!". Made my day!
28 August - My belly is starting to take a bit rounder shape now. Good, so I don't just look fat! :) Bought the maternity jeans at Mama Mia that I'd been looking at.
31 August - Feels like my belly grown a lot just over the weekend, in just a few days (week 21+1)
1 September - Went public with the pregnancy on the blog and Facebook!
2 September - Sometimes the belly gets hard and tense because the baby is positioned in a certain way. But if you poke it a little it moves :)
3 September - Wore my new maternity jeans for the first time (week 21+4)
4 September - Threw up once before lunch, felt sick so quickly that I didn't even feel any hunger beforehand. Let's hope it's the last time!
6 September (week 22+0) - Went to see the midwife for the second time (first time since the visit in June, as the scans have taken place at the doctor's office). She took a small blood test to check hemaglobin (iron) and glucose levels (both were good). I weighted in at 67 kg - their scale is always 2 kg more than at home - and my blood pressure was fine (105/70). We listened to the baby's heart but Peter wasn't that impressed and I also thought it would have been more of a wow-feeling. I think it's because we have already done two ultrasound and that the baby kicks so much anyway, that we already think it's "real".
The midwife also took us through different courses and admin. She gave me a paper to send in to the Social Insurance Administration (Försäkringskassan), which handle parental leave benefits, and booked me on a mummy group meeting.
15 September - The last two-three days the baby has been very active and kicked harder than before. Sometimes it feels like it's making somersaults. Feels almost like motion sickness or when you go in a car on a bumpy road and you get a sort of rollercoast feeling. Have started calling him or her for Vildingen (the wild one) (week 23+2).
19 September - Today the baby is kicking a lot downwards in a completely new way, which is a bit unpleasant. Hope it is just temporary! Maybe s/he is protesting against the Sweden Democrats getting into Parliament! What kind of world will this little one grow up in?!
21 September - Read that the baby's foot is 5 cm long now - not surprising then that its kicks are very noticeable! Feels like my belly is really starting to grow now. Both fun and not... (week 24+1)
24 September - The baby has stopped kicking my bladder like it did last week, good! Went to the dentist and was covered in a lead apron for the x-ray. Realised that I haven't had any problems with bleeding gums so far, a common pregnancy complaint.
25 September - In the last few days I have had more morning sickness again, nothing serious but has had to drink a lot of orange juice to help me keep the food down (for some reason, orange juice has always helped me except for in the very beginning when it had the opposite effect). Sneezing helps still as well (week 24+5).
28 September - Went to the midwife's office for a three-hour information session with other mothers-to-be, all due in December or January. We were divided into two groups and the first session was on exchanging experiences and asking the midwife questions and the second part on exercise and what to do about back pain or pelvic problems. It was interesting to find out that the majority had different kinds of complaints. I'm so happy I haven't had any so far *touch wood* (week 25+1).
29 September - Another midwife appointment. She measured my belly for the first time. Everyone is always telling me "your belly is so small" but apparently I'm smack in the middle. The baby's heart beat was around 145.
Today the pram we have ordered from the UK arrived. A Bugaboo with grey base and red sun canope and cover. It was a package deal with car seat, footmuff and snow wheels.
30 September - Weight 66.5-67 kg depending on the day.
3 October - Assembled the pram so now it's ready for baby (and taking up space in the flat)!
9 October - Went to Copenhagen for a weekend with my mum. Slept badly due to my mum's snoring and a super wild baby inside me. One kick made my belly expand 1-2 cm. Had a headache during the night but it disappeared during the day (week 26+5).
10 October - Vildingen continued to "dance" a lot throughout the weekend. Fun! My headache returned in the night between 10th and 11th. Not fun...
11 October - Back from Copenhagen in the evening. Migraine-like headache that continues further down the side of my nose, probably due to swollen membranes, a common pregnancy complaint that I haven't really experienced yet but it could be that.
12-13 October - Stayed home from work due to my migraine. It gets better during the day and then returns at night.
16 October - In the last few days Iv'e had a bloody nose. Don't know if it's because I have a cold coming on or if it's pregnancy related. Maybe this is the way it will be until the end of the pregnancy - have read that it's common (week 27+5).
21 October - Had diarrea again during the night (has had it once or twice before during the pregnancy). Weird because I feel perfectly fine during the day. I guess pregnancy makes you more sensitive (week 28+3).
24 October - Had a bloody nose for a few days, not a proper nose bleed but enough to make it feel unpleasant.
25 October - Another midwife appointment (week 29+0). All was well. Was still right in the middle of the growth chart. My iron levels were slightly better but I still need to take my supplements. The midwife listened to the heart with a pinard horn in addition to the doppler and said Peter could listen to the heart with a paper towel roll. He did in the evening and heard the baby's heart - felt special and cool!
26 October - Had an upset stomach again over night. Wonder why, as I don't have any problems during the day.
1 November - Diary entry: "Your mum and dad got married and make you a legitimate child!" (week 30+0).
In the sauna at the spa where we spent part of our wedding day Peter really got to see how wild the baby can be! First a kick that was probably 2 cm out and then somersaults so that my belly was making real waves. It still fascinates me so much even though I've lived with it for months!
2 November - The last few days/week I haven't had any nose bleed anymore - feels good! Hopefully it won't come back for a while.
10 November - Have a cold, a bit trying when you can't take any medicine (like Lemsip). The midwife says it's okay to take nasal spray though (week 31+2).
13 November - Still have a bad cold, now with a cough as well. But don't know if I can take any cough medicine.
15 November - Have been staying home from work for a few days to recover from the cold. Am starting to feel the baby directly under my ribs. A bit uncomfortable sometimes, especially when I'm sitting down (32+0).
16 November - One sign my body temperature has gone up during pregnancy (due to increased blood volume) is that I can walk around without a sweater and socks in the flat (no extra slippers anymore!).
17 November - Went for a midwife appointment (week 32+2). I now weigh almost 73 kg there (compared to 70-71 kg at home). The baby is now head down. I think it has turned in the last few days because that's when I have felt the baby more under my ribs. It''s her/his little back and butt that's against my ribs :) In the evening I felt menstrual-type ache in my right side. I wonder if it's a contraction? (Didn't feel it again so I guess it was something else.)
19 November - Must sit with a really straight back at my desk at work as it feels like my belly - well, the baby - is in the way.
20 November - Have not had any problems with swelling so far, except for that my wellies felt a little bit tighter today (week 32+5).
27 November - Everything is progressing fine, no typical pregnancy complaints except for the occasional night when I feel like the skin on my legs is crawling (myror i benen) but it usually help just to walk to the bathroom and back. Apparently it can be caused by magnesium deficiency. I have also felt a sort of stinging feeling when the baby is pushing down on my pelvis and bladder but it's not even every day I feel it (wek 33+5).
29 November - It's still difficult to comprehend that in a few weeks time it will be empty in my belly! It will probably feel like something is missing even if the baby is then out with us. I'm so used to having a little creature inside me (week 34+0).
30 November - It's quite amazing that I don't have pregnancy complaints really. The only thing I have found difficult during the pregnancy is hard bowel movements - quite normal during pregnancy and the iron pills don't help things. Have avoided haemorrhoids so far though! Another complaint, though I can't even call it a complaint, is that my belly sometimes gets so hard but that's just the uterus contracting, which is perfectly normal. It doesn't even hurt so... The last "complaint" is having to keep better posture at work but that's probably just good for me anyway :)
1 December - The other day I could actually feel (or touch) a little foot or hand with my hand! I felt the fingers or the toes, whatever it was - that was pretty cool!
Went to the midwife again (week 34+2). All well. Was slighly under my normal curve on the growth chart. Had to take new blood tests so that the health service has the right details on me following my name change. They also checked my urine a bit more thoroughly for bacteria - common procedure at this stage in the pregnancy. The baby's heart beat was around 140. When the midwife examines my belly she's much more rough than I have ever touched it myself but I guess she knows what she's doing!
2 December - Maybe had slightly stronger contractions than normally at work and again in the evening, as my belly was harder than usual (but none of those Braxton Hicks ones). Have noticed that my legs are slightly swollen at night- can see it when I take my socks off. Maybe should start using support socks (still haven't though).
I'll stop there (sorry if you're bored but I figure the blog is a good record for myself for the future) and show you some belly shots from 4 December (week 34+5). Three weeks have passed so I'm slightly bigger now.
I had my latest mifwife appoinment last week and am going again on the 28th - since I have had a very normal pregnancy there's no need for me to go more often than every fortnight. Last week (week 36+1) status was as follows:
Mother
- I've continued to follow my growth curve, occasionallly slightly below; last time I was 33 cm if that tells you anything
- Need to continue taking supplements
- Blood pressure 120/70, which is still low though a bit higher than my normal 105 or 110 through 65 or 70
- Weight 71-73 kg, depending on the day, which means I've gained up to 13 kg.
- Other stuff they check through blood tests and urine samples: normal
Baby
- Average heart rate 140, which is probably average of all visits
- The baby head is still down and almost fully engaged
So to the diary entries, starting from week 20+1 (latest belly shot at the end if you want to scroll down)
24 August - Little bit of morning sickness so was treated to breakfast in bed (again). The baby was a bit calmer and didn't move as much. As soon as I don't feel her/him as much I get worried and think that maybe my trousers were too tight! Should really buy some maternity wear! Peter is still amazed with my boobs! :)
25 August - The baby moved as much as it usually does again so I guess it just slept more than usual the day before. The light nose bleed disappeared so I guess it was only temporary and maybe not related to the pregnancy. Bought my first maternity trousers, black ones appropriate for work, from H&M. Am also planing to buy a pair of jeans from Mama Mia.
26 August - Asked the midwife about the morning sickness that won't go away but she says I'm doing what I can to alleviate/prevent it.
27 August - I weigh 64.5 kg in the morning and 66 kg in the evening (up from my pre-pregnancy weight of 59-60 kg).
Peter hugged me tight this morning and said "this is so cool!". Made my day!
28 August - My belly is starting to take a bit rounder shape now. Good, so I don't just look fat! :) Bought the maternity jeans at Mama Mia that I'd been looking at.
31 August - Feels like my belly grown a lot just over the weekend, in just a few days (week 21+1)
1 September - Went public with the pregnancy on the blog and Facebook!
2 September - Sometimes the belly gets hard and tense because the baby is positioned in a certain way. But if you poke it a little it moves :)
3 September - Wore my new maternity jeans for the first time (week 21+4)
4 September - Threw up once before lunch, felt sick so quickly that I didn't even feel any hunger beforehand. Let's hope it's the last time!
6 September (week 22+0) - Went to see the midwife for the second time (first time since the visit in June, as the scans have taken place at the doctor's office). She took a small blood test to check hemaglobin (iron) and glucose levels (both were good). I weighted in at 67 kg - their scale is always 2 kg more than at home - and my blood pressure was fine (105/70). We listened to the baby's heart but Peter wasn't that impressed and I also thought it would have been more of a wow-feeling. I think it's because we have already done two ultrasound and that the baby kicks so much anyway, that we already think it's "real".
The midwife also took us through different courses and admin. She gave me a paper to send in to the Social Insurance Administration (Försäkringskassan), which handle parental leave benefits, and booked me on a mummy group meeting.
15 September - The last two-three days the baby has been very active and kicked harder than before. Sometimes it feels like it's making somersaults. Feels almost like motion sickness or when you go in a car on a bumpy road and you get a sort of rollercoast feeling. Have started calling him or her for Vildingen (the wild one) (week 23+2).
19 September - Today the baby is kicking a lot downwards in a completely new way, which is a bit unpleasant. Hope it is just temporary! Maybe s/he is protesting against the Sweden Democrats getting into Parliament! What kind of world will this little one grow up in?!
21 September - Read that the baby's foot is 5 cm long now - not surprising then that its kicks are very noticeable! Feels like my belly is really starting to grow now. Both fun and not... (week 24+1)
24 September - The baby has stopped kicking my bladder like it did last week, good! Went to the dentist and was covered in a lead apron for the x-ray. Realised that I haven't had any problems with bleeding gums so far, a common pregnancy complaint.
25 September - In the last few days I have had more morning sickness again, nothing serious but has had to drink a lot of orange juice to help me keep the food down (for some reason, orange juice has always helped me except for in the very beginning when it had the opposite effect). Sneezing helps still as well (week 24+5).
28 September - Went to the midwife's office for a three-hour information session with other mothers-to-be, all due in December or January. We were divided into two groups and the first session was on exchanging experiences and asking the midwife questions and the second part on exercise and what to do about back pain or pelvic problems. It was interesting to find out that the majority had different kinds of complaints. I'm so happy I haven't had any so far *touch wood* (week 25+1).
29 September - Another midwife appointment. She measured my belly for the first time. Everyone is always telling me "your belly is so small" but apparently I'm smack in the middle. The baby's heart beat was around 145.
Today the pram we have ordered from the UK arrived. A Bugaboo with grey base and red sun canope and cover. It was a package deal with car seat, footmuff and snow wheels.
30 September - Weight 66.5-67 kg depending on the day.
3 October - Assembled the pram so now it's ready for baby (and taking up space in the flat)!
9 October - Went to Copenhagen for a weekend with my mum. Slept badly due to my mum's snoring and a super wild baby inside me. One kick made my belly expand 1-2 cm. Had a headache during the night but it disappeared during the day (week 26+5).
10 October - Vildingen continued to "dance" a lot throughout the weekend. Fun! My headache returned in the night between 10th and 11th. Not fun...
11 October - Back from Copenhagen in the evening. Migraine-like headache that continues further down the side of my nose, probably due to swollen membranes, a common pregnancy complaint that I haven't really experienced yet but it could be that.
12-13 October - Stayed home from work due to my migraine. It gets better during the day and then returns at night.
16 October - In the last few days Iv'e had a bloody nose. Don't know if it's because I have a cold coming on or if it's pregnancy related. Maybe this is the way it will be until the end of the pregnancy - have read that it's common (week 27+5).
21 October - Had diarrea again during the night (has had it once or twice before during the pregnancy). Weird because I feel perfectly fine during the day. I guess pregnancy makes you more sensitive (week 28+3).
24 October - Had a bloody nose for a few days, not a proper nose bleed but enough to make it feel unpleasant.
25 October - Another midwife appointment (week 29+0). All was well. Was still right in the middle of the growth chart. My iron levels were slightly better but I still need to take my supplements. The midwife listened to the heart with a pinard horn in addition to the doppler and said Peter could listen to the heart with a paper towel roll. He did in the evening and heard the baby's heart - felt special and cool!
26 October - Had an upset stomach again over night. Wonder why, as I don't have any problems during the day.
1 November - Diary entry: "Your mum and dad got married and make you a legitimate child!" (week 30+0).
In the sauna at the spa where we spent part of our wedding day Peter really got to see how wild the baby can be! First a kick that was probably 2 cm out and then somersaults so that my belly was making real waves. It still fascinates me so much even though I've lived with it for months!
2 November - The last few days/week I haven't had any nose bleed anymore - feels good! Hopefully it won't come back for a while.
10 November - Have a cold, a bit trying when you can't take any medicine (like Lemsip). The midwife says it's okay to take nasal spray though (week 31+2).
13 November - Still have a bad cold, now with a cough as well. But don't know if I can take any cough medicine.
15 November - Have been staying home from work for a few days to recover from the cold. Am starting to feel the baby directly under my ribs. A bit uncomfortable sometimes, especially when I'm sitting down (32+0).
16 November - One sign my body temperature has gone up during pregnancy (due to increased blood volume) is that I can walk around without a sweater and socks in the flat (no extra slippers anymore!).
17 November - Went for a midwife appointment (week 32+2). I now weigh almost 73 kg there (compared to 70-71 kg at home). The baby is now head down. I think it has turned in the last few days because that's when I have felt the baby more under my ribs. It''s her/his little back and butt that's against my ribs :) In the evening I felt menstrual-type ache in my right side. I wonder if it's a contraction? (Didn't feel it again so I guess it was something else.)
19 November - Must sit with a really straight back at my desk at work as it feels like my belly - well, the baby - is in the way.
20 November - Have not had any problems with swelling so far, except for that my wellies felt a little bit tighter today (week 32+5).
27 November - Everything is progressing fine, no typical pregnancy complaints except for the occasional night when I feel like the skin on my legs is crawling (myror i benen) but it usually help just to walk to the bathroom and back. Apparently it can be caused by magnesium deficiency. I have also felt a sort of stinging feeling when the baby is pushing down on my pelvis and bladder but it's not even every day I feel it (wek 33+5).
29 November - It's still difficult to comprehend that in a few weeks time it will be empty in my belly! It will probably feel like something is missing even if the baby is then out with us. I'm so used to having a little creature inside me (week 34+0).
30 November - It's quite amazing that I don't have pregnancy complaints really. The only thing I have found difficult during the pregnancy is hard bowel movements - quite normal during pregnancy and the iron pills don't help things. Have avoided haemorrhoids so far though! Another complaint, though I can't even call it a complaint, is that my belly sometimes gets so hard but that's just the uterus contracting, which is perfectly normal. It doesn't even hurt so... The last "complaint" is having to keep better posture at work but that's probably just good for me anyway :)
1 December - The other day I could actually feel (or touch) a little foot or hand with my hand! I felt the fingers or the toes, whatever it was - that was pretty cool!
Went to the midwife again (week 34+2). All well. Was slighly under my normal curve on the growth chart. Had to take new blood tests so that the health service has the right details on me following my name change. They also checked my urine a bit more thoroughly for bacteria - common procedure at this stage in the pregnancy. The baby's heart beat was around 140. When the midwife examines my belly she's much more rough than I have ever touched it myself but I guess she knows what she's doing!
2 December - Maybe had slightly stronger contractions than normally at work and again in the evening, as my belly was harder than usual (but none of those Braxton Hicks ones). Have noticed that my legs are slightly swollen at night- can see it when I take my socks off. Maybe should start using support socks (still haven't though).
I'll stop there (sorry if you're bored but I figure the blog is a good record for myself for the future) and show you some belly shots from 4 December (week 34+5). Three weeks have passed so I'm slightly bigger now.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Nostalgia
All you Swedes out there will know what I'm talking about. Though I wonder who will cough up 995 SEK for it?!
Via Anna's iPhone
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sudden Thought
What if my water breaks when I'm outside and it's minus ten degrees?! Nice and warm at first I'm sure but then..? An image of icicles hanging from my legs comes to mind!
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Recipe: Pepparkaksmuffins / Ginger Muffins
Upon popular request :)
Ingredients
200 gr butter or margarine
4 eggs
4 dl sugar (I used part brown and part white)
3 dl sour cream (or sour milk/filmjölk)
4 table spoons ginger mix spice (pepparkakskrydda), or 4 tsp ginger, 3 tsp clove, 5 tsp cinnamon
6 dl flour
4 tsp baking powder
Topping
300 gr cream cheese
3 dl icing sugar
3 tsp vanilla sugar
lingon berry jam or lingon berries (haven't actually made the topping yet so not sure about the quantity)
Instructions
Turn to oven to 200'C. Melt the butter. Whip eggs and sugar and add butter and sour cream. Mix the dry ingredients and add to the batter. Bake for about 15 minutes.
Mix cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla and lingon berries (or cranberries and raspberries) and coat the muffins before serving.
Makes about 25 smaller muffins, i.e. more Swedish rather than American size.
Ingredients
200 gr butter or margarine
4 eggs
4 dl sugar (I used part brown and part white)
3 dl sour cream (or sour milk/filmjölk)
4 table spoons ginger mix spice (pepparkakskrydda), or 4 tsp ginger, 3 tsp clove, 5 tsp cinnamon
6 dl flour
4 tsp baking powder
Topping
300 gr cream cheese
3 dl icing sugar
3 tsp vanilla sugar
lingon berry jam or lingon berries (haven't actually made the topping yet so not sure about the quantity)
Instructions
Turn to oven to 200'C. Melt the butter. Whip eggs and sugar and add butter and sour cream. Mix the dry ingredients and add to the batter. Bake for about 15 minutes.
Mix cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla and lingon berries (or cranberries and raspberries) and coat the muffins before serving.
Makes about 25 smaller muffins, i.e. more Swedish rather than American size.
Monday's Treat...
...has recently come out of the oven. I will bring fika to work tomorrow, for the last time for a while as this will be my last working week for 9-10 months.
Tomorrow I will coat these ginger muffins (pepparkaksmuffins) with a lingon berry cream cheese mix.
Via Anna's iPhone
Tomorrow I will coat these ginger muffins (pepparkaksmuffins) with a lingon berry cream cheese mix.
Via Anna's iPhone
Friday, December 17, 2010
Show & Tell: End-Year Check
Since the end of the year is approaching Erica has included a recurring Show & Tell topic, the six-month review. I thought I'd include photos I haven't already shown.
July was very much dominated by the World Cup - we watched the final outdoors on a big screen in Peter's friend Kaveh's backyard. We also did a memorable UK roadtrip in July but I've shown more than plenty of those photos!
In between visiting the UK and France (Nice) we attended Wera's name giving ceremony - here she is with parents Åsa and Rikard. I managed the feat of taking lots of wonderful photos with our SLR camera and the zoom lens before discovering I had forgotten to put in the memory stick. Luckily I had brought the small digital camera as well.
July
July was very much dominated by the World Cup - we watched the final outdoors on a big screen in Peter's friend Kaveh's backyard. We also did a memorable UK roadtrip in July but I've shown more than plenty of those photos! August
In between visiting the UK and France (Nice) we attended Wera's name giving ceremony - here she is with parents Åsa and Rikard. I managed the feat of taking lots of wonderful photos with our SLR camera and the zoom lens before discovering I had forgotten to put in the memory stick. Luckily I had brought the small digital camera as well.September
On an autumn walk at the country house we made a not so successful attempt to take some artistic belly shots :)
October
Mum and I went to Copenhagen for a weekend
November
Our wedding was the event of the month of course!
December
Thanks my Secret Santa Katarina for your Christmas present! I had to open it right away of course! A hat, socks, mittens, towel and cool shoes for Belly Dancer!
On an autumn walk at the country house we made a not so successful attempt to take some artistic belly shots :)October
Mum and I went to Copenhagen for a weekendNovember
Our wedding was the event of the month of course!December
Thanks my Secret Santa Katarina for your Christmas present! I had to open it right away of course! A hat, socks, mittens, towel and cool shoes for Belly Dancer!Thursday, December 16, 2010
Day 30: A Last Moment
The last post of the 30-day challenge will be simple. I'm just so impressed with myself that I managed to blog every day for a month! I'm enjoying this moment because it probably won't happen again haha!
Refill
Putting in another hour or so of work but first, time to reload the batteries.
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Snow
Walked home from work in a little snow storm. Now devouring risgrynsgröt and sour dough bread från Valhallabageriet before an afternoon of working from home.
Can you see the Kaknäs Tower?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Day 29: My Ambitions
Big topic. It's been a long day - of work and fun - and the hour is late so I will need to take a raincheck on this topic.
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Day 28: I Miss...
A glass of good red wine*! Didn't miss alcohol at all in the beginning of the pregnancy, well, for most of it - probably because Systembolaget nowadays sell really good non-alcoholic beer - but lately, when I've seen people drinking red wine I have had a real red wine craving. Maybe it has to do with the season - autumn/winter is much more the period for drinking red wine while summer is perhaps more for white and rosé wine. There are also pretty good non-alcoholic white wines on the market but there are no red wine equivalents that are worth drinking.
* If a pregnant woman is allowed to say that...
* If a pregnant woman is allowed to say that...
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Day 26: My fears
Image borrowed from http://www.speakwellco.netLuckily I don't suffer from any of these, at least not severely. I don't want to die for another 70 years or so but it's not something I think about very much (except for once in a while when I hear about a young person my age who has died from cancer or similar - reminds me not to take anything for granted). The only one on the list that could be said to apply to me is fear of darkness. I don't like sleeping alone at all and when Peter is away I often sleep with a light on, albeit a small one in the room next door with the door slightly ajar. It's not the dark as such I'm afraid of though (I assume some people have a phobia whereby they think they are going to be absorbed by the dark or something) but what can't be seen in the dark. Even when Peter is sleeping next to me in the bed I can sometimes wake up, or sort of half wake up, and think I see someone or something in the room and I have to turn my bedside light on. I guess it's due to not being properly awake but still dreaming, or being in a sort of half-, in-between state. Though once I've turned the lights on I'm usually wide awake. Afterwards I usually go back to sleep realtively quickly so it's not a midnight trauma and not a frequent thing either but it happens once in a while.
It's So Fluffy!
More laughter! Those who have seen Despicable Me (Swedish title Dumma mig) will like this!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Day 25: A First
Going to try one of Petra's favourites today - apparently a well-known Swedish delicacy that I somehow have missed. Report coming soon!
Secret Santa
A lucky blogger somewhere in the world has something to look forward to!
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Friday, December 10, 2010
Day 24 - This makes me cry
I cry very easily! And it's not due to me being pregnant right now; I cry as much now as nine months or five years ago. I was perhaps a little less "sensitive" growing up but since I've become an adult I have definitely cried when reading obituaries, watching programmes such as Extreme Home Makeover or seeing a film like Remember Me that I saw last night (when I didn't just cry, I wept). I can really recommend this film! I thought it was going to be a regular love story but it avoided the usual cliches and had an interesting ending...
Show & Tell: What Makes Me Laugh
Erica's second theme for December is What Makes Me Laugh (forgot to mention last week that Erica is this month's hostess).
Here are a few things but there is so much more of course!
Children's laughter, such as in this YouTube classic
Peter being silly
Cute puppies
My favourite sitcoms
Right now, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory (couldn't embed the video) and How I Met Your Mother.
Here are a few things but there is so much more of course!
Children's laughter, such as in this YouTube classic
Peter being silly
Cute puppies
My favourite sitcoms
Right now, Modern Family, Big Bang Theory (couldn't embed the video) and How I Met Your Mother.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Day 23 - This makes me feel better
Right now, ticking off things on my to do-list that is part Christmas-related musts such as writing Christmas cards and buying gifts and part oh-my-God-baby-is-coming-in-one-month tasks. Will be a while until the list is cleared though but on the other hand, doing it is half the fun, right!
Image borrowed from http://richarddingwall.name
Image borrowed from http://richarddingwall.nameWednesday, December 08, 2010
Day 22: This Upsets Me
Right now, that the world's countries cannot agree to a new climate agreement. I don't understand why it's so difficult! It's our future at stake! Right now it looks like Cancún is turning into Can'tcun. But as always, I remain positive until the bitter end!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Day 20 & 21
I was a bit caught up by the moment (today's theme Day 21 - Another moment) and couldn't blog yesterday, but it wasn't a very nice moment at all. I seem to have caught the dreaded winter vomiting disease, however, a light case as I'm already a bit better today. Have been able to drink quite a lot today and had a little bit of soup just now as well.
Let's tackle yesterday theme then, This month (Day 20). This month is naturally dominated by Christmas preparations but probably more so by baby preparations. We have a long to do-list ranging from admin (signing up for an account at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency - they handle parental leave benefits - and investigating child insurance options) to buying some outstanding items (fabric for the basket the baby will sleep in his/her first months in life and material to build a changing station over our newly bought washing machine). We also need to read up a little bit more, practice breathing (though I had use of the breathing technique during the worst stomach cramps yesterday) and pack that hospital bag! Just have to write the list first! With less than five weeks left it's about time I guess! Tips on what to pack are most welcome!
Let's tackle yesterday theme then, This month (Day 20). This month is naturally dominated by Christmas preparations but probably more so by baby preparations. We have a long to do-list ranging from admin (signing up for an account at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency - they handle parental leave benefits - and investigating child insurance options) to buying some outstanding items (fabric for the basket the baby will sleep in his/her first months in life and material to build a changing station over our newly bought washing machine). We also need to read up a little bit more, practice breathing (though I had use of the breathing technique during the worst stomach cramps yesterday) and pack that hospital bag! Just have to write the list first! With less than five weeks left it's about time I guess! Tips on what to pack are most welcome!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
I Regret...
Nothing really as there's no point really. But there are always situations where you think afterwards "I should have said that" or "I should have done that" but those aren't life-changing stuff. The only life-changing thing I can think of is that I wish I would - or could - have stayed longer in Brussels after my internship at the European Commission and really tried finding a job there. At the time I couldn't really afford just looking for a job for one-two months. But if I had done that life obviously would have taken other turns than the ones on the actual road driven and I'm quite happy where I've ended up anyway.
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Day 18: My Favourite Birthday
No question about it! My birthday in January of this year when Peter surprised me with a whole day of luxury and romance - he had even talked to my boss and taken the day off for me! This was one of the days when I really thought: he does love me and we will be together forever, he just needs a little bit extra time but we're getting there! :)
Friday, December 03, 2010
Day 17: My Favourite Memory
How does one choose one memory out of a lifetime of memories?! I have done quite a few memorable trips, such as the three-week long journey with 50 other aupairs across America, safari in South Africa or my first ever visit to New York. Matriculation, the formal process through which you officially become a student at Oxford, and my graduation ceremony a couple of years later, while dressed in subfusc*, are special memories too.
But one of my favourite memories that I haven't told you about yet (except very briefly) is when Peter proposed to me! As you may remember it took place on our Maldivian holiday at the end of March-beginning of April this year. I did have some expectations before we went that maybe this would be the holiday - but I had been disappointed before on romantic occasions at home or on trips so I didn't want to have too big hopes.
Why didn't you just propose yourself, the modern women among you might ask? Well, in many ways I had already done so. Many times. Maybe not by going down on one knee and asking the question out right, but suffice to say, I had made it clear to Peter several times what I wanted and that I was ready. The ball was in his court and had been for a long time. I also knew he needed time still and that I had to be patient.
But boy, was that hard. 2009 was quite tough for me because I knew and had known for a long time that this was the man for me, no one else. Knowing that that very person does not know (yet) is not easy on the heart. At the same time, I knew deep inside, at the bottom of my heart, that he would figure it out, that it was what he wanted too but that he just needed time - Peter is the kind of person who doesn't take decisions lightly, whether they are about buying a new flatscreen television or life decisions (and for that I love him as well)**. But I couldn't be 100% sure of course and that was difficult. We had some difficult talks from time to time but at the same time our life together was so good, so it wasn't like I was unhappy most of the time, far from it. But since times were so good it also made me more frustrated; why couldn't he see that we're meant to be together?!
So towards the end of the year I gave him an ultimatum, well, sort of one - I don't know if I'd ever gone through with it but... luckily we never have to find out :) With a new year arriving it felt like we, or I, was at a crossroads. I couldn't imagine life without Peter but at the same time I knew I really wanted children and since I wasn't getting any younger I - and he - had to realise that we were perhaps wasting each other's time and that we could be happy with and have a family with someone else***. So I told him, maybe not directly but indirectly, that he had until Easter; at that point we would need to have a serious talk about the future.
Fast-forward a few months. We're on a gorgeous holiday on a paradise island. And he has me waiting until the last morning!! When we arrived we said we would get up early (around 6am) one morning to watch the sunrise. Peter seemed to steer this to the last morning, which made me a bit suspicious but as I mentioned above, while I had hopes I didn't want to have any expectations. But I can't say the thought wasn't on my mind almost all the time :)
The last morning arrives, we get up and what greets us?! Clowds completely covering the sky. We went to the supposedly best spot to watch the sunrise anyway - the only other people out was a lone surfer and a couple that looked like a younger version of Kim Jong Il + girl - but it was so clowdy we weren't even completely sure if the sun had rose or not. So a bit of anticlimax in terms of romantic setting. But, who cares, as Peter was about to bring sunshine into my life anyway!
How did it happen? Peter told me to turn around and face him, and that's when I was at least 99% sure it would happen. And then he said (not his exact words but..) "sorry I have taken so long...will you marry me?".
I said yes of course!
Waiting for the sun that never was and the proposal that is about to come, even though I didn't know it yet
Just engaged!
Sealing the deal with a kiss
* Sitting exams dressed in subfusc is quite memorable too...
But one of my favourite memories that I haven't told you about yet (except very briefly) is when Peter proposed to me! As you may remember it took place on our Maldivian holiday at the end of March-beginning of April this year. I did have some expectations before we went that maybe this would be the holiday - but I had been disappointed before on romantic occasions at home or on trips so I didn't want to have too big hopes.
Why didn't you just propose yourself, the modern women among you might ask? Well, in many ways I had already done so. Many times. Maybe not by going down on one knee and asking the question out right, but suffice to say, I had made it clear to Peter several times what I wanted and that I was ready. The ball was in his court and had been for a long time. I also knew he needed time still and that I had to be patient.
But boy, was that hard. 2009 was quite tough for me because I knew and had known for a long time that this was the man for me, no one else. Knowing that that very person does not know (yet) is not easy on the heart. At the same time, I knew deep inside, at the bottom of my heart, that he would figure it out, that it was what he wanted too but that he just needed time - Peter is the kind of person who doesn't take decisions lightly, whether they are about buying a new flatscreen television or life decisions (and for that I love him as well)**. But I couldn't be 100% sure of course and that was difficult. We had some difficult talks from time to time but at the same time our life together was so good, so it wasn't like I was unhappy most of the time, far from it. But since times were so good it also made me more frustrated; why couldn't he see that we're meant to be together?!
So towards the end of the year I gave him an ultimatum, well, sort of one - I don't know if I'd ever gone through with it but... luckily we never have to find out :) With a new year arriving it felt like we, or I, was at a crossroads. I couldn't imagine life without Peter but at the same time I knew I really wanted children and since I wasn't getting any younger I - and he - had to realise that we were perhaps wasting each other's time and that we could be happy with and have a family with someone else***. So I told him, maybe not directly but indirectly, that he had until Easter; at that point we would need to have a serious talk about the future.
Fast-forward a few months. We're on a gorgeous holiday on a paradise island. And he has me waiting until the last morning!! When we arrived we said we would get up early (around 6am) one morning to watch the sunrise. Peter seemed to steer this to the last morning, which made me a bit suspicious but as I mentioned above, while I had hopes I didn't want to have any expectations. But I can't say the thought wasn't on my mind almost all the time :)
The last morning arrives, we get up and what greets us?! Clowds completely covering the sky. We went to the supposedly best spot to watch the sunrise anyway - the only other people out was a lone surfer and a couple that looked like a younger version of Kim Jong Il + girl - but it was so clowdy we weren't even completely sure if the sun had rose or not. So a bit of anticlimax in terms of romantic setting. But, who cares, as Peter was about to bring sunshine into my life anyway!
How did it happen? Peter told me to turn around and face him, and that's when I was at least 99% sure it would happen. And then he said (not his exact words but..) "sorry I have taken so long...will you marry me?".
I said yes of course!
Waiting for the sun that never was and the proposal that is about to come, even though I didn't know it yet
Just engaged!
Sealing the deal with a kiss* Sitting exams dressed in subfusc is quite memorable too...
** I think everyone's speeches at our wedding alluded to this personal characteristic of Peter and how patient I had been :)
*** While I can't imagine being with someone else - of course - I do believe that there could be several "soulmates" out there; there's not just one person for each of us in the universe
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Days 15 and 16: Dreams and Kisses
I forgot about the 30-day list yesterday. I was distracted by all congratulations and nice comments on my wedding post and the other reason was that we were out all evening - first I had a midwife appointment (all is well with the little one), then we checked out the new cycle café and lastly we saw the show Stjärnklart, as a treat from one of the consultancies Peter works with. My mum would have loved to come as one of the stars was Jerry Williams - not my favourite though! My favourite in this year's cast is Sarah Dawn Finer - what a voice! Her impersonation of Lady Gaga was great!
So, Day 15, yesterday, was My Dreams. I think all my dreams have come true this year! On the other hand one should never stop dreaming so at the moment - in addition to hoping for a healthy January baby - my number one wish is finding that dream flat. There are very few flats in the size we're looking for right now (2-3 bedrooms) for sale right now and those that are for sale cost a lot, but we're hoping the market will pick up and prices go down as a result in the spring. Fingers crossed!
In the longer term I dream about at least one more child, a new and challenging job (and a long career) and lots of exciting trips with Peter and our mini-mes. And in the future I would like to live in a house, preferably in Enskede, my favourite neighbourhood.
And today's theme is My First Kiss. Well, I told you about that already! It wasn't perhaps the greatest of kisses - that came a couple of years later in eight grade - but it counts! :)
So, Day 15, yesterday, was My Dreams. I think all my dreams have come true this year! On the other hand one should never stop dreaming so at the moment - in addition to hoping for a healthy January baby - my number one wish is finding that dream flat. There are very few flats in the size we're looking for right now (2-3 bedrooms) for sale right now and those that are for sale cost a lot, but we're hoping the market will pick up and prices go down as a result in the spring. Fingers crossed!
In the longer term I dream about at least one more child, a new and challenging job (and a long career) and lots of exciting trips with Peter and our mini-mes. And in the future I would like to live in a house, preferably in Enskede, my favourite neighbourhood.
And today's theme is My First Kiss. Well, I told you about that already! It wasn't perhaps the greatest of kisses - that came a couple of years later in eight grade - but it counts! :)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
011110
A series of figures with a meaning. For a computer scientist* frequencies of ones and zeros are very familiar and for a language and grammar nerd called Anna a palindrome of figures also has comfortable familiarity.
It also means the first day of the eleventh month of year ten of this century.
1 November 2010
And most of all, it is our wedding day!
Yes, Peter and I have been married for a month today!
And why am I telling you now and not earlier? Well, we only told a few close friends and family members beforehand and afterwards there have been so many we wanted to tell in person before going "public" in the blogosphere and on Facebook. And a little bit we wanted to suga på karamellen, i.e. make it last, keep it our little secret for a while.
We weren't all alone though, nor did we elope. We had a small wedding with two friends as witnesses. Family present were our parents, Peter's sister and her husband, my brother and Peter's grandmother. My friend Maria was one of our witnesses - and her fiance Daniel was invited too of course - and Peter's friend Thomas our other witness. We had a really lovely woman marrying us - I selected her from the list** because she's an actress and I figured that meant she would conduct the ceremony with feeling and expression. I was right! After the ceremony we celebrated with champagne and a bit of a mingle before sitting down for a three-course meal followed by coffee and cake***.
This was just the first of our weddings though! Our plan is to throw a big party next autumn - once the baby is old enough to be left with a sitter for a day (and night) - and invite everyone to a blessing**** in church.
Doing it this way turned out quite nice even though this is not what we had planned originally (we had planned to get married first and then have children but life is full of little surprises*****). This way we will have two wedding days! Another nice consequence is that our families had the opportunity to spend more time with each other and talk much more than they would have had at a big party, especially Peter's grandmother who would probably be too tired to come to a big party (my grandfather was invited but has been unwell and couldn't attend unfortunately). I also think it was a much less stressful day than most people's wedding day and hopefully it will also mean we'll be less stressed next time even if throwing a big party is always associated with an element of stress. But at least we won't have to worry about whether the other person will say I do! ;)
Our wedding day started already the day before when we checked in at Grand Hotel - I can recommend their package "Lagom mycket kärlek" with sea view accommodation (and view of the Old Town, the Palace and the Opera, etc.), champagne (well, alcohol-free alternative for me) and strawberries in the room, and a lavish hotel breakfast - continuing with dinner at Lydmar in the evening, followed by, the next day, after breakfast, a visit to the hotel's luxurious spa Raison d'Etre (that I've told you about before) including massage for both of us. We figured it was nice to do all that stuff before the wedding, as on our actual wedding night we wouldn't get to the hotel room until pretty late and not have time to really enjoy all the extravaganza and services Grand provides (we spent the wedding night at home instead). Doing it this way also meant our wedding day was pure relaxation and no stress, at least until 2pm; after that it was time for hair appointment, picking up flowers and wedding cake, etc. and arriving at the venue around 4:30pm to make sure everything was in order before the guests started arriving after 5.
More pictures to follow but here's one to satisfy your curiosity!
* Well, really electro engineering but now working in IT and holding a position as a CTO.
** In Sweden, those authorised to marry in a civil ceremony - church ceremonies are different - are usually politicians and this is an extra (unpaid) assignment they can volunteer for. I googled the officiators on the City of Stockholm list and fell for this 70-year old woman who's also an actress.
*** Peter thought dessert would be enough but I insisted on cake too, even if people are already stuffed; no wedding without cake, right?!!
**** As we're already married we couldn't get married again in church but we could still have a church ceremony even though it's a bit different from a regular ceremony.
**** We could have waited to get married until next year of course but for various legal, family and other reasons we wanted to be married before the baby comes.
It also means the first day of the eleventh month of year ten of this century.
1 November 2010
And most of all, it is our wedding day!
Yes, Peter and I have been married for a month today!
And why am I telling you now and not earlier? Well, we only told a few close friends and family members beforehand and afterwards there have been so many we wanted to tell in person before going "public" in the blogosphere and on Facebook. And a little bit we wanted to suga på karamellen, i.e. make it last, keep it our little secret for a while.
We weren't all alone though, nor did we elope. We had a small wedding with two friends as witnesses. Family present were our parents, Peter's sister and her husband, my brother and Peter's grandmother. My friend Maria was one of our witnesses - and her fiance Daniel was invited too of course - and Peter's friend Thomas our other witness. We had a really lovely woman marrying us - I selected her from the list** because she's an actress and I figured that meant she would conduct the ceremony with feeling and expression. I was right! After the ceremony we celebrated with champagne and a bit of a mingle before sitting down for a three-course meal followed by coffee and cake***.
This was just the first of our weddings though! Our plan is to throw a big party next autumn - once the baby is old enough to be left with a sitter for a day (and night) - and invite everyone to a blessing**** in church.
Doing it this way turned out quite nice even though this is not what we had planned originally (we had planned to get married first and then have children but life is full of little surprises*****). This way we will have two wedding days! Another nice consequence is that our families had the opportunity to spend more time with each other and talk much more than they would have had at a big party, especially Peter's grandmother who would probably be too tired to come to a big party (my grandfather was invited but has been unwell and couldn't attend unfortunately). I also think it was a much less stressful day than most people's wedding day and hopefully it will also mean we'll be less stressed next time even if throwing a big party is always associated with an element of stress. But at least we won't have to worry about whether the other person will say I do! ;)
Our wedding day started already the day before when we checked in at Grand Hotel - I can recommend their package "Lagom mycket kärlek" with sea view accommodation (and view of the Old Town, the Palace and the Opera, etc.), champagne (well, alcohol-free alternative for me) and strawberries in the room, and a lavish hotel breakfast - continuing with dinner at Lydmar in the evening, followed by, the next day, after breakfast, a visit to the hotel's luxurious spa Raison d'Etre (that I've told you about before) including massage for both of us. We figured it was nice to do all that stuff before the wedding, as on our actual wedding night we wouldn't get to the hotel room until pretty late and not have time to really enjoy all the extravaganza and services Grand provides (we spent the wedding night at home instead). Doing it this way also meant our wedding day was pure relaxation and no stress, at least until 2pm; after that it was time for hair appointment, picking up flowers and wedding cake, etc. and arriving at the venue around 4:30pm to make sure everything was in order before the guests started arriving after 5.
More pictures to follow but here's one to satisfy your curiosity!
* Well, really electro engineering but now working in IT and holding a position as a CTO.
** In Sweden, those authorised to marry in a civil ceremony - church ceremonies are different - are usually politicians and this is an extra (unpaid) assignment they can volunteer for. I googled the officiators on the City of Stockholm list and fell for this 70-year old woman who's also an actress.
*** Peter thought dessert would be enough but I insisted on cake too, even if people are already stuffed; no wedding without cake, right?!!
**** As we're already married we couldn't get married again in church but we could still have a church ceremony even though it's a bit different from a regular ceremony.
**** We could have waited to get married until next year of course but for various legal, family and other reasons we wanted to be married before the baby comes.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Day 14: What Was I Wearing Today?
Very similar topic to Day 10 and I was wearing the same hat today as it's still so bl***y cold!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Day 13: This Week
Monday: Laundry
Tuesday: Dinner with Malin (tbc)
Wednesday: Dinner and show through Peter's work (if he gets well, he has a fever and some stomach bug right now, however doesn't seem to be the dreaded winter vomiting disease)
Thursday: No plans
Friday: Going to the country house for the weekend (tbc)
And we relight the first candle every day :)
Via Anna's iPhone
Tuesday: Dinner with Malin (tbc)
Wednesday: Dinner and show through Peter's work (if he gets well, he has a fever and some stomach bug right now, however doesn't seem to be the dreaded winter vomiting disease)
Thursday: No plans
Friday: Going to the country house for the weekend (tbc)
And we relight the first candle every day :)
Via Anna's iPhone
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Day 12: In My Handbag
My handbag is full of the usual boring stuff - purse, phone, chewing gum, business cards, coupons for very shops, tissues, lip balm, etc. - but I won't show you any photo evidence. Instead I want to show you a very clever accessory that I always carry in my handbag: a handbag hanger! Works anywhere there is a table or counter. Mine is a freebie with Peter's company's logo on it but you can buy them from various places. The one below even has a mirror on, another must-carry for many women!
Images borrowed from the Internet
Images borrowed from the InternetSaturday, November 27, 2010
Day 11: My Brother
always played loud Music
toy Automobile collector
likes Routine
Tall
Impatient
forever Naive
toy Automobile collector
likes Routine
Tall
Impatient
forever Naive
Royal Visit
By the King of the Forest. My parents have a moose chilling in their garden.
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Friday, November 26, 2010
Show & Tell: What I Have Collected Over the Years...
...but stopped collecting years ago. I'm sure I have some saved in my parents' attic though, hope so at least as it would be fun to show Belly Dancer and her/his siblings in the future.
First out is Garbage Pail Kids trading cards. Do you remember them?! Apparently they still exist! They were a parody on the Garbage Patch Kids dolls - I really wanted a doll but my mum thought it was a hype and also that they were expensive. My friend Maria had one and I was soooo jealous! I don't care now of course but I was pretty mad at my mum back then!
Second, so-called luktisar, i.e. smell stickers, or scratch-and-sniff as they are also called. Weren't they fun! I think we traded these too. Speaking of things that smell, I also had quite a lot of smell rubbers too. They weren't great erasers really but I guess that wasn't the point of them!
Third and last, manicklar - I have no clue what they're called in English. These were little figures - letters, numbers or objects such as bicycles - in various colours that you were supposed to link up in long chains, the longer the better of course.
This was Musikanta's final theme. It looks like Erica will take over the relay stick for the final stretch of this Show & Tell year.
Images borrowed from the Internet today
First out is Garbage Pail Kids trading cards. Do you remember them?! Apparently they still exist! They were a parody on the Garbage Patch Kids dolls - I really wanted a doll but my mum thought it was a hype and also that they were expensive. My friend Maria had one and I was soooo jealous! I don't care now of course but I was pretty mad at my mum back then!
Second, so-called luktisar, i.e. smell stickers, or scratch-and-sniff as they are also called. Weren't they fun! I think we traded these too. Speaking of things that smell, I also had quite a lot of smell rubbers too. They weren't great erasers really but I guess that wasn't the point of them!
Third and last, manicklar - I have no clue what they're called in English. These were little figures - letters, numbers or objects such as bicycles - in various colours that you were supposed to link up in long chains, the longer the better of course.
This was Musikanta's final theme. It looks like Erica will take over the relay stick for the final stretch of this Show & Tell year.
Images borrowed from the Internet today
Day 10: What I'm Wearing Today
Or was wearing rather, as now I'm comfortably resting on the sofa TGIFing.
My favourite hat, a gift from Peter's parents from two winters ago, that is perfect for today's cold weather (-8'C this evening).
Via Anna's iPhone
My favourite hat, a gift from Peter's parents from two winters ago, that is perfect for today's cold weather (-8'C this evening).
Via Anna's iPhone
Must Have Toy!
Peter says he won't build one of these for our unborn child! Can you believe him?! ;)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Day 9: My Beliefs/Faith
Big topic about which pages and pages could be written. But the hour is late and bullets will have to do.
- * Yes, I believe
- * But I'm probably more of an agnostic than a true believer
- * I'm too much of a rational thinker to believe 100%
- * I really hope there is something or someone out there though
- * I think it helps people to think that there is or there may be something
- * And even if there isn't, or we will never know, that may be the point of it; that it gives people strength
- * My beliefs are personal though and I don't believe in a lot of the dogma
- * If there is a God, there's probably just one; s/he just have different names (God, Allah, etc.)
- * Saying that may not qualify me as a Christian, but Christianity is still what I feel the closest too, but partly for cultural reasons
- * I will raise our child with the help of many of the values that stem from (the positive side of) religion (and culture) and instill those values in him/her
Knotmail
Just read about a new and innovative way to send packages - Knotmail uses the services of travellers and is thus greener and cheaper than normal postal and delivery services! It works like this: someone who is travelling to the same destination takes your parcel with him/her. And any time you travel yourself, you can sign up as temporary delivery guy!
Only for Sweden (it seems) right now, but still! An excellent idea! When I googled I saw that someone had written "what do you do at the airport when they ask if you packed your bags yourself and if anyone has asked you to take anything for them", but I'm sure they have thought of that already.
Only for Sweden (it seems) right now, but still! An excellent idea! When I googled I saw that someone had written "what do you do at the airport when they ask if you packed your bags yourself and if anyone has asked you to take anything for them", but I'm sure they have thought of that already.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 8: A Moment
Drinking hot chocolate and admiring our new Advent lights (I figured its modern design justifies putting it up four days early).
Via Anna's iPhone
Via Anna's iPhone
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Day 7: My Best Friend
Had one of my best friends, Maria, and her significant other Daniel, over for dinner tonight. Very good timing considering today's theme.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 6: My Day
07:25: Alarm went off, complained (as per usual) about why we didn't go to bed earlier the night before...
07:35: Got up, made breakfast
07:40: Went back to bed to eat breakfast in bed while checking emails on my iPhone and reading Sunday's paper
08:10-09:00: Showered and made myself beautiful
09:00: Walked to work (15-minute walk normally but with a growing belly it now takes almost 20 minutes), stopped by Ica to buy lunch
09:30-16:45: Started working, swore a lot over super slow email (we're transferring to Outlook 2007 and there are lot of teething problems...)
17:00: Left work and jumped on the 69 bus to town
17:20: Met up with Peter and his friends for a quick bite to eat
18:00: Meeting with Harry Potter & friends
Now: Winding down at home
07:35: Got up, made breakfast
07:40: Went back to bed to eat breakfast in bed while checking emails on my iPhone and reading Sunday's paper
08:10-09:00: Showered and made myself beautiful
09:00: Walked to work (15-minute walk normally but with a growing belly it now takes almost 20 minutes), stopped by Ica to buy lunch
09:30-16:45: Started working, swore a lot over super slow email (we're transferring to Outlook 2007 and there are lot of teething problems...)
17:00: Left work and jumped on the 69 bus to town
17:20: Met up with Peter and his friends for a quick bite to eat
18:00: Meeting with Harry Potter & friends
Now: Winding down at home
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day 5: Love Is...
...your significant other getting up with you to make you breakfast while you get ready because he knows you're in a rush (and treating you to breakfast in bed every morning for months while you battle morning sickness).
...friends lending and/or giving you bags and bags of baby clothes, crib, baby travel bed, BabyBjörn carriers, toys, etc...
...getting a big hug from a friend's 2½ year-old who's been talking about you all day since she heard you were stopping by.
And that's just in one day!
...friends lending and/or giving you bags and bags of baby clothes, crib, baby travel bed, BabyBjörn carriers, toys, etc...
...getting a big hug from a friend's 2½ year-old who's been talking about you all day since she heard you were stopping by.
And that's just in one day!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 4: What I Ate Today
10:00: Bread with cheese and messmör (not on the same piece), tea and juice
12:00: American pancakes with fruit salad and maple syrup, coffee
15:30: Burger and alco-free sparkling wine at Tures
Tonight: Leftover pancakes
Today's snack: Sweets of course, it's Saturday!
Via Anna's iPhone
12:00: American pancakes with fruit salad and maple syrup, coffee
15:30: Burger and alco-free sparkling wine at Tures
Tonight: Leftover pancakes
Today's snack: Sweets of course, it's Saturday!
Via Anna's iPhone
Friday, November 19, 2010
Show & Tell: A Meeting I Will Never Forget
Musikanta's third theme is a tricky one. I can't think of a single meeting or moment that I will never forget. I wish I could tell you about when I met the Pope (and yelled at him how crazy the catholic church and its dogma is) or went backstage at a Michael Jackson concert but sadly there are no such features in my repertoire. Instead several meetings sprung to mind. Sometimes I don't recall exactly how the meeting went or what happened at the meeting but I remember the feeling, if that makes sense.
- * The high-level and/or famous people I have met through work, such as Crown Princess Victoria and new Labour leader Ed Miliband
- * First time I met Peter, or the first set of meetings really
- * All the times I have met friends again after a long, long time (especially friends abroad) and it feels like we just met yesterday
- * Meeting my aupair family for the first time
- * Seeing my family and friends again after a year away (as an aupair)
- * The last time I saw my grandmother before she passed away
- * When I first met new colleagues and became acqainted with a new workplace, either at the interview or my first working day, or both
- * The first time I met my inlaws
- * A meeting that hasn't happened yet but I'm sure I will never forget is when we meet Belly Dancer for the first time!
- * Wouldn't it be cool if we remembered the first meeting with our parents?
Reunion with old friends at James & Jill's wedding last summer - Céline, James and Karl to the right and I think you recognise the other two :)
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