We're Here

We made it! We're here! It is so crazy too. If I were to be honest, which I am going to be, we're feeling regret right now. I now this is normal, or at least hoping it is. But we truly miss Malmoe. We miss our home (which is long gone) we miss our friends, the parks, the walks, the biking, you name it.

Mattias and I have been near tears I think since we got here but this must be expected, considering the enormous move we just made and all the stress around it. Things aren't easier when we have Enzo in tow. He reminds us of the huge move we just made... meaning, he has said a few times before we left for the states, "mamma, go home." And I think to myself, I am sorry sweetheart, we don't have a home yet.

I was checking my email just prior to writing this blog. And I recieved an email from a dear friend. She reminded me that getting "settled" will take time and she encouraged me/us to hang in there. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I feel like her advice is valid since she too has made a few huge cross the world moves with her family and pets in tow. Thanks Megs!

I promise to keep all, friends and family near and far, informed and up to speed and how things are going, how we are feeling etc.

On the bright side, SAS was gracious to us. We had 10 bags, 5 extra and 5 overweight, plus a car seat and a stroller and we only had to pay $765 compared to the $1150.00 we expected to pay. We had some really nice SAS agents helping us and I prayed, I know that really helped, I believe it did!!

Gotta Laugh

Our darling Enzo

It may be a few days before I leave a blog entry. We are going to take a few days to try and get situated and just breathe after all the craziness the holidays and moving across the atlantic bring. Thought I would leave you with a funny picture which Mattias took with his cellphone about six months ago.

It Wasn't A White Christmas...

...But it was a mighty fine Christmas. The weather was cold but the snowfall we had didn't really want to stick. We got snow both on the 24th and the 25th and instead of it lying like a blanket it melted away creating black ice!

This year Enzo understood a little more what was going on and the idea of opening gifts. Boy, did he enjoy opening presents. He even started to say: "open mer paket" (open more gifts). After his gifts ran out he got to help others unwrap their gifts. He was satisfied with his gifts even though he didn't get much due to us not having much room left in our bags for extra toys, etc.... but he's still young so he doesn't quite get it yet. PHEW!

Sorry about the picture overload but we had to document these last few days here in Karlskrona.

Enzo opening his first Christmas gift, from Farmor och Lasse.

It was a train set from Farmor och Lasse...exactly what he wished for!!

In the afternoon we went to Patrik (Mattias' brother) and Mia's to celebrate Christmas (the 24th). At 3pm it was time to watch "Kalle Anka's Jul" (Donald Duck's Christmas), this is a classic tradition.

Directly after the show, Santa came to drop off some presents.

Enzo looking out, watching Sam and Theo playing with sparklers.

Mattias, Patrik and Andreas, the brothers.

Being Santa's little helper and smiling for the camera.

Woke up this morning to this...it was almost a white christmas.

Santa also came to visit us at Farfar's.

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Birthday To Me...

And to Charissa, Marva and Chidozie. Yes, I share my birthday with some close family and friends. Happy Birthday Charissa, Marva and Chi, hope you have a wonderful day!

This birthday has been great. This morning we had birthday tea/coffee and cookies with family and friends, my Swedish family that is.

I received some great gifts and money...a lot of chocolate and a nice watch from Mattias, to name a few!!

Have to comment on the bouquet of flowers pictured above. This must be one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever received. Thank you Eva!! Wish I could take this bouquet with me to the states but I think I will have to leave it here with my dear mother-in law.

One Sick Boy

Talk about bad timing. We're one day away from the Swedish Christmas and two days away from the American Christmas and this little boy is sick!

Today we found out that he has an ear infection and gunk in his lungs. So, he's on penicillin and nasal spray and tylenol. Poor thing. He's stopped eating for the most part and his tutta (pacifier) has become his best friend.

We are hoping the worst part is over before our flight on the 27th.

Hugs and kisses to you Enzo...

The Smell of Pepparkakor

This morning, Farmor (Ing-Marie) had all her grandkids (Sam, Theo, Noah and Enzo) over for some christmas baking. Today's baking was pepparkakor, Scandinavian style gingerbread cookies. The smell is delightful.

Enzo, enjoyed seeing his cousins and running around with them. This is what our last 8 days in Sweden is about... quality time with family!

Enzo taking a break from baking to feed Daisy, as if she needs help. The boys.

Empty chairs...Enzo and Noah got bored after a while.

Enzo's batch.

Noah going strong and Enzo missing in action.

Sam and Theo.

On Our Way

My beautiful family!

Yesterday we caught the train to Karlskrona. We are spending our last few days in Sweden there with Mattias' family. Exciting and sad all at the same time. We are getting closer to our departure which in turn means we are getting closer to saying our final goodbye's. Our hearts are rejoicing and aching all at the same time. It's a wonder that having two completely opposite feelings at one time is even possible.

Surprises And More Surprises

As I have mentioned before, I am soon turning 30. And as a result my wonderful husband threw me a surprise birthday party. Since we were leaving Malmö before my birthday he threw the party on the 16th....7days before my actual birthday. It was perfect. I got to see my friends one more time and my husband succeeded in surprising me for my birthday. It was perfect.

I received great gifts, which weren't needed but greatly accepted and appreciated...the company of friends and loved ones was enough!!


What a great way to leave Malmö, knowing that we have great friends and great memories!


Thank you Sweetie for giving me a wonderful evening and thanks to all our friends who came and made the evening so special!!

Dan and Fredrik. We'll miss you!
Karen and Johan. We'll miss you!
Jove and Biljana. We'll miss you!

Lina. We'll miss you!

Me, opening some lovely gifts!...

... and smiling for the camera.

Jenny, Emme and Jessica looking on. We'll miss you!

and those of you not pictured...Henke, Anna and Maria. We'll miss you!

Happy Holidays!!

(picture taken from flickr)

This year we won't be sending out any Christmas cards... unfortunately it was not a high priority on our list this year with everything else going on. We want our Christmas cards to be personal and since time didn't allow for it we opted to not send any this year. So, don't expect anything in the mail from The Melkersson's this year. We will make up for it next year, hopefully.

Point is, we would like to wish all of you a very merry christmas and a happy new year, from our blog to your home!!!

All The Pretty Lights!

Christmas is nearing and lights are in full effect. Enzo is loving "all the pretty lights". He rather stroll around town now to look at all the pretty lights then playing at the park. I indulge of course, because, I too love "all the pretty lights" and who can ignore their kid when they say; "mamma, look at all the pretty lights". Not I. I love Christmas, my absolute favorite holiday!

Last Saturday we even ventured on to Tivoli at Copenhagen with some friends to experience even more pretty lights. Boy, was that fun and freezing cold. The evening was nice and unfortunately it flew by rather quickly.

Priceless

More than a week ago...(time flies and I am losing track of it admist all the chaos around moving), we received a package in the mail. It was from Mattias' moster Bibbi(aunt on his mother's side). She sent us a letter wishing us well on our new journey and a some travelling money...bless her heart!

In the package was also a gift to me...yep, little ole' me! She sent me an early 30th birthday gift. Yes, if you have forgotten, I am turning 30 in 8 days and counting...freaky! Probably even freakier for my dear mom.

Back to the subject at hand...the gift. Bibbi sent me some jewelry. Not just any old jewelry but a beautiful ring and bracelet which she received on her 30th birthday. Priceless. The ring and the bracelet are now 32yrs old and she has passed them over to me. I got goose bumps all over my body when reading the letter and opening the little box in which the jewely was resting. Immediately my mind began to race, thinking about the history and the journeys this jewelry has travelled and will continue to travel. Hopefuly one day we will have a daughter and I will then pass this on to her from her great aunt Bibbi.

Priceless!

I am truly grateful for this gift from the heart!
Tusen tack Bibbi för att du tänkte på mig och att du vill ge mig något som betyder jättemycket för dig. Jag ska var så rädda om dem och hålla dem nära mitt hjärta!! Skickar många pussar till dig Bibbi!

Guess what I'll be wearing on December 23rd... just take a peek below.

Stop Growing

Enzo is loving calling people on the phone. Eveyday it's "talka farmor" or "ringa grandma" or "lasse" and the list goes on (His language of choice is swenglish, if you didn't notice). Yesterday I allowed him to call his farmor, I dialed the number and handed over the phone. He began his first "real" telephone conversation. He walked around, chatted a bit, listened, then he proceeded to sit down and continue his convo. Too cute! However, it's scaring me, he is growing way too fast!!! Enzo, please stop growing!!!

Catching Up And Saying Thank You

Due to my grandpa's passing and a ton of work around the move I have fallen behind on blogging. I hope you all forgive me. (I write as if I have a ton of fans out there). Sorry. A lot has happened in the past week and a half. More than I can probably update on but I will take the highlights.

First things first,
A week ago from last Saturday I was sitting in front of our computer, balling over the news about my grandpa while writing a blog about him. We had dinner plans so I was trying to hurry up and finish writing everything that was going through my head. We had plans to go this wonderful couples house and have dinner with them. I threw on a tshirt and a jeans skirt, Mattias the same except jeans, of course. I wasn't in the mood for getting dolled up...sadness was consuming me.

Dinner was scheduled for 5pm. We arrived pretty much on time, around 5:02pm. Had planned to go to their place earlier if Enzo's nap wasn't such a disaster. Anywho, we got there, knocked on the door. And to our surprise Ing-Marie, Mattias mother, opened their door.

Jaws dropped...that would be our jaws dropping (Mattias and I), Enzo included! We stood there in utter confusion. Wondering what she was doing there, opening their door. I peered down the hall and there was an even bigger surprise. A lot of our friends were gathered there in the hallway waiting on our grand entrance.

It was a surprise party! The Svensson's (Dan and Maria), planned and organized a surprise party for us. We were completely overwhelmed and surprised. Couldn't believe everyone had gathered for our sake. To say farewell to us and wish us luck on our upcoming journey.

They had arranged seating at the table via Uno cards. This is one of our favorite games to play with The Svensson's. They had prepared a delicious dinner, dessert and snacks to boot. We played organized games; a question game (the subject was us...all sorts of questions about us) and a music game with focus on Swedish artists. I totally sucked at the music game.
They had pictures of us all over their walls. Absolutely amazing!

Oops, almost forgot to mention! They had thought so far in the process to have Ing-Marie (Farmor) come so she could go home with Enzo at a reasonable time and we could stay and party all night long. Talk about being thorough!

Not to put all the light on just The Svensson's, we heard everyone helped out to make the evening a hit. I just can't believe not a single soul leaked info or tips about the whole thing. They had supposedly been planning it for 2 months and we had no idea. Way to go!

Needless to say, we had a great time. Reality struck while we were there. We are going to miss everyone so much! We just want to say Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful evening, it truly meant a lot to us!!! We love you all!!!

Here are some pics from that evening at the Svensson's... we didn't take any pictures that night, we just enjoyed ourselves. We relied soley on our friends pics to document this grand event. Have yet to receive them all.
Anna...looks like she is busting some moves or?
Jove, Ludde and Staffan

Henke, Jessica (soon to-be parents) and myself.

Background: Enzo in his farmor's arms...

Mr. Svensson. Mrs. Svensson is hiding somewhere...

Thank you!!!!
ps...if there are more pics out there from this day, please send them our way. thanks again!