Christmas 2010 At Our House

First let me say, I downloaded the pics in the wrong order...oh well. It's more important that I post, right?
This year we celebrated our first Christmas at home. My in-laws came to visit, that would be Mattias mom and her husband. It was nice. However, holiday time and all year round is when I wish I had a ton of siblings and they had a ton of kids and we celebrated together. The kids would play and have a blast with each other and us adults would enjoy the chaos together and play games. That only exists in my dreams but maybe I should have a ton of kids so they can have that life I wish I had...you know with siblings and such.

Christmas in review:

Here are some of the gifts Enzo got. Staples among his toys are legos and Brio trains. With those you can never go wrong. He got both Legos this year and a suspension bridge to his wooden Brio train track.

Aleksander didn't have much of anything on his wish list since we figured he'll inherit most of Enzo's baby toys. But this he did want and loves it. A-hops!

Enzo on his scavenger hunt on Christmas day...trying to find his last Christmas gifts of the year. We celebrate on both the 24th and 25th. Here in Sweden, the 24th is the day they celebrate and to keep my American tradition alive in the family we celebrate on the 25th as well. It's usually a bit more low key but this year I started the tradition of a scavenger hunt to find the last few presents that Santa left.

Here we are reading the first clue.

Enzo and Aleksander got cute monster robes from their cousins!

Enzo opening his gifts. Let me just say, my son was wired for two days straight. I think the anticipation for the big day got the best of him.

Farmor and Aleksander

Enzo got his very own Rudolph. Enzo and I happened to go past Build-A-Bear on the 22nd and there Rudolph was, smiling at us with his eyes. I noticed it first and thought, we have to get this. And then Enzo eyed it and said mommy, "can we please get Rudolph." I didn't really want to buy anything since Christmas was literally right around the corner but I couldn't resist. He loves him. Who wouldn't he's adorable. Enzo wanted to buy Clarice too, Rudolph's girlfriend, but I had to draw the line. No Clarice. We don't need two reindeers adn who even knows Rudolph has a girl. After 30+ yrs I just found out about Clarice this year when watching the old classic.

Another Birthday...

...to be had.
I don't know what happened. Yes I do, I turned 30 and ever since I don't enjoy my birthdays nearly as much as I used to. Getting older now is just plain depressing. Getting older totally and utterly freaks me out! Not sure what to do about it. Mattias says I just need to accept it and understand that we will continue to get older, older and wrinkly and frail etc etc etc. and then we'll die. That 's the part that I just can't swallow, the dying part. But this post isn't going to be about dying because I am sure I will just freak myself out and make myself cry so I will stick to the matter at hand...my 32nd birthday!

My birthday was what you can call a mini disaster. The day started out relatively ok but then it spiraled out of control, slightly, and then ended fairly ok. First of all, I usually love birthdays! I love it when it's other people's birthday, like my kids and MHS (my hot swede) and it calls for me to plan and surprise with gifts and such. I used to love my own birthday. Every year I always waited with such anticipation and the month of December would always be a countdown month for me, but not anymore.

Well, my Mattias is not a big birthday person, let alone holiday person for that matter. Well, if the World Cup, Olympics or European Championship or anything Zlatan participates in was a holiday he would be all over it. Point is, he is pretty lousy at planning such days. However, to his defense he did plan a rockin' 30th birthday...totally surprised me, which is good since it was a surprise party. And I am glad he got that one right since it was the Big Cahuna thus far for birthdays...I mean turning 30 was a big freakin deal. However, I do remember my 30th birthday, that I was limbering between totally blue/sad and it's opposite, happy/excited.

Well, this birthday I woke up to my kids. Had anticipated sleeping in but when I woke up I felt pretty well rested. Outside it was a total snowstorm . Mattias was feeling bad and stressing because there were last minute things he needs to do and time was ticking by and the day wasn't turning out as he had planned. He made me breakfast. Then he had to leave to get my birthday present, which was the total highlight of the day! I got a brand new camera. An SLR. I love it! Then we had to go to town but because of the crazy weather, we didn't take the car nor the bus, we decided to foot it. It was the stupidest thing ever. It was nearly impossible to get where we were going as the snow was so thick. Once we were there we were both sweaty from our workout. Enzo whined the entire walk there...because snow was flying in his face. And Mattias and I were thinking shut up kid, we are pushing you in this stroller, you need to just enjoy the ride... Needless to say, Enzo's days was filled with meltdowns... I think this is what ultimately put a damper on my day.

We were at the mall doing last minute shopping like the rest of the nuts/last-minute people. Lines were outrageous. But we were efficient. It was just toys we were getting for Mattias' nephews. When we finally made it back home, I went on a supermarket sweep...not really. But it felt like it. Picked up pizza on the way home from the grocery store. Once the kids were in bed it was last minute preps for Christmas Eve, which is the day they celebrate Christmas here. And then it was bed time. Phew! That day was over and I don't think I relaxed for one minute...well, when I got in the bed for the night. Maybe this is just how birthdays are when you have kids. I don't know but I hope next year isn't the same.

Here's my shopping cart.

I Forgot To Mention

Dec 8th, I went to my first opera. Madama Butterfly! From the time I first knew that this opera was playing here I knew I had to go. I have been wanting to experience an opera for a while and here was my chance. Unfortunately I was so tired...literally exhausted so it was a battle to keep my eyes open. And no, this wasn't because I didn't enjoy myself this was because of pure exhaustion or lack of sleep...whatever you want to call it.

I found it a little frustrating at times not knowing exactly what they were saying and trying to play the guessing game but you do understand the gist of it all. They did have subtitles but it was a lot of swedish words I didn't know, I think it was a lot of old language.

Here's a pic of the yummy food and wine we got included in our ticket price.

And The Heavens Opened Up Again

Last Wednesday all signs of snow had disappeared. This was amazing considering how much snow we had. But then Thursday morning, it returned. I couldn't believe my eyes since it seemed like the weather was becoming a bit milder. We ended up having two days of constant snow pour...is that even a word? Don't think so. At this point getting around with a stroller, bike, or car isn't the easiest. But then last night, while we were sleeping, the heavens opened up and poured even more snow. Crazy! Biking is nearly impossible...it is impossible. Well, I won't be biking anyway but my poor husband is out there. He treaded through snow to get Enzo to school this morning. The city usually cleans the streets, bike paths and walking paths pretty well but not this morning. I guess this is an indicator as to how much snow we have and how much work they must have. To be honest, it is quite cozy unless you are in a hurry to get somewhere, or you need to get your kid to school and you have a baby in tow which means you need to take the stroller or you rely on mass communication because there is a ton of delays I am assuming. Then you just hate snow!

This is our second winter in a row with so much snow. It's great for Enzo to experience all four seasons, because we all know that's what you get in Sweden...some seasons being longer than others. Mattias commented the other day, that I should be thankful that I live here and get to experience this sort of weather which many people never get to experience. Hmmm! It's a love hate relationship I suppose. Today I love it and am enjoying my view of the white fluffy stuff.

My boys. Enzo loves his baby brother and is always looking for an opportunity to take care of him. And as I have posted before, Aleksander adores Enzo. I am eager to watch this relationship blossom. Love you two!

Yesterday morning we baked sugar cookies for Enzo's teachers and classmates. He wanted to originally bake a cake for each teacher. I thought that was a bit ambitious. I suggested we bake bread, like a pumpkin spice bread but he didn't think that sounded like fun or as tasty as a cake. So, I convinced him that cookies would be the answer. Thanks to our wonderful Auntie Carmen, we had all the cookie cutters a boy could need and sprinkles to boot!

Not to mention, really cute goodie bags. You see the snowman on the table...that's one of them. We filled the bags with 3 cookies to the teachers and 2 cookies to his classmates. ps. Enzo got a little heavy on the green sprinkles, as you can see. I am sure whoever got those cookies, enjoyed them tremendously.

Last night was the annual Christmas party at Enzo's school. I was anticiapting a program and such but it was just "fika"...cookies, tea, hot cocoa, glögg, a santa handing out clementines and raisins to the kids and then full access to the playground, since the party was outside. Yes, it was outside in the cold. Totally missed taking a picture of the surroundings. Oops.

Anywho, here's Enzo playing with his friend Melvin, who turned his head at every pic I took so here is the back of him. They are the racing car boys...they love all things cars!

Aleksander slept while we nibbled on cookies and chatted.

Here's a video clip of Enzo going down a really slipperly slide. I think if I would have filmed it from the side view, you could really see him whipping down the slide...but another miss. Sorry.

Because I Am So Behind And Time Is Not On My Side...

Create your own greeting card

Lucia Train/Celebration

December 13th is St. Lucia Day. You can read about it here.
Last year Enzo was a gingerbread man, this year he wanted to be Santa like Aleksander.

Here we are on our way to Enzo's Lucia celebration at school. It looks like night time but it was 7:40am. Enzo has his suit ontop of his overall...it's cold here and they were doing the celebration outside.

Here's Enzo and some of his classmates.

Here are two video clips. One of the beginning of the Lucia train and then one just watching my boy. Enzo had been practicing his songs all week long only to not even open his mouth during the celebration. Typical.

The Elf On The Shelf

We have a started a new tradition in our family for the Christmas holiday. It's the Elf on the Shelf. It's a story about an Elf who is sent to us from Santa to watch the kids during the day. When you get the book and Elf, you have to name him right away. Enzo first wanted to name him Elf...I aksed him again, then he decided his name would be Alex...I think he chose this name because of his brother Aleksander. Anyway, Alex the Elf is here all day long and watches the boys. The boys are not allowed to touch him as this can make his magic disappear thus not allowing Alex to be able to fly to the North Pole every evening to report to Santa how the boys were...if they were naughty or nice. They are encouraged to talk to the Elf...Mattias and I find ourselves talking to Alex more than Enzo. After the boys have gone to bed Alex the Elf flies to the North Pole and reports to Santa. In the morning when the boys wake up Alex has placed himself in a new spot which Enzo is eager to find where. There he sits all day watching. After Dec.25th the Elf is put away/returns to Santa where he stays until next December.

I must say he is the cutest Elf ever and we are glad to have him join our family.

Gingerbread Train

Enzo got this Gingerbread Train in one of our packages from Auntie Carmen. We couldn't wait to make it. I know it doesn't look so great but that part doesn't matter. What matters was that Enzo enjoyed making and mostly enjoyed eating it. We (Enzo and I) did such a horrible putting it together that the locomotive kept tipping over...no joke. It tipped over probably 10times. Enzo wanted to just eat it but I was determined for it to stay up.

Feeding Time

Whenever I ask Enzo if he wants to feed Aleksander the answer is almost always "YES"! And Aleksander loves any attention he gets from his brother. Even if it's eating solids which he isn't too fond of.

As you can see, they made a big mess.

ps. I am kicking myself for not videotapping this...but I guess pics are better than nothing.

My Cup Runneth Over

I am at wits end. (And let me just say, while I am writing this post I am eating spoonfuls of Nutella). These past few weeks have been challenging for me. Not so much physically but most definitely mentally. The worst part of it all my kids are getting the worst part of it.

So, what's going on? Life I guess you can say. And really I only have myself, and Mattias of course to blame. I am studying full time, meaning class almost everyday from about 8am-5pm. And not only am I going to class but so is Aleksander. Yes, you read right. The past 3 weeks Aleksander has been going to school with me. Which means on the days that we start at 8:15 am, Aleksander and I have to be out the door by 7:45am at the latest. Mattias has been working full time with a lot of 9am-7pm shifts, UGH! Which means when school is out for me, I pick up Enzo, come home, engage with the kids, cook dinner, do bedtime, clean, and then try and do school work.

Why is all this so challenging? Well, imagine having a 5 month old with you at school just about everyday. It's really not him. I mean he has been super, in concerns to what you can expect from a baby. He usually sits, talks a bit and doesn't demand so much. But these past two days have been hell for both him and myself. He is at the age where everything is quite fascinating and his curiousity keeps him alert. In other words, he has a really hard time falling asleep at school...all the lights, all the voices etc. Being at school and taking most of your naps in your stroller isn't ideal. It seems just about the time he falls asleep he is awake again. So, what I am spelling out here is a tired baby. His sleep routines have flown out the window and it has left me with an overtired baby the past few days. My once happy and content baby was a restless and unsatisfied baby today. Not to mention the hour of crying he has to let out every evening before he can fall asleep. Today, I put him down at 5pm because I knew he was exhausted and he didn't fall asleep until a little after 6pm...with after shocks up to a half hour after that. Heartwrenching, I know.

And then there is Enzo. He has been going to school and enjoying himself lately but he has not been napping at school when they have nap time. Yes, he still usually naps. He doesn't need to nap everyday but every other day is quite necessary. I know, he is almost four and still napping. But if he doesn't nap, I either get a wired kid or a whiny kid or even worse a combination of the two...which seems to be the popular choice lately. This is exactly what I have been picking up from school the past few weeks. It's exhausting. I get so pissed at him because all he needs to do at nap time is close his beautiful eyes and sleep but No. Instead he rather be overtired and grumpy. Not fun.

The worst part of it all I get so worked up about this. It frustrates me that my baby can't get the rest he needs and deserves because he has to hang with me at school. And then Enzo, I get so frustrated that he too isn't getting the sleep he needs. Because he is so tired when we get home he is in bed by 7pm. Which has now led to him waking up around 6 am, shoot me! And not only does he wake us up by calling our name but it then wakes up Aleksander who really isn't ready to start his day. And then the cycle repeats itself.

This leaves me feeling horrible. Like I am failing as a parent, as a mom. My job for Aleksander is to love him, nourish him, protect him and create environments for him so he can relax and sleep and this stands true for Enzo too. But I am not doing my job.

And because I am ultimately frustrated with myself and the situation I get mad at them. When Enzo starts his whining I immediately inform him that this wouldn't be happening had he slept at school. I mean he can start crying over the silliest things...like tonight, he was crying over the fact that his apple was wet. Aleksander, I let him cry it out because I get so frustrated that he is so, so tired and yet he can't just fall asleep now that we are at home.

I swear I thought I was losing my mind the other day. One change will soon be occuring. When this semester is over in January, I will be taking a break from school to take care of my family. I always said when the demands of school started to affect not just me but the family then I had to take a break. So that's just what I am going to do. Yes! I am excited!

Ok, I think I have vented. I feel a little bit better. Hopefully we'll all look back at this one day and laugh. Because at the end of it all...will it really have mattered?

Nourishing

Two Saturdays ago we babysat a friends baby who is 2 months younger than Aleksander. Her name is Tuva and she is Emme's sister. Emme is Enzo's birthday buddy. The red head. They were born on the same day the same year. Anwyho, Tuva doesn't take a bottle so I nursed her. Yes, at first it was slightly weird but it went over rather quickly. Since I wanted to make sure I had enough milk Enzo fed Aleksander a bottle. However, that day Aleksander was feeling rather crummy so he barely ate the whole day. Tuva enjoyed and then konked out in Aleksander's bed.

Christmas Baking

We had sóme friends come over on a Friday night when Mattias was away at a work Christmas party. We baked sugar cookies and made pizza.

Enzo, Emil and Nina

The work in progress

Enzo and Emil