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.