Maddy's school is closed for the month of July, and I was really looking forward to having her at home. Of course things change when you have two kids at home instead of one, particularly since Maddy decided she doesn't need naps anymore.
I have to admit, there have been some moments where I thought I wouldn't make it through the day, but overall we had a lot of fun.
Wading pools, numerous beach trips, shopping trips, parks, bike rides, playdates, and playgrounds. Almost every day we had something going on, which really made July fly by really fast! The best part for me has been watching Maddy get so excited about biking. She's gotten a lot stronger and more confident, and it's been fun. Charlie doesn't mind riding in the child seat on the back of my bike, although the other day he thought it would be fun to try to give me a wedgie while I'm driving. Fabulous...
Maddy and Charlie also had some really cute play moments together, which makes it all worth it. And Maddy and I got lots of snuggle time and playtime during Charlie's naps.
I am going to miss her on Wednesday when she starts going back to school, but I have to admit a part of me is looking forward to having that 1.5 hour break in the middle of the day that I have grown accustomed to enjoying :)
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
When in Rome....
Well, we've been in Finland for 2.5 years now, and every once in a while I feel brave enough to embrace a Finnish culture. The past couple of weeks, the grocery stores have been full of strawberries, jam sugar, special picking buckets, and all kinds of jars in all shapes and sizes.
I've ignored this tradition for the past two years, but decided brave enough to try it out this year. I took the kids strawberry picking and then decided to make jam...
Well, let's just say the jam was a bit runny but it was an experience. Of course I used Tupperware instead of the air-tight jars and really had no clue what I was doing when it came to the "water bath" process, but it tastes yummy and I added some corn starch to thicken it a bit :)
I think next year, I'll still pick strawberries, but maybe make a pie instead....
I've ignored this tradition for the past two years, but decided brave enough to try it out this year. I took the kids strawberry picking and then decided to make jam...
Well, let's just say the jam was a bit runny but it was an experience. Of course I used Tupperware instead of the air-tight jars and really had no clue what I was doing when it came to the "water bath" process, but it tastes yummy and I added some corn starch to thicken it a bit :)
I think next year, I'll still pick strawberries, but maybe make a pie instead....
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Charlie Version 1.75
Hard to believe it, but in 3 more months Charlie will be turning 2 years old. Time definitely does fly by, but Charlie is definitely not your typical toddler quite yet.
Despite all the problems we've had with his health and development, I am very blessed that Charlie is generally a very very happy boy. He is always smiling and is usually very easy to please - as long as you give him exactly what he wants. I am in denial but he definitely gets his stubbornness from somebody I know.....
We continue to go to physiotherapy and Charlie is now pulling himself up onto everything. His newest talent is climbing - stairs, chairs, desks, toys, etc. He is very fast at crawling, which is likely why he doesn't feel the need to learn how to walk yet. He's very content at crawling and can very easily sprint across a room.
He isn't talking yet but definitely recognizes words. He will point at Maddy or Tucker or the fish or the boat if you ask him to. He definitely knows what we're saying sometimes. We go to a neurologist in September about his speech.
I am very happy to report that he has learned how to hug! Ahh, we can have a rough patch but one big squeeze from my little man and all is right with the world...
His eating is coming along very well. He is so active that I cannot get him to gain any weight at all, but he is definitely eating. His favourite food is actually meat, which is good. Sausages and fish are likely the favs right now. His newest craze is using cutlery - doesn't matter if you're only feeding him grapes, he needs to have a spoon or a fork in his hands. Mind you, 95% of the food doesn't end up in his mouth but we're applauding his efforts and hopefully he gets the movements down pat soon enough.
He is becoming more independent and learning to play on his own sometimes. There have been a few occasions where he plays with his blocks or books and gives me 10 or 15 minutes of time to do something I want without him following me around.
Although Maddy is doing a great job of loving her little brother, there are still moments where he wants nothing to do with her, and has learned the art of pushing. The two of them have been fighting over me now that Maddy is home for the summer, and it's caused some friction between the two of them. Charlie doesn't like sharing me and is pushing Maddy out of the way. Truth be told Maddy is egging him on by being extra cuddly and calling his name while she's hugging me just to get him going. I can already feel the love....
I believe his attachment to me is getting less, especially now that I've done six months of school. It was wonderful to see him greet Oma in the airport with open arms, and give her extra special hugs. I'm sure she's looking forward to many more of those in Canada when we get over there soon enough.
While in Canada, we are going to be having an early 2nd birthday celebration for him. I have told him he's not allowed to get any presents unless he learns how to walk. Let's see how well of a listener he is....
Despite all the problems we've had with his health and development, I am very blessed that Charlie is generally a very very happy boy. He is always smiling and is usually very easy to please - as long as you give him exactly what he wants. I am in denial but he definitely gets his stubbornness from somebody I know.....
We continue to go to physiotherapy and Charlie is now pulling himself up onto everything. His newest talent is climbing - stairs, chairs, desks, toys, etc. He is very fast at crawling, which is likely why he doesn't feel the need to learn how to walk yet. He's very content at crawling and can very easily sprint across a room.
He isn't talking yet but definitely recognizes words. He will point at Maddy or Tucker or the fish or the boat if you ask him to. He definitely knows what we're saying sometimes. We go to a neurologist in September about his speech.
I am very happy to report that he has learned how to hug! Ahh, we can have a rough patch but one big squeeze from my little man and all is right with the world...
His eating is coming along very well. He is so active that I cannot get him to gain any weight at all, but he is definitely eating. His favourite food is actually meat, which is good. Sausages and fish are likely the favs right now. His newest craze is using cutlery - doesn't matter if you're only feeding him grapes, he needs to have a spoon or a fork in his hands. Mind you, 95% of the food doesn't end up in his mouth but we're applauding his efforts and hopefully he gets the movements down pat soon enough.
He is becoming more independent and learning to play on his own sometimes. There have been a few occasions where he plays with his blocks or books and gives me 10 or 15 minutes of time to do something I want without him following me around.
Although Maddy is doing a great job of loving her little brother, there are still moments where he wants nothing to do with her, and has learned the art of pushing. The two of them have been fighting over me now that Maddy is home for the summer, and it's caused some friction between the two of them. Charlie doesn't like sharing me and is pushing Maddy out of the way. Truth be told Maddy is egging him on by being extra cuddly and calling his name while she's hugging me just to get him going. I can already feel the love....
I believe his attachment to me is getting less, especially now that I've done six months of school. It was wonderful to see him greet Oma in the airport with open arms, and give her extra special hugs. I'm sure she's looking forward to many more of those in Canada when we get over there soon enough.
While in Canada, we are going to be having an early 2nd birthday celebration for him. I have told him he's not allowed to get any presents unless he learns how to walk. Let's see how well of a listener he is....
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Maddy Version 4.5
So Maddy is four and a half years old, and things have really been changing. She is such a big girl now and turning into a princess! If she had her way, she'd change her outfit 20 times per day. She's expressed an interest in becoming more independent, and we're slowly becoming open to new ideas from her. She can dress herself in the morning, including picking out her clothes - which usually ends up as a personal contest to see just how many items of clothes she can select. Leggings, skirts, long sleeved shirts and shirts over top are much more fun than just picking a single dress. She also wants to brush her own hair and brush her own teeth. She knows to take her dishes to the sink after meals, wash her hands and face and ask to be excused.
She's also decided that naptime is no longer her thing. Very sad to see this go but happy that it's taken this long!
She's a very happy and energetic girl. Extremely inquisitive and will ask you anything she doesn't understand. She enjoys dancing and singing, including all of the words to Abba's "Mamma Mia" and dancing to Katy Perry's "California Gurls" or Shakira's "Waka Waka" song. She has also really started to enjoy drawing and colouring!!! She can draw flowers, butterflies, rainbows, hearts, fish, lollipops, snowmen, and spaceships. She can write her full name and spell mom, dad, stop, yes, no, cat, dog, and a few other words. She can do addition and subtraction of all numbers below 10.
Now that school is closed for the month of July, it's been more challenging to be at home with both kids, but it's been fun to spend the days with Maddy and watch her interact with Charlie. Very caring, nurturing, and absolutely is thrilled when she can make Charlie laugh or giggle. This usually involves falling or running into things on purpose, he'd get a kick out of Wipeout or America's Funniest Home Videos, likely.
It's been a joy to watch her become a really involved big sister, and an independent and happy big girl.
Looking forward to seeing what the rest of age 4 will bring.
She's also decided that naptime is no longer her thing. Very sad to see this go but happy that it's taken this long!
She's a very happy and energetic girl. Extremely inquisitive and will ask you anything she doesn't understand. She enjoys dancing and singing, including all of the words to Abba's "Mamma Mia" and dancing to Katy Perry's "California Gurls" or Shakira's "Waka Waka" song. She has also really started to enjoy drawing and colouring!!! She can draw flowers, butterflies, rainbows, hearts, fish, lollipops, snowmen, and spaceships. She can write her full name and spell mom, dad, stop, yes, no, cat, dog, and a few other words. She can do addition and subtraction of all numbers below 10.
Now that school is closed for the month of July, it's been more challenging to be at home with both kids, but it's been fun to spend the days with Maddy and watch her interact with Charlie. Very caring, nurturing, and absolutely is thrilled when she can make Charlie laugh or giggle. This usually involves falling or running into things on purpose, he'd get a kick out of Wipeout or America's Funniest Home Videos, likely.
It's been a joy to watch her become a really involved big sister, and an independent and happy big girl.
Looking forward to seeing what the rest of age 4 will bring.
Mom's Visit
A few months ago, I logged onto my email and discovered a message from my mother which stated "Would you like your mother to be there for your birthday?". What a fabulous surprise for my mom to come here and visit, especially since we are coming to Canada in a month's time.
Of course Oma was welcome and we were thrilled to have her. At least in Finland, she doesn't have to share the kiddies with the other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. She had them all to herself, and extra special cuddles were saved just for her.
She was here for about 10 or 11 days and it was wonderful. Very relaxing. No major plans, just little day trips and excursions. It included an opportunity to meet most of my Finland friends, a zoo trip for Canada Day, a beach trip on my birthday, a day in Tallinn (where my mother had never been yet), playdates at our house, park trips, walks, sauna and pool time. And four days at a cottage on the lake.
Was wonderful to have her here and was easier to say goodbye at the airport knowing we'll see her in just 3.5 weeks.
Of course Oma was welcome and we were thrilled to have her. At least in Finland, she doesn't have to share the kiddies with the other grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. She had them all to herself, and extra special cuddles were saved just for her.
She was here for about 10 or 11 days and it was wonderful. Very relaxing. No major plans, just little day trips and excursions. It included an opportunity to meet most of my Finland friends, a zoo trip for Canada Day, a beach trip on my birthday, a day in Tallinn (where my mother had never been yet), playdates at our house, park trips, walks, sauna and pool time. And four days at a cottage on the lake.
Was wonderful to have her here and was easier to say goodbye at the airport knowing we'll see her in just 3.5 weeks.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Summer Vacation
As of June 16, I completed my sixth MBA course out of 18!! It was a great feeling to be done our first big semester of courses and take a few months of vacation to enjoy the summer holidays. The song "School's Out For the Summer" was definitely playing through my head.
Unfortunately I still have two big projects to complete over the summer, but it's been great to be home every evening with the kids and not have to worry about reading textbooks or attending lectures on early Saturday mornings.
Felt like a kid again, throwing my paper and pencils in the air. Wahoo!
Unfortunately I still have two big projects to complete over the summer, but it's been great to be home every evening with the kids and not have to worry about reading textbooks or attending lectures on early Saturday mornings.
Felt like a kid again, throwing my paper and pencils in the air. Wahoo!
Where Have All the People Gone?
July is upon us, and with that marks the beginning of the emptiness of Espoo and Helsinki. The majority of working Finns take four weeks of holidays for the month of July, as schools are closed and many companies shut down. Most venture to their mokki, which is their summer cottage and spend the month relaxing and grilling makkara (sausages).
Although Andrew is not taking his holidays until August (when we travel to Canada), I think he's glad the lab is pretty empty. Especially since his boss is away for 5 weeks :)
Although Andrew is not taking his holidays until August (when we travel to Canada), I think he's glad the lab is pretty empty. Especially since his boss is away for 5 weeks :)
Stockholm Marathon!!!!!!
And finally June 2nd arrived! And wow, the weather was awful. June 2 was the coldest day in June in Stockholm for the last 50 years, so it was
not a good day for running a marathon. Wind and rain made the situation even
worse. All those things made the 2012 ASICS Stockholm Marathon the most
demanding race in the 34 years history of the race.
AND picture Andrew running for three hours (on top of the "warmup" time outside beforehand) in the cold and pouring rain, plus Andrew's mother, sister, the kids and me trying to stay warm while being the best cheerleaders ever.
AND picture Andrew running for three hours (on top of the "warmup" time outside beforehand) in the cold and pouring rain, plus Andrew's mother, sister, the kids and me trying to stay warm while being the best cheerleaders ever.
The verdict is in! With a goal of completing the marathon in under 3 hours and hoping to be in the top 300, Andrew completed the marathon in 2:57:59 and crossed the finish line in 229th place!!!!! AMAZING accomplishment for his first marathon ever!
Tanya had brought bristol board and markers so that we could surprise Andrew with signs. We also had pompoms and a large horn. It was a cold rainy day but it was an exhilarating day! It was very special to know that so many people were cheering him on, particularly my mom and Uncle Fred who called as he crossed the finish line since they were tracking him at home on their computers.
It was a great celebratory dinner afterwards, at a steakhouse with incredible food and desserts. One last supper before Andrew flew to France, Penny and Tanya flew to Toronto, and I took the ferry boat with the kids back to Helsinki.
It was incredible to watch, and it was even more incredible to cheer him on with his mother and sister by my side. Congratulations on your huge accomplishment, Andrew!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Penny and Tanya Trip to Tallinn
With Andrew's mother and sister in tow, we decided to go to Tallinn before we headed to Stockholm for Andrew's marathon! This was our third trip to Tallinn as a family, Andrew's mom's second trip to Tallinn, and Tanya's first trip to Tallinn. As it is one of my favourite European cities, it's always a joy to go back!!!
This time we decided to go to Tallinn Zoo, which we had never been to before. And boy, we were not disappointed!!! A bit sketchy on the outside but wow, it was impressive. We had a fantastic time there and were pleasantly surprised with our day. A bit chilly for a June summer day but welcome to northern Europe!
Taking advantage of the fact that Andrew was in "training mode", we left him with the kids for the evening and the ladies had an evening out on the town. Drinking and candy in their hotel room first, then off to wander the streets of Tallinn, booze in tow, to see what sort of trouble we could cause. Wonderful to sit in the Town Hall Square of the beautiful Tallinn Old Town, on a cafe patio wrapped in fleece blankets, eating potatoes, desserts, and enjoying our drinks with a Cheers!
We toured the Old Town the following day before catching the overnight ferry to Stockholm. Fortunately the ferry boat had a wonderful children's play room, where Charlie had his first experience with a ball pit. Not a peep out of him for hours, and it was a pretty painless trip to Stockholm.
Fabulous trip to Tallinn, full of joy and excitement as Andrew's marathon day approached....
This time we decided to go to Tallinn Zoo, which we had never been to before. And boy, we were not disappointed!!! A bit sketchy on the outside but wow, it was impressive. We had a fantastic time there and were pleasantly surprised with our day. A bit chilly for a June summer day but welcome to northern Europe!
Taking advantage of the fact that Andrew was in "training mode", we left him with the kids for the evening and the ladies had an evening out on the town. Drinking and candy in their hotel room first, then off to wander the streets of Tallinn, booze in tow, to see what sort of trouble we could cause. Wonderful to sit in the Town Hall Square of the beautiful Tallinn Old Town, on a cafe patio wrapped in fleece blankets, eating potatoes, desserts, and enjoying our drinks with a Cheers!
We toured the Old Town the following day before catching the overnight ferry to Stockholm. Fortunately the ferry boat had a wonderful children's play room, where Charlie had his first experience with a ball pit. Not a peep out of him for hours, and it was a pretty painless trip to Stockholm.
Fabulous trip to Tallinn, full of joy and excitement as Andrew's marathon day approached....
Penny and Tanya
Andrew has been running since last May and five months later he ran his first half-marathon! It was wonderful to watch him and cheer him on, pom poms in tow.
It is amazing to think that one year later, Andrew ran his very first marathon!!!
We are both very fortunate to have so many friends and family who have supported us over the years. So it was wonderful that Andrew's mother decided to come to Europe and help us cheer Andrew on in Stockholm! To my surprise, I went to the airport to pick up Penny and ended up picking Tanya too!! (This family has a history of withholding secrets....like my bridal shower and Tanya's wedding....so it comes as no surprise that they've lied to me once again)...
It was a great week with Penny and Tanya. Unfortunately we only got to spend one day in Helsinki before we ventured on our travel plans, but it was fun to take them around Helsinki and see things they've never seen and also places we haven't even seen.
And Tanya brought Maddy an Easy Bake Oven, so both evenings in Finland were spent baking us tiny little cookies and muffins!
Here are a few pictures of our trip around Helsinki:
It is amazing to think that one year later, Andrew ran his very first marathon!!!
We are both very fortunate to have so many friends and family who have supported us over the years. So it was wonderful that Andrew's mother decided to come to Europe and help us cheer Andrew on in Stockholm! To my surprise, I went to the airport to pick up Penny and ended up picking Tanya too!! (This family has a history of withholding secrets....like my bridal shower and Tanya's wedding....so it comes as no surprise that they've lied to me once again)...
It was a great week with Penny and Tanya. Unfortunately we only got to spend one day in Helsinki before we ventured on our travel plans, but it was fun to take them around Helsinki and see things they've never seen and also places we haven't even seen.
And Tanya brought Maddy an Easy Bake Oven, so both evenings in Finland were spent baking us tiny little cookies and muffins!
Here are a few pictures of our trip around Helsinki:
Queen's Day!
Our fifth day in Holland was Queen's Day and it marks one of my aunt's favourite days of the whole year. It is a holiday to celebrate the Queen's birthday, where the country dresses in orange and each community hosts it's own celebration. Most commonly large yard sales, where even children set up their own booths to sell their old clothes and toys. What a sight to see!
So we dressed the kids in orange and headed over to the main part of my aunt's town, Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, to celebrate. The yard sale was very exciting, particularly the small children bellowing for buyers (future auctioneers, I believe) and of course the traditional Dutch delicacies.
After the street market we walked through the large town parks, and the kids were thrilled to feed the local ducks. Unfortunately one mistook Charlie's finger for a piece of bread and gave him a little nip. Poor Charlie had just learned how to point too!
Our last afternoon was spent outdoors with all of my cousins' children, it was fabulous. Of course my aunt fed us to the brim (Andrew swears he gained 5 pounds in 5 days!) and I could not possibly imagine any better hosts.
My uncle took Andrew and I for a car ride during naptime and got to see the area including the IJssel river. We were lucky (un?) to see the lowest point in Netherlands below sea level, which is about three minutes from my aunt's house. Luckily the dykes were functional and we didn't run into any trouble.
A wonderful time at Keukenhof, Floriade, and de Efteling. Plus precious moments with my aunt and uncle with their kids and grandkids. A fabulous trip to add to the list of European adventures the past few years.
So we dressed the kids in orange and headed over to the main part of my aunt's town, Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, to celebrate. The yard sale was very exciting, particularly the small children bellowing for buyers (future auctioneers, I believe) and of course the traditional Dutch delicacies.
After the street market we walked through the large town parks, and the kids were thrilled to feed the local ducks. Unfortunately one mistook Charlie's finger for a piece of bread and gave him a little nip. Poor Charlie had just learned how to point too!
Our last afternoon was spent outdoors with all of my cousins' children, it was fabulous. Of course my aunt fed us to the brim (Andrew swears he gained 5 pounds in 5 days!) and I could not possibly imagine any better hosts.
My uncle took Andrew and I for a car ride during naptime and got to see the area including the IJssel river. We were lucky (un?) to see the lowest point in Netherlands below sea level, which is about three minutes from my aunt's house. Luckily the dykes were functional and we didn't run into any trouble.
A wonderful time at Keukenhof, Floriade, and de Efteling. Plus precious moments with my aunt and uncle with their kids and grandkids. A fabulous trip to add to the list of European adventures the past few years.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
De Efteling
25 years ago, when I was really really really really young (yes, I'm old now), my parents took us to De Efteling when I was 6 years old. I vaguely remember certain parts of it, so when we decided to go to Holland, I thought it would be amazing to take my kids somewhere that I was when I was a kid. The most memorable moment I had was in front of the guy with the really long neck, so it was very special for me to stand in front of him carrying my own children so many years later.
De Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, and is known as the Happiest Place in the Netherlands. To date, it has received over 100 million visitors.
Of course it was a spectacular day! The skies were very cloudy that morning, so luckily everybody was too scared and stayed home, it was not busy and we didn't get wet at all! Maddy adored all of the rides, but in particular she enjoyed the indoor rides which are sort of like a tour through a themed village. You sit in a car and it tours you through all these different rooms which are all decorated in immaculate ways. Her favourite was the fairy ride, where each new room was filled with fairies and forests and wood animals. I think she did that ride three times (and asked for more....).
We enjoyed some oliebollen (a Dutch delicacy from my childhood), a steam engine train ride through the whole park (where we had a picnic lunch), and Maddy loved the Paper Gobblers, which sucked your garbage out of your hands!
In addition to the rides, de Efteling has a 15-acre Fairy Tale Forest with scenes representing different fairy tales, and the most famous Sprookjesboom (Fairy Tale Tree) which was amazingly realistic and talked.
It was a very magical and memorable day for all of us, and Maddy is already asking when we can go back!
Very very lucky to have these wonderful memories from my own childhood and then be able to share them with my own children. I am truly blessed.
De Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, and is known as the Happiest Place in the Netherlands. To date, it has received over 100 million visitors.
Of course it was a spectacular day! The skies were very cloudy that morning, so luckily everybody was too scared and stayed home, it was not busy and we didn't get wet at all! Maddy adored all of the rides, but in particular she enjoyed the indoor rides which are sort of like a tour through a themed village. You sit in a car and it tours you through all these different rooms which are all decorated in immaculate ways. Her favourite was the fairy ride, where each new room was filled with fairies and forests and wood animals. I think she did that ride three times (and asked for more....).
We enjoyed some oliebollen (a Dutch delicacy from my childhood), a steam engine train ride through the whole park (where we had a picnic lunch), and Maddy loved the Paper Gobblers, which sucked your garbage out of your hands!
In addition to the rides, de Efteling has a 15-acre Fairy Tale Forest with scenes representing different fairy tales, and the most famous Sprookjesboom (Fairy Tale Tree) which was amazingly realistic and talked.
It was a very magical and memorable day for all of us, and Maddy is already asking when we can go back!
Very very lucky to have these wonderful memories from my own childhood and then be able to share them with my own children. I am truly blessed.
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