This is just wrong in so many ways, yet I kind a like it.
When I went grocery shopping last Sunday, the holidays attacked me.
Gifts, wrappings and holidays treats everywhere!
Even mandarin oranges, and I love those things.
Christmas pop, Jóla Ale.
The Kókó Mjólk cat had even changed into his Santa suit.
I know this starts November 1st in North America, so this is only a week early, but it just seems to soon,
as much as I have looked forward to some of these things all year.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Good Idea
I knew it was a good idea, I thought of it a few weeks ago but knew it would take time to organize, so I would keep this idea for next year.
Then, two days ago, I find out that someone already had this fabulous idea. And it has been going on for a while....
It makes sense!
Why not have Halloween. We live in an old NATO base, that was full of Americans, we need an American Halloween!
They ask that you decorate your door so the kids know who is participating.
Today we went to Toys r Us to stock up on spiders and bats :)
Everyone in this house is so excited, it is hard to imagine how we will get any sleep!
Then, two days ago, I find out that someone already had this fabulous idea. And it has been going on for a while....
It makes sense!
Why not have Halloween. We live in an old NATO base, that was full of Americans, we need an American Halloween!
They ask that you decorate your door so the kids know who is participating.
Today we went to Toys r Us to stock up on spiders and bats :)
Everyone in this house is so excited, it is hard to imagine how we will get any sleep!
22 days
Today Leó is 22 days old, and the nurse came over to do the weighing, measuring and genral check up.
So, here is the news:
Leó now weighs 6.3 kilo's and is 64 cm. tall :) (He was 5.3 and 60 when he was born)
So she (the nurse) says he is definitely drinking enough and there is no reason to check on him again until 6 weeks, when we have to go in and see a doctor.
Basically, things could not be better!
So, here is the news:
Leó now weighs 6.3 kilo's and is 64 cm. tall :) (He was 5.3 and 60 when he was born)
So she (the nurse) says he is definitely drinking enough and there is no reason to check on him again until 6 weeks, when we have to go in and see a doctor.
Basically, things could not be better!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Blue Lagoon Clinic
Kasper has always had exceema. Sometimes it is OK and we have it under control, and sometimes not.
The 'not' times actually catch us rather off guard. Just one morning, he gets up and has, during the night, scratched a layer of skin off his legs, arms, back...
His compulsive tendencies do not help! He just keeps on scratching.
Well this last patch has been particularly bad and seems to be sticking around, despite super strong medication, leading us in a new direction of treatment, the spa!
Actually, the Blue Lagoon, a hot tourist spot. But they say the water is good for your skin, and people do travel here just to have this treatment done. So now Kasper has been prescribed The Blue Lagoon Clinic.
Now he goes to the Blue Lagoon threes times a week for one month, then the doctors there decide if he needs more.
And this clinic is even better then the regular Blue Lagoon because, despite being attached, is far less commercial, decorated better, staffed with medical professionals and very patient friendly. Even the amazing creams that you pay a fortune for at the Lagoon is free to the Clinic patients.
But not everyone in the clinic is a patient. Kasper can bring his little brother (Stefán) and one adult for free. He can also bring additional guests for only 1000 kr each (better then the usual 4150 kr per person that you usually pay)
Another group of people that get to use the clinic, and they are not necessarily sick, are the guests of the Blue Lagoon Hotel. I hear (a nurse at the clinic told Davíð) that the hotel used to fund the clinic, and that makes sense, because we do not have to pay anything.
So despite the Kreppa and everything, I still have to say that Iceland is a country that looks after its children health.
***** Davíð is taking Kasper to The Blue Lagoon every second day now, so his skin is getting some good treatment as well. Maybe next time you see him you could comment on it:)
The 'not' times actually catch us rather off guard. Just one morning, he gets up and has, during the night, scratched a layer of skin off his legs, arms, back...
His compulsive tendencies do not help! He just keeps on scratching.
Well this last patch has been particularly bad and seems to be sticking around, despite super strong medication, leading us in a new direction of treatment, the spa!
Actually, the Blue Lagoon, a hot tourist spot. But they say the water is good for your skin, and people do travel here just to have this treatment done. So now Kasper has been prescribed The Blue Lagoon Clinic.
Now he goes to the Blue Lagoon threes times a week for one month, then the doctors there decide if he needs more.
And this clinic is even better then the regular Blue Lagoon because, despite being attached, is far less commercial, decorated better, staffed with medical professionals and very patient friendly. Even the amazing creams that you pay a fortune for at the Lagoon is free to the Clinic patients.
But not everyone in the clinic is a patient. Kasper can bring his little brother (Stefán) and one adult for free. He can also bring additional guests for only 1000 kr each (better then the usual 4150 kr per person that you usually pay)
Another group of people that get to use the clinic, and they are not necessarily sick, are the guests of the Blue Lagoon Hotel. I hear (a nurse at the clinic told Davíð) that the hotel used to fund the clinic, and that makes sense, because we do not have to pay anything.
So despite the Kreppa and everything, I still have to say that Iceland is a country that looks after its children health.
***** Davíð is taking Kasper to The Blue Lagoon every second day now, so his skin is getting some good treatment as well. Maybe next time you see him you could comment on it:)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Just some details
Where do I live? Well, the sky turns pink after school, and soon it will be earlier.
When we were making plans to move south, Davíð told me that the three small towns Keflavík, Njárvík and Ásbrú (a.k.a. The Base) were all known as Reykjanesbær.
This is true, to a point. Same mayor, schools, bus system and taxes. If someone asks you where you live and you say Reykjanesbær, they know where you are talking about. But then they ask what part you live in, do you live on the base or.....
So things become less clear, a little cloudy.
When you are coming from Reykjavík you pass a sign so you know when you are entering Reykjanesbær. Then if you turn left you pass another sign so you know you are entering Ásbrú.
Ásbrú is the abandoned NATO base.
So do I live on the base or in Ásbrú?
Then I try to get home on the bus. I ask the bus driver which bus will take me there (I have to explain where I live), he says Vallarheiði. I live in Vallarheiði? I have not seen a sign for that.
I keep giving out my address as Reykjanesbær. I get mail.
Now I see a change. Some of my mail says Keflavíkrflugvöllur, that means Kelfavík Airport.
Do I live at the airport? I admit we get a lot of air traffic here, and I can see the plans parked, but I would not have said I lived at the airport.
So I have more then one address.
The biggest problem this causes is when you are trying to tell a taxi where to take you after grocery shopping. It takes a few tries.
When we were making plans to move south, Davíð told me that the three small towns Keflavík, Njárvík and Ásbrú (a.k.a. The Base) were all known as Reykjanesbær.
This is true, to a point. Same mayor, schools, bus system and taxes. If someone asks you where you live and you say Reykjanesbær, they know where you are talking about. But then they ask what part you live in, do you live on the base or.....
So things become less clear, a little cloudy.
When you are coming from Reykjavík you pass a sign so you know when you are entering Reykjanesbær. Then if you turn left you pass another sign so you know you are entering Ásbrú.
Ásbrú is the abandoned NATO base.
So do I live on the base or in Ásbrú?
Then I try to get home on the bus. I ask the bus driver which bus will take me there (I have to explain where I live), he says Vallarheiði. I live in Vallarheiði? I have not seen a sign for that.
I keep giving out my address as Reykjanesbær. I get mail.
Now I see a change. Some of my mail says Keflavíkrflugvöllur, that means Kelfavík Airport.
Do I live at the airport? I admit we get a lot of air traffic here, and I can see the plans parked, but I would not have said I lived at the airport.
So I have more then one address.
The biggest problem this causes is when you are trying to tell a taxi where to take you after grocery shopping. It takes a few tries.
The happy children in Iceland
This blog post, translating a study about how Icelandic children are now happier does not surprise me.
Before the collapse, when we all had busy jobs, lots of stress, no time and slightly more money, no one was happy. Certainly not the kids who were left at school from 730 a.m. until 530 p.m., only to be brought home (or go home to an empty house) and put to bed.
People have time for there kids now, and the kids like it.
I guess if you have nothing better to do....
OK, I admit even our children have benefited from the kreppa. We are both home much more, and they love it.
Before the collapse, when we all had busy jobs, lots of stress, no time and slightly more money, no one was happy. Certainly not the kids who were left at school from 730 a.m. until 530 p.m., only to be brought home (or go home to an empty house) and put to bed.
People have time for there kids now, and the kids like it.
I guess if you have nothing better to do....
OK, I admit even our children have benefited from the kreppa. We are both home much more, and they love it.
Tummy Time
The Nurse reminded us that babies should have Tummy Time when they are awake. It helps prevent the flat back of the head and is good exercise, because they usually work hard to lift there heads to look around.
When my baby has Tummy Time (and this is more noticeable when people are watching) he just lies there and watches people walk around. He doesn't want to exercise.
He might think he doesn't need it because he is a strong boy.
When my baby has Tummy Time (and this is more noticeable when people are watching) he just lies there and watches people walk around. He doesn't want to exercise.
He might think he doesn't need it because he is a strong boy.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunshowers
This afternoon seemed like the perfect time for a walk. No wind (this is rare), fluffy white clouds and I could see the sun.
So I got the baby all dressed up, in the stroller and we went to take the dog out for a long walk.
Then it started raining, and raining, then it stopped, then it started raining again, you get the point...
By the time I got home I was soaked, lucky for Leó, the stroller cover is waterproof.
So I got the baby all dressed up, in the stroller and we went to take the dog out for a long walk.
Then it started raining, and raining, then it stopped, then it started raining again, you get the point...
By the time I got home I was soaked, lucky for Leó, the stroller cover is waterproof.
Time to get moving
I joined the gym here last week and went on Thursday.
It might seem a bit early to some people but when I was there I saw how bad of shape I am in now and how much work I need to do!
I refuse to sit and relax and let these extra pounds get comfortable, after all, I worked my but off last year to be thinner, only to get pregnant three monthes later.
So, now I have work to do. It is time to get moving.
It might seem a bit early to some people but when I was there I saw how bad of shape I am in now and how much work I need to do!
I refuse to sit and relax and let these extra pounds get comfortable, after all, I worked my but off last year to be thinner, only to get pregnant three monthes later.
So, now I have work to do. It is time to get moving.
Örvar Másson
Kristína, Davíð's sister, so my sister in law, had her baby today!
At about 8 this morning, he is 4.04 kilo's and 54 cm.
This is Leó's cousin! Only 2 weeks younger then him :)
At about 8 this morning, he is 4.04 kilo's and 54 cm.
This is Leó's cousin! Only 2 weeks younger then him :)
Caffeine Sensitive
I may have the most caffeine sensitive baby ever. Not that I can complain, he is incredibly easy with everything else.
OK, maybe I would like to complain a little.
I really like coffee and black non herbal tea, with milk and sugar, so good.....
And I just went 9 months without coffee, strengthening my tea addiction.
Now I can not have anything stronger then the odd cup of hot chocolate.
Here is how it started:
When Leo was 4 days old, Lizzy brought over pizza and Coke. It was great, I drank almost a liter of Coke. Then around midnight the baby was mysteriously awake, very awake, and very cranky.
I suspected the coke might be to blame. Fair enough, I do not need Coke.
Then last Friday, Lizzy was over again and I drank three cups of tea in a row. TEA! Hour later, same thing. Very very awake baby, in a bad mood.
I will not even try the coffee.
It really is not as though I need the caffeine, but I like having something hot to drink. After all, I do live in ICELAND. Sometimes you need something warm...
I would even drink decafe tea (not herbal, most of the fruity stuff creeps me out) or coffee, but I just have not seen it around. I would beg for some to be sent from Canada but it takes 4 months.
I guess I just have to look harder. Maybe some natural food stores....
OK, maybe I would like to complain a little.
I really like coffee and black non herbal tea, with milk and sugar, so good.....
And I just went 9 months without coffee, strengthening my tea addiction.
Now I can not have anything stronger then the odd cup of hot chocolate.
Here is how it started:
When Leo was 4 days old, Lizzy brought over pizza and Coke. It was great, I drank almost a liter of Coke. Then around midnight the baby was mysteriously awake, very awake, and very cranky.
I suspected the coke might be to blame. Fair enough, I do not need Coke.
Then last Friday, Lizzy was over again and I drank three cups of tea in a row. TEA! Hour later, same thing. Very very awake baby, in a bad mood.
I will not even try the coffee.
It really is not as though I need the caffeine, but I like having something hot to drink. After all, I do live in ICELAND. Sometimes you need something warm...
I would even drink decafe tea (not herbal, most of the fruity stuff creeps me out) or coffee, but I just have not seen it around. I would beg for some to be sent from Canada but it takes 4 months.
I guess I just have to look harder. Maybe some natural food stores....
Friday, October 16, 2009
Crepes
Davíð is making us his amazing crepes for brunch, I am so excited!
Needs:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Then:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.
Needs:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Then:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
It's just too good
The swimming pool here on the old base is empty, and has been empty for years, since the Americans left.
Previously I had assumed that it was only a matter of time until it opened up, because it looks like a great pool.
Water slides! Diving boards! And, all indoors, a perk in winter, and even the windy summers. (Most pools are at least partly outside in Iceland)
But when Davíð talked to the people at the gym about it, they said it would not be opened, at least not in the foreseeable future because:
It is to deep by Icelandic and European standards.
To open the pool they would have to fill the bottom in with concrete and that is a lot of work. I guess it is not as easy as it sounds and requires a lot of engineering.
This made me think about my swimming experiences in Iceland and although I have really enjoyed the pools with such warm water, they are a little shallow. I mean I have not been in a swimming pool here, in Iceland, where I could not swim down to touch the bottom.
When I was kid I liked the diving boards, they keep the swimming interesting, fun and daring!
Now that I know what a great deep pool this is, and that it will not be used anytime soon, if ever, it makes me even more upset.
I want an awesome pool, next to my house, that I can swim in in the winter with out catching a cold, dive and go on water slides......
Previously I had assumed that it was only a matter of time until it opened up, because it looks like a great pool.
Water slides! Diving boards! And, all indoors, a perk in winter, and even the windy summers. (Most pools are at least partly outside in Iceland)
But when Davíð talked to the people at the gym about it, they said it would not be opened, at least not in the foreseeable future because:
It is to deep by Icelandic and European standards.
To open the pool they would have to fill the bottom in with concrete and that is a lot of work. I guess it is not as easy as it sounds and requires a lot of engineering.
This made me think about my swimming experiences in Iceland and although I have really enjoyed the pools with such warm water, they are a little shallow. I mean I have not been in a swimming pool here, in Iceland, where I could not swim down to touch the bottom.
When I was kid I liked the diving boards, they keep the swimming interesting, fun and daring!
Now that I know what a great deep pool this is, and that it will not be used anytime soon, if ever, it makes me even more upset.
I want an awesome pool, next to my house, that I can swim in in the winter with out catching a cold, dive and go on water slides......
week 1
looks like this basket might be too small in no time!
(this is the one that goes on the stroller so he can lie down)
and wearing cooler outdoor clothing then I have, thanks to Inga
Leó, in his Daddy's old crib with Stefáns old tractor eiderdown.
sleeping, he does a lot of it
Rósa is slowly learning that this baby is a part of the family that she will just have to get used to.
Sleeping again, in an outfit that his daddy used to wear when he was a baby :)
Stefáns Birthday
It is true, his birthday was on October 8th and I am just posting the few picures now, a full week later, but it has been a busy week!
Scratching
In a desperate attempt to get Kasper to stop scratching his excema and give it a chance to heal, we started bandaging his fingers at night.
It is a last resort, we really do not know what else to do.
Lucky for us, he is a good sport and doesn't mind to much.
It is a last resort, we really do not know what else to do.
Lucky for us, he is a good sport and doesn't mind to much.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tough Choice
You know my boys Kasper and Stefán.
Well Kasper is practically 9 and now goes to Scouts on Wednesdays and Taekwondoe on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I know this seems like a very busy schedule and normally I do not think that is good for kids, but Kasper is Kasper. He really needs constant entertainment. These activities really just give me an hour to make super without him and the baby asking for things.
Stefán just turned 6 and is the opposite. He is not in any extra activities yet, although we have thought about things he would like. But, he really just seems to busy. From the time he finishes school everyday, until the time we drag him in for dinner he is busy, playing. He really is always busy, either out with friends or sometimes even playing at home alone, but always up to something. (This makes him a dream to babysit, just leave some food on the table from time to time)
So this is the problem, do I sign him up for something organized and give him some sport or organized play, or do I leave him alone? I really like how he can amuse himself right now and would hate for him to lose that skill but he is at the age that everyone else is starting something.
What to do? What to do?
I really have no idea, and might just leave the decision making until next semester. After all, he did just start school and move back across the country, maybe that is enough big lifestyle changes for one term.
Well Kasper is practically 9 and now goes to Scouts on Wednesdays and Taekwondoe on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I know this seems like a very busy schedule and normally I do not think that is good for kids, but Kasper is Kasper. He really needs constant entertainment. These activities really just give me an hour to make super without him and the baby asking for things.
Stefán just turned 6 and is the opposite. He is not in any extra activities yet, although we have thought about things he would like. But, he really just seems to busy. From the time he finishes school everyday, until the time we drag him in for dinner he is busy, playing. He really is always busy, either out with friends or sometimes even playing at home alone, but always up to something. (This makes him a dream to babysit, just leave some food on the table from time to time)
So this is the problem, do I sign him up for something organized and give him some sport or organized play, or do I leave him alone? I really like how he can amuse himself right now and would hate for him to lose that skill but he is at the age that everyone else is starting something.
What to do? What to do?
I really have no idea, and might just leave the decision making until next semester. After all, he did just start school and move back across the country, maybe that is enough big lifestyle changes for one term.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Visitors!
While not getting out of the house much myself these days, I am extremely grateful for the visitors that make it all the way out here to see me.
Inga and Rob have been out a few times, this is a long trip for them and a risky one with Kristína about to have her baby anytime, to see the little guy and check on us. Inga even made super once, as well as an extra meal for the next day, that we ate last night.
Today my friend Lizzy came over with Pizza, chips with dip and cake. It was great and well needed because I realized, as I was choking on pizza, that I had managed to sleep through lunch and so had not eaten since breakfast, 10 hours earlier.
I guess everyone else had sandwiches, I just missed it.
But besides the food, it was really just great to talk to someone. I am already starting to get cabin fever and can not wait until it is acceptable to take the baby out in the stroller in this horrible Icelandic weather. Couple more days...
Inga and Rob have been out a few times, this is a long trip for them and a risky one with Kristína about to have her baby anytime, to see the little guy and check on us. Inga even made super once, as well as an extra meal for the next day, that we ate last night.
Today my friend Lizzy came over with Pizza, chips with dip and cake. It was great and well needed because I realized, as I was choking on pizza, that I had managed to sleep through lunch and so had not eaten since breakfast, 10 hours earlier.
I guess everyone else had sandwiches, I just missed it.
But besides the food, it was really just great to talk to someone. I am already starting to get cabin fever and can not wait until it is acceptable to take the baby out in the stroller in this horrible Icelandic weather. Couple more days...
Settling
Thing are starting to calm down around here, even with a bit of acting up from time to time.
Rósa, my dog, still hates me and can not believe we brought this kid in the house. Usually she ignores him, or if she thinks he is getting to much attention, she growls.
Kasper loves being a super big brother and is very helpful with talking to and visiting Leo while I do other things.
Stefán is very proud, but the busy week full of changes has taken its toll and we are stating to see a little crankyness. He would never admit it, but I think he is a little jealous!
Davíð is enjoying music and listening to the news with his youngest, quality time.
I am recovering very well. Although I do not have as much energy as I would like, it will come.
Next week Rósa, Leo and I are going to start our daily get back into shape walks.
The sooner we all get into routine the better.
Rósa, my dog, still hates me and can not believe we brought this kid in the house. Usually she ignores him, or if she thinks he is getting to much attention, she growls.
Kasper loves being a super big brother and is very helpful with talking to and visiting Leo while I do other things.
Stefán is very proud, but the busy week full of changes has taken its toll and we are stating to see a little crankyness. He would never admit it, but I think he is a little jealous!
Davíð is enjoying music and listening to the news with his youngest, quality time.
I am recovering very well. Although I do not have as much energy as I would like, it will come.
Next week Rósa, Leo and I are going to start our daily get back into shape walks.
The sooner we all get into routine the better.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Coming home!
Kasper and Leo
Me and Leo
Very very tired me, Leo and a very very proud Daddy, Davíð
Stefán and Leo
Baby Contest
So it happens two babies were born in Reykjanesbær on Tuesday.
And not just any two babies but the second biggest baby ever born there (there for certainly the biggest baby this year) and the tiniest baby of the year.
This called for a fuss. The staff all needed pictures of the babies together.
The hospital wanted a photo of them together, even the town paper.
There was a lot of flashes!
Leópold could not understand all the commotion! (he was more then twice the weight of the little girl)
And not just any two babies but the second biggest baby ever born there (there for certainly the biggest baby this year) and the tiniest baby of the year.
This called for a fuss. The staff all needed pictures of the babies together.
The hospital wanted a photo of them together, even the town paper.
There was a lot of flashes!
Leópold could not understand all the commotion! (he was more then twice the weight of the little girl)
The stats
Leópold Davíðsson
nearly 5.3, 60 cm
born at 12:38 (after lunch) on Tuesday, October 6, 2009
3 hours of horrible labor and thats it! beautiful boy!
I am getting good at this!
nearly 5.3, 60 cm
born at 12:38 (after lunch) on Tuesday, October 6, 2009
3 hours of horrible labor and thats it! beautiful boy!
I am getting good at this!
keflavík hospital
I am so amazed and impressed at the hospital here. It was like having a baby in a hotel.
So unlike the city,
unlike anything I have ever heard of before.
and you can stay as long as you like, 4,5 days, a week? Leave when you are ready.
With meals brought to you with candle light, a king size bed, television, laundry, it was hard to leave!
And the staff were all amazing.
This was, by far, the most amazing childbirth experience ever.
Even if he was 5.3 kilos and I cried like a baby :)
So unlike the city,
unlike anything I have ever heard of before.
and you can stay as long as you like, 4,5 days, a week? Leave when you are ready.
With meals brought to you with candle light, a king size bed, television, laundry, it was hard to leave!
And the staff were all amazing.
This was, by far, the most amazing childbirth experience ever.
Even if he was 5.3 kilos and I cried like a baby :)
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