I'm moving....

I am working on moving to wordpress!

Please visit

thechristineblog.wordpress.com

And excuse the moving-mess!

Week 7 - known across most of the country as winter break - is upon us, and instead of travelling south to the Alps for some skiing, we travelled west - and north. 

We just returned home from an excursion around the lovely 'vestjylland' (west Jutland) to visit a few different family members. As per usual, it is great to get out, but it is even better to return home. The Danish saying rings more true now than ever, when we travel around with Little Dude -- "Ude godt men hjemme bedst".

Little Dude was on his very best behavior (as always, of course). He charmed his sick old great-grandmother (as well as his grandmother and his aunt) with his bubbly little laugh and insanely adorable smile. It really shouldn't surprise us anymore though, that he acts exactly the same when we are out as when we are home. He really is just my little miracle baby. 

It is nice though, to return home to your own bed, and to spend a saturday morning with LD lounging on the couch, a hot pot of coffee, and 'Mads og Monopolet' on the radio.

I wonder... if I could pull of a leather jacket?

Like a short, cropped one. 

My favorite time of day...

... is at night, in bed, when I can hear my two boys breathing on either side of me. It is the most peaceful, beautiful thing in the world.

(even though I wish I could fall asleep as quickly as boyfriend)

A new love...

The delicate and beautiful design of Royal Copenhagens 'Musselmalet' caught my eye last year, and I still can't quite let it go.




all photos courtesy Illums bolighus


It is ridiculously overpriced and impractical, since it is handpainted and doesn't go in the dishwasher. It also fits horribly with our 'red' kitchen theme, and my other love (red Le Creuset).

I own one serving dish (a 'pasta plate') from RC, although I very rarely use it for fear of it breaking. It was a gift, of course, and it may be one of the most cherished items in my kitchen. There is just something about the luxury and quality that makes my heart go all aflutter.

Don't get me wrong, having a baby is the most magical, fantastic thing that has ever happened to me.
But even so, even though Little Dude is perhaps the 'easiest' baby ever, it is still hard.

It is hard...
...to have your sleep interrupted on a daily basis, even though Little Dude is a good sleeper and has been since the start.
... to not have 'me time' to read a book, surf the internet, watch a TV show, etc. etc.
... to love someone so much, and at times just want a day off from being a mom
... to let go of control, to let the house be messy at times, to not be be able to plan your day
... to be tired all the time
... to feel guilty for sometimes wanting a day off

Weltsmertz

I love to read, but I am no booksnob. One of my favorite genres would have to be 'chick lit' - not the heaviest stuff maybe, but perfect for vacations and perfect for a break from academic reading. (My second favorite, currently, are Swedish Crimis). 

And although I have been a fan of the Shopaholic series, (perfect for beach- or pool-side), I have also taken to reading books by Marian Keyes. Her books tend to touch upon deeper issues, while at the same time remaining entertaining and funny. 

Substance abuse. Problems at work. Family issues. Spousal abuse. 

Although certainly not literary masterpieces, they do have a bit more substance than the aforementioned Shopaholic books (where the main character honestly really bugs me). 

It was in 'Sushi for beginners' I was first introduced to the term 'weltschmerz' - and I have often thought of the concept since. It is a term the describes a mental state of taking on all the pain and sorrow of the world, and feeling disempowered at the thought of not being able to save or help everyone. (see wikipedia (the most reliable source) for a definition and resources for further reading). 

I think most people suffer from weltschmertz in some shape or form. It is just another way of feeling empathy and sympathy for the surrounding world. It is when it takes over that it becomes a problem - leading to severe depressions and anxiety. 

And even though a certain degree of empathy is important and admirable, I also believe that weltschmerz can also describe a pessimistic view of the world - of someone who has given up and no longer believes there is anything good in the world. And I feel so sorry for those people. 

to be continued

food and such

Today, Little Dude ate en entire half banana! Woot. We've been starting on solids, and let me tell you - it's a battle! 

But I think it is starting to go better. I mean, we're not really in a hurry or anything,  but it is kind of frustrating not to see progress. That changed today though, when we actually finished a meal! One half mushed banana. yummy yummy. 

Also, we just bought tickets for the US for this summer. We are so excited to be spending nearly 4 weeks across the pond with my family.

in the year 2011

We entered the year 2011 with a sweet, sweet secret: We were expecting a baby. Affectionately nicknamed 'Little Dude' by Sofie. 

The first few months of 2011 were hectic, exciting, and stressful. We were busy looking for a bigger apartment, figuring out financials, taking exams, getting ready to move, and of course worrying about Little Dude. Hoping for a healthy baby. Wondering if we would be good parents.

On February 14th we moved into the small apartment that would be our temporary home. On the same day we signed the paperwork for our 'big' apartment. We had our first ultrasound scan, that showed a healthy baby. We started telling everyone outside of our families.

Spring went by fast, with school and doctors visits, getting ready to move. 

In April we became Aunt and Uncle.

We found out that we were expecting a boy.

And of course we moved into our new apartment.

In june, we attended a beautiful wedding in Vejle. 

In July, my belly grew bigger and bigger... we tried to enjoy the summer, even though we weren't able to travel much. Boy completed a half-iron man.

In August - we were relieved to have gone full-term with Little Dude. My cousins threw me a baby shower. We were 'faddere' (-godparents -ish) for our beautiful niece. I turned 24 - impatiently awaiting the arrival of Little Dude. Boy started his internship.

On September 2, my water broke, and on September 4th we became parents! I was in labor gthe entire time Erin was getting married.... although Little Dude did not endup sharing his birthday with their anniversary. We were also lucky enough to have my mother visit us at the end of September. 

In October, we had our anniversary, boy had a birthday, and little dude had a babysitter for the first time.

In November, we celebrated Mortens Aften for the first time. We also celebrated a very Danish Thanksgiving, complete with a duck, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, and pumpkin pie. 

In December, my family came to visit. We had our first christmas as a new, young family. 

We entered 2012 full of hope for another exciting, beautiful year - although we do hope (secretly) that it will not be quite as eventful as 2011.

Happy New Year everyone

Still Alive!

The holidays, affectionately known as 'the Christmas show 2011' are now over, and we are all still alive. Barely.
I kid.

We did all get sick over the holidays though, and then again as soon as we got home again in the new year. But I think we are all getting better now, and ready to meet 2012 with open arms.

2011 was a great year for us. It was challenging, yes, but also exciting and thrilling and GOOD. I hope everyone has entered 2012 healthily and happily. We are definately excited for this year!