Things, things, things...

I just have to write a few words about my little girl's wonderful teacher. She is such a classic preschool teacher, with many years of experience , who really knows children! And she loves her job! I understood that already during the introduction. I feel confident leaving in the morning, because I know E will have a great day at preschool and a lot of that is down to her. Of course, she doesn't work alone, they are a team. But she's the one who does that little bit extra that you might not see, but that you feel. And I like that. I like leaving my children with people who love their job. Just wondering how I would feel if I left my kids with someone who only went to work because they had to. Extra kudos tonight to Mait for letting me bring home a happy and playful girl every afternoon!

I am a trained Postpartum Doula. In California I was never asked what I offer when I work as a Postpartum Doula, now I get asked that question pretty much daily. And I understand why! Sweden has a very different social system built around pregnancy and childbirth compared to some other countries. BUT that doesn't mean Swedish women don't have the same basic needs as women in the US for example. After all, we are all women!

I knew that our move to Sweden would be tough on many levels, but I hadn't predicted this cruel homesickness. I don't even dare to think about Sunnvale because it hurts so much not to be there anymore. Obviously it's much harder to move away from something you love and give up that life, for something you know very little about or don't have such positive memories of. In our case, we are moving to something new-old. Having the energy to start over here is a challenge. And in that situation, homesickness comes knocking. But I don't dare open the door, not yet.

And then it finally came, the snow! You should have seen the children's enthusiasm this morning! And for our kids, it was certainly long-awaited. In California, it's always blue skies, sunny and warm. The kids have seen snow and skied, but not in everyday life. And it showed when we got dressed this morning. We're not used to it!

I have just left my children at school and am cycling at a leisurely pace back towards town. I'm enjoying myself and cycling so slowly that I barely have any steering speed. The morning offers blue skies and the Lake Mälaren is completely clear. I breathe in fresh, cold air and boost with new energy for a new day. A very special day. I have so many new ideas in my head, I feel like I just want to go home to the office to sit down and sort out what feels most right to tackle first. But there's no rush, I'll get to what I'm supposed to get to today. Although the list I'll write down will probably be enough work for 10 years to come.

Writing seems to have become an evening habit. I thought it wouldn't be like this...

Today I thought I'd spin on cosy moments and how important they are. With three kids in the family, it's hard to find time to spend with just one child at a time, but we try to make it happen as often as possible. Tonight, our son opted out of an activity because he just wanted to sit on the dock and dangle with his legs. I thought it sounded great and we went down to the dock. Realized we hadn't been there together since the quickly passing swimming season.