2 weeks to go

With only two weeks to go until I start my maternity leave, I find myself running around desperate to complete several tasks. Not surprisingly, several items that should have happened in the beginning of the month got delayed and now I have to close them all before I go. While I try to do what I have to do, I also make sure that all files are available to anyone... just in case.

Last time I was either better organized or transitions were forced given I was changing job. This time, the plan is that I return to my current role, so if I leave a mess, some of it might still be there when I come back. So better not leave a mess for a smooth return in January.

Only 10 working days to go.

Well, that's assuming Pikachu will not make an early jump into this world.

Surprise!

Today I was totally surprised by an unexpected baby shower.

Well not completely unexpected because one of my colleagues who was invited sort of mentioned it to me when explaining he was not sure he could do it. He said on the 16th. Wolfram denied that anything was planned. I kept my doubts until today lunch time as we had such a lazy day that I thought if something should happen it would not be today. I was wrong.

Under the cover of taking Oskar out and take pictures for his Opa, Wolfram dragged us around the condo until we were in front of one of the function rooms. When he opened the door, I discovered the Home Care family and friends. Kimiko was taking pictures as we entered. I'm sure there will be great ones of my surprised face.

Those guys decorated the room, had balloons, ordered pastries and special baby shower cakes in the shape of lollipops. It was really nice of them (and of Wolfram) to organize this especially as I had mentioned I did not want a baby shower for the second one. I sort of know what's coming down the road this time.

I only wish I was better dressed up. Now history will remember me in my old stretched shirt and comfy shorts. Not exactly my best outfit not my most flattering one these days.

Oskar was delighted by all the attention he received and the balloons. 

We received several gifts for Pikachu and a massage voucher for me with a note that Wolfram should take care of both kids while I enjoy the spa. Can't wait until Pikachu is out to go!

Again, a big thank you to everyone for the surprise. I feel very lucky to have you all in my life.

Et ils ont dit "oui"

Today my little sister got married. Yes, to Yann! Finally, after so many years, they decided to tie the nod. 

Unfortunately we could not travel (apparently no one wants to give birth in a plane), so we used FaceTime to attend the ceremony. It worked pretty well. Even if the picture was a bit blurred, it was great to be part of it live or as close to live as we could be. 

It was a small simple ceremony but it made the two sisters cried. We would have cried normally so with all the pregnancy hormones it was the Niagara Falls.

Congratulations to Joy and Yann! Thx for letting us be a part of this precious moment. We wish you all the best for your married life! Even more love!

Ps: we will have a party in December when we come around!

A little visitor on the balcony

6 weeks

Technically there are still eight weeks to go but today the doctor advised that I stop working in six weeks. Oskar was one week early. Apparently the second one comes sooner than the first one so to be safe, I should stop working in six weeks. 

While I knew that Pikachu would eventually come out (and right now I'm thinking the sooner the better as my belly gets bigger and bigger), the fact that she mentioned six weeks made it very real. Weeks are flying lately and six weeks almost feels like tomorrow.

It's time that we get ready at home and as Wolfram mentioned that I pack my suitcase because it can be any time from now on :) 

Oskar is not a baby anymore

Oskar has been growing and developing quite steadily in the past 22 months to our biggest pleasure and amazement.

With Pikachu coming, we have started to transition him to being more and more a toddler and less and less a baby.

He started school... twice... But this time after only two weeks, we start to see some of the influence of it.

He does not want to lie down to be changed. What used to be a nice nice and smooth ride is now a battle and a contortion exercise to get him in and out of clothes and change the diaper. They change kids standing at school so we've decided to buy pull-ups until he is potty train to simplify our lives.

He does not want to sit in the high chair anymore. At school he eats at the table with the other kids. He wants to do the same at home. Except our table is not a table for kids and with its normal height it makes it hard for him to see what he is eating and ensure the food gets in his mouth. Of course, he prefers not to wear the bib because they don't do it at school. They simply change clothes after lunch. Clearly they are not the ones washing all these clothes.

For two nights, he now sleeps in a big bed and so far it has work out fine. Once asleep he stayed there the whole night. Getting him to sleep there can be a bit more challenging especially during the day. At night he is tired and it's dark. In the afternoon, it's another story. Why would he sleep with so many toys and books around?

He has an opinion and makes it clear to us. No he does not speak yet but trust me who needs words when you can scream? We have recently discovered the lovely period of tantrums. It's exhausting and pushing us to our limits but apparently it's a phase we have to go through and he will outgrow it. Let's hope and until then, we just ignore him until he calms down. 

Oskar is still very attached to me (koala style) but we can see him developing his own personality. It's both great to see and exhausting to live as he experiments with us and the limits. Can't wait until he can speak :)

It's hot

I know I live in a country with summer weather all year long. Actually that's one of the reasons I wanted to live here.

BUT when I'm pregnant, especially in the third trimester, the heat is unbearable. Despite all the air conditioning of the world, I still feel hot and hotter. I have to take two showers a day and the cool feeling lasts only five minutes after them. Even in the office where everybody complains that it's too cold (I was one of them), I find myself over heating. Carrying Oskar is like adding a warm pillow to an over heated body. He does not seem to care that I sweat on him but I fell bad about it. Soon I will have to start using his cream for the heat rashes :(

The only place where I feel good right now is the swimming pool. Luckily, I have one at home :)

 

Still eight weeks to go...