Dear Elzora,

A Four Year Old's Lady Gaga Dance Party!

2011-12-20T02:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

2 months have passed since we celebrated your 4th birthday. I took a moment today to add some of the pictures from this fabulous event to your blog. I love you, you're amazing and I look forward to celebrating your future birthdays in whatever fashion you request!

I love you!!

Love,
Mommy

Write my Name, Write my Name!

2011-12-10T05:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Yes, it's true. I am clearly no blogger (it has been nearly one year since I posted anything on your blog). But I had to take the time to post that it was on this day in history that your wrote your name for the very first time completely from memory.

Prior to today Mommy or Poppy would have to write your name and then you would copy what we had written. But not anymore!! Good work, Lady.

You told me that last night in your sleep you decided that today would be the day you would write your name by yourself for the very first time. Maybe you were inspired by the Nobe Peace Prize speech we are listening to on TV right now.

Love you and your beautiful name!!

Mommy

Free to be you and 3!!

2011-01-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

It has been a long time. We have moved, you and Starla have started at your new school and we have been busy making the house in Timmele our home.

I figured that I'd better go back and record some major events that happened in 2010.

One of the most important happenings was your 3rd birthday, which included a visit from some of our favorite Americans. That's right! Christine, Tim and McKenna flew all the way from Berkeley, California to celebrate your wonderful birthday.

It was just a few months ago, but looking at the pictures I can't believe how much you and Starla have both grown since we left our old house.

Let's see if I can get the holiday pictures posted before Midsommar!

A very special thank you to Christine, Tim and McKenna for making the trip to Sweden.
Thank you also to our friends and family in Sweden and around the world. We love you.

Love,
Mommy

Video Killed the Radio Star!

2010-11-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

There is much to say and much to write about your super cool life at this time. We are sleeping in our new house for the first time tonight, you turned 3 years old, you can ride a scooter like a pro, you speak 2 languages, you are starting a new school and it is soon holiday happiness time. Oh, and you are going to see SANTA tomorrow (By the way you are wishing for an electric toothbrush, toothpaste and a blush brush). I will write about all that stuff at another time, I hope.

Meanwhile, I am supposed to be working hard on Baby Yeah-Yeah's bookkeeping, but I can't stop thinking about you and your favorite stuff. For example here are 3 videos that you like to watch over and over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3yEGX1EoY0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_UtWu7JSmQ

You won't watch any videos of the little guy playing the guitar unless Ozzy is actually in the video. I've tried and you just keep saying "Where's Ozzy? Where's Ozzy?" until I turn the video off.

You and your Grandma-Mormor Mary Jo love Lady Gaga (Mommy, too!!) It's probably not age appropriate but what is in this world of ours?

The last one is not my favorite but for some reason it is a big hit in the 3-5 year old age group.
Thank you Eurovision song contest!!

Love,
Mommy

Turkey Time!

2010-10-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

We spent the first part of September in Turkey with Pappa's family. It was a special treat from Farmor and Farfar to celebrate their 60th birthdays. Thank you, Bojan & Bengt, for being so generous. Thank you Turkey for the warm weather, the smoking Germans, the food, the friendly hotel staff members, the massages and the towel art! Mini Disco!!

Love,
Mommy

PS I had to include the picture of mommy applying sunscreen to Starla since that is what I did during most of my vacation. :)

Welcome, Autumn 2010!

2010-10-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

I am not going to say anything about the fact that I haven't blogged in a really, really long time. I will just say that I love you and that you are beautiful and that we are in the midst of a crazy, fun, chaotic time. You and your sister are my little babies and there are many times that I could have been at the computer but I chose to drink your pretend coffee, take the white part off of the sticker paper or to help you with your Pippi clothes. I have no regrets. Make good choices!! Love you. Happy fall!!!

Love,
Mommy

PS Your birthday is on Saturday and the only thing you keeps asking for is a fake apple.

One Day by the Sea

2010-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

First iPad Drawing

2010-07-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

You and papa just made this drawing on the iPad and emailed it to me.
I love it. You are my little lady bug lady.

Love you,

Mommy

And the Livin' is Easy (Summer Update)

2010-07-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Summer is here and we have been enjoying beautiful weather, lots of ice cream, cookies and tons and tons of playing and having fun at home with our beautiful and super awesome neighbors.

We have had visits from the moose, Morris and Midsummer. The princess got married, Starla went to the dentist and we have been working away at opening Baby Yeah-Yeah's Baby Boutique (you are my favorite model).

You and your sister are so close and you have so much fun together. Mommy falls more and more in love with both of you every single summery day.

Sunshiney Love,

Mommy

PS Today is Siri's birthday. Happy Birthday, Siri!!
PSS Papa starts vacation today!!!

Princess Day!!

2010-06-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
This is what you looked like the day our crown princess got married. Congratulations, Victoria! And congratulations to you, Elzora, for having such a fabulous sense of fashion.
Love, Mommy

Michigan Trip!

2010-06-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

There Goes the Neighborhood!

2010-02-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

Olive You, Elzora!

2010-02-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

3 More Moosey Moosies!!

2010-02-10T04:17:00.000-08:00

Mamma's Little Helper

2010-02-06T00:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

I just wanted to say thank you for helping me so much around the house. I don't know what I would do without your help.

Love you,

Mommy

Abstract Santa

2010-02-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

When I posted the holiday photos I forgot to include my very favorite picture. This is the drawing you did of Santa (tomten på sveska). It's amazing. I am certain that Santa loved it, too.

BTW, if you are reading this on Facebook and would like to visit either Elzora's blog or Starla's blog the links are below.

Love,
Mommy

http://dearelzora.blogspot.com/
http://starlakarlsson.blogspot.com/

Chrismtas 2009 Revisited

2010-02-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Okay, yes, it is February 1, 2010 and I am just getting around to posting our holiday photos. It was a terrific holiday filled with lots of food, family and fun. I think that both you and Starla had a fabulous time. This was the first Christmas where you really understood what was happening. We had so much fun. Thank you to all of our family and friends that helped make this such a spectacular holiday celebration. Mommy would like to send a very special thank you to both Liisa and Pascha for the wonderful and generous packages from the US. We love you both so very, very much and we are counting the days until we can be with you and your families again.

Love,

Mommy

Dirty 30!

2010-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Mom hasn't blogged so much lately but don't worry, I will get back on the blog bus soon. But I just can't hold off any longer on writing about one event that happened last month that was very, very important. Our bestest Papa turned 30!

When our friend Amanda turned 30 she kept referring to it as her "dirty thirty" and even got a cool cherry tattoo to commemorate the event. We hope papa can get some more tattoos soon. We know how much he loves them.

Happy Birthday, Papa Andreas.
We love you!
Happy Party!!

Love,
Mommy

PS Hopefully we will see Amanda and her mask-making man one day soon.

Foxy Lady!

2010-01-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

This morning we were running late for a 10am fika date when you told me to look outside. I thought it was just another deer or a cat at the bird feeder. When I looked my first thought was "Wow, that's a big cat!" But of course it was a beautiful fox. Papa said he saw a hare this morning coming down from the forest when he went to work. The animals are really having a hard time finding food when it is so cold out and there is so much snow. It's hard to watch, but spring will be here before we know it. Good luck little animals!

Love,
Mommy

First Visit to the Hair Salon!

2009-12-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Yesterday you had your hair cut for the first time. As you can see from the pictures it was not a joy-filled experience for you despite our best efforts. Luckily Ulla had a delicious ice cream treat waiting for you and that seemed to raise your spirits tremendously.

Of course I am proud of you and I know how scary new experiences can be. I also know that one day you will love getting your hair done as much as mommy does.

You are gorgeous!

Love,
Mommy

Gingerbread, Man!!

2009-12-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

This week began with baking gingerbread cookies (peppar kakor) at Siri's and ended with a celebration at school where you were dressed as a little gingerbread girl and you danced around the christmas tree, ate the cookies that you baked at school and sang traditional Swedish holiday songs.

Tomorrow we will have our annual holiday breakfast with our friends and then we will go to a Christmas market. I am looking forward to a fun day with you and papa and Starla.

Right now papa is on his way home from work and the two of you are going to the swim house!
Starla and mama are staying home to clean the house.
I think you and papa are going to have a lot more fun then mama and Starla.

Love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Happy Belated Birthday, Farmor!

2009-12-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Mommy has been falling behind in the blog department, but I didn't want to miss reporting a very special recent event. Farmor Bojan celebrated her 60th birthday on November 11th. We gave her a silver necklace with the names of her 3 favorite girls engraved into the pendant. I think that she really, really liked it. Farmor made us an awesome dinner and we had a really good time just being together.

Quincy Stirling celebrated her first birthday on November 11th as well. Hopefully we will get to go to Michigan very soon so that we can meet Quincy and her family.

Happy Belated Birthday to Farmor and Quincy!

Love,
Mommy

PS Farmor and Farfar are taking us to Turkey next year so that we can celebrate their 60th year on the planet in style!! Thank you Farmor and Farfar!!!

A Dress With Cars

2009-12-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Mama and papa bought you this dress for Valentine's Day 2008. We were on a trip to Stockholm to get your American passport. I took this picture of you when you were just 4 months old. The other picture is of Starla Grace at 8 months taken just the other day. You are both so adorable. Do you think that you look like one another? When we meet people they always say that you are very much the same, but it is hard for me to tell because you are both so unique and so different when it comes to your personalities. I love it. You are both the most gorgeous beauties I have ever seen.

Soon Santa comes! I am sure that he will bring you Pippi's papa's boat!!

Love,
Mommy

Artist in Residence!

2009-11-21T02:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

On Thursdays you don't have school and you spend your days at home with mama and Starla having all kinds of fun. Well this past Thursday you spent a lot of time in your room. You told me that you were making a picture for papa called "Papa's Eyes" or "Papa's Ögon" in Swedish. You actually worked on the picture throughout the day and you even emptied out your Lego bin so that you could finish the drawing. Starla and mommy just loved watching your creative process. You were very, very passionate.

I am so glad the we decided to paint one of the walls in your room with chalkboard paint. What a nice papa you have. He did all of the painting and made your room so beautiful. No wonder you made him this picture.

I look forward to watching you grow as an artist and as a person.

Love you.

Love,
Mommy

Sleeping with Sticks

2009-11-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday I pick you up from school and you walk on your own to the edge of the forest stopping to investigate every interesting puddle, rock, bug, leaf, etc. Once we get to the woods you hop in the stroller and enjoy your afternoon nap. During the summer you picked flowers and held them in your hands while you slept. Now that those long, lazy, lovely beautiful days of summer have been replaced by the gray, rainy days of Swedish winter you have resorted to picking up sticks. Here is a picture of you sleeping the other day after school that I took with my cell phone.
You are so cool. I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Baby Bathing Beauties

2009-11-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

I love this video of you and your sister taking your first bath together. Papa prepared the bath, so that is why it is so sudsy. I love my two little water babies!

Love,
Mommy

Apple of Mommy's Eye

2009-11-01T00:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

You are definitely the apple of mommy's eye, and there are so many new things you can do now that you are 2 years old! You recently learned to do somersaults, you can peel and eat a hard boiled egg all by yourself, you can walk up and down stairs without holding my hand and you can eat an entire apple with the peel and everything (but you think the apple seeds are spiders and you get scared sometimes). Oh, and you understand 2 languages! You only speak Swedish but you CAN speak English when necessary. I just want you to know how amazing you are and how much we love you. Thank you for being such a good girl and for helping me so much with Starla.
I am looking forward to having a lot of fun this winter. It might be cold and gray outside but you brighten mommy's days more than you will ever know.

I love you, Elzo!!

Love,
Mommy

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T03:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Today is Halloween, but we actually got dressed up last night because farmor and farfar are going to celebrate Jerry's 60th birthday tonight and they won't be home. You were dressed as a beautiful Hawaiian hula girl (thank you Liisa and Jer!) and Starla was a Indian-inspired little prince. We also stopped over to say hello to our lovely, lovely neighbors Erica, Susanne and Molly. What a fun night! And yes, you can see from your face that you are a full-fledged candy-eater at this point in your life.

Happy Halloween to all our family and friends around the world. Be safe and have fun!
Happy belated birthday to Jerry.

And.... Happy Birthday, McKenna!!! We hope you get a chance to see the ghost that haunts the hotel in San Francisco where you will be spending the night tonight.

I love you Elzora.

Happy Halloween & Aloha!!

Love,
Mommy

More Boobies! Breast Cancer Awareness Month Project

2009-10-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

If you are reading this than you are definitely aware of the fact that October is breast cancer awareness month. Well this year mommy is participating in a very cool project to help raise money to fight the battle against breast cancer.

Ella's mommy, Matilda Karlsson, is working with the award-winning, Swedish photographer, Ann Sofie Ekman, to create an awesome event to raise money for Bröstcancerfonden.

If you are reading this and live in Sweden, you must visit Blommon i Byn between October 22-25 and give what you can to help win the battle against breast cancer.

Mommy is participating in this event for all of the women in her life that have died, survived or are living with breast cancer. I love you all and we will find a cure!

Love,
Mommy

PS Now you will always know what mommy's boobs looked life when she was 36.5 and breastfeeding Starla.

Happy Party, Elzora!!

2009-10-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

As I write this entry you are almost exactly 2 years old. I can't believe it! You are such a wonderful, beautiful and unique little girl.

You had quite a birthday day. First off to school at 7am where you celebrated with your friends and schoolmates and went for an outing in the forest. Mama picked you up at the usual time and you walked halfway home with your boots on and I don't think you missed one pudle of water!

After your 2 hour nap, you got your gifts from mama, papa and Starla. I'd like to think that your best gift was the dollhouse or maybe the iPod, but I think that you liked the glue stick the most. Starla liked the ribbons and the paper the most!

At 6 o'clock we went to our favorite pizza place and had a wonderful dinner with our friends and family and you had your very first lollipop. You loved it and wanted everyone to taste it. You are such a good little girl. This doesn't mean you can eat candy, now! It was your birthday and mommy had a weak moment.

After our bellies were full of pizza we came back home so you could open the rest of your presents. You got such cool gifts from everyone! Your doll house doesn't look so empty, now. In addition to the dollhouse furniture you received a beautiful handmade sweater, Play-Doh, puzzles, a new Pippi book and a lot more. I can't wait to play with you tomorrow. And you have more presents coming from Liisa and Grandma Mary Jo.

But for now you are asleep and I hope you are dreaming wonderful dreams and that you feel safe and loved and happy as you start your third year as my little, baby girl.

Thank you to everyone for helping us celebrate our beautiful Elzora!!

I love you.
Happy Party!

Love,
Mommy

PS This is a picture of you from the party. You decided to put on your heels and get out your cowgirl hat. Yeee-haaaw!!

Elzora or Starla? (II)

2009-09-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

I couldn't resist!! I just love looking at pictures of you and your sister. You are both just so adorable. Just like your papa! We are home today and the weather is rainy and dark. But Starla is going to start eating solid foods today so that should give us a little sunshine! Hello, sweet potato!

Love,
Mommy

Elzora or Starla?

2009-09-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Do you know which one of these little scrunched up noses belongs to you and which one belongs to your little sister, Starla? Check Starla's blog for the picture from today and you can find out.
I know this is your blog, but mommy just has to let everyone know that today Starla Grace turns .5 years old. I hope Starla has enjoyed her 6 months of life with our crazy family. She sure is a perfect little girl. Just like you, Elzora.

I need to get the video camera out soon, because you are talking more and more every day.
Today you said Pippi Långstrump (not just Pippi).

Oh and you got a package today from Grandma Mary Jo. You loved it. Lots of tractor related items. Did I mention that you LOVE tractors?
Thank you Grandma Mary Jo!!!

I love you, Elzora.

Love,
Mommy

Elzora is the Sh*t!

2009-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Today you said your own name for the very first time!!
You also played with Play-Doh.

You're awesome!

Love,
Mommy

PS Happy Birthday, Anton!

Show me your Boobies!!

2009-08-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
When we were in Belize Amanda bought papa this boobie necklace, and you just love it. To me it feels like you are trying to show your support for mom's breastfeeding with Starla since you know I had a tough time getting started. Thanks for being so supportive!

It's hard to believe that fall is definitely on its way. You have your first full week (15 hours) of preschool this week. The first day back went just fine and I think it is going to be a good year for you. And your 2nd birthday is less than 2 months away. Any wishes? I think we are going to get you the Stockholm doll house and maybe an iPod shuffle since you like music so much. Do you like the pink one? Red? They make child-safe headphones so you will be protected. Since we do a lot of driving in the car and traveling, I think it makes sense. And you know our policy of no kids music in the car... sorry!

Papa is working a lot and mama is busy taking care of her baby girls and making plans for opening her store. More on that later.

We are all thinking of Grandpa Ace in Indiana. He is home from the hospital and Grandma Mary Jo says his spirits are high and that he likes having someone around the house 24 hours a day. I wish we could visit him. We love you, Grandpa Ace!!

And I love you Elzora!!

Love,
Mommy

Your Very First Phone Conversation Caught on Video

2009-08-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Liseberg

2009-08-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Last week your farmor and farfar treated us to an afternoon at Liseberg. The very best part was seeing your face light up every time you went on the carousel. Thank you Bojan and Bengt for your generosity!

Love,
Mommy

Youtubin'

2009-07-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Mommy got a YouTube account so collect videos of you and your sister.

Love your dancin' booty!

Mommy

Crazy Crazy Cute

2009-07-19T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

I just love these pictures!

Love you.

Mommy

Big Girl Shoes!

2009-07-19T00:37:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,

I am posting this picture for Auntie Christine. I hope she enjoys it. You are really, really good at walking in high heels even if they are are on the wrong feet.

Love you.
Mommy

Mommy Elzora Time!

2009-07-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

I love when we get a few moments to sneak away, just the two of us. Most recently we had the opportunity to slip over to the neighbors house when they were away and use their swing set. You love it and I love to see you so happy. Thank you to Miranda for keeping an eye on Starla so that we could spend some much needed time alone.

I love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Happy Anniversary!

2009-07-16T07:23:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,

This picture was taken of mama and papa 3 years ago when we got engaged on the beach in Varberg. So much has happened in the last 3 years!! I am so happy that I met your papa and that I have you and Starla. I love you all so much!!

Do you like my yellow nails?

Thank you for the roses Andreas!

Love,
Mommy

21 Months!

2009-07-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fear of Flying

2009-07-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

It all started a few weeks ago when you were walking Ozzy with daddy in Timmele. I wasn't with you, but apparently a low flying plane flew over the three of you and scared you to the bone. You started shaking and crying and you were both terrified and intrigued. That moment changed you.

For a while whenever you heard a plane, a boat or a car you would just freeze and start shaking and crying. You didn't want to go outside and you were having a hard time at preschool. Even the sound or sight of a lawn mower could paralyze you.

But of late it seems that you have turned your fear into an obsession. You recently went on a weekend trip with farmor and farfar and went on your first ferry ride. I think you now use the word båt (the Swedish word for boat) 50,000 times a day and you would be perfectly happy to watch YouTube videos of airplanes and boats for hours at a time.

You are definitely getting better about being outside, which is very good considering the days of summer are upon us. It helps that you love to badda (play in the pool) and baka kaka (play in the sandbox). But I think this obsession will be around for a while. Maybe you will be a pilot? Or a sea captain? Or the first female F1 driver?

I will try to find a picture of you with an airplane or a båt to put with this post. For now, I've included a picture of you and papa at the airport from our trip to Michigan last year.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Elzora the Brave

2009-07-03T00:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

This video was taken yesterday at Siri's birthday party.
You are soooo brave and so curious. I just love you.
This is just the first of many, many wonderful videos of you.

Love,
Mommy

PS Happy Birthday, Siri!

Tooth-Hurty!!

2009-06-30T23:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,

On Monday you had your very first dental appointment and you totally impressed me by being a really good girl and saying "ahh" when the dentist asked you to open your mouth (just like we practiced at home).

I am not sure if the woman that examined you was the dentist or the dental assistant, but she gave us a lot of good information. You have 8 teeth on top and 8 on the bottom, which is kind of a lot for your age but absolutely fine. You are too young to worry about flossing (sorry) and we should wait with candy as long as possible which has not been a problem so far. She also told us that you shouldn't have any sugary drinks at all. You mainly drink water, but you do have a little OJ on occasion. You actually ask for juice quite a bit, but I think that you think milk is called juice. Mommy will be better about just sticking to water when you are thirsty.

The dentist also informed us that it is very important to let the teeth rest completely for 2.5 hours between meals and snacks. Good to know! She was very happy to learn that you don't use a pacifier or suck your thumb. Good work, Elzora!

Hopefully we will have no reason to visit your dentist again until you are 3 years old.
And if we stay in Sweden, you and your sister have free dental care until you are 18.

Keep on brushin'!

Love,
Mommy

Pool Time!

2009-06-30T22:58:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I love your booty!!!
Love,
Mommy

Trevlig Midsummer!

2009-06-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

C is for Cookie (K is for Kak-yah)

2009-06-16T23:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Yesterday Starla received a box from the US, but of course your Liisa included a special gift for you. You love your new Cookie Monster doll. You gave him a big hug the minute we took him out of the box. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very serious relationship between you and "Kak-yah" as you've taken to calling him (in Elzora speak "Kak-yah" is a cross between the english word cookie and the Swedish word kaka).

Love,
Mommy

PS Thank you Liisa, Jer and Captain Awesome for the wonderful gifts for Elzo, Starla, Andreas and Jenna!

McKenna Goes to Fairy Camp

2009-06-16T23:45:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
On Monday McKenna started her 2 week adventure at Fairy Camp.
Maybe one day you can go to a camp like this in the US.
Have fun McKenna!! We hope you have a fairy good time at camp!

Love,
Mommy

Grattis, Molly!!

2009-06-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
This past Saturday we attended the name giving ceremony of our dear little Molly girl. It was a fantastic day! Mommy didn't want it to end. Molly and her mommies are very special to us and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives.

Aunt Miranda took this picture the other day when Molly and Erica were visiting during daddy and Susanne's condo board meeting. So fun!! I just love this picture.

Congrats, Molly! You are growing into an amazing little girl and we are all so proud of you. Thank you Erica and Susanne for including us in Molly's name giving celebration and for introducing us to your terrific family.

Love,
Mommy

Goodies from Michigan & Miranda

2009-06-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

f

Dear Elzora,
Miranda is here!!! And she brought with her a whole bag of goodies. Here are some pictures of you enjoying all of the wonderful presents. What a lucky girl you are. You are especially enjoying the grocery basket full of fake produce and other food items. You still LOVE playing fika-time and you are continually offering mommy pieces of pie. I hope I don't get fat! (But please don't use the word fat. It is not a nice word. Or stupid. I don't like that word either.)

Mommy is really enjoying having her sister here. When does a grown woman have the opportunity to spend an entire summer living with her little sister? I feel so lucky.
Maybe with Miranda here we can do even more fun things together. Unfortunately the weather has been totally confusing, so we have spent a lot of time in the house, but we have been doing lots of painting and playing.

You were supposed to go to preschool today, but you were awake a lot in the night. It's weird because you weren't crying or sick or anything. You were actually singing and talking and in a very happy mood. I sure hope we get some sleep tonight because daddy has to go to Stockholm tomorrow and I think you would enjoy spending a few hours at preschool with the kids tomorrow.

I love you and Miranda and your sister and daddy very much.

Love,
Mommy

PS Mommy must say a special thank you to Grandma Mary Jo and Aunt Jessie for all of the awesome gifts. Thank you!! xoxo

The Many Bunny Faces of Elzora

2009-05-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Today you must be feeling hoppy because you out your bunny ears. Thank you for letting me take these pictures (you didn't make it easy for me).

Now you are asleep and in a few hours farmor will come to take us to Timmele. Mommy needs her hair done!

Tomorrow Miranda is coming!!!!!! We are so excited.

Love you bunny bun bun.

Love,
Mommy

PS If you look at these pictures close up you will see that you have a very dirty face and snot running out of your nose, but you worked it.

Welcome Morris!

2009-05-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Yesterday Liisa and Jeremy welcomed their baby boy into the world.
Little Morris Heikki Duggan was born San Jose, California weighing 8lbs 2oz and measured 19.5 inches in length.

Liisa and Morris are both doing well. Mommy is so, so happy for her friends.
I hope that you a Starla and Morris will be lifelong buddies.

Congrats Liisa and Jeremy!!!

Love,
Mommy

Oh, Baby Baby It's A Wild World!!

2009-05-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Two days ago the moose came back. We missed it but luckily Erica snapped these pictures of our king of the forest in the woods 15 meters behind our house. Erica called us to let us know he had arrived and you and I ran outside to try and get a glimpse, but we couldn't see anything. We also tried looking from the upstairs balcony, but we missed him.

And then yesterday Grandpa Mac sent us a picture of the bear that visited his backyard recently in St.Helen, Michigan. We need a trail cam!

I can't wait to see the Moose, again!! You can read more about the king's visit on Molly's blog.

Love Love,
Mommy

You've Got a Fever of 103! (Hot Blooded)

2009-05-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
After partying to the wee hours on Saturday, you came home to mommy on Sunday with a high temperature, runny nose, sore throat and a cough. So no preschool this week! Instead of of going to The Ladybug you have been staying indoors, watching a lot of Pippi Långstrump and playing with your toys. Papa said you started asking for Pippi at 5:30 this morning. The two of you were lying in bed watching Pippi Youtube videos on the iPhone until finally papa had to get up to go to work.

Starla has an appointment with the doctor today at 1:15, so we are actually going to walk to town. I called Kerstin, our nurse, and asked her if it was okay and she said that it was fine since we are the last appointment today. We don't want any other little kids to get sick!! But it will be good to get some fresh air and the sun is shining.

I love you and I hope that you are feeling better soon.

Love,
Mommy

Hard Rock, Hallelujah!!

2009-05-24T01:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I took this picture the other morning when you woke up and you were angry. I think it is perfect! And you do actually listen to Slayer with your daddy. Actually both you and Starla went to see Slayer when you were still in mommy's belly.
I love you.

Love,
Mommy

New Fabulous Furniture & Party Party

2009-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Today mommy and daddy purchased new outside furniture for our backyard, and it is so nice! I just love the pavilion. It has mosquito netting so we can spend more time outdoors enjoying the beautiful, Swedish summer evenings.

Farmor and farfar came over to help us and then we had fika together. I baked banana muffins and they were really yummy (breastfeeding makes mommy super-duper hungry).

We still have a wind wall to put up and we are purchasing a Weber Fireplace possibly this afternoon. We are going to have such a fun summer just maxin' and relaxin' with our friends and family. Your Aunt Miranda might be arriving from the US before the end of the week. I can't believe it!!

After we finished with the furniture, you and papa went to Timmele for a party. Mommy and Starla stayed home and ate Chinese take-out with our favorite neighbors and watched the Swedish version of Survivor (Robinson). You and papa are now eating breakfast at farmor's and soon you will come home. I miss you!! I heard you were quite the little party girl and fell asleep at 9pm and then woke up for some more party party at 11:30pm!!

I look forward to giving you a great, big hug when you get home. And daddy, too.

Love,
Mommy

First Husbil Holiday

2009-05-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

h
Dear Elzora,
On May 1st, farfar and farmor departed from Timmele on their first voyage in the new husbil (RV,Motorhome). Luckily we were there to witness the joyous event.

Last weekend Siri joined her mormor and morfar and soon you too will travel with them to a beautiful, Swedish, seaside destination.

Congratulations Bengt & Bojan!!

Love,
Mommy

UPDATE: You spent your first weekend away from home on a RV trip with farmor and farfar last weekend (June 26 - June 28, 2009).

Happy Birthday, Aunt Jessie!!

2009-05-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is your Aunt Jessie's birthday and I know that she would like nothing more than to spend her special day with you. On days like today it is tough living so far away from mommy's family.

Jessie has a lot to be proud of on her birthday. She is going to school, working 2 jobs, helping Grandma Mary Jo with the house and taking care of Kayla. She is becoming quite a role model for you and your sister. I admire her strength.

So, Happy Birthday to Aunt Jessie!! We love you.

Love,
Mommy

PS I think Mommy needs a scanner.
PSS Look at Jessie's feet in the photo of her playing the organ. So cute!!

Happy Birthday, Grover!!

2009-05-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is the birthday of our dear friend Grover G-Money Johnson. She is also the founder of Bulges Gym. Mommy lived and worked with Grover for many years in Berkeley and Oakland, California. G-Money is coming to visit us in September and mommy can not wait to see her friend. Happy Birthday, Grover!!

These pictures were taken in a photo booth at Benders bar in San Francisco before it burned down and they rebuilt it. That was a fun night!! Grover, Sarah, Alex and Tracy are some fun gals. You met everyone except for Tracy when we were staying in Berkeley last year.

Love,
Mommy

Easter Revisited

2009-05-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I have to confess that I have a little catching up to do when it comes to your blog. But here are some pictures from Easter at farmor and farfar's house this year. You got a totally hip outfit and some raisins. I think you liked the raisins most of all!

We had Easter dinner with Linda, Morgan and Siri. Of course, it was delicious!

Mama and papa gave you a wheel barrow and a watering can for playing outside. You love to water the garden!

I promise next year we will color as many eggs as humanly possible since we skipped that this year.

Love,
Mommy

Linda's Birthday Party!!

2009-05-19T02:17:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
We may have been celebrating Linda's 34th birthday, but you were definitely the one partying.
I am so happy that you are enjoying your life!

Love,
Mommy

PS If anyone wonders what a good present would be for Elzora, a fake cake would be a terrific choice.

Open House at Nickelpigan

2009-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
On April 23, 2009 you had the opportunity to show mama, papa, Starla, Morgan and Siri your beautiful preschool. What a wonderful, cozy and creative place!! During our visit you and Siri got to play with toys, paint, hop on the pillows, play outside and visit the big school that you might attend when you are 3 years old.

We had a great time and mommy can tell that you are loved and well taken care of on the days that you go to Nyckelpigan.

Love,
Mommy

Photos from Johanna

2009-05-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Johanna, papa's cousin, just sent us these pictures.
Both the pictures and you are beautiful.
Here is the message from Johanna that accompanied the pics.
"Hon har riktigt fina ögon :) hälsningar johanna"
Thank you, Johanna!
Love,
Mommy

Scary Monster at the Biogas Station

2009-05-11T02:12:00.000-07:00

Elzora and the Magic Sandbox

2009-05-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
You don't really have a magic sandbox. Well at least you haven't figured out if it is magic, yet. I had a magic sandbox when I was a little girl that my daddy built for me. It could grow cucumbers! Nobody believed me until I actually planted the seeds in the sand and the lovely green vegetables appeared just a few weeks later. Everyone was amazed but I knew that it was a magic sandbox all along.

Your daddy built you this beautiful sandbox and of course you LOVE it.
You love it so much that I couldn't get you to look at me to take a picture of you playing in it for the very first time.

I just want you to know that I am having a hard time finding the time or the clarity to write any very interesting posts with 2 little babies to take care of at home. For now I may be posting mainly pictures but I have the rest of my life to add the text. What else am I going to do when I am old besides sit in front of the computer and update your blog? Oh wait, daddy and I may be busy snorkeling and drinking margaritas when we live in a hut on a tropical island somewhere.

I love you more and more every day.
Mommy

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Ace!!

2009-04-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is my Grandpa's birthday. I believe that he turns 92 years young today. I might be wrong so I will have to double check with Grandma Mary Jo.
This is the only picture I have of him, but I just love it (he is the one on the right). I miss him.
I hope that you can meet him someday soon. He is a very talented and kind man.
Happy Birthday, Grandpa Ace!
Go for it!!
Love,
Mommy

Mommy and her Big Grrrrrl!

2009-04-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Here is one of the two of us together. It was taken on April 9, 2009. Aren't we adorable?
I think this is the day you were supposed to be the Easter witch at school, but we didn't get up in time to do the make-up and you didn't feel like wearing the head scarf. Oh, well. We'll do it up big time for next year.

Linda Love

2009-04-26T03:12:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I was just uploading some pictures and I found this one of you and Linda from earlier this month. You love her so much. One of the first words you could say clearly was "Liiin-daah!"
Love,
Mommy

Pee Pee Power!

2009-04-22T03:41:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
This picture is actually from November of 2008, but I just love it so much, and it is an appropriate image for this blog entry.

I just have to let you know that last Friday when I picked you up from The Ladybug Ethel informed me that you had asked for the potty chair earlier that day and that you went pee pee for the first time like a big girl. So cool! The funny thing is that since you are only 1.5 years old, we haven't even really thought about potty training, but you are obviously learning a lot from the children and adults you spend 15 hours a week with at school.

As you can imagine I was feeling a little bit sad that I had missed such a big moment, but then on Sunday you were at home with me and papa and Starla and you gasped and looked at me and pointed to your baby booty. I grabbed your hand and we took off your diaper and put you on the potta (Swedish name for potty chair) and you made one little poop!

It hasn't happened again that we've made it to the potta in time for you to do your business, but I think it is just super fantastic that you are thinking about such things. I am so proud.

Ethel says you are a really nice girl at school and that you talk all the time and you are always singing. I am glad that you are so satisfied and that you enjoy life so much. You are currently obsessed with going to the playground or lekplats to "gung-gung" on the swings. You also can't wait to get to the sandbox to "kaka" or make a dirt pie.

We definitely still have some rough times at home when you get tired or hungry and you just want mommy to hold you, but I have to take care of Starla and you. But, we are getting there and it gets better every day. On some days I wish you could just get mad at me and tell me that you are angry that you have to share me, but I am sure the words will come soon enough and until then we just both have to be patient and love one another with all our hearts.

I love you soooooooooooo much.

Love,
Mommy

2009-04-10T03:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I know that this is not an easy time for you. It is not easy to share mommy when you are used to having her all to yourself. But just know that I love you more and more every day. Thank you for trying to be patient when mommy is feeding the baby. I love that you want to hold her and be close to her and kiss her and tickle her. I don't love that sometimes you want to hit Starla or hit mommy or daddy, but I know that this only happens when you are over-tired or very hungry. It must be really hard for you to understand what is happening. Just know that things will calm down soon and summer will be here and we can play outside and go to the park and be together and be happy.

I still can't believe how much you love to draw and color and paint. You are so focused. I love spending time with you and watching you play and grow.

Please try to be a little kinder to daddy when he is putting you to bed. He is so patient with you and loves you very much.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Welcome Starla Grace Halo Karlsson!!

2009-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Your beautiful baby sister arrived on March 23rd.
It was an amazingly wonderful experience. Thinking of you during the labor and delivery gave me such strength, knowing that I might be lucky enough to have another little baby like you.

I am the happiest person on earth today because I have you, Papa Andreas and Starla.
I love you so much.

Starla Grace Halo Karlsson
March 23, 2009
10:51 am
Borås, Sweden
3610 g (7.9 pounds)
51 cm (20 inches)

Love,

Mommy

Helping Mommy!!

2009-03-13T08:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Thank you for helping mommy pack her hospital bag. You had a wonderful morning at preschool where you kissed a little boy, sat on a toilet for the first time, played with play-doh, did some artwork, made a snowman and ate a lot of soup. You are CRAZY about soup.

Your hair looks kind of wild because you just had a bath. I wanted to dry it with the hair dryer, but you wouldn't let me even get near you with the dryer. I understand.

Look how good you are at stacking!!

Tonight mommy and daddy are going to Jenny's Thai, the new restaurant that opened yesterday in Ulricehamn. Then we are going to see Changeling with Angelina Jolie. You are going to Timmele to stay with farmor and farfar.

Love you,
Mommy

A Day in the Life of Elzora Karlsson, 17 months!!

2009-03-11T02:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
Things are going very well. You had a PERFECT day at preschool yesterday and you are there again this morning. I can't wait to pick you up!! It's a little bit cold and snowy but I always look forward to the walk to go pick up my little baby girl.

It's hard to believe that the new baby is due to arrive in just 11 days. As I may have said before you will stay with Farfar and Farmor while we are in Borås at the hospital. I was thinking it might be nice to write down your schedule for them and I decided that some day you might enjoy reading about your daily schedule when you were just 17 months old.

Elzora's Schedule on Non-Ladybug Days

6am- 8am: Depending on when you fell asleep you wake up between these times. We eat some breakfast together and start our day. You love yogurt, toast, eggs, cereal, fruit, berries and red bell peppers. Sometimes you have some water but on the weekends I give you a little OJ and you are very good at saying the word JUICE! You love juice and the red milk, but the nurse says it is always best with water, and we know it's good for you.

10am: Unless we are leaving the house, I give you your välling as a mellanmål (between meal food or snack) around this time. I like to hold you on my lap but sometimes you like to be on your own and just kick back and watch some Sesame Street or another children's show.

10:30 Get dressed!! Unless we have an appointment or an outing planned we don't get dressed right away, and once in a while we have our pajama days where we get dressed about 5 minutes before pappa comes home from work. Mommy loves these days.

11:30 Fruit Snack

12:00 Nap!! You used to sleep for just an hour, but you've been sleeping for about 2 hours in the afternoon since starting at daycare. Quite often you sleep outside in your stroller. You have been doing this since your were little and it is what the other Scandinavian people do. It is supposed to help with your immunity. You never get sick, so it must be a good thing.

2:00 Lunch!! We always have fun at lunch. You love pasta, avocado, turkish yogurt, paj with olives, feta and tomato, salmon, broccoli, peas and soup. Since mamma is a vegetarian you don't eat a lot of meat at lunch when you are with me but you eat all kinds of other things at school, with daddy at dinner and with Farmor and Farfar.

4:00 Fika! You usually have a little cracker or a cookie and I have a cup of coffee. It's also when we watch reruns of America's Next Top Model. I know you love it because you try to turn off the TV about a million times during the program. Sorry!!

5:30-8pm: During this time we have dinner with pappa and just enjoy being together as a family. You and pappa have a dance party in your room and you start acting pretty goofy as you get tired... we all do! Sometimes you are not in a very good mood in the evening and it is a little tough because mamma and pappa are a little tired, but you are so kind and you just want to play.

8-9pm: Vitamins, Välling, Teeth Brushing, Pajamas and Sleep. We start our evening ritual at this time and I think we all look forward to it. We get our cozy clothes on and watch some TV. You generally fall asleep on daddy and then you go into your bed and sleep all night. I would love to read to you every night, but you prefer to read books on your own right now so that you can turn the pages as fast as you want. I am definitely looking forward to being able to read you all of the beautiful books in your growing Swedish-English library.

9-? Mamma and pappa stay up too late but we enjoy our time together and usually talk about you.

Elzora's Schedule on Ladybug Days: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

5:50 Mamma gets up and prepares välling, clothes and packs Elzora a piece of fruit.

6-7am: Eat välling, watch Dora and Wonder Pets and get dressed for school.

7am: Pappa takes Elzora to preschool on the way to work.

11:45 Mamma picks up Elzora after she has eaten lunch.

11:45-2pm: Elzora sleeps.

2:30 Snack time

3:00 Bathtime!! Your very favorite thing in the world is to take a bath. After you are finished playing I take you out and give you a nice massage. You really like this part of the day. You also love wearing your little pink robe. Sometimes you won't take it off and I have to put it on over your clothes.

The rest of the day is the same as the non-ladybug days. Sometimes on Friday and Monday we go to the open preschool at the Family Center. We will go a little bit more often when mommy has the baby, so that you can play with the other kids.

I love our schedule Elzora and I love you.
See you in 1 hour.

Love,
Mommy

PS Sometimes we don't follow the schedule on the weekends, but we I think we all enjoy having a routine. Especially when we can all take a nap together!!

PSS The picture is of the drawing you did the other day on the wall of your bedroom while mamma was in the kitchen!

Big Girl Days at Dagis!

2009-03-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
What a week! It is not easy being a big girl and getting up at 6am so that daddy can drop you off at preschool on his way to work. I just want you to know that I understand that you must be a little confused and frustrated and tired. Just know that mommy and daddy are sending you to the preschool for 15 hours a week, so that you can have fun playing, singing and eating with the other kids at The Ladybug. And from the pictures Ethel has been taking of you in action, you are having a blast. I know you cry sometimes, and that is okay. Just know that mommy or daddy or farmor or farfar will ALWAYS come and get you. We love you and we miss you just as much as you miss us, if not more!!

Your first big girl day at the school was on Tuesday. When I woke you up at 6:15 you were not really ready to drink välling, so I just got you dressed and you and pappa left around 6:50am.

You cried when pappa left you, but Ethel was there to help you and she said you stopped crying just after he left. She said that you cried on and off during the morning but that you enjoyed seeing the other kids and still had fun. You didn't eat any breakfast or fruit but you were really happy when it was time to go and play outside. Ethel called mamma at 10:30 and asked if I could come and get you at 11 instead of 11:45. She said that you were really tired and she was worried that maybe you were hungry, too. When I picked you up, you were outside and I will never, ever forget the look on your face when you saw me. You just kind of fell apart. I know how that feels when you just can't hold it together anymore. You are such a strong little girl.

Mamma barely got you in the stroller before you fell to sleep. You stayed asleep for 3 hours. When you woke up I fed you some yummy lunch, gave you a warm bath and then gave you a massage with your favorite lotion that daddy bought for you. Then I held you and fed you your välling. I just want you to feel how much mommy and daddy love you and want you to feel secure.

On Wednesday you went back to the preschool. We had a wonderful start to the day. Mommy got up a bit earlier and you enjoyed half a bottle of välling and you were very happy to leave with pappa. Ethel called mamma around 10 and said you were just delightful!! You loved the singing and actually went and played and left Ethel's side. You ate nearly an entire apple and you ate lunch with the other kids! You loved being outside and had a great time. When I picked you up at 11:30 you still cried when you saw me, but it was different. It was more like "Mom, I did it!"

And I am so proud of you. We will go again tomorrow, Friday, and this time we will bring some fruit for you and an extra välling just in case you need it.

And then it is the weekend and we will be home with pappa. Siri will come to our house on Saturday and we will go to Susanne, Erica and Molly's to celebrate Susanne finishing her book. We will also be celebrating her birthday which happened on March 2nd, Happy Birthday, Susanne!

I love you Elzora.

Love,
Mommy

PS I want to say a special thank you to Ethel and the other grown-ups for taking such good care of Elzora and all the other little ones. I also want to say thank you to little Tuva for being such a good friend to Elzora. You are a sweet little girl. Your parents must be so proud of you.

PSS Välling is a formula-type vitamin and mineral drink that we give to our children in Scandinavia after they stop with breastfeeding or baby formula. Elzora loves it.

Moose Relaxing

2009-02-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Just an update regarding the moose. They must have decided that they like us!! There is one right outside your bedroom window relaxing as the evening approaches. I wish that they would stay forever. They are so beautiful. You had a good day today and daddy will be home from work soon. Thank you for calling me mamma a couple of times today. I like it so much more than when you call me Jenna.
I love you.
Love,
Mommy

Holy Moose!!!

2009-02-26T01:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
I can not believe it!!! Finally after 2 years of living in Sweden and driving around on numerous moose safaris, a mama and baby moose appeared in our very own backyard this morning at 10am. I am still shaking. You loved it and just kept yelling "Papa! Papa! Papa!." I hope I don't go into labor. The coolest part was that Erica and Molly were here with us and we were all so excited. I wish Papa Andreas could have been here with us!!
Love,
Mommy

Pajama Day!!

2009-02-23T05:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is Monday and we are not going to get out of our pajamas all day!! It feels wonderful to just take it easy and relax and be together. This week you will go to The Ladybug on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11. It is going very, very well and you are going to be very happy there. Last week you did your first 2 paintings at school, and I am, of course, completely impressed by your artistic ability. You have been coloring with crayons and pens for some time now and you've also done some experimenting with clay. Ethel said that when you saw one of the other children painting she asked if you would like to try and you said clearly "Ja!" You amaze me every day and I fall more and more in love with you by the minute.

You have 6 teeth coming in right now, and you are handling it SO well. A couple of nights you've woken up crying, but you went right back to sleep after realizing that I was there with you and everything was okay. It must be so painful for you. I'm sorry. You like it when I massage your gums, but sometimes you try to bite me and then you laugh really hard. Very funny, Elzora!!

Yesterday was February 22nd and the new baby is due to arrive March 22nd. Last week I had to have an extra ultrasound to make sure the baby was head down. It seems that your little brother or sister is in position. You don't like it when mommy has to go to the midwife and I try to schedule things so that you can be with Farmor, but this week we have to go on Thursday at 3pm and Farmor Bojan will be working. I am sorry that it scares you so much. Just know that mommy is fine and that it will soon be over and you will be a big sister. I know it's going to be a big change for you, but I only have positive thoughts about the baby coming.

I would like to write more but you are super stinky and I need to go down and change your diaper!!

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Åke Pulka!!!

2009-02-12T03:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Today after your morning välling I took you out for a little cruise on the little girl sled you got for Christmas from Linda, Morgan and Siri. You LOVED it and you didn't even seem to mind that you fell off twice. I think you actually enjoyed having the cold snow on your cute little face. We won't tell anyone that you were wearing your pajamas under your snowsuit. Sorry, I can be a lazy mommy sometimes.

Actually your Aunt Linda just called and asked if you wanted to go out with them again this afternoon to have some more snowy adventures. We will see how you are feeling after you wake up from your nap.

Love,
Mommy

Lovely Liisa

2009-02-05T03:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Here is a picture of your Liisa 18 weeks pregnant and vacationing with Uncle Jer on the Big Island of Hawai'i. This picture was taken by Jer at Punalu'u Beach, also known as Black Sands Beach. Doesn't she look radiant?
We love Liisa and we can't wait for the littlest Duggan to make his appearance.
Below is a picture of the little guy from his 20 week ultrasound.
Mommy is very much in love with him already.

Love,
Mommy

PS I promise that one day we will all vacation together on the Big Island. Sushi burritos!!

First Week at The Lady Bug (Nyckelpigan)

2009-02-05T02:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,

Just a quick not to let you know that this week we are spending one hour a day at your new preschool, Nyckelpigan. In Swedish this process is referred to as "inskolning" and this means that for 2 weeks you will only go one hour a day to the school. The idea is that I sit in the corner and observe you while you play and then eventually I will leave during that one hour. Right now you want me to play with you for some of the time and this is just fine, too.

The first day was a little strange for you with a new place and so many other small children, but you love to play and you have already made some new friends. You have a very special friend, Tuva. She is 2 years old and she can already say your name and today when we left she was helping you get ready and was telling you that you could go home and see your pappa. She is the sweetest little thing. So kind. You even said her name yesterday!! And when we left today you didn't want to get your outside clothes on. You just wanted to sit by the door. Then of course you fell asleep as soon as we began our short walk back home through the freshly fallen snow.

Mommy has to say a special thank you to Ethel for making this process so positive for us. I love going to the school everyday. And also to Erica and Molly for sitting with you last Friday when mamma and pappa had a meeting with Ethel about you and the school.

The plan is that you will attend Nyckelpigan Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. until around 12. Then you will come home and be with mommy. I miss you already.

You are as cute as a little lady bug.

Love,

Mommy

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Mac!!

2009-01-31T04:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is your Grandpa Mac's birthday. I know he reads your blog and I am pretty sure that he will love this picture. I hope we can go to Michigan and visit when the new baby comes.
Today is Saturday but pappa has to go in to work for a few hours. We are just taking it easy. You are sleeping and I am going to take a little rest myself.
You are so cute.
Love,
Mommy
PS Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Happy Birthday, Farfar!!

2009-01-27T06:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Today is farfar's 60th birthday. I know that if you could talk that you would say "Grattis, farfar!! Jag älskar dig med min hela hjärt!"
When daddy comes home we will go to Timmele and celebrate!
Love,
Mommy

Cousin Kayla Superstar!

2009-01-26T02:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Here is your cousin Kayla's basketball picture from this year. Isn't she beautiful? Grandpa Mac says she is the team superstar!! I wish that we could go and see her in action. We are all looking forward to our next trip to Michigan. Go Kayla!! Go Bucks!!

Love,
Mommy

New Book!!

2009-01-23T02:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Just one more thing. On Tuesday this week Anneli and Wilgot came over and brought you this book. I LOVE IT! WE had a super good time and I think we will go to baby swim with them on Tuesday.

Oh, I started Vatten Gymnastik för Gravida last night. It was so much fun and the new baby just loved it. After I got out of the water he-she was moving around like a crazy sea monkey!! Sorry that I didn't go to the class when you were in my belly, but I didn't even know about it.

Love,
Mommy

PS Thank you Anneli and Wilgot and Ulrik for the book and the tea!!

Max and Anton

2009-01-23T02:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Last Friday (I can't believe it's been a week already) two of your favorite people in the world stayed the night at our house... Max & Anton!! It was so much fun. Anton brought his PS3 and we got to see the new game that Santa brought him for Christmas, Little Big Planet. It's so cool.
And we played Guitar Hero World Tour and Anton sang Hotel California on the mic and it was amazing. He is definitely going to be a star. We also watched a movie that Anton made for school... singer, guitar player, director, screenwriter, skateboarder!! Anton is a talented guy. And Max, at age 7, is right behind him. Mommy loves having them over because not only are they super fun and really nice boys, but they are both speaking English. We love Max and Anton and we hope they come over again very soon.

Last weekend we also celebrated the birthdays of Uncle Morgan and Elvy. It was a lot of family fun.

Also, you have started repeating words. Yesterday you said Google, Thank You and Teamwork!

Today we are going to Lysekil (I think) with our family and Mimi and Jerry's family.
I should be packing and not blogging.

Love you.

Love,
Mommy

UPDATE: We were in Bokenäs!

Holiday Highlights 2008

2009-01-13T04:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Here are some of the pictures from 2008's Christmas holiday season. What a celebration! I'm sorry that we didn't get a tree this year, but we spent most of the time with farmor and farfar & Linda, Morgan and Siri and they had trees. You found the beauty of the Christmas tree both fascinating and alluring. You did a pretty good job keeping your tiny hands off of the ornaments, but I could tell that you were often tempted to just reach out and pluck one from the shiny green branches. I am very proud of you and I can't tell you how much joy it brought to all of us to hear you say "Oooooooh!" or "Wooooow!" everytime you entered a room that had a decorated tree. I promise, next year we will have our very own Christmas tree.

Above is the e-card your pappa made to send out via email. He was pretty good about sending it out to all of his friends, but I had about 15 minutes on December 23rd to email my cards out, and I didn't do a very good job. Poor, mamma!

Our First holiday engagement was Jul Frukost (Christmas Breakfast) at Bryggan down by the lake with Molly and her moms, Harry and his family and Susanne's cousins from Skåne. What a feast!! Unfortunately for Bryggan, but fortunately for us, there were very few people who came to enjoy the wonderful breakfast buffet. We basically had the place to ourselves and everyone had a fabulous time. We have to do it again next year if they decide to host the breakfast again.

We had to get up kind of early to go to the breakfast and you weren't really that happpy about it.
But, you pulled it together and made the perfect little gingerbread girl.

It was also Lucia Day in Sweden, but I didn't get the Lucia outfit together in time, so that is something for next year... if you are into it. I am perfectly happy having you be a gingerbread girl again.

After the Lucia breakfast, we went home and rested a while and then around 5pm we went to Jessica, Christian and Becca's house for a Christmas dinner and party. We had the Christmas porridge and played the Christmas game and mommy ate a bunch of the homemade candies that Anneli brought over for Jessica. They were so gooooooooood!!

I am not sure exactly why, but we didn't get very many pictures. I think we got a lot of video footage. But I did manage to get a picture of you playing with Wilgot, Becca and Jessica. For some reason you kept putting this plastic bowl on your head. I don't know why.

On December 23rd we went over to farmor and farfar's house to prepare some of the Christmas food. We decided to go for a walk in the woods and who did we find warming himself by a fire and taking a break? Santa!! And he had a gift for you and for Siri. You both got little ceramic Santa bowls filled with raisins! You were quite happy. I am sorry to report that you actually broke your bowl a few days later trying to eat raisins and do something else at the same time. I am sorry. At least you have a picture of your sweet little santa bowl. And actually Siri had some candy in her bowl, but Santa knows that you are not old enough to have candy, yet. That Santa is a pretty smart guy!

On Christmas Eve Santa visited us once again at Linda, Morgan and Siri's hourse. So many presents and lots of good food. It was a fantastic night that culminated in a dance around the Christmas tree at about 11pm. You were exhausted and at one point just laid down and kissed the floor. We kept you up too late. Next year, we will have to ask Santa to come a little earlier in the evening.

On Christmas day we went to the Karlsson Christmas party. You spent most of your time in the play area with Ella. Notice that you are wearing your tennis shoes. You were running around like crazy and you kept falling down and tripping on your slippers, so I just put your shoes on in the house to try to cut down on tears and bruises.

And finally, here is a picture from NYE at Molly's. I am so sorry we didn't take more pics, but mommy was not feeling well and you and I had to leave the party early. Read Molly's blog for all of the fabulous details. It was a fun party complete with fireworks, champagne and cigars.

We also went to Linda an Morgan's for a glögg on December 20th. I will try to get a picture or two from Auntie Linda.

It was a wonderful Christmas season, Elzora.
I look forward to sharing the holidays with you and your new little brother or sister next year.

You are the best present in the world.

Love,
Mommy

PS I am super happy that we don't have to watch Elmo's Christmas Countdown for a whole year!
PSS Thank you to farmor, farfar, Linda, Morgan, Siri, Liisa and Jeremy, Becca, Wilgot and Ella for all of the wonderful and precious Christmas gifts.

New Camera!!

2009-01-12T05:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
We just got a new camera and your Papa Andreas took this awesome picture of you. I love this picture because in it you can really see all of the gorgeous colors in your eyes. You are stunning!!

I have a lot to blog about, but I'm not doing very well at making it to the computer. I definitely want to post some holiday photos and post a picture of your new fish, Mr. Noodle and Dorothy. You love them!!

We went to the BVC today and met our nurse and friend, Kerstin. She measured and weighed you and checked in with mommy on how you are developing. You are 80cm long and you weigh 10.9 kilos. Mommy informed Kerstin that you can now say Mamma, Pappa, Ja, Nej, No, Tack Tack, Natt Natt, Hej då and cheese. We also got to see Pernilla and we sang some songs at the open preschool. Maybe we will go again on Friday with your cousin Siri?

More soon.

Love,
Mommy

Retro Mommy

2009-01-02T04:42:00.001-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Pappa Andreas and I decided that we wanted to get you a little doll for Christmas. While we were out shopping we kept finding plastic dolls with plastic hair that just didn't look very sweet or very cuddly or very fun. Pappa didn't want anything that required batteries and he wanted to find a doll with "real" hair. I just wanted to find something super cute like my own little Elzora doll.

Just when we were kind of giving up on the idea of getting you a doll at all, mommy noticed a box up on the highest shelf in the the doll department. Pappa was able to reach the package and to my surprise... it was a Cabbage Patch Kid! I was shocked. I thought that they had stopped making these dolls years ago. I just couldn't believe it and I told daddy how much I LOVED my two CPKs when I was a little girl and how Grandma Mary Jo could only find one of these dolls the first year they were out in the US and my sister Jessie and I had to share one doll that Christmas. But we didn't care, we were just so happy to have one. Pascha also got one for a present that year from her parents. Her name was Olive Jean. For some reason I can't remember the names of my CPKs but I do remember that they were both girls and that one of them came from Spain and we bought it at the Sears catalog store in Grayling, Michigan.

I don't think pappa reallly had a choice when it came down to the decision of whether or not to buy the doll. I mean, I think I was walking on air for the rest of the day just remembering how happy I had been back in the day when I got to adopt my very own CPK. It felt so good to buy that same doll for my own daughter.

Thankfully, when you opened the box on Christmas Eve that contained your very own little baby girl, Charlotte Carmen, you were also filled with excitement and joy and you gave your new little adopted dolly a great big mommy Elzora hug.

It was a wonderful Chrismtas for all of us.

Love,

Mommy

27 Weeks

2008-12-19T04:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
This is what your baby brother or sister looks like inside my belly this week.
I hope you are enjoying a nap filled with sweet baby girl dreams.
Love,
Mommy

Holiday Card Guilt

2008-12-19T03:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Yet another customized holiday card arrived in the mail today. I LOVE them, and I feel like a big lame-o for not making one of you and sending it out. The truth is that mommy and daddy have had the same holiday cards for 3 seasons now and we haven't sent any of them out except for one to Auntie Liisa. But daddy said we are going to make a Christmas email with a picture of the 3 of us... I have my doubts. Sorry, Daddy!

Here is a picture of you, Pappa Andreas and Siri from last year. Poor Siri has been sick for 2 weeks with a fever. We sure hope she gets well soon. I think she is going to have a lot of presents to open from Santa!! We love you Siri!

I have a lot more to write about, but I'm am kind of thinking that a might do a big holiday post after the holidays. I will definitely take pics of the adorable customized holiday cards we receive this year. So far we have one from Molly & her moms, Becca Baby Superstar and Lil' Wilgot.

Yesterday was Grandma Mary Jo's birthday. When I called she was out for dinner at Ponderosa with your Auntie Jessie and cousin Kayla. I've never been a big Ponderosa fan, being a vegetarian and all, but man I miss American food and could surely do some damage to a plate of mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese from the Ponderosa buffet. Maybe it's the pregnancy.

Love,
Mommy

All the World is a Kitchen

2008-12-17T02:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
This picture is from a month ago, but you are still very interested in whisking.
In fact, you were just whisking for about half an hour this morning. I didn't have the heart to tell you that you can't really whisk a raisin, but these are the sort of things you will figure out as you grow older.

I love you very, very much.

Love,
Mommy

Love for All

2008-12-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
I never thought I would see a commercial like this on TV!
Yeah, Björn Borg!!
Love,
Mommy

Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!

2008-12-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
I just wanted to tell you that I love your baby giant toes!!
Love,
Mommy

PS It's Daddy's Birthday!!

Who are the People in Your Neighborhood?

2008-12-04T02:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
Our neighbor, Susanne, was recently interviewed by a reporter from the Borås Tidning.
In the article she talks about her move from Stockholm to Ulricehamn, her work, her family (Erica and Molly) and her wonderful neighbors (us!).
These are the people in your neighborhood, and they are terrific!

Love,
Mommy

Letter to You in Utero

2008-11-26T03:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
I was looking through a pregnancy memory book that I never filled out when I was pregnant with you and I found something very interesting. It was a letter that I wrote to you before you were born. Since I am probably never going to complete the book, or maybe I will use it for the new baby since he or she will not have her own blog, I thought that I would include it here for you to read one day.

May 15, 2007: The Night Before you California Ultrasound

Dear Sweet Baby,

Tomorrow I am having an ultrasound to try and figure out if you are a boy or a girl. Daddy and I are so excited! I am visiting Auntie Liisa and Uncle Jeremy in San Jose, California. Today Liisa and Jer found out that they are also going to have a baby. Our hearts are so filled with love and joy and excitement. It's a very special time for all of us.

Whether you turn out to be a boy or a girl, I know that I will love you more than I've ever loved anything in my entire life. I can't wait to be your mom! I love you so much.

Daddy will be on the phone during the ultrasound appointment. He is at home in Sweden. I will have the video camera, so that one day you will be able to watch the video of what you were like when you were only 7-12 inches long.

It's the best feeling knowing that you are cozy and safe inside my belly.
Sweet dreams, little one.

xoxo

Love,
Mommy

UPDATE:

You are a girl!
They gave me a DVD after the ultrasound, so I didn't have to use the video camera.
Liisa and Jer's little baby wasn't quite ready for the world, yet. But I am very, very, very happy to report that Liisa is currently pregnant and has just reached the 2nd trimester and we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of little baby boy Duggan in the spring/early summer... just after your little brother or sister is due to arrive.

Halloween and other Tricks & Treats

2008-11-13T05:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Elzora,
I am a bad, bad mommy. I have not written in a while and so much has been happening!!
We celebrated Halloween, we lit candles on the graves of our loved ones for All Saints' Day, Barack Obama was elected president of the US (Thank, GOD!), Prop 8 Passed (gag me!), we celebrated Father's Day here in Sweden (you bought your dad a remote control Ferrari), Brooke Smith was fired from Grey's Anatomy and we celebrated farmor Bojan's birthday. So the last few weeks have been incredibly exciting and historical and dissappoining all at the same time.

You are fantastic!! You dance all the time and say a whole-lot of things that only you really understand. We have so much fun and you are so beautiful and just a little, precious, laughing, baby star!!

I hope you enjoyed halloween. Daddy carved 2 "pumpkins" just for you. They were the only ones we could find on Halloween in Ulricehamn.

Love,

Mommy

PS Here is a short interview with Brooke Smith on abrupt dismissal from Grey's Anatomy. This is just ridiculous. I hope she gets her own show!!

Ulricehamn Tidning Birthday Announcement

2008-10-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

Montessori & Birhtday Revisited

2008-10-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,

Sorry I haven't written anything in the last couple of weeks! Mommy and daddy have been busy trying to figure out where and when you are going to start preschool. We put you on the list for a school just 2 weeks after you were born, knowing that we needed a place for you when you turned 1 year old. After some surprisingly frustrating moments, I'm happy to inform you that in February you will be starting at the beautiful Montessori school just down the road from our home. Mommy and daddy just fell in love with the little school when we went to visit and we know that you will just love it there, too. The best part is that mommy will get to stay home with you until February... so the fun continues. I'm just thrilled to have this time with you, my little princess girl.

I didn't write anything about your actual birthday day, but it was just fantastic. I woke you up singing Happy Birthday, which you weren't too pleased about but we had a delicious scrambled egg breakfast to make up for it. Then we were off to the baby singing group. They sang Happy Birthday to you in Swedish and we had a super good time. After, that we went with Jessica and Baby Becca to Rhodos and you had some of your very own cheese pizza and so did Rebecca. After the pizza we went to the toy store and I bought you a little toy cell phone that you really loved and a metallic stuffed frog that is very very heave and really not meant for anyone under 5, but it was so adorable I had to get it. After we walked home, you got a book club order with some really cool books that you loved (one book had a toy horn that actually honked) and we went out to dinner at a restaurant on the lake. You barely made it through dinner without falling asleep. I think it was the combination of all the heavy food, new tastes and fun... but it was your first birthday and I wanted you to go crazy. Or maybe I wanted to go crazy. I'm not sure. But it was a great birthday day and you looked so cute in your little Juicy Couture outfit and pink Converse. You are the most beautiful little girl inside and out.

By the way, the ultrasound for Baby Yeah Yeah (your name for the new baby) was awesome. I could have watched the screen forever. He/She looks happy, healthy and cozy. The midwife says she is due to arrive on March 22nd, but they predict that I will go over the due date again, like I did with you. So maybe your new little brother or sister will arrive in April? It would be nice if Baby Yeah Yeah arrived on the 22nd, because it's Pascha's birthday. Mommy's birthday is March 30th, so that would be fun, too. We are all very excited.

More soon.

Love,

Mommy

PS You have a whole bunch of teeth coming in now!

Baby Vampire Girl

2008-10-08T02:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Elzora,
I wanted to let you know that both of your fang teeth are coming in just in time for Halloween.
Spooky!!!
Love,
Mommy