March 2012 - Five months

Shorts weather for Erik (not me)

I can't believe we have been here five months already.  In some ways it seems longer and in some ways it seems like we arrived just last week.  Strange how that happens. As I've previously posted, we have been busy since our return and the weather continues to be incredibly beautiful.  We've had days upon days of bright sunshine and warm 60+ degree weather.  We met another nice family last Sunday at the playground who invited us over for a Wednesday afternoon playgroup/exchange market in their apartment complex.  Alison really enjoyed that as they have a great playground as their meeting area. They also invited us over for an easter egg hunt.

Alison and Oliver car shopping

On Friday and Saturday we went car shopping.  We initially thought we would be fine without a car as the train and bus system is great but it is challenging to be  dependent on the train or bus to get you where you need to be.  If you miss the train, there might not be another one to that location for an hour.  And with another little one on the way, we just figured it would be easier to travel on our schedule and not be rushed to make the train with two little ones who have no concept of time.  We went through this exercise early last year in the States when we were in the market for a new "family" car after Alison was born.  We narrowed down our search as we wanted something that fit a car seat comfortably but also had good gas mileage.  After driving the Jetta for so long and getting 30mpg I refused to go backwards in our mileage and that little detail made it difficult for us to buy a car last year in the States.   I do wish we had pulled the plug and bought one however as they are quite pricey over here.  The good news is that we can get a good "family" car that gets really good gas mileage (it is Europe and diesels abound), we just are going to pay out the wazoo for it.  My friend Rachel's husband, offered to go car shopping with Erik on Saturday morning as he is a mechanic and also speaks the language.  That was really nice of him.

Ali and Oliver driving a car

On Saturday we also went out to dinner in our little town.  This is a rare event for us as again see previous comments (everything is expensive).  But I was tired from running around all day and pulled the pregnancy card - I needed to be wined and dined, or in my case just dined.  We weren't sure where to go exactly as we hadn't been to too many places around here, except for the Irish pub and although relatively inexpensive the food there is not that great. So we ended up at this lovely Italian restaurant that I had eaten lunch at before with Erik's friends Jeff and Samantha when they were in town.  I was nervous about dinner there as it is sort of fancy and we did have Alison with us.  Turns out it was wonderful and Alison did great.  Our little one ate gnocchi, tortellini, spaghetti and more.  And entertained the guests around us without too much fuss.  It was a really lovely evening.

On Sunday, again awesome weather day - we took a family bike ride to Schloss Wildegg, the castle in an adjacent town that has a playground as well as a farm full of cows, pigs, horses and sheep for Alison to "ooohhhh" and "aaaahhhh" over.  It was a wonderful day and there were so many people out and about.  Next weekend all the castles reopen including the one in our town which we have yet to visit on the inside.  So that is what we will be doing next Sunday.  That is if we aren't too exhausted from our trip to the Zurich Zoo on Saturday.  We've been invited to celebrate Oliver's 2nd birthday and are looking forward to it.

Easter Chocolates at grocery store

Some have asked about Easter and how they celebrate here.  Well it is Switzerland so there is a plethora of chocolate at the store - bunnies in all shapes and sizes.  They are serious about their chocolate.  I will let the pictures do the talking on this one.  Also they do dye eggs, in fact our playgroup will be dying them next Monday and hiding them on Wednesday.  The funny thing here is that you can get hard boiled colored eggs at the grocery store anytime of the year.

I just think these are too cute

More chocolate

Colored eggs at store (note non-refrigerated?)

My little jail bird

Ali giving her baby doll water

Ali playing in the local fountain

Ali chillin' on the carousel by herself 

Alison's Big Weekend

We have been having so much fun since our return.  The weather has been amazingly warm and we have been really enjoying getting out and doing things.  This morning I had to turn down coffee and a play date with another mom and child as I was just exhausted. We have something going on basically everyday this week and I am thrilled but also recognize that I have limitations now.  So what have we been up to?  Well we had a great weekend that started last Friday.

A short video of our weekend adventures    http://gallery.me.com/angela.warm#100216

Ali and Oliver at the zoo

Friday we visited a tiny zoo outside of Brugg called Hasel Zoo.  It was small but what was nice about it was that the kids could get up close and pet several of the animals.  They had a Shetland pony just wondering around the property and when you came up to the fences the animals literally came up to you instead of running away even as Alison squealed at them.  Needless to say the kids loved it and Alison was very vocal about her happiness to pet the animals, although Oliver was a bit unsure.  I think Alison is rubbing off on Oliver as his mom was saying that he has been a bit more brave including climbing steps and going down the slide.

Alison and the huge slide

On Saturday we went to Schaffhausen a great town right at the German, Austria, Swiss border where the largest waterfall in Europe is located.  We had a great day, the weather was perfect and the town so enjoyable to walk around.  We will definitely take visitors there.  They had this amazing playground that Alison played at for hours.  She climbed right up this huge slide and went down again and again all by herself.  She is fearless. Of course Erik loved it also as it was quarry themed complete with a sandpit with boulders, a roller compactor and a sand scooper and conveyor belt.  We then took a long leisurely walk along the Rhine river to the falls which are outside of the town.  It was a beautiful walk and the falls were spectacular.  Even Alison "oohed" and "aahhed" over its beauty.

Sunday morning was nice but we knew the weather was suppose to get cold and wet in the afternoon, so we ventured out in the morning to let Alison play on the playground.  After lunch it got cold and grey and drizzly and I welcomed it for the first time as it was a good opportunity to get things done around the flat as well as take a much deserved afternoon nap. I was still recovering from our marathon day on Saturday.  On Monday it was still rainy and cold but we did manage to venture out to playgroup in the morning.  We spent the rest of the day inside and managed to undue all the cleaning and straightening we had accomplished the day before.  On Tuesday the weather was much nicer and we met our friends Rachel and Oliver for a grocery excursion to Germany.  We traveled by train which was good as it limits how much stuff I can buy but needless to say the stroller was packed down.  The store is just huge and has so many more options than our grocery store here but also almost everything is significantly cheaper than just across the border.

Schaffhausen

Rare picture of Ali and me

Happiness

Ali and Erik check out the roller compactor

Erik couldn't resist testing out the sand toys

Quarry themed playground

More chocolate please

The Warm family at Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls

Ali gets up close with an Alpaca

No Jacket Required

That is right we returned to spring in Switzerland! Seriously it has been in the 40's and 50's (even reached the 60's today) with bright blue skies and tons of sunshine.  I really didn't think I would be so happy to see those kind of temperatures but it is comparable to a nice winter day in Florida and sure beats rain and 30 degrees any day.  We've even been without our jackets a few times. Needless to say we have been spending a great deal of time outdoors since our return. The sunshine has made the homesickness a little more bearable.

OK but I digress.  Let's start where I left off last time.  Our return flight home.  Yes it was exhausting and miserable and all that.  Just like the flight over, Alison did very well on the long stretch but not so well on the shorter one as like her mom the girl cannot sleep on an airplane.  So by the time we got to Germany we were all overly exhausted and Alison was just a handful on the flight from Dusseldorf to Zurich.  I felt a tiny bit sorry for all the businessmen who were doing their regular 8am commute to Zurich as they had to endure the wrath of a very tired Alison.  Luckily, a friend and wife of one of Erik's coworkers was kind enough to pick us up from the airport as we had lots of luggage and would not have been able to haul it all on the train.  We arrived back to our apartment around noon on Monday (after leaving Orlando at noon on Sunday) and all slept for a bit.  Seems like we were all coming down with a bit of a cold, not too surprising given the crazy week we had and the long flight / lack of sleep.  It took Alison and I a few days to recover from the jet lag but by the end of the week we were back on schedule.  Erik returned to work on Tuesday so he really didn't have a choice of napping or getting back on schedule and unfortunately for him seemed to be the sickest of us all.  Needless to say Erik realized that one week is not enough time to fly over and back.  Next year at least two weeks.

So seriously the weather has been amazing.  And Alison and I have been really busy.  Seems like folks are just much happier (including myself) and like to get out more when the sun is shining.  Last Friday we met my friend Rachel and her son Oliver in Brugg where we walked around this urban farm.  It is this sort of psychiatric ward / garden / farm area.  The kids loved it as they got to see cows, deer, sheep, chickens and ducks as well as tractors and the odd crazy person or two.  I loved it as it was just nice to enjoy a beautiful day outside and catch up with Rachel on what was going on while we were away.  Then on Friday night I went to my first German yoga class.  It was really great and was actually quite challenging seeing as I haven't been doing much of anything except chasing a toddler around and catching a train or bus here and there. It was conducted all in German or Swiss German but I still enjoyed it.  You will never guess how much a yoga class cost here? Any guesses?  I was shocked but the good news is that since it is a pre-natal class our insurance should cover at least some if not all of it.  Pretty cool.

Over the weekend we took a family excursion to Ikea, which is always interesting.  It is so overwhelming and crowded and we always end up coming back with more stuff than we needed. Seriously the two times we've gone, we've returned with something large that we never took out of the box as we realized we just didn't need it here.  Oh well.  I am sure it won't be the last time we visit Ikea in a daze and come back with something we really do not need.  The problem here is that there isn't room for needless stuff.  There is barely room for the stuff we do need.

Alison and Franchesca (sp?) at playgroup

On Monday, Alison and I went to our English speaking playgroup.  I am rather enjoying that and have made some good contacts there.  Alison also enjoys playing with the other kids.  On Tuesday, we ran into a family from the playgroup at the local playground.  Again another beautiful day to be out and about.

The line for pies at the prison store aka 5 Stars

Erik enjoy pie on Pi day

Our 3 slices of heaven

On Wednesday morning, we did something rather charming.  One of the ladies from playgroup told me that the prison store sells wonderful pies on Wednesday mornings but you have to get there early before they sell out.  And yes there is a prison in the town we live in.  Apparently it is one of two or three in the entire country (remember Switzerland is pretty small).  Anyway the prisoners make and sell various things, including really yummy pies.  Again a beautiful day for a stroll and when we found the store there was literally a line out the door.  Now you don't necessarily buy an entire pie as they are more large pizza sized pies cut into large slices.  (I mean I guess you could buy an entire pie but really who has room for that in their tiny Swiss refrigerator.)  There were various flavors - cheese, spinach, etc plus all varieties of fruit pies - blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, etc.  We stood in line while Alison munched on this delicious bread shaped like a turtle.  I wish I would have saved a piece of the bread for Erik but it was so good that it didn't make it home.  Back to the pies - we ordered three slices when our turn came - one blueberry, one spinach and one strawberry rhubarb.  Last night over a heated game of Scrabble, Erik and I shared the blueberry and it was heaven.  Tonight before dinner we shared the spinach one as an appetizer - again yummy.  I can't wait to try the strawberry rhubarb.

Play area at the hospital cafeteria

On Wednesday afternoon we had another doctor appointment in Baden which as I have said before is a bit of a trek to get to sans auto.  But a beautiful day instead of the normal rain and cold made it much better.  On Sunday of last week we visited a Birthing Center that is located in the town we live in.  It is the oldest one in Switzerland and has an excellent reputation as several women I have met either delivered there or knows someone who delivered there.  We were thinking purely for convenience as it is literally across the street from our flat. W e could walk there which would be nice come delivery day.  That being said the only hiccup is they are moving locations at the end of May / early June which is of course when I am due.

On Thursday (today) we had coffee hour at Erik's office with some of the other wives and then lunched with Erik.  I cannot stress how nice it has been.  And the great thing about this week is that Alison has had interactions with other kids every day.  From playgroup, to the playground, to the play area at the hospital cafeteria - she has had her fill of other children which I am so happy about.

Enjoying the sunshine on the porch

In the afternoons after Alison gets up from her nap, I open the sliding door in our living room and let Alison play on the porch.  We get direct sunlight there and it such a nice area to play.  We have also been letting her play with two of the older kids who live downstairs (Elvis and Marie Magdalene).  They tend to play in the large grassy area after school and have been really sweet to Alison when she joins in.  Today Alison dug in the dirt with Marie and then moved rocks with our other neighbor Noah.  She has been having a ball and going to sleep exhausted at night.  I am so glad to see her so happy.




Well this weekend I think we are going to venture over to Rhine Falls which is the largest waterfall in Europe / Switzerland.  Should be another beautiful weekend.

Full moon over the castle last week

check out my new do

Ali sporting some scars from face diving on the porch

What is left of the blueberry pie - yummy

Ali eating a whole apple on the porch sans shoes

Doesn't everyone wear a cool hat to read at bedtime

Link to Alison's belated one year photo shoot in case you didn't catch it on Facebook:

http://www.aimeenelsonphotography.com/2012/02/28/baby-a-1-year-portraits-jupiter-fl-photographer/

Home is where your heart is ???

I've been pondering this quote since our return to Switzerland earlier this week.  Where is home for me, for us?  I found it puzzling when Alison and I went through customs in DC upon our entry back into the U.S. and the customs agent said "Welcome Home".  Well we technically don't have a home there in the States anymore and I just don't feel like Switzerland is 'home' yet, although most of our worldly possessions are here.  So I guess I feel a bit in limbo and that is a bit unsettling.

But enough on my philosophical rant - how about a recap of our whirlwind last week in Orlando.

On Tuesday, Erik and I did some clothes shopping.  Did you know most major department stores give discounts to international travelers?  Combine that with a killer sale at Macy's and Erik came home with lots of new work clothes at a fraction of what it would cost us over here.  I really didn't buy much as a hausfrau's wardrobe is hardly ever seen, plus I have lots of clothes and no where to put them.  I did however buy some new clothes for the new arrival during my trip.  On Tuesday night I enjoyed dinner out with my IHW Chicks, a group of six of us who 15 years ago all worked at an engineering firm together and became close friends.   It was so good to see everyone and catch up.  One of them didn't even know I was pregnant so that was a funny surprise (guess she doesn't read my blog :-)  Another one is getting married next month - big congratulations.

Wednesday morning Alison played with Lisa and Easton and lunched at Dandelion Cafe with Carrie.  We then attended the funeral of my 'Nanny'.  I can't believe she is gone but am glad we were in town for the funeral and family gathering.  It was good to see everyone albeit a solemn occasion.  After the service we were able to visit with my step-mom, her husband, Nanny's husband, my brother and his wife and my sister (who flew in from the UK).  I think Alison lifted every one's spirits for a bit as she was being her normal charming self, eating olives off the appetizer table and singing songs.

Wednesday evening a couple of my girlfriends threw me a surprise mini baby shower.  I almost canceled as it was an exhausting day with the funeral and all but glad I showed up as it was so sweet and the food and company so yummy.  I am starting to realize at this point that I won't see most of these gals for another year as we won't be traveling back to the States for a while.

Alison giving a standing ovation to the whale show

On Thursday, the Warms and Carraways went to Sea World.  Everybody went, Grandma and Grandpa, Liz and Robby along with Caydy and Hanna, who got to skip school, and then myself, Erik and Alison.  I almost didn't go as I am not a big theme park fan and figured I could use a day to myself for a change.  But when I saw everyone getting ready I decided I couldn't miss it.  I am so glad I didn't as the look on Alison's face as she watched the shows was just priceless.  It was so cute to see her literally "ooohhh" and "awww" over the whales and dolphins.  That night we ordered BBQ from 4 Rivers BBQ - YUMMMY!! Maybe one of my favorite meals while I was there.

On Friday morning I had a wonderful massage by my good friend Leslie.  It felt so great - thank you Leslie.  Then the panic starting to sink in as there were just a million last minute things that needed to be done before we left on Sunday morning and wedding festivities were starting later that afternoon.  Friday was not really our day.  As I was running errands with Liz and Grace, Erik went off with Alison for some last minute items.  The car Erik was driving, my beloved VW Jetta, which had already been sold decided to break down.  I guess I am just glad it held out that long and didn't leave us stranded somewhere earlier in the month. Later that afternoon the wedding festivities were kicking off starting with a picnic, followed by the rehearsal/welcome dinner.  Special thanks for Liz and Robby for letting us borrow their car for the weekend.

The picnic was so nice and Alison had so much fun playing in the sand volleyball court with some of the older kids.  Simi, Anita's daughter was so sweet to her and nicknamed her "Sand baby".  Unfortunately I may never see all the cute pictures and video I took that day with my brand new camera since I accidentally left it there and it has yet to be recovered.  Oh well, yes I am very bummed out about losing my camera I only had for two weeks but I will chalk it up to being very tired, having pregnancy brain and not thinking clearly.  The welcome dinner was really nice - it was great to see old friends and make some new ones and the food was incredible.

Congratulations to Arup and Anita

The wedding was great, the bride beautiful in her purple Sari and the groom handsome and as happy as I have ever seen him.  Erik was pretty cute also in his black tuxedo and purple tie. The bride and groom wrote their own ceremony but added a bit of their Hindu tradition to it.  The reception was awesome and it was great to see so many of Erik's high school and Orlando friends in one place.  Again it was bittersweet as I know we won't see many of them for a long time to come. So we made the most of it and enjoyed ourselves.  We returned very late that night to find the packing fairies had visited while we were away.  Grace, Liz and Robby helped roll and vacuum pack most of clothes and got us much closer to being ready for the airport in the morning.  We stayed up for a bit longer to do some of the last minute items and was surprised by how much stuff we managed to fit into our luggage.

Erik's IB friends from High School

Grandam Warm, Caydy, Hanna and Alison

In between all these events, Alison got to spend quality time with her cousins, as well as Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Liz and Uncle Robby.  It was bittersweet to see the joy on Alison's face whenever her cousins Hanna and Caydy came over. She really loved playing with them and it breaks my heart to know we won't see them for a while.  Extra special thanks to Liz for taking the entire week off from work so she could spend time with us - that was very sweet.  I know Alison was in good hands every time we left her with Grandma and I am pretty sure Grandma had a great time watching Alison.  To top it off Alison had Grandpa's number for sure - I wish I had a dime for every time she shouted 'Grandpa' that week as I could probably replace my lost camera.

Alison playing with Caydy and Hanna

Well needless to say we made it back to Switzerland.  But that is a tale for another post.  For now I will just say my heart is in many places so I guess my home is also. I am very appreciative to all who opened up their homes to us while we were visiting. We really had a great time.

No fear Alison trying to pet the stingrays at SeaWorld