2

Billie is now 2. Terrible 2 I should say. For those who knows her, you all know she has a strong will and can get angry pretty easily if things don't go her ways. Well, to be honest, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jonas and I have bad temper and we both know what we want and no one can get in our way to get it. I'm kind of happy she got that from us even if it's really hard for us at the moment. Based on my experience, I really think it makes the adult life a bit easier.

And we're back!!

Oh my! I'm not so good at keeping this blog alive and fun to read. With work and the everyday life, it's been very hard for me to catch up on this blog. But here we are today. 

Yesterday was Billie's 2nd birthday. We had tones of fun with our friends and family. We all met in the park next to our place. It was a beautiful warm day, Billie was happy and so was everyone. 

So let's hope we are back on the blogging thing for good. In the meanwhile, you can always follow us on Instagram- amethellen

Where is the snow?

Canada is known for it's snowy winter, Christmas with snow and cold weather. It's December 15th, it's dark, it's raining and this is as much snow we got so far this year (the photos were taken last weekend on a nice sunny day).

Don't get me wrong, I am not sad about it. I'm actually not a big fan of snow and cold days. Yes, I hope we will get a beautiful snowy Christmas day but my love for snow end on December 26th. I often dream of moving away, living a simple life by the beach, taking care of my babies and enjoying life another way.

Are you a winter person?

Nothing like my Billie's laugh

I know every parent feels the same as me, there is nothing more beautiful, rewarding and addictive than your kid's laugh. Their laugh comes from the heart, they are real and they put the biggest smile on their cute faces. 

One of my biggest hope in this life is to see my daughter laugh and smile forever. She deserve the best and happiness. 

Saint Lucia Day

Happy Lucia to my swedish friends and family!

Today in Sweden and other scandinavian countries, it's Lucia Day. This special day is part of the Christmas celebration. 

Each year on December 13th, Saint Lucia is celebrated with candlelight and traditional candle-lit processions. Lucia herself was Christian and died for her faith. The December 13th holiday honors her. 

Usually, the oldest girl in the family portrays Saint Lucia by putting on a white robe and a crown full of candles. She serves her parents Lucia buns (very very good) and mulled wine (glögg).

(photo from Modern Kiddo)

(photo from here)

(photo from here)

In Scandinavian history, the night of Saint Lucia was known to be the longest night of the year (winter solstice) which was changed when the Gregorian calendar was reformed. 

During a dark winter in Scandinavia, the idea of light overcoming darkness and sunlight has been welcomed by the locals for hundreds of years. The celebrations and processions on Saint Lucia day are illuminated by thousands of candles.

I've been in Stockholm a few times now on Lucia day and it is beautiful. You walk around the city seeing candles everywhere in the parks or in front of houses and local businesses. It feels very magical. 

Tired

Today I feel very exhausted and can't wait to get some time off. We are soon leaving for Sweden  to celebrate Christmas with Jonas' family. It will be nice to not think about work for a while and spend all my days with Billie.

Today, I would actually spend my day in bed with Jonas and Billie, hiding under the cover, drinking warm hot chocolate and watching movies.

Do you have days like this were you just feel lazy and being cosy at home?

Scandinavian sheep skin

Billie's first gift from her Farmor (paternal grand-mother in swedish) was a sheep skin. Scandinavian sheeps are grey and have the softest curls. 

Billie grew up sleeping on this sheep skin. She had it when she was coming to work with me, sleeping on the floor on it. She still sleeps on it every night in her crib. It's also the best to keep her warm in the stroller. The sheep skin is perfect because it keeps the baby cool when its very hot outside but also keeps her warm on winter days. It also looks so nice everywhere we put it in the house. It's a tradition in Jonas' family. They all grew up sleeping on one of these. I wish one day Billie will put her baby to sleep on this same sheep skin she got from her Farmor.