Chilly in October

The weather was one of the things I thought we were going to miss leaving Palo Alto. Actually it hasn't been that bad - so far. The summer was kind of chilly with a lot of rain, not many super days at the beach and many Swedes could not "charge their batteries" enough during their summer vacation to feel prepared for the long, dark winter. Being pregnant and coming already tanned from California I didn't really care. It was perfect weather for me.

The fall has mostly been fine. I enjoy long walks with Poppy in the stroller when the sun is shining and the sky is blue. Chillier, of course, than Palo Alto but most days Alice and Nils don't need jackets (but they both wear long pants). The thick hoodies are enough to walk the short distance to school.

This week though was different. Suddenly the chilly air from the north came in over Sweden and it was frost during the nights and frost on the cars in the morning. I wonder how my little California bug will like the temperature here. This morning it was only 23F, -5C. Both cars are now Swedish, after quite some paperwork and extra check-ups at Bilprovningen (Swedish DMV). I don't mind the cold. Just putting on a proper jacket, a scarf, mittens and soon even a hat. What I'm not looking forward to is how the days are getting shorter. During the night we turned our clocks back an hour, so the mornings will be easier but the afternoons will be even shorter. Today the sun will set at 4:30pm.  :-(

The regular soccer season is over and Alice is now practicing indoors. Nils' team has managed to get practice outdoors on a turf field with lights. Many layers, hat and mittens is absolutely necessary to stay warm but he is so happy to be able to practice with his team again now that his arm has healed well.

Poppy is wearing cosy clothes and the stroller is now equipped with a lambskin and double blankets. She is 10 weeks old today and weighs 11 lbs (5 kg) and measures 24 inches (61 cm). A good increase from when she was born - 7,7 lbs and 21-1/4 inches (3510 gram & 54 cm). She smiles more often, babbles and mimics and is most of the time a happy baby. She is a pure joy for the whole family!

My days are mostly occupied with taking care of Poppy and Alice & Nils when they come home from school. When Poppy is sleeping I try to empty a box or two. Yesterday I finished the last one that I've had in the kitchen/dining room. Yay - that felt like a milestone!