why i blog

In the beginning it was about our exciting adventure moving abroad and a way to stay in touch with family and friends we sadly left behind. I remember documenting my first  experience at the grocery store, figuring out what to feed our dog Tilly, and trying to buy firewood in Swedish.

Then it was about living abroad and being pregnant, and a way to feel less lonely about going through such a huge, thrilling change without so many special people around me. The fact that I posted monthly belly pictures kinda explains my feeling of desperation. I promise I will NOT show my bare belly to the world with Sophie's future brother or sister.

And now, almost four years later, it's about being a mom, which has been the best adventure to document of all. And while my close friends and family still read along to follow Sophie's development, I probably have just as many blog friends whom I've "met" along the way. No, technically we've never met. But we click. And if people can find true love online, then I should be able to find friends online too.

There was Linnea, who spent a semester in Lund and made every minute of her time here count.
Then her mom, Sally, suggested baby names for our "Tito" and continues to inform me about Swedish baby songs.
I had always hoped to meet Lisa, but then her husband moved the family back to the States.
Hillary came along with good advice about new motherhood from another American expat in Sweden.
I connected with Diana, who used to live the Swedish life and now runs a B&B in Italy.
And then there was Nina and Sophie's future buddy, Stella, who I just have to meet for real one of these days. (Nina is the designer behind Sophie's new bib. She's a hip mom with a budding new business.)

There were also the many random passers-by who had questions about importing pets, what to bring when moving here, where to find cloth diapers and what we miss most about the U.S. It's been a real treat every time I hear from someone (hint, hint).

But, actually, the real reason I blog is that I'm lazy. I don't seem to have time for journaling or making a baby diary or scrapbooking. So that's what this is. And someday when Sophie is old enough to ask questions about what our life was like in Sweden, I'll pull this blog book off the shelf and show her. Belly pictures and all.

Comments

[Sally]

Thanks for your generosity of spirit. We so love hearing the little stories of your life. Linnea and I will often say to each other---isn't Sophie growing up! Tell Sophie she's one lucky girl to have such a wonderful mom (and Dad)---and that her name isn't Gus! :-)

[Sally]

and, we'd love to meet you in person some day!

[Andrea]

I'm so glad you blog... It's fun to keep up with your adventures, and we like to ooh and ahhh over Sophie pics.

[Dana]

I think it's great that you blog and keep us all updated on life in Sweden. In fact, I'm feeling somewhat inspired by your blog (and Hillary's) and am thinking of starting one myself. I look forward to reading about more of your adventures. In two weeks, I'm off to Sweden (and Paris) for take two and can't wait. :)

Happy early midsummer!

[Nicole]

Hi, I enjoy reading your posts and wonder if you would be interested in contributing to http://www.liveinsweden.se/Success_Sweden/13
It would be great to hear your thoughts on life in Sweden.
Hope to hear from you.
Nicole

[Linnea]

Aha! I thought my mom might beat me to it.

Yes, we still read and enjoy your blog, and we think Sophie is one of the cutest little ones ever! It's been fun to follow your journey in Sweden and I second my mom -- we'd love to meet you one day.

(You've also inspired me to finish those few remaining posts from that last week I spent in Sweden -- I can't believe it's been so long...like you, I wrote my blog as a way to share my experiences with family/friends and to be able to look back on it later to read, like a book.)

Thanks for the shout-out and vi ses!

[lisa]

Ahhh....you are too kind. thanks for the mention. We are in lund right now but were here only for a quick trip. two weeks, most of which was at a wedding up north, gosh it sure restore my faith in swedes being social people despite their quiet out in public disposition, it was the best wedding ever. nothing beats a castle for romance right? good news, i will be back next spring...for 4 to 6 weeks. i am coming just with the kids. my youngest, he didnt get enough the first go round so i am putting him in school next spring here. would love to catch that coffee and kanelbullar i lund. or maybe at the ginormous ikea they are building down by svågertorp i malmo...
your little one is DARLING. i will say hi to the mountains for you...i am heading to vail for the 4th.
lisa