Waddling in a winter wonderland

And just when you couldn’t love Sweden and all its cosy Christmas traditions anymore, in walks the Swedish Winter Vomiting Disease and bitch slaps you across the face. Yes, it started last week around 11pm when The Flash started crying all of sudden. When I walked into her room I could see her standing in the corner of her crib, pointing in the dark, what on earth are you pointing at my sweet girl? Oh that would be the pile of vomit you are standing in and that’s covering all of your bed. Ewwwww. And just like Sweden, the Swedish Winter Vomiting Disease has a real sense of social justice so once it hits one member of the family, it pretty rapidly spreads to all other members without fear or prejudice.

So it was not long before I myself was curled up in bed having Braxton Hicks contractions, pains from stomach flu and a baby moving around in there. Let me tell you, vomiting many times over with a baby in your stomach is a very weird and unglamorous experience. My Jingle Bells were not jingling, I can tell you. Last man standing was TSH who luckily enough seemed to escape the claws of it despite being the most Swedish one of all of us. Thank God one of us was able to keep the household running and the laundry machine on full speed.

Beautiful Norrland on a crisp Christmas morning. Enjoy it whilst the sun is still up.

But by end of the weekend, the Dettol bottle had been placed back in the cupboard and we were all on our feet again. At least it hit us all now and not at Xmas. And speaking of feet, I’ve hit the third trimester of the surprise baby, week 28 if you can believe it so I am not so much as walking in a winter wonderland, but more waddling. I’m moving much slower these days and sometimes I don’t move at all.

I’m hoping for the same prime -25° winter conditions as last year.And being 7 months pregnant I have the perfect excuse to stay inside.

And I’m hoping to be waddling in a winter wonderland as Sweden at the moment is, well rather warm. There is not much snow around so most of the country is looking not at a white Christmas, but at a grey one. Luckily on Saturday we are flying north to Norrland, to celebrate Christmas with our family in the only part of Sweden to be pretty well assured of a flurry of snow. We will be heading out to the countryside, out to the family stugor or cabins. (all pics are from our Xmas there last year.) It’s about as close to Santa as you can be and features a series of red wood houses with views of the lake, forest scented peace and tranquility and hi-speed internet. I love it there. Each family member has their own house so we all can celebrate together in the main house but then you can retreat to back to your own so no one has to hear you fight with your partner. It’s perfect. Tina Sparkles will be joining us too so I might just about burst into song Joy To the World.

Christmas posts I’ve been loving:

♥ A 10-months old wish list for Xmas. Too funny!

♥ A tradition I have. I listen to this classic SantaLand Diaries every year.

♥ Loved reading this about a very cheap gift that can only bring riches.

♥ Adored these 10 clever Christmas cupcakes. super cute!

 ♥ I love my family, but I wouldn’t mind being a part of this one too. Xmas Jammies, loved it!

Next up: The Swedish Christmas Goat. What present would you like him to bring you?