Little girl, big day

We are back on Saudi soil and the day/night rhythm is slowly creeping back to normal. So it's time to get back in to the swing of things!

Yesterday was a big day for our little girl, it was her first day at day care! A day that I was sort of looking forward to, because the past few weeks were quite intense. Imaan was increasingly seeking my attention and presence during almost everyone minute of the day. I know it's part of her development, but coupled with shocking night sleep and day time naps that sometimes lasted about seven minutes, I was left exhausted

and needed a bit of a breather.

But suddenly at the door of the day care center my eyes were welling up. My little baby, all of a sudden she seemed so big and so independent. I guess the fact that she did not even look back to say bye made the separation harder for me :) 

She had a very good first day, although when I went to pick her up she started bawling the moment she saw me. Apparently that is to be expected. I'm hoping almost goes well for day 3 tomorrow!

Words of the day - Dagens ord

I thought I'd post some of these again. Really only for myself to look back on one day. I have no illusions that my daughters language progress interests many of you.

Mimi - Medicin. Lots of that needed as we are both sick.
Bapa - Barbapapa . Her favourite book at the moment.
Bam - Lampa (meaning lamp)
Baby - One of the few words she got right from the start.

Her favourite song at the moment is Itsy Bitsy Spider or as it is called in Swedish, Imse vimse spindel. She cannot say it though, so whenever she wants me to sing it for her she will tap her index fingers together trying to mimick the spider climbing movement. this was really cute at first, but when you have sung it at least 20 times in the last couple of hours it gets a bit old.

The birthday party sook... and an ode to all mothers

Our baby girl turns one later this month and we did not want to have a massive birthday bash for her. A couple of girls in the playgroup at our compound are also celebrating their birthdays in May so we decided to combine our efforts and have a joint party for the girls!

Look at the beautiful cake my wonderful friend made for the girls!
She makes cakes when she's not busy raising a now 7 month old boy :)

The party was a great success, thanks to my great co hostesses and all our lovely guests, big and small. But... has anyone had their eyes well up when everyone is singing "Happy Birthday"? I kid you not, that happened to me!

I really don't know what came over me. Maybe it is sadness over the baby year that is soon coming to an end. It might not have been the easiest year, but it has been the most life changing and rewarding experience ever! Maybe it was because I was able to celebrate this occasion with a group of great people. Women (and their adorable children) from all corners of the world. Women who are all so different, but who all possess so many admirable qualities. Women who make me think "How on Earth do they do it?"

Thank you to you all, and thank you for making this party such a great success! But must of all, thank you for being part of our lives!

A very happy Mothers Day to all mums out there! You all deserve a pat on your back, because you are doing the most difficult job in the world: being a Mum!

Time is everything

Stumbled upon this quote today and I just had to share it! This is something I feel very passionately about, giving time to our children. At the end of the day, I believe that time spent with our children is always time well spent.

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day"

Orlando A. Battista

Have a great Wednesday everyone! For us here in Saudi the weekend starts tonight. I cannot wait to spend some quality time with my husband and our little pearl!