Reader's Digest Update - February - May 2014

I really don't know why I continue to think I will get less busy as time goes on. It never seems to be the case but I will think, "Oh, in a few more weeks things will die down and I'll write another blog post." NOPE.

So here is a super condensed version of the past 5 months:

February 

• Calvin contracted chickenpox and I learned that combating the itching throughout the night is nearly impossible - midnight cuddles work well but nobody sleeps.
• Lucy ALSO contracted the chickenpox thanks to the generous kisses, sneezes and snots from her big brother. I was concerned because she was only 4 months old but she only manifested 6 spots total and earned some pox scars on her belly as proof that she endured a mild case. She'll be at greater risk for shingles as an adult so she will get the vaccine for that eventually.
• THAT TOOK UP MY ENTIRE MONTH

March

• Calvin started a new school right across the street from us, so Jon did the inskolning while I tended to chicken poxed Lucy at home
• He LOVES his new school - the teachers are old school Swedish marms and have been doing this for 30 years. He'll be a proper little Swedish boy in another year or so. 
• His English and Swedish language skills are skyrocketing and he is speaking in full sentences and using the word "either" properly, which I found to be impressive. His manners are very proper and I find it hard to resist him when he asks in his little chirpy voice, "I would like x, y and z, please, Momma?"
• Jon left for the Dominican Republic for a week for cousin Mikey and Megan's wedding - I was wishing I could go too and enjoy an open bar, warm weather and family fun.

April

• VISITORS and Jon worked nonstop
• Dave visited for a few days and then he and Jon went to London for the London Marathon. Dave did a great job and finished all 26.2 miles despite being incredibly sick the day prior. Jon played the part of tourist very well and sampled all of the nearby London pubs.
• My mom came to visit and we had beautifully warm weather. We enjoyed a fun filled day at Skansen and other adventures.
• Calvin had his 3 year old dental appointment and they scolded me for not having him brush his teeth twice a day for 2 minutes at a time (all in Swedish). I laughed in their faces - pretty sure that crossed the language barrier clearly. 
• Joann came at the end of April and we created a plane cake for Calvin. Making elaborate cakes are my version of a marathon - I enjoy the beginning, abhor the middle, and can't wait to finish but am always glad I did it in the end.
• We finished April with our favorite Swedish celebration of spring - Calvin's birthday and Walpurgis Natt. He believes the huge bonfire is solely for his birthday.

May

• May 1st we woke up to snow. Apparently the warm weather was just a tease and spring once again, a cruel temptress.
• Potty training Calvin = nonstop laundry and having to tap into a bottomless pit of patience. Nobody really tells you what's involved - not the whole truth anyway.
• Proof that I have no green thumb - the tulips our landlord planted years ago all bloomed beautifully despite the morning frosts and the two flowers I planted in April are as dead as a doornail.

gorgeous tulips

what i planted - they didn't even survive a week!

So there ya go - a condensed version of the past few months - all typed one handed while holding Lucy