Schweiz Going On
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Censorship
Swiss radio is a curious thing, they play lots of American pop music without benefit of strategic pauses where unsavory language would otherwise appear. Our first introduction to this was a year and a half ago, when our first time hearing the then-new Cee-Low Green song prompted a furious Googling session to confirm that indeed he was singing what we thought he was. Certainly this would not happen in America! Then again, the US radio stations have given Tina Turner and Phil Collins their due fame during the appropriate decade, then placed them on back-shelf adult contemporary stations where they belong. The Swiss still include a “we play today’s hits” intro before the theme to Mad Max begins.
Almost every day of his little life, Schnitz and I have enjoyed dance parties at home. It’s my way of burning off a little energy indoors as we have had a constant stream of dreary, damp days. I turn on the radio and we sing and dance around the apartment, usually with me going along with the lyrics. Today as I marveled at my amazing boy turning 5 months old, I had to stop for a moment when that Cee-Lo favorite began. Surely, I couldn’t vocalize those sentiments to my son who is only just beginning to grasp the world. Am I going to be one of those parents who relegates to buying Kidz Bop volume 64? Once again… never say never!
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The New Normal
We officially have a kindergartner! Yesterday was the first drop-off… And, yes, there were tears. It is so strange to leave our precious boy in the hands of someone else, but his teachers are so loving and caring. They have even been sensitive to ask how we are doing with all of the change. Our boy has been so brave, looking here ready to take on the world just before going into his classroom. The real benefit so far has been that there is a daytime cuddle deficit, so he is even more generous with affection when he gets home. It takes nothing more than a pair of open arms to make him happy, we are absolutely the luckiest parents on earth!
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How We Roll
Our boy looking so very pleased with himself moments after rolling over for the first time! He is quite thoughtful, knowing his mom was anxious about missing some of his firsts when he goes off to kindergarten next week - he decided to put on a great show to reassure me this week. Love that Schnitzel!!
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Overkill
We took Schnitz for a trial run at kindergarten today. He did great and mom held it together; we are braced and ready for the real deal on Monday. I steeled myself and tried to focus on the beautiful spring day and enjoy the walk home with my happy and healthy kid. Things were going just swimmingly until I was stopped by two older gentlemen. I presumed they would ask for directions, then one of them reached into his briefcase to hand me a pamphlet. Thank you, Jehovah’s Witnesses of Basel, for the firey image splashed with the title ARMAGEDDON! - just the thing this already-anxious mom needed today.
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Going back to work from maternity leave is indeed every bit as overwhelming as I imagined it would be. Mercifully, I have the world’s best husband who swoops in to help with the baby while managing his after-hours meetings. And somewhere in there finds the time to whip up a killer beef Bourgogne. How very lucky am I?!
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A moment of absolute perfection… with my boys vineyard-hopping on a beautiful sunny day in France. Bliss!
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Silver and Gold
Thinking about this preschool adage today as I received this precious photo from my oldest and dearest friend. I am so thrilled that our children will carry on a new generation of friendship! Shortly after receiving, Schnitz and I had a play date with a new Swiss friend and scheduled a few more mutti outings along the way. We are indeed making new friends, but most certainly keeping the old!
