1 year ago...

... we standed, with huge excitement, weak knees and bumping hearts, waiting for a new miracle to be born. Born in a completely different way compared to our first child. Born thanks to a very brave and kind lady, who will be in our hearts forever. N, not a day passes by without thinking of you and your family.

It was dr. Yash who brought our Little Viking to us, wrapped in a green operation sheet. "It's your little brother," she softly told Jennifer. Our family was complete - two precious miracles. No matter how they are created and born, they are made of  LOVE.

The arrival of two past years - 2011 and 2012 - my hubby, Jennifer and I celebrated in Mumbai with fantastic, huge, delicious dinners. Hence it was almost a bit strange to be in the cold Sweden to welcome 2013. But it was wonderful as we could be with good friends. 

Joyris, Jorell, Lars and DJ celebrating New Year with us

Nevertheless, my thoughts were in Mumbai many times during this evening and when the New Year bells rang in India, I had to take a break for sending a text message to our friends and doctors, wishing them a happy new year. 

These past weeks truly have been hectic and we realized, that's how life is going to be every year: it starts with my birthday celebrations (=dinner) on December 18th, continues with Christmas Eve (=tons of food preparations), then New Years Eve (=fancy dinner, again)  and on January 2nd, Eriks birthday (well, you guessed right, dinner again). 

Our family on Christmas Eve

My sister with her family visited us for Christmas this year which was fantastic

Crazy Estonian sisters and their kids :)

Back to today, we have a big boy now and no more baby! Indeed, even if it's hard to realize, also these longed for miracle babies, made in India, grow and turn one. As you wait for your little bundle of joy and happiness, you don't think of them turning 1. At least I was very much focused on the moment of holding my new baby, breastfeeding and feeling the "complete family feeling", which obviously was going to overwhealm us totally (which it did, too!). Today, I looked at my cheeky little boy as he was admiring his birthday balloons, saying little (real) words, I was overwhealmed by pride, joy and LOVE. He got many extra hugs, while I was thinking of how grateful I am for him being our son. We love you so much, little Erik! And, you have the best big sister in the world. A big sister, who gladly helped you with blowing out your candle today and opening your presents, too :) We are the luckiest parents on Earth!

New Years Eve

Our happy girl on New Years Eve

Erik is saying "hej" ("Hi") as daddy takes the picture on New Years Eve

Happy happy birthday, our Erik!! 

.... and I'm so so sorry, but tomorrow it's time for your vaccinations. I'll return with his weight and length tomorrow!
***
Weight at 1 year: 11 505g, height 75cm, head circumference 46,5cm
Erik doesn't walk by himself yet, but he rises up from the floor without support, walks along furniture and can walk next to us when we hold one of his hands. Cuteness all over! He loves to say "Hej" and "Där!" ("there"). He has got 2 new teeth (molars) (10 teeth totally) and there is more to come soon. The only trouble right now is actually hes slee. He is weaned - I stopped breastfeeding on December 11th which went great. After a week he slept really well in his own crib all throgh the night. Unfortunately, right now he wants to hold hands (with me) when he sleeps and wakes up many times in his crib before we go to bed around midnight. Inbetween us he sleeps tightly and well. I suppose, it is a combination of guests in the house, learning so much new, a slight cold and teething. I spoke to our childrens nurse today at our appointment and she recommended to give him the extra closeness he obviously needs at the moment, wait until teething and his cold are over and our everyday life is back to normal. She said, Erik will probably sleep better again since he just won't wake up as easily if nothing bothers him.  Longing for a good-sleep-period!