It’s spring, and the weather is fantastic. I don’t know if spring in Denmark is just plain fantastic, or if it just seems that way because the winters are so long and dark, but either way, it’s a big relief when spring arrives. And yet a Storm arrived a week ago.
Lisbeth’s sister Hanne and her boyfriend Kaspar had their first child last Friday, and so we went to see the new addition. There seemed to be a little uncertainty, but it looks like they’re going to name him Storm.
It was a big shock for us to see him, for several reasons. For one thing, he’s sure to steal Ellen’s thunder, and so we basically see him as a threat. And to make matters worse, he’s the first boy in Lisbeth’s family since her older brother Mogens was born, so that’s a pretty big event too.
But he’s also just incredibly tiny. It makes is so obvious that Ellen is growing like crazy. In fact she was frequently called the “monster baby” this weekend. In just ten weeks, Lisbeth and I apparently forgot how tiny newborns are. He seems so incredibly fragile.
I’d also forgotten how much newborns sleep and how little interaction there is when they’re that young. I only saw him awake twice all weekend, and he pretty much only wakes up to eat. In contrast, Ellen is often awake for hours and often reacts with a smile or a little squeal when she likes something.
He’s an amazing little creature, and now, with my cousin Sarah’s girl Cora who was born in January, Ellen has two cousins that are very close to her in age.
On Saturday Karen, Lisbeth, Ellen, and I went to see Lisbeth’s grandmother Bodil in the home where she’s now living. It’s not like any nursing home I’ve ever seen — it’s really nice. She brought her own furniture, and has a little kitchen and dining table, so it’s pretty much like she’s just living in an apartment.
She seems much happy too. She was lonely living alone. Now she eats every meal with the nine other residents that have room in the building. (There are around 10 buildings, each with about 10 residents, but because each unit has it’s own dining area, it doesn’t seem like a facility housing 100 people.)
The nice weather also prompted me to take my fancy mountain bike to Vejle. I don’t think I’ve ridden it for two years, so I figured I might as well keep it in Vejle so that I can try to burn off the extra calories that Karen’s cooking causes me to take in.
Which baby is better looking? Being thoroughly objective, I would have to vote for Ellen. Storm is unbelievably good looking, but Ellen is prettier. Facts are facts.
Daddrrr
Wow. Ellen does look like a “monster baby.” Reminds me of when Arthur came to see Carly the 1st time in the hospital. His head was so big.
Congratulations to Hanne and Kaspar. Storm is a great name – I’m sure it’s pronounced very different over there. He’s so cute and little.
Ellen is beautiful! Can’t wait to see her. Vejle is awesome. Hopefully we get a chance to go back some day.
Adam and Lisbeth,
Even though Ellen is quite beautiful, she doesn’t even come close to the title monster baby, that title is undisputedly held by Miss Cora Lave of Denver, Colorado. She now weighs 16 pounds 3 ounces, is in the 97% height and weight, and absolutely beautiful. I think Sarah’s breastmilk should be sold!
We are anxious to see Ellen!
Aunt Donna
Adam and Lisbeth,
Ellen is so beautiful! I can’t wait to see her in person. I can’t make any judgment calls about “the monster baby”, as I need to remain as neutral as possible (I can’t risk offending Donna or Bonnie. You know how competitive we sisters are!).
Little Storm is precious, too, even without Coppock blood. And Ellen is very lucky to have cousins of such close age.
Aunt Beth
Hey Stan!
Guess what? If you google “how much light denmark’s shortest day” your blog is the second hit.
Wanna get that baby out of the house? Michelle and I are having a picnic on Friday at 1 at University Havn in Fberg.
Cheers,
Rachelle (from Thanksgiving at Michelle’s house)