Munching our way into 2007

For New Year's Eve, we enjoyed a tasty Dutch traditional treat - the oliebollen - along with a small smörgåsbord of other delicacies and tapas-like dishes. Its sort of a traditional I'd like to keep going in our family. No one has to cook much and you get to dig into sweets & savories all evening long.

Peanut's papa was in charge of the oliebollen which we made outdoors on the grill. The dough rose nicely and was dappled with dried fruits such as raisins, apricots and cherries. Then you form balls of dough to drop into boiling oil to fry. Kinda like dough nut holes. When they come out and cool, you sprinkle a helping of powdered sugar on top and enjoy through the night.

We did manage to make it to midnight by spending an inordinate amount of time watching the World Championship of Poker on TV!! We'd never watched such a show before and somehow got pulled into the last rounds and just had to see how it turned out. Funny the things you end up doing on New Year's Eve as a toddler and expectant parent. Really, I was just impressed we were both awake at midnight ;-)

ICE, choo-choo trains, kippis with Auntie Em

Auntie Em finally made her way from Denver for a short, pre-Christmas visit with us. Peanut & I picked her up at the airport and decided to start the day at the Gaylord Texan resort to look in on the ICE! show.

We arrived ahead of any crowds and so had plenty of space to shiver in the frigid air. Fortunately, the handed out complimentary parkas and blankets or else we wouldn't have lasted very long. Even with the parkas, we were all wishing for hats, scarves and gloves. Peanut got to stroll in tucked under an extra blanket. I was shocked at how cold it was - after all, they advertise its only 9C. Why that's like spring in Helsinki, I thought, no big deal.....

I wonder if there's any truth to the idea that your blood thins/thickens in response to the climate where you live? I know my body has somehow adapted because really 9C used to be light coat/spring gloves weather to me. Now, my teeth were chattering and I just wanted to get in front of a warm fireplace!

We didn't spend any longer in the ICE show than was necessary to admire the wintery nightscapes and snap some photos.

Out we headed to explore the massive resort centered around its miniature version of the San Antonio Riverwalk and Alamo all decked out for the holidays. Naturally, Santa here is a cowboy and longhorns were more common than reindeer, but Peanut did get her first sightings of railroads and choo-choo trains. They seem to hold universal appeal to toddlers as we could barely pull her away. Only the well-placed and HUGE koi fish in the river around the restaurant tempted her to the lunch table.

Peanut had learned how to toast with the Finnish "kippis" at Thanksgiving and was quick to enjoy the toast with Auntie Em who somehow added a crazy laugh at the end, making it all the more fun!

'Klaas visits Dallas

'Klaas, as Peanut calls Sinterklaas the Dutch variant of Santa Claus and Joulupukki, arrived in Dallas over the weekend to celebrate his birthday which is on December 5th.

All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas (the name is a corruption of Sint Nikolaas) lives in Spain. Exactly why he does remains a mystery, but that is what all the old songs and nursery rhymes say. Whatever the case may be, in Spain he spends most of the year recording the behaviour of all children in a big red book, while his helper Black Peter stocks up on presents for next December 5th.

In the first weeks of November, Sinterklaas gets on his white horse, Peter ("Piet") swings a huge sack full of gifts over his shoulder, and the three of them board a steamship headed for the Netherlands. Around mid-November they arrive in a harbour town - a different one every year - where they are formally greeted by the Mayor and a delegation of citizens. Their parade through town is watched live on television by the whole country and marks the beginning of the "Sinterklaas season".

Here in Dallas, Sinterklaas arrived at the Dutch Barn House where the Holland-America Club of Dallas had gathered to enjoy seasonal cookies, hot chocolate and other treats. As Sinterklaas rounded the room to greet the children, his helpers - the Piets, tossed out candy coins and chocolates to the little ones. Then, everyone gathered around as Sinterklaas opened his big book to read how each child had been behaving over the year. If they were good, Sinterklaas had some gifts for them.

Peanut was excited to see 'Klaas and the Piets until it was her turn to get a bit closer. She quickly tucked her head into mama's shoulder and looked everywhere, but at 'Klaas. Not too bad for a first meeting - at least she went close and didn't cry :-)

'Klaas from the Netherlands had also dropped by our home with some gifts, chocolate letters for mama & papa. Peanut had the hang of tearing open packages so she took care of opening everyone's presents.

Pulla time!

Grandma in Florida had made a special request for some 'rae' sugar from Finland last time Peanut's papa went there. 'Rae' sugar is in appearance the sweet equivalent of sea salt and is sprinkled on top of many Finnish sweet breads like 'pulla'. Last time I visited the IKEA food store in Frisco, I noticed that they stock it on their shelves, too.

Since Peanut & I brought the special delivery from Finland to Grandma and figured we should put it to use right away.

It was Peanut's first baking experience! She's been practicing at home with Playdough so I knew she'd be ready to handle making her own pulla rolls.

We pulled up a step-stool to the counter so Peanut could watch what all went into the mixer. She was also in charge of stirring the yeast, milk and eggs. After the requisite time for rising, Peanut was in the middle of the action with Grandma to begin rolling out the individual pullas. I could hardly get into the kitchen, she was so thoroughly in the zone!

Unfortunately for Peanut her bedtime came before the pullas were pulled from the oven. She must have had sweet bread filled dreams as she woke up and the first word from her mouth was 'pulla' (really!). After mama put on her slippers, we headed straight to the kitchen to give her a bite.

While I thought every crumb was delicious, Peanut clearly showed a preference for the 'rae' sugar and chopped almonds on top!

H-A-double L-O-double U-double E-N spells Halloween!

Peanut's second Halloween in the US was action-packed. We had parties, pumpkin patches, costumes, pictures, decorations and the grand finale, trick-or-treating!

With Peanut's fascination for "pua-pua!" (aka, pumpkins), the pumpkin patches were the place to be. First, we went to the local Coppell patch behind the Rejoice Lutheran Church. A nice, manageable place. Peanut could dash around without getting into too much trouble.

The second pumpkin patch trip was more overwhelming. Our playgroup had a party at THE Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. (Not to be confused with the Flower Mound Pumpkin Village, located right next to the FMPP, and looking very much like the FMPP. In fact, virtually indistinguishable. These two rivals even had it out in court this year.) Peanut went just wild there. She ran in circles around the hay mazes barely glancing at the Pooh Bear cut outs or pumpkins or scarecrows. She just had to get it all in. Children, parents and strollers were all over the place. I could barely get Peanut to take a break to celebrate with her little friends! Not that it got much better on the way home - Peanut just bopped around in her car seat and then couldn't even settle down for a nap at home!

The toddler party at baby school the next day was the most subdued toddler event I'd ever seen. Just quiet little ones sitting around their table, munching on snacks and the oatmeal raisin cookies I'd made. I was one of the moms "in charge" of the event. I also brought everyone foam craft photo frames. They all got some pumpkin, ghost and Halloween sticker shapes to decorate them with.

That evening, papa got home early from work so he could finish setting up our spooky patio. We had the glowing skulls and pumpkins, spider webbing (with spiders), glowing ghoul and best of all, the fog machine to evoke that Halloween feeling. Our home owner's association hosted a block party so we strolled there first to meet the neighborhood. I surprised to see well over 50 people there enjoying pre-treat hotdogs and snacks.

By 7 pm it was dark and the sidewalks were bustling with gangs of costumed children. It was really wonderful to see so many people out! Peanut's papa was sure we were going to run out of candy - I had bought three bags + some special treats! Peanut and her friend Leo also gave trick-or-treating a go. Sort of. Peanut was just thrilled to be racing down the sidewalk in the dark. She didn't really get the candy concept unlike her friend who mastered it in no time.

I liked the chance to say hello to the neighbors we rarely see. One of them was a dad who had set up a chair on the porch for the treat seekers. Though he seemed more wrapped up in the laptop he was typing on and the cell phone close to his side.

Peanut was happy once we came back inside. She liked to see the "babies" come to our door and quickly started handing out candies.

This morning she woke up asking for the "ghoul" and his "hand". When she thought mama just wasn't getting it, she went over to the spot we had him set up in the living room and firmly patted the ground. She's going to miss the ghoul, skulls and pumpkins -- until she learns about snowmen, Santa, reindeer, elves, presents, trees.....

'Tis the season

Not that season yet, but that's no reason not to get into the spirit of things!

Fall is such a fun time in the US. First, here in Texas, the weather cools to wonderful degrees. Then, the holidays begin - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's. There's so much to look forward to. Little ones of course make it all that much more fun.

Fall in Finland was more of a time to get serious again after the frolicking of summer. It gets cooler and then cold. It gets darker and then really dark. But, I still enjoyed the opportunity to bring out the candles to warm the rooms with light and the chance to enjoy the gorgeous fall nature.

But, back to gearing up for Halloween! Our neighborhood has been steadily filling up with pumpkins, scarecrows, tombstones, spider webs and other assorted ghouls over the past month. Some more than others. Peanut's a bit afraid of the bigger contraptions saying "no, no, bye-bye" as she desparately looks to her mama & papa to take her further away.

We just went this past weekend to pick up some decor. We were virtually too late! All the shops had shelves stripped clean of their frights and were quickly making way for Christmas tree ornaments.

Watch out though - Peanut's papa is hooking up the fog machine and lining the walk with glowing skulls and jack-o-laterns come next Tuesday!

Its a grand ole flag

We enjoyed a cool Labor Day weekend in Dallas. It even rained all day Monday! The weather showed us that it can once again become bearable and inviting outside - you could get the tiniest whiff of Fall in the air if you breathed in deeply and closed your eyes.

Papa fired up the grill and we enjoyed a tasty meal on our patio as Peanut played with her collection of cars in her sandbox. Ahhh...

Out in the front yard, there were flags planted here and there in our neighbor's yards. I was a bit confused the first time the flags appeared seemingly from nowhere and without rhyme or reason. Our immediate neighbor had one, then no flags for 5 - 6 houses and then suddenly two in row.

It turns out the flags are part of service sold by a local high school group. For a small amount each year, they will come place a flag in your yard on flag flying holidays.

In Helsinki where most of us lived in apartments, the flagging was taken care of by the building maintenance staff. I also enjoyed the days when I walked out the front door and suddenly was surprised by the flags gracing all entry ways and public poles. While I didn't always know why a certain day was a flag day, it made it a bit special -- and worthwhile of finding out as a few holidays come with a special pastry - yum :-) - like Runebergintorttu is a Finnish pastry that is seasoned with almonds and rum. There is usually raspberry jam in a sugar ring on the tart.The tart has got its name from the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg who liked to enjoy the tart with punch according to the legend. Runeberg's tarts are available on Runeberg's birthday on 5 February.

Fourth of July

I know, i'm a bit slow this week....the fourth of July was already several days ago.

Peanut's papa was out of commission with an unfortunately timed migrane, so I took Peanut to the City of Coppell 4th of July parade alone. We met up with one of Peanut's playmates so it was still a lively affair.

The parade is scheduled for a 10 am start, but still around 10.40 that morning under an increasingly hot sun, we were wondering where they were! Luckily, we had snagged a spot under a tree for some shade. Some who planned ahead came with lawn chairs, portable sun umbrellas and coolers. Dogs were dressed in bandanas; children had empty plastic bags along to catch all the candy. Next year, we'll come later and come prepared.

Peanut loved the all the dogs, excitedly 'oof, oof'ing when she saw one she liked. The marching band, police sirens and fire trucks were all a bit too loud for her. She'd quickly snatch up her stuffed animal, squeezing tightly around his neck, and ask for 'up' into mama's arms. Thanks to the local Exchange Club, Peanut got a mini-US flag to wave around.

What I liked best about the parade was the way there was always a spectator calling out to a buddy on a float or driving a car with a Ms. Jr. West Texas pagent winner or handing out flyers who would return the greeting. It wasn't so much a parade staged for us to watch, but really for everyone to have fun and participate in.

The kids weren't the only ones picking up goodies: the Mom's Club of Coppell (there is a North and South chapter!) gave us a bag of animal crackers, the YMCA was giving away free 2 week passes, Super Suppers had a coupon for a free side dish, and one group handed out those juicy ice sticks...ahhhh!

Mixed in with the usual karate clubs, neighborhood floats, beauty pagent winners, politicians and real estate agents were cheerleaders and a surprisingly many religious themed participants.

Midsummer quietly slips by

Holidays and public celebrations really mark the passing of a year. I always feel a bit out of sync when I'm in a place that doesn't celebrate a certain day the way you expect, rather its just another Tuesday, Wednesday..... I felt this one Christmas in New Delhi - it was too warm, there was no Christmas music, no Santas or those other familiar scenes.

During our time in Finland, I added some new celebrations to my annual calendar. One familiar holiday I knew from my childhood summers was Juhannus or Midsummer, the Summer Solistice.

Its such a powerful tradition in Finland; anticipated as anxiously as Christmas or New Year's Eve, it marks the real start of summer. For many it kicks off their 4 week summer holidays. Finns flee the cities for the sea and lakeshores to eat, drink, drink, drink, sauna, drink, sauna, drink, and build blazing bonfires. The one in the photo is from our summer cabin on Lake Koitere.

Its a really joyous occasion, but sadly, each year, the combination of too much alcohol and water mean the last Midsummer for too many.

This year in Dallas, I wasn't even quite sure which day Midsummer feel on. Its not printed on the calendars. No one even notices it. I feel that my summer is somehow off kilter....so, I am looking forward to a proper 4th of July celebration to set it right again.

Easter Egg 'Scramble'

Peanut had her first Texas Easter this weekend.

We went (or tried to get to) the Coppell City Easter Egg Hunt, but mama was a bit slow and so our timing was bad. The hunt was scheduled to begin at 11.00 am; we were madly looking for parking at 10 'till. All the spaces at the park and rec center were full and there were some very anxious looking parents cruising up and down the street. At one point, there were three cars trying to make the same turn - no one was giving way. I'm sure these are all polite drivers on any other day, but the Hunt was soon to start!!!

In the end, we missed the o-4 age group hunt, but fortunately some friends shared their booty with us.

We stayed around to watch the next age groups. Now, there wasn't really any 'hunting' per se since the event took place on a softball field. That's right, a field of grass with no bushes, trees, etc. A gator truck rode around the field and three men in the back shoveled out handfuls of candy and plastic eggs until the field was dotted with them. Then, a whistle blew and children trampled over one another to grab up the goodies. It took the oldest age group all of 2 - 3 minutes to clear the field :-)

Over in Finland, Easter is celebrated with a number of traditions.

Mammi (that's a with an umlaut) and pasha are the main dishes I remember. Peanut's papa was actually a mammi fan while I really enjoyed the rich, creamy pasha.

As a child, we would plant grass seeds in a small container indoors before Easter. On Easter morning, the chocolate eggs, jellybeans and little chickies would be hidden among the blades.

In many parts of the country, its still popular with children to dress up as witches (the girls at least) and take pussy willow branches decorated with feathers to your neighbors. You wish them good health for the coming year and in return, recieve some treats, somewhat in a Halloween style. In the four years, I was in Finland, we only ever had one child come by our apartment. It was the one year I had no candy!! Poor girl had to make do with some cookies I luckily had in the cabinet :-)

The KELA Box - one year later

Peanut's birthday is approaching! Our little one is nearly a year old -- and so is her mama's blog :-)

Looking back, we are both much wiser, calmer and confident in our parenting. Peanut is just amazing - a year has brought so many changes and so much growth.

And, our KELA box (the baby starter kit given by the State government to all new mother's in Finland - though it means so much more) has been with us through it all, starting out as Peanut's first bed. Where is it now you wonder? Stacked up on other boxes in Peanut's closet, filling up with clothes that too small and toys that are no longer interesting. Unfortunately, we lost the lid in the move (though the rough&tough packers in Helsinki did take an extra moment to ask me if I wanted to bring it - mind you, they did not ask about ANYTHING else in the whole apartment!!)

What about the contents? Let's take a quick look.

Still in use today:

• cloth diapers - as sunshade on Peanut's stroller and washclothes
• bath towel with hood - best towel we have, still fits Peanut, soft!
  
• bib - lightweight yet water resistent (not quite proof) , good for meals on the go
• 'changing cloth' - not sure what the material is, but its water proof on one side, we use it for diaper changes on our bed
• hair brush
• nail clippers
  
• book
• rattle - good for teething and shaking
• the Box - for storage

Very useful:

• the diapers
• bedding - mattress, sheet and blanket fit the box perfectly
• thermometer for bath - unfortunately we lost it during the summer
• Baby guides - I used the breastfeeding guide the most
• some of the clothes though I almost took the size 60 out too late. I was a bit surprised at the poor quality of the buttons (came off in the wash) and how much they shrank in dryer (OK, they were cotton so probably not that big of a surprise). Peanut used the bodysuits with legs and one-piece crawler outfit the most.
• woolen socks
• And we also used up the sanitary napkins, breast pads and condoms (this year they've also added a lubricant - luckily new moms)
  

Hmmmm:

• What I thought was the sleeping bag or travel playblanket, but really was a stroller bag to keep baby warm -- we had two of these. I used them as playblankets on the floor until Peanut got too big.
• Baby lotion
  

We didn't use:

• the winter outerwear outfit + hat, gloves, etc - since we were moving to Texas, I donated this to children in the Baltics
• lighter outerwear outfit - ditto
• hats - ditto, plus Peanut hated hats as an infant
• wrap-around body suit - too difficult with all the little strings
  

And for those out shopping, here's a list of what to buy.

There is such a thing as a free lunch - if you're a child

On Friday, I witnessed one of the summer rituals in the Helsinki suburb of Espoo - free lunch in the park for children!

The free lunches had just kicked off that week on Monday - early June. The park I visited - Asukas Puisto in Tapiola - was overflowing with children ranging from toddlers to young school aged kids who had come with their parents to participate. All they need to bring is their own plate/bowl and eating utensil.

At 11.30, the hot lunch distribution begins. Everyone just lines up and takes their turn. On the menu was a simple potato and chicken casserole. Food is distributed until 12.30 or until supplies run out. Around noon, one of the park "aunts" made an announcement over a bull-horn that no seconds for anyone until everyone has gotten their first plate because 'until supplies run out' means everyone gets some.

A nice tradition that brings parents and children in the neighborhoods together during the summer; it also gives mom/dad a break from preparing one meal. But, its not without its controversy.

I read in the local paper that nearly 700,000 EUR of tax payer money is spent annually on the lunches in the parks. Unfortunately, a lot of food often goes to waste because not enough people show up to eat. This is particularly an issue if its a cooler, rainier summer. But, since food has to be ordered a week in advance, its hard to plan for the weather. One of the mothers in the park on Friday said its a shame that the left-over food cannot be given to the parents. They won't even sell it to the parents. Rather, it goes straight into the trash can.

I also wonder if this kind of benefit is really needed in every neighborhood. On the surface at least very few of the children/parents I saw on Friday looked to be in dire need of a free meal. But, perhaps the purpose is more in developing a sense of community and making sure that every child gets at least one 'healthy', warm meal a day.

Ahh maternity leave ... paid, loooong and guilt free!

Maternity leave is truly a wonderful thing in Finland. I've been on leave since a month before the due date in April and am not expected back in the office until Jan 2006 when I'm guaranteed a return to my previous position (or equivalent). In the meantime, I earned three months full pay and for the rest of the time, I'm paid a generous monthly sum by KELA (the national social welfare system). And best of all -- its GUILT FREE!!!

Paid leave
All mothers who have been covered by the national health insurance from KELA for at least 180 days immediately before the due date are eligible for the maternity (and later parental allowance) allowance. To make the claim, your midwife at your local Neuvola (health clinic) will provide you with a form that verifies you have been pregnant for at least 154 days. You then drop this form in the mail and KELA will send you a confirmation of the benefit once they process it.

The maternity allowance is paid for the first 105 days (not including Sundays or holidays -- Saturday is considered to be a working day for many benefits), so about the first three months. So, this amount is paid to the mother as she is expected to remain at home to care for the baby during this time. The amount of the allowance is based on your last tax year's income. KELA provides a nifty calculator to help you figure out the daily amount.

The minimum daily amount is 15.20 EUR paid to those working outside the home, studying or unemployed the previous tax year.

In my case, my employer paid my regular salary the first three months of my maternity leave. During this time, the KELA benefit was paid to my employer. Now, I receive a smaller sum from KELA which is about a third of my regular monthly income after tax. Still, by any comparison to the US - extraordinarily generous!

Actually the allowance I'm receiving now is not just a maternity allowance - its the paternal allowance designed for either the mother or father, whoever is staying at home. In practice, its nearly always the mother who continues the leave. This benefit is paid for 158 weekdays, or about 5 months. The amount is calculated in the same manner as the maternity benefit. Both are taxable income.

Details from KELA


Looonnngggg and Guilt Free

I suspect one of the main drivers for many mothers returning to work is simply the need for income. With the money questions ameliorated with the maternity and parental allowances in Finland, the drive to return to work subsides quickly. Not that I'm not a career oriented woman - I am. I have an MBA on top of a college degree and a position at work that carries responsibility, is challenging and on my career path. Its just that I know when I've complete my leave, I'll be able to return to that position without any repercussions on my career, thus dealing a blow to the other reason many women are anxious to return to the workplace.

In fact, as I was getting ready to begin my leave (one month before the due date!), many colleagues wondered if I was planning to take the usual year or was I going to extend my leave for another 2 years. It was assumed I would be gone at least for the year and possibly chose the option of staying home until the child is three. After the extended leave, I would still be guaranteed my job when I returned. No one - and I mean absolutely no one, begrudged me for the leave, hinted that I'd be slipping off the career ladder, etc. What a relief to be able to enjoy this wonderful and unique time with our little one without a single ounce of guilt!!! That's already worth more than any amount of money.

My employer in the meantime would hire a 'maternity leave replacement' worker to cover my tasks temporarily. This topic deserves its own posting, but briefly there is an influx of mostly women who easily end up in a series of these temporary positions. Though temporary workers have access to many of the same benefits as full-time employees, they are still in a precarious situation and at a disadvantage when it comes to trying to obtain loans,etc. They are also not eligible for maternity leave - ie, sometimes having to put off their own families.

Its estimated that each woman out on maternity leave costs the employer about 8,000 - 10,000 EURs in wages, recruitment, training and related expenses.

Naturally, I know many women crave the workplace because they get such a great deal of satisfaction from their jobs and find themselves miserable at home. Fine. These women should return to work as soon as possible for the benefit of themselves, their children and families.

My name is Baby X

Babies without names
When our Peanut was born everyone at the hospital simply assumed that she would be known as 'Mom's surname Girl' because in Finland most babies are not given their name until their christening ceremony around the age of 3 months.

So when you meet new parents they will usually be tight lipped about the baby's possible names and tell you the working name they are using. Sometimes this is a cute nickname, like Princess, Mr. Helsinki, Raisin, Bundle, Mini, and so on. Other parents will give their baby a real name - but, it just won't be what the baby will be called.

My theory is that the tradition is a holdover from the days when infant mortality was very high and many babies simply did not live to see their 2 - 3 month birthdays. Another reason friends of ours tell us is that they want to first get to know their baby and his/her personality before they can give it a name that reflects who they are.

The rules for naming your baby
Yes, in Finland there are even rules for what you can name your baby! These are set out by the Vaestorekisterikeskus (Population registration centers) and provided to new moms in a brochure at the hospital. I've heard tales of ministers refusing to christen children because the parents had not followed the guidelines.

FIRST NAMES
> at the most, a baby may be given three first names
> the first name cannot be inappropriate or cause the child problems
> a name is usually not approved if it is spelled in a different way than the usual spelling in Finland
> a boy cannot be given a girl's name and vice versa
> a last name is not suitable as a first name
> siblings and half-siblings can have the same name only when both have another first name in addition to the one they share

EXCEPTIONS!
> in case of religious beliefs
> nationality
> or other 'good reasons'

WEHN IN DOUBT
discuss your name ideas with the local maistraatti (courthouse) or Evangelical Luthern or Orthodox church, if you are a member.

The result is that there are many people with very similar names and in several cases the exact same name, except for the surname of course. :-) Also in Finland, American style birth announcements are not common. The Sunday pages of the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper however are filled with announcements of when a baby was christened and what their name is. Also mentioned are the names of the godparents.



Ella, Emma, Anni...Niko, Eetu, Juho topped the charts in 2003
For a list of most popular names and the number of times any given name has been used, visit the Vaestorekisterikeskus website at
https://192.49.222.187/Nimipalvelu/default.asp?L=3

The three 'S's - sauna, siivous ja seksi

As our due date came and went last week without any indiciation from Peanut that she was ready to head out anytime soon, we gained some local advice from work collegues and friends about how to hurry along the process.

The solution lay in the Three S's - sauna, siivous and seksi.

Sauna - the most Finnish of institutions - its our local steam bath. A standard feature in virtually every home and apartment complex, the sauna holds a mythical place in solving many - almost ANY - problem that we face through life. Even at our wedding party, we were given guidance that our marriage would survive any bump along the way that could be solved with Sisu, Spirits or Sauna (another magical threesome!).

Sauna's also have played an important role in childbirth in the years before everyone lived in cities or near hospitals. It was often the most sterile and cleanest environment in the home, thus serving as the place where many babies were born.

But, I don't know that I'm completely sold on the idea of a very, very hot steamy room in relaxing me at this point. Nine+ months is not a comfortable state to be in no matter the temperature. Heating up above the 60C seems like the wrong way to go. There would be sweat rolling into all those new pregnancy induced wrinkles, dimples and corners. Yewww....

Then again, I have yet to try it. Maybe its just what is needed to relax the back aches and still loosening ligaments. Unfortunately, we don't have a sauna in our apartment so a hot shower will have to serve as my substitute!

Siivous = Cleaning. Yes, I admit the 'nesting' instict took over at some point in the last weeks of pregnancy - for both me and my husband. I've been driven to organize, sort out and rearrange nearly every shelf, closet and box in our home. He's diligently vaccumed and mopped every last corner and put his handywork skills to work building a changing table top and creating a bathtub hanging system. Last week, I found myself ironing everything in my husband's closet and even shining his shoes (they were looking so dusty in the recently mopped hallway!). Now the only thing left are our two kitty-cats who don't realize how close they are to getting a bath.

Evidently, the cleaning is either supposed to get mom moving enough to get baby out or its just a sign of the impending birth. Either way - I'm still in one piece and running out of things to clean!!! Ahh, but, the windows - I haven't washed the windows yet.....

Seksi - yes, sex. When I first heard this idea, I thought this must be a list created by men. Supposedly there is something in the semen that stimulates the hormones that start labor. So goes the wives tale that is not exclusive to Finland.

Now, my husband has shared several males views he has heard about sex with a highly pregnant woman - somewhat incestuous, concerns about disturbing the baby and requires creative navigation. And certainly from the highly pregnant woman's point of view its not too much more exciting since at this point its very difficult to move in any direction in any position . I'm not sure who's idea this was!

And, should all that fail, a collegue of my husband's suggests a PlayStation2 to help the time fly by.....