baby landed

I didn't really think of writing the "birthing story" but I'll summarize for any of the ones (and I think it's safe to assume it's single digit at this point) curious.

K's due date was 15 June, as was her big brother's three years ago. As X came a week early I fully expected K to come early too. And she did, though 3 days later than her big brother.

True to me, I was on my bike the day I started contractions. Sev was in town in a surprise visit and I was thrilled to lunch with her Petronella. It struck during lunch that the light cramps I was having were possibly contractions. D'oh.

By dinner time I was sure that the series of events were under way though I was sure I had at least 24 hours to go. Second pregnancies are faster. X took 50 hours, K took 15.

We brought X to Farmor's around 9pm and while the contractions were getting more intense and frequent I thought we had a long night ahead before leaving for BB. We decided to go in by 2am.

The first midwife was sure that K would arrive before her shift ended at 7am. Almost like they get a bonus for each delivery. I think there's status in assisting in a birth.

Instead, Ann Olsson took over. She was cool, friendly and supportive. She followed my plan and did what any strong woman would do...took over. When NO2 was no longer doing it for me, Ann took the executive decision to give me a spinal. I love her for it.

All pain from contractions completely stopped and peace and tranquility returned. Unlike her big brother's ordeal entering the world assisted by a team and a crash cart, K descended in a perfect free fly head down with only me, her father and Ann as her audience. It was emotionally beautiful.

Two weeks on, life seems unimaginable without her in it. Well, except when we forget about her. But that's another story.

fire and smoke in da hood

I had no idea that a major fire had broken out just a hundred meters from me. I heard the helicopters outside the window and kept wondering which state visit was going on and why they were in the Hornstull area.

Our babysitter called to check in on us to make sure we were OK, that's how I was tipped off to it.

The commotion affected a ton of people. Some of the dagis kids weren't allowed to go home even though they lived several doors away.

sweden v. denmark

Wow. I am not a big soccer football fan and I hate suspense. Tonight's European Championships qualifier between Denmark and Sweden wouldn't have been my activity of choice, but it's what we ended up watching at my SIL's.

The game started off to my liking. 3 quick goals to Sweden gave me the sense of ease that makes it easy to watch. There's a buffer so things look good for a Swedish victory within the first 30 minutes of the match.

Denmark managed to pull itself back and equalized 3-3 with just about 15 minutes before the end of the match. That made me uncomfortable. My comfort zone was gone and a tie, a loss or a dramatic win was all in the cards.

But I watched on. And I'm glad I did. Not because of the remarkable victory Sweden managed to pull off...because they never had the chance.

With just a few minutes of play left, a Danish player punched a Swedish player in the penalty zone. It should have meant a penalty kick which is nearly as good as a goal, though not always...nail biter. Me no like.

As the chaos of the call was easing, a Danish fan managed to storm the field and attacked the referee. 3 Danish players quickly interceded and pushed off the fan. Bravo to the Danish players.

However, the referees ended the game then and there due to security failings. Sweden was not going to have its shot at scoring the victory penalty and winning 4-0.

The word readily repeated by commentators was "scandal." And scandal it shall remain for European soccer football in general.

After a few minutes the final decision about the match was decided. Sweden was granted the victory 3-0. All of Denmark's goals were taken back.

Personally, while I think the ruling was a bit harsh on Denmark --taking back one goal seemed reasonable, it sends a very strong message to the fans of national teams everywhere. The message is clear; don't interfere and don't be violent. If you are, you will be the reason your team loses.

So far I've only tried to waddle through a Danish newspaper's account. If I understood correctly, the paper mentions the fan's attack on the referee, but considers the ruling a scandal nonetheless.