Monday, August 07, 2006
Zurich Fountains
The water here is so clean you can drink from any city fountain - and the fountains are beautiful!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Desperately Seeking DHA
Lesson of the day: DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid. DHA, I've recently learned, is not only important for adults, it is essential to provide your child a "smart start." DHA is found naturally in breastmilk. Other popular sources of DHA are: salmon, sardines, and tuna. Eggs and organ meats have a small amount of DHA in them, but the healthiest source of dietary DHA is seafood. Two 4-ounce servings of omega-3-rich fish per week should yield a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA. Besides fish oils, vegetable oils (primarily flaxseed, soy, and canola) are also rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids, with flaxseed oil being the best. The two F's, fish and flax, are the top brain-building foods for growing children, and adults.). DHA is available in most formulas in the US and the UK.
So what's the big deal? DHA has been shown to improve brain function, memory, stress response, immune response, allergies, asthma, as well as learning and behavioral disorders. In addition, DHA has been linked to a decrease in Alzheimer's, obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, adult onset diabetes and stroke.
So I asked a friend, who is currently pursuing her PhD in Nutrition, as I was concerned the current fish oil supplements would introduce trace elements of mercury and lead into my daughter's diet (which I was not about to do). My friend recommended Flax Seed Oil/Linseed Oil, but later we discovered that one's body needs to do several conversions to turn this into an Omega-3 fatty acid.
My mom, meanwhile, was on the case in the US and reported back that our pediatrician in Oregon indicated it would be okay to add several drops of Cod Liver Oil to Chase's formula.
So off I went to find Cod Liver Oil. Do the drugstores here have it? (No) Do the naturalpath stores have it? (No) Did they try to tell me I didn't need it? (Yes) Did they try to sell me Halibut oil? (Yes) Did they try to sell me pure Vitamin D? (Yes) Did they shake their heads disbelievingly when I told them I needed it for my daughter? (Yes)
Long story short, I am still trying to find cod liver oil in Switzerland. The good news is, my Sister-In-Law and mother will both be visiting this month, so I will ask them to load up their suitcases with it.
I just wanted to share my research, as I found it both interesting and informative.
So what's the big deal? DHA has been shown to improve brain function, memory, stress response, immune response, allergies, asthma, as well as learning and behavioral disorders. In addition, DHA has been linked to a decrease in Alzheimer's, obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, adult onset diabetes and stroke.
Just how important is DHA for brain development? Consider these research findings:
- Infants who have low amounts of DHA in their diet have reduced brain development and diminished visual acuity.
- The increased intelligence and academic performance of breastfed compared with formula- fed infants has been attributed in part to the increased DHA content of human milk.
- Cultures whose diet is high in omega 3 fatty acids (such as the Eskimos who eat a lot of fish) have a lower incidence of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
- Experimental animals whose diets are low in DHA have been found to have smaller brains and delayed central nervous system development.
- Some children with poor school performance because of ADD, have been shown to have insufficient essential fatty acids in their diet.
The most rapid brain growth occurs during the first year of life, with the infant's brain tripling in size by the first birthday. During this stage of rapid central nervous system growth, the brain uses sixty percent of the total energy consumed by the infant. Fats are a major component of the brain cell membrane and the myelin sheath around each nerve. So, it makes sense that getting enough fat, and the right kinds of fat, can greatly affect brain development and performance. In fact, during the first year, around fifty percent of an infant's daily calories come from fat. Mother Nature knows how important fat is for babies; fifty percent of the calories in mother's milk is fat.
(Information above courtesy of askdrsears.com)
So I asked a friend, who is currently pursuing her PhD in Nutrition, as I was concerned the current fish oil supplements would introduce trace elements of mercury and lead into my daughter's diet (which I was not about to do). My friend recommended Flax Seed Oil/Linseed Oil, but later we discovered that one's body needs to do several conversions to turn this into an Omega-3 fatty acid.
My mom, meanwhile, was on the case in the US and reported back that our pediatrician in Oregon indicated it would be okay to add several drops of Cod Liver Oil to Chase's formula.
So off I went to find Cod Liver Oil. Do the drugstores here have it? (No) Do the naturalpath stores have it? (No) Did they try to tell me I didn't need it? (Yes) Did they try to sell me Halibut oil? (Yes) Did they try to sell me pure Vitamin D? (Yes) Did they shake their heads disbelievingly when I told them I needed it for my daughter? (Yes)
Long story short, I am still trying to find cod liver oil in Switzerland. The good news is, my Sister-In-Law and mother will both be visiting this month, so I will ask them to load up their suitcases with it.
I just wanted to share my research, as I found it both interesting and informative.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Swiss National Day
Unfortunately, I came across the following information (from Swiss.com) too late in the day to take advantage of the local farm feasts! Bummer...
Fireworks and feasting
For most people, August 1st means bonfires and fireworks and barbecues in the garden or brunch on the farm.
Long before the government decided in 1891 to declare the day Switzerland's national day, people had celebrated summer by lighting bonfires. Indeed, the custom of lighting a fire on June 24th, St John's Day, is known all over Europe. But for the Swiss, bonfires had an extra significance. For centuries they had built beacons on mountain tops which they lit when danger approached. One legend told of both Lake Geneva and Lake Biel relates how hordes of invading barbarians intent on conquering the ancient Swiss tribes turned back when they saw the lights reflected in the lake waters, thinking they had come to the edge of the earth and were about to ride off into the sky.
Whether in remembrance of this event, or just because it is fun, every Swiss commune now lights its own bonfire and sets off fireworks, and children parade through the streets with paper lanterns - often decorated with the Swiss cross or the symbols of the cantons - and people light candles in their windows.
And since no celebration is complete without a feast, many people mark this festival of fire by cooking sausages over a barbecue and enjoying them with friends.
But in recent years an alternative feast has been gaining in popularity: brunch on the farm. The idea was launched in 1993, as an initiative by the Swiss Farmers' Association. Visitors are served fresh farm produce and get to see something of farmers' lives. In 2005 about 430 farms took part, serving brunch to about 200,000 people.
National Day
| August 1st is to the Swiss what July 4th is to Americans, or July 14th to the French. Swiss national day is only just over a century old, and it was only in 1993 that the hardworking Swiss agreed that they could all take the day off, but the event it commemorates took place 700 years ago, and at the heart of the celebrations is a custom which doubtless goes back into the mists of time. The day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. The representatives of Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri met on the Rütli field, high above Lake Lucerne, to swear a bond of brotherhood, and agree to act jointly if their freedoms were threatened by outside aggressors. So it's not surprising that the official part of the August 1st celebrations take place on the Rütli even today, with a public gathering addressed by the Federal president. Indeed, it's a day for speeches, with politicians at all levels, from Federal councillors to the heads of communes, addressing meetings all over Switzerland. |
For most people, August 1st means bonfires and fireworks and barbecues in the garden or brunch on the farm.
Long before the government decided in 1891 to declare the day Switzerland's national day, people had celebrated summer by lighting bonfires. Indeed, the custom of lighting a fire on June 24th, St John's Day, is known all over Europe. But for the Swiss, bonfires had an extra significance. For centuries they had built beacons on mountain tops which they lit when danger approached. One legend told of both Lake Geneva and Lake Biel relates how hordes of invading barbarians intent on conquering the ancient Swiss tribes turned back when they saw the lights reflected in the lake waters, thinking they had come to the edge of the earth and were about to ride off into the sky.
Whether in remembrance of this event, or just because it is fun, every Swiss commune now lights its own bonfire and sets off fireworks, and children parade through the streets with paper lanterns - often decorated with the Swiss cross or the symbols of the cantons - and people light candles in their windows.
And since no celebration is complete without a feast, many people mark this festival of fire by cooking sausages over a barbecue and enjoying them with friends.
But in recent years an alternative feast has been gaining in popularity: brunch on the farm. The idea was launched in 1993, as an initiative by the Swiss Farmers' Association. Visitors are served fresh farm produce and get to see something of farmers' lives. In 2005 about 430 farms took part, serving brunch to about 200,000 people.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Forbidden
We have learned many things are "forbidden" in Switzerland. While Zurich is the closest thing to the Garden of Eden, I still find it hard to believe the Swiss are forbidden from doing so many things - like mowing their lawns on Sunday.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Exercize
I don't know how parents find time to exercize. When Chase sleeps, all I want to do is sleep.
Confession: I have not been to the gym in 5 months. Other than walking around Zurich, almost every day, and lugging the stroller up and down three flights of stairs, I have not had a lick of excercize. I now understand how waistlines expand. How couples end up on the couch. How TV has become a national past time.
Yesterday I decided enough is enough. My muscles aren't going to excercize themselves (although I wish they would). So I dusted off my Power Yoga DVD. I bought it while we were in England, as a way to attempt to reclaim my figure after having a baby.
Let me tell you, I was sweating in no time. It was great. I'm not sure I'll be able to do it every day, but I've made a commitment to myself to try. We'll see how long this lasts...
*motivational image below courtesy of consumeraffairs.com
Confession: I have not been to the gym in 5 months. Other than walking around Zurich, almost every day, and lugging the stroller up and down three flights of stairs, I have not had a lick of excercize. I now understand how waistlines expand. How couples end up on the couch. How TV has become a national past time.
Yesterday I decided enough is enough. My muscles aren't going to excercize themselves (although I wish they would). So I dusted off my Power Yoga DVD. I bought it while we were in England, as a way to attempt to reclaim my figure after having a baby.
Let me tell you, I was sweating in no time. It was great. I'm not sure I'll be able to do it every day, but I've made a commitment to myself to try. We'll see how long this lasts...
*motivational image below courtesy of consumeraffairs.com
Milestone (4 months, 10 days)
Chase learned how to role from her back onto her front!
She did it for the first time yesterday. She was on the floor playing with some toys. I turned my back on her for only a moment (don't worry grandparents, I made sure she was perfectly safe - no sharp objects, water or choking hazards nearby) and when I looked at her again, she was playing with the same toys, but on her stomach, with a big smile on her face.
By the end of the day, she was doing it over and over again, like a pro. Smarty pants.
She did it for the first time yesterday. She was on the floor playing with some toys. I turned my back on her for only a moment (don't worry grandparents, I made sure she was perfectly safe - no sharp objects, water or choking hazards nearby) and when I looked at her again, she was playing with the same toys, but on her stomach, with a big smile on her face.
By the end of the day, she was doing it over and over again, like a pro. Smarty pants.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Price Is Right ... Wrong!
In an effort to provide those who are curious an idea of how expensive it is to live here, I have decided to keep a list of the most outrageous prices I come across. I will update it as I find new and exciting *expensive* things.
>>Elle Magazine *American/English* -- 15 CHF
>>Hamburger *At the Hyatt, because it is one of only a few buildings with AC* -- 38 CHF
>>Avacado -- 4 CHF
>>Endcleaning *Because you couldn't possibly clean as well yourself* -- 850 to 1,000 CHF
>>Baby toy *Bag with different pieces of cloth, a memory game* -- 50 CHF
>> A 3-bed house in Zurich -- if you are lucky, it will cost just under 2 million CHF
>>Green chicken curry -- 25 CHF
>>Elle Magazine *American/English* -- 15 CHF
>>Hamburger *At the Hyatt, because it is one of only a few buildings with AC* -- 38 CHF
>>Avacado -- 4 CHF
>>Endcleaning *Because you couldn't possibly clean as well yourself* -- 850 to 1,000 CHF
>>Baby toy *Bag with different pieces of cloth, a memory game* -- 50 CHF
>> A 3-bed house in Zurich -- if you are lucky, it will cost just under 2 million CHF
>>Green chicken curry -- 25 CHF
Friday, July 21, 2006
About Zurich, Switzerland
So what is living in Zurich, Switzerland like? Following are some random observations for those of you who are interested...
LANGUAGE:
*Swiss-German
-- They also speak French, Italian, German and English
WORK:
*Unless you know Swiss-German, you will have a tough time getting work, unless you are working for an American company (of course)
*They do not see skills as transferable. For this reason, people have specific jobs and are basically locked into their job and their industry. If they want to switch industries (even if you are a receptionist) they need to take multiple preparation classes.
*Because everyone has a specific function in this society, "do-it-yourself" is a truly foreign concept. Instead, they believe one must be specially trained for years to know how to fix anything in the home or even clean properly.
*The Swiss are paid very well. Those who stock shelves in the grocery store make 20 CHF/hour (good money!)
*There seems to be a tremendous amount that is "forbidden" to do or can't be done. Based on the little exposure I have had to the Swiss in Zurich, they seem to be extremely rules oriented, due to the German influence. I have to wonder if they are graded on their "can do" attitude, as we Americans are in job reviews. I'm thinking no...
GARBAGE
*Strong emphasis on recylcling, but yet it is not as easy to do as it is in the US
*The city will only pick up specific garbage bags, that can only be bought at the cashier's stand. They are, of course, uber expensive. This is an interesting tactic, as it has made us really cut down on how much garbage we produce (more like has put Brian's packing/stuffing skills to the test).
FOOD:
*Very expensive. (And we thought London was expensive) It is not uncommon to pay 30 CHF - 50 CFH for a pizza. A small pizza. (Portions, by the way, are very small). A burger at the Hyatt (one of the only locations in Zurich with A/C will run you 35 CHF (yes, that is roughly $28.00 for a hamburger).
*The least expensive food we have found, that has a shot at filling you up, are sausages with Burli bread. You can usually get this and a drink for 10 CHF. But honestly, there are only so many sausages one can eat (I always get the pesky charcoal in my teeth).
*A small basket of blueberries will cost roughly 6 CHF, while a basic avocado is roughly 4 CHF. Don't even get me started on the cost of a Starbucks coffee...
REAL ESTATE:
*Very expensive. For 80 square meters, you can expect to pay roughly 350,000/400,000 - and that is just outside Zurich. There is literally nothing for sale in Zurich.
*They don't believe in real estate agents (relocation agents take full advantage of this and charge a minimum of 3,000 CHF to help you find a place to live). Without relocation agents, one is forced to monitor postings on various Web sites, 99% in German, and schedule viewings directly with building managers. (It took us 4 months to find the place we are living in now -- and there were literally only 2 other apartments we saw that even came close to meeting our requirements.)
*There are two months designated for moving - specifically April and October. Landlords will rarely sign agreements for less than a year, and they intend to hold you to it. Breaking a contract here is literally impossible.
*Every time you move, you have to pay for (1) Endcleaning - roughly 850 - 1,000 CHF (because you couldn't possibly clean an apartment as well as someone trained to do it) and (2) registering your new address with the local Kreisbourough (sp?) - roughly 30 CHF per person.
That's it for now... more to come....
LANGUAGE:
*Swiss-German
-- They also speak French, Italian, German and English
WORK:
*Unless you know Swiss-German, you will have a tough time getting work, unless you are working for an American company (of course)
*They do not see skills as transferable. For this reason, people have specific jobs and are basically locked into their job and their industry. If they want to switch industries (even if you are a receptionist) they need to take multiple preparation classes.
*Because everyone has a specific function in this society, "do-it-yourself" is a truly foreign concept. Instead, they believe one must be specially trained for years to know how to fix anything in the home or even clean properly.
*The Swiss are paid very well. Those who stock shelves in the grocery store make 20 CHF/hour (good money!)
*There seems to be a tremendous amount that is "forbidden" to do or can't be done. Based on the little exposure I have had to the Swiss in Zurich, they seem to be extremely rules oriented, due to the German influence. I have to wonder if they are graded on their "can do" attitude, as we Americans are in job reviews. I'm thinking no...
GARBAGE
*Strong emphasis on recylcling, but yet it is not as easy to do as it is in the US
*The city will only pick up specific garbage bags, that can only be bought at the cashier's stand. They are, of course, uber expensive. This is an interesting tactic, as it has made us really cut down on how much garbage we produce (more like has put Brian's packing/stuffing skills to the test).
FOOD:
*Very expensive. (And we thought London was expensive) It is not uncommon to pay 30 CHF - 50 CFH for a pizza. A small pizza. (Portions, by the way, are very small). A burger at the Hyatt (one of the only locations in Zurich with A/C will run you 35 CHF (yes, that is roughly $28.00 for a hamburger).
*The least expensive food we have found, that has a shot at filling you up, are sausages with Burli bread. You can usually get this and a drink for 10 CHF. But honestly, there are only so many sausages one can eat (I always get the pesky charcoal in my teeth).
*A small basket of blueberries will cost roughly 6 CHF, while a basic avocado is roughly 4 CHF. Don't even get me started on the cost of a Starbucks coffee...
REAL ESTATE:
*Very expensive. For 80 square meters, you can expect to pay roughly 350,000/400,000 - and that is just outside Zurich. There is literally nothing for sale in Zurich.
*They don't believe in real estate agents (relocation agents take full advantage of this and charge a minimum of 3,000 CHF to help you find a place to live). Without relocation agents, one is forced to monitor postings on various Web sites, 99% in German, and schedule viewings directly with building managers. (It took us 4 months to find the place we are living in now -- and there were literally only 2 other apartments we saw that even came close to meeting our requirements.)
*There are two months designated for moving - specifically April and October. Landlords will rarely sign agreements for less than a year, and they intend to hold you to it. Breaking a contract here is literally impossible.
*Every time you move, you have to pay for (1) Endcleaning - roughly 850 - 1,000 CHF (because you couldn't possibly clean an apartment as well as someone trained to do it) and (2) registering your new address with the local Kreisbourough (sp?) - roughly 30 CHF per person.
That's it for now... more to come....
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Frau Chase: 4 month update
Weight: 6.52 kg (45th percentile - up from 25th percentile)
Length: 62.2 cm (60th percentile - up from 50th percentile)
As far as development, Herr Doctor was pleased. She is getting plenty of "Tummy Time." I'm happy to report she popped right up when the Dr. put her on her tum - good girl! (She much prefers to stand and still would rather be carried then put in her stroller, hence our new nickname for her -- the Empressita.)
She received her second round of immunizations (poor darling) and has slept almost non-stop as a result.
Herr Doctor recommend I start giving her tastes of things - so we started with mushy carrots today (with no salt, sugar or anything added), which she promptly spit out and looked at me like I was crazy for even suggesting such a thing.
Also a quick note on clothing sizes for grandparents who are out shopping around .... I was sorting through Chase's clothes yesterday (Thank you to everyone for the kind gifts. A special thanks to Allison Hall, Karla Allbritton and Aunt Diane for making significant contributions to Chase's wardrobe) looking for things in the 5-6 month range, as the 3-4 month clothes have become too small -- only to realize that she has already outgrown most of the 6-month clothes!
She is now wearing clothes in the 6-9 month range (due to her length), and I have started keeping an eye out for 9-12 month clothes, as I'm sure she'll be in them in the next month.
She's still turning all the boys heads. While my aunt and I ate lunch, our waiter couldn't leave her alone. He got her laughing and just couldn't pull himself away.
I think her Swiss-German is improving. Mine, on the other hand, is not.
Length: 62.2 cm (60th percentile - up from 50th percentile)
As far as development, Herr Doctor was pleased. She is getting plenty of "Tummy Time." I'm happy to report she popped right up when the Dr. put her on her tum - good girl! (She much prefers to stand and still would rather be carried then put in her stroller, hence our new nickname for her -- the Empressita.)
She received her second round of immunizations (poor darling) and has slept almost non-stop as a result.
Herr Doctor recommend I start giving her tastes of things - so we started with mushy carrots today (with no salt, sugar or anything added), which she promptly spit out and looked at me like I was crazy for even suggesting such a thing.
Also a quick note on clothing sizes for grandparents who are out shopping around .... I was sorting through Chase's clothes yesterday (Thank you to everyone for the kind gifts. A special thanks to Allison Hall, Karla Allbritton and Aunt Diane for making significant contributions to Chase's wardrobe) looking for things in the 5-6 month range, as the 3-4 month clothes have become too small -- only to realize that she has already outgrown most of the 6-month clothes!
She is now wearing clothes in the 6-9 month range (due to her length), and I have started keeping an eye out for 9-12 month clothes, as I'm sure she'll be in them in the next month.
She's still turning all the boys heads. While my aunt and I ate lunch, our waiter couldn't leave her alone. He got her laughing and just couldn't pull himself away.
I think her Swiss-German is improving. Mine, on the other hand, is not.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Home away from home
A shot of our new place. Dag gets comfortable while Chase and I catch up on email.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Saturday, July 08, 2006
What about Dagney?
A picture of our cat, Dagney, who has been such a good kitty - she has been with us all along.
When we returned from our trip to the US, we had to pack quickly and move from our "Hobbit hole." As we had to wait four days before moving into our new place, we moved into a hotel - but unfortunately, there was not one that had all three nights available, so we actually switched hotels halfway through.
Dag spent her days tucked in between the sheets ...
When we returned from our trip to the US, we had to pack quickly and move from our "Hobbit hole." As we had to wait four days before moving into our new place, we moved into a hotel - but unfortunately, there was not one that had all three nights available, so we actually switched hotels halfway through.
Dag spent her days tucked in between the sheets ...
Friday, July 07, 2006
Jackson, MS: Granddaddy Claude
Chase with Great Granddady Claude....
If only she was old enough to try his homemade pickles and fudge.
If only she was old enough to try his homemade pickles and fudge.
Mobile, AL: Grandmama Ann & Granddaddy Herbert
Lots of love for our little one...
Chase just couldn't get enough of Granddaddy Herbert's stories and had lots to say to Grandmamma Ann.
Chase just couldn't get enough of Granddaddy Herbert's stories and had lots to say to Grandmamma Ann.
Baltimore, MD: The Downings
In June, Chase enjoyed her second trans-Atlantic flight.
We had a short visit with my grandparents, uncles and aunt in Maryland before flying down South to visit Brian's folks in Alabama and Mississippi.
Here are pics from Maryland....
We had a short visit with my grandparents, uncles and aunt in Maryland before flying down South to visit Brian's folks in Alabama and Mississippi.
Here are pics from Maryland....
Mary The Great
I am deeply saddened to report that just over a week ago, Chase's Great Grandmother, otherwise known as "Mary The Great," passed away.
Mary The Great was more than great, she was incredible. She was sharp as a tack, even at 98. Poised, proper and an uber perfectionist. She was stronger and more determined than any woman I have ever met. She always knew just what to say to make me smile when I was sad and find my way when I felt lost.
I will miss her so much.
Mary The Great was more than great, she was incredible. She was sharp as a tack, even at 98. Poised, proper and an uber perfectionist. She was stronger and more determined than any woman I have ever met. She always knew just what to say to make me smile when I was sad and find my way when I felt lost.
I will miss her so much.
Monday, May 29, 2006
9 weeks - 5 countries
This weekend we hopped on a train and went to Lake Maggiore in Italy (4 hours South of Zurich). The train ride through the Tocino Alps was unbelievably beautiful. Snow capped mountains, wild flowers in valleys, villages snuggled in to cracks and crevices, cascading waterfalls.
Unfortunately, I forgot the camera.
Lake Maggiore was easily one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. Just striking. I've included a photo I found online.
The trip itself was one of the more expensive and challenging trips we've taken - complete with train tickets that cost much more than we anticipated, a hotel reservation that was actually for June, not May (which led to us taking a more expensive hotel room as it was the only one available, but it had the most amazing lake view), an attempt to abort the trip halfway through, only to be told our train tickets could not be changed in Italy as we had bought the tickets in Switzerland. We had also decided on the train as we believed it would make bringing baby easier - not true. The car would have been better. Ah well, live and learn.
En route, we realized it was the fifth country Chase has visited in her nine weeks of life. If we're not careful, we will have a baby who will only sleep when carried in her sling, on a train, in a car, or when sung lullabies by French men or elderly Italian women. She's been such a trooper; she's an exceptionally good traveller. We won't have a leg to stand on when she tells us she wants to live abroad or brings home a French man when she gets older.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)