Saturday, August 12, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The Kiddie Park
I have taken a real liking to the local kiddie park. It's filled with mums and kids of all ages. It's a large green park with a sandbox, a wading pool, swings, play structure, etc. I find it extremely entertaining to watch people there (an inexpensive, amusing way to spend a day). Following are some of the characters I've come across. I really wanted to take pictures but it just wasn't appropriate. Maybe I should look into secret spy gear.
The man with the orange nike sneakers (white swoosh): Looks like a secret agent. Mousy. Dark glasses. Mysterious. Looks around constantly, as if to see if anyone is watching him. Pushes stroller to a bench, sits down, looks around. Reaches into stroller. Pulls out a newspaper. (I'm wondering if there is a baby in there or if he is a pedophile). Looks around. Nervous. Reaches into his pocket and pulls out cigarettes. Starts smoking. (Are his hands shaking?) Looks around. Reads paper (pulling up paper high to cover his face). Still smoking. Baby cries (so there is a baby in there after all). He extinguishes his cigarette. Picks up the baby. Takes off his glasses. Coos and kisses baby. Behaves like normal, loving father for about 5 mins. Then puts baby back in stroller. Glasses back on. Paper goes back into stroller. He looks around again. Pushes baby in stroller out of the park. (I haven't seen him since)
The family with red scarf hats: Three women. Seven children, all with red scarves for hats. Brian thinks it's a way for three women, with separate husbands, to keep track of their kids. I think it's a way for three women, with one husband, to keep track of their kids.
The pregnant man: okay, so he's not really pregnant. But the first thing I saw was two expecting women, pushing strollers, and then just behind them came a man with a bit of a gut, pushing a stroller. Hence, I have dubbed him the pregnant man.
The naked circus performer: A boy about 10 years old. Buck naked. On the swing set. First sitting normally, then getting adventurous and twisting his body about so his feet are up in the air, his back arched on the seat of the swing, his head so low that his hair just sweeps the ground.
And those are just a few...
*Nike orange shoe photo is courtesy of www.commotionworld.com
*Photo of red scarf woman from www.allparty.co.uk
*Beer belly photo from abc.net.au
*Swings picture from Cirque du Soleil
The man with the orange nike sneakers (white swoosh): Looks like a secret agent. Mousy. Dark glasses. Mysterious. Looks around constantly, as if to see if anyone is watching him. Pushes stroller to a bench, sits down, looks around. Reaches into stroller. Pulls out a newspaper. (I'm wondering if there is a baby in there or if he is a pedophile). Looks around. Nervous. Reaches into his pocket and pulls out cigarettes. Starts smoking. (Are his hands shaking?) Looks around. Reads paper (pulling up paper high to cover his face). Still smoking. Baby cries (so there is a baby in there after all). He extinguishes his cigarette. Picks up the baby. Takes off his glasses. Coos and kisses baby. Behaves like normal, loving father for about 5 mins. Then puts baby back in stroller. Glasses back on. Paper goes back into stroller. He looks around again. Pushes baby in stroller out of the park. (I haven't seen him since)
The family with red scarf hats: Three women. Seven children, all with red scarves for hats. Brian thinks it's a way for three women, with separate husbands, to keep track of their kids. I think it's a way for three women, with one husband, to keep track of their kids.
The pregnant man: okay, so he's not really pregnant. But the first thing I saw was two expecting women, pushing strollers, and then just behind them came a man with a bit of a gut, pushing a stroller. Hence, I have dubbed him the pregnant man.
The naked circus performer: A boy about 10 years old. Buck naked. On the swing set. First sitting normally, then getting adventurous and twisting his body about so his feet are up in the air, his back arched on the seat of the swing, his head so low that his hair just sweeps the ground.And those are just a few...
*Nike orange shoe photo is courtesy of www.commotionworld.com
*Photo of red scarf woman from www.allparty.co.uk
*Beer belly photo from abc.net.au
*Swings picture from Cirque du Soleil
The "Crib"
After doing quite a bit of research on cribs, I decided to move forward with the "Montessori bed" (a mattress, on the floor, with no rails).
I thought the concept was a good one (although it terrifies some people I know). The child has full visibility and complete freedom of movement. When the child wakes up, she can amuse herself by exploring her room or playing with her toys. This approach is supposed to foster independence and creativity in the child.
As the child gets older, you slowly increase the distance between the bed and the floor.
Note: The key to "Montessori bed" success is your ability to childproof.
I thought the concept was a good one (although it terrifies some people I know). The child has full visibility and complete freedom of movement. When the child wakes up, she can amuse herself by exploring her room or playing with her toys. This approach is supposed to foster independence and creativity in the child.
As the child gets older, you slowly increase the distance between the bed and the floor.
Note: The key to "Montessori bed" success is your ability to childproof.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Play Time
I never used to understand why I stopped receiving pictures of my friends after they had children. It was like my friends just dissapeared. While I have certainly enjoyed watching their children grow, I have always wished they would send more pictures of them.
Now I'm beginning to understand.
Exhausted. Dark circles under the eyes from lack of sleep. Wish I could lose just 5 more lbs. And the baby is just so darn cute...
Now I'm beginning to understand.
Exhausted. Dark circles under the eyes from lack of sleep. Wish I could lose just 5 more lbs. And the baby is just so darn cute...
Monday, August 07, 2006
Future Pen Pals?
Addy Hall (London, England)
*Made possible by John and Allison Hall
*Special thanks to Addy for the donation of her stylish newborn - six month wardrobe
Damien and Sophia Berry (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Jeff and Gabriella Berry
Mitchell and Calvin Carswell (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Allison and Craig Carswell
Jack and Olivia Donahue (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Victoria and Jeffery Donahue
Callia Ward (London, England)
*Made possible by Isaac and Elaina Ward
Bianca and Alexa Daly (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Albert and Nayla Daly
**Bianca was born just hours before Chase!
Colby Carstons (London, England)
*Made possible by Anne-Marie and John Carstons
Charlie Howell (Portland, Oregon)
*Made possible by Sarah and Andrew Howell
Maura and Carter Alfrey (Portland, Oregon)
*Made possible by Whitney and Matt Alfrey
Felix Bond-Roberts (London, England)
*Made possible by Emma Bond and Emerson Roberts
And more to come ....
> Sarah and Zack Jarvis (30 November 2006)
> Chrisanne and Jason Gayl (31 December 2006)
> Jenny and Charles Turner (31 December 2006)
> Lynn Lawrence Brown (January 2007)
*Made possible by John and Allison Hall
*Special thanks to Addy for the donation of her stylish newborn - six month wardrobe
Damien and Sophia Berry (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Jeff and Gabriella Berry
Mitchell and Calvin Carswell (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Allison and Craig Carswell
Jack and Olivia Donahue (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Victoria and Jeffery Donahue
Callia Ward (London, England)
*Made possible by Isaac and Elaina Ward
Bianca and Alexa Daly (Boston, MA)
*Made possible by Albert and Nayla Daly
**Bianca was born just hours before Chase!
Colby Carstons (London, England)
*Made possible by Anne-Marie and John Carstons
Charlie Howell (Portland, Oregon)
*Made possible by Sarah and Andrew Howell
Maura and Carter Alfrey (Portland, Oregon)
*Made possible by Whitney and Matt Alfrey
Felix Bond-Roberts (London, England)
*Made possible by Emma Bond and Emerson Roberts
And more to come ....
> Sarah and Zack Jarvis (30 November 2006)
> Chrisanne and Jason Gayl (31 December 2006)
> Jenny and Charles Turner (31 December 2006)
> Lynn Lawrence Brown (January 2007)
Choices
Chase has started making her own decisions.
What to wear... (purple pants with flowers)
Which toy she wants... (stuffed puppy dog)
One thing we're still not sure about is which hand she will choose to use. She swings easily between left and right - and likes to use both when possible.
What to wear... (purple pants with flowers)
Which toy she wants... (stuffed puppy dog)
One thing we're still not sure about is which hand she will choose to use. She swings easily between left and right - and likes to use both when possible.
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.
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