"Small Day"

Today I had the wonderful opportunity, courtesy of my friend Salla, of going to "Small Day".
In the library there is a really large room and many vendors set up shop inside. There were a tonne of various cloth diapers, some yarn sellers, and health products available for sale.
As well there were various carriers for babies too!
I was in the market for a new carrier, as the Baby Bj�rn I have is wearing on my shoulders. V�in�'s a big boy and without our winter coats - it's fine. I can tolerate it. But with his snow suit and my coat on - I feel like an elephant, I feel so huge. The end result is that my shoulders are quite sore and V�in� just feels heavier with every step I take.
One kind of carrier is called Manducca - you can see what it looks like here.
I was very tempted and even tried one on! The straps are nice and thick, there's a buckle that goes around the waist, and the baby can be carried in the front facing you or on the back facing over your shoulder like you. It was almost 100 Euros.
Instant thought was "WWTS"? What would Tim say? He'd say no. I figured I could sell the Bj�rn carrier for at least half the price we paid for it and it would justify buying it. But then I discovered a beautiful green wrap.
You know Rebecca Bloomwood (Confessions of a Shopaholic) when she saw the green scarf? Yes that was me. And yes the wrap is green.
I didn't think I had it in me! I looked at it and the lady did a demonstration with a child that was maybe 3 or 4 years old (quite tall) on her back and wrapped her up no problem. However a friend provided a wonderful site and I'm learning all these easy and funky techniques.
The good thing about the wrap (Tim refers to it as the "curtain") is that there's less strain on my shoulders because it's like a shawl on the shoulders. It's wide and covers your biceps too (depending on the technique you use). I haven't tried it with him yet - maybe tomorrow morning - I did use a couple Pringle chip cans for effect and Tim thinks I'm crazy.

It's green, stylish and light. There's no hooks or buttons that I have to fight with to attach...the straps don't dig in...and I can still nurse him in private if necessary. And it can be worn on the back or in the front....and hold up to 20 KG (45 lbs give or take). I was sold. And it's 100% bamboo and washable. Super bonus to me! And I saved lots of money too.

Yes I know you're thinking "Why doesn't she just use a freaking stroller?"
Because I suck at it. I can't maneuver the darn thing and I'm terrible at turning...I'm constantly bumping into things...the aisles aren't always the widest either...so instead of pressing down and turning - I cheat and lift it to turn it. hahahaha.

Alright so that was my eventful day!

Now onto other news. I have discovered that Amazon won't deliver some things to Finland. Like digital cameras, and a certain photography book I've had my eye on for a long time now. It's called "Collin's Complete Course in Photography". A friend of Tim's recommended The Book Depository, NO SHIPPING FEES - wahoo!
It didn't have the book I was looking for but I did find one by the same authors and of a different title that appears to be similar. As well, it has reached the same reviews on Amazon and through a search on Google.
I've ordered it and cannot wait. I tried ordering through Amazon UK and after waiting over a month was advised I will have to wait longer as none of their suppliers carry the book. However they list that they have "x available". Same with Amazon France. Not impressed.

Bus Strike and another Neuvola Appointment

Yesterday I had plans on taking V�in� downtown with me to do the usual - walk around and go to some regular places like the library, pet shop and grocery store. That would be followed with a bus trip back home. Turned out the buses went on strike as of 6pm last night.
I think we didn't bother going downtown because I was feeling a bit under the weather and I had an orthodontist appointment at 6:30pm to get to as well.
Well you'd figure no big deal about the buses - but there's a serious problem. The bus drivers are part of a union with delivery drivers too! So the drivers that bring in the meat, fruits etc. - well they won't be driving either! Egad! I have no idea how long it will go on for.
Maybe something in tomorrow's paper will give us a hint.
I have no problem walking home with V�in� strapped to my chest - it's only a problem if I get too many groceries to last us for a few days.

Well the Neuvola appointment is usually a joyful experience for V. Usually. Today our appointment was at 8:20am and he had to be woken up. Normally he's been getting up around 9 or 9:30 - by then I usually have a load of laundry in and the dishes 1/2 done (if not all of it).
So he was fed, dressed and we went to the Neuvola. We didn't wait long today and got him all measured and weighed and he didn't shed a single tear. I was so proud of him. Usually the head measuring is a major no-no.
Last time we had an appointment with the doctor it was a male and V�in� did some male bonding with him while getting inspected.
Today's doctor was a young female who was very tall and had Kate Gosselin hair. (You know what I mean - before the extensions came into play). Thankfully it wasn't exactly like Kate's hair - you know what I mean - half of her bangs dancing on her chin they're so long?
Anyways we walk in the room and she smiles and is very friendly and says hello. She then apologizes that she's not wearing her lab coat (which was hung on her chair) because:

"Children are scared of me so I do not wear it."

Tim and I laughed her off thinking V will just adore her as he does with anybody else.
She was sooooo right. He was fine until she took him to a table to test his hips and listen to his heart beat - he screamed bloody murder non-stop. She couldn't even get him to look or hold the rattle because he was so stressed out. When she tried talking to him in a nice, high pitched voice - he kicked her a few times...and I know they hurt....they hurt me anyway!
Well she definitely gets some sort of satisfaction (not really I'm sure) of getting the kid wound up then being able to pass them back to the parent.
SO V�in� got her back. Once in my arms he instantly stopped crying after some "1-2-3 WHEEEE"in the air....and looked at her and shot her the evil stare.
Seriously - Darth Vader would be proud.
Then when we were done - he gave her the most precious smile as if to say:
"Boo ya - I'm out!"

He was perfectly fine with the nurse after - even when she was giving him the rota virus vaccine in his mouth.
What a cheeky little boy.

Finland Versus Canada

No nothing to do with the Olympics - sorry. I haven't followed the Olympics whatsoever with the exception of the death of an athlete prior to the opening ceremonies - that's about all I know.
Oh and one Canadian curler is over 5 months pregnant. That's it.
And right now as I type this Canada has scored 2 goals against the US during the Gold Medal Hockey game. Thank goodness for Facebook.
May as well explain why I'm not following the Olympics and get it all done and over with before I get heckled later on.

A) I have a baby that is in the phase of "I'm bored of you - where's Daddy?" and if Daddy's not home - it's a scream fest. On top of teething.
B) While we do have a television - we have not bothered setting up our cable as we haven't watched TV since we've been together (Tim and I)...about 4 years ago. I don't miss it and whenever there's something that's really HUGE that I really want to see - I resort to searching for it on Youtube. The television we have is primarily for the Wii console and the DVD player.
C) I am not a sports person. I prefer to watch hockey in person and love the hockey fights. This probably coming from my high school days and dating a hockey player that played defense...who knows. I certainly don't promote violence regularly - but a good hockey fight is enjoyable to watch as long as nobody gets seriously hurt or dies.


Now onto the reason why my title is "Finland Versus Canada".
I've been getting a lot of tips, advice and comments about feeding (or trying to) V�in� solids already at the age of 4 months. I understand in Canada the standard is 6 months no food whatsoever except baby cereal and go from there.
Here in Finland - they're a bit different. They strongly recommend feeding at four months mashed vegetables, berries or fruits. It's to help with their constant need for food, nutrients and to give the poor boobs a break. On that note - no I can't give V�in� a bottle of pumped milk as he constantly rejects it. He'll take a bottle of cold water for teething - but that's his limit.
In terms of allergy testing and figuring out what he'll like and not like - the nurses recommended trying a food for 3 days consistently before moving onto another mashed up food. Today probably wasn't the best of days to try apple sauce as he was cranky prior to trying it.
In regards to baby cereal - they do sell it however during our last appointment the nurse noted that any kind of cereal or porridge/gruel should be given at 5 months. So I'll hold off on the cereal for a bit and do it accordingly.
It's not that I'm knocking Canada's "how to raise your kids" system - I'm not. Do what you want - it's your kid and how you were raised is probably different than myself. Besides the different country of birth - I'm sure V�in� will be raised much differently than how Tim or I were.
I'm only saying that if you saw how healthy the Finnish people are here compared to Canada - there's obviously something they're doing right.
From day 1 since we've been here - we noticed many things about Finns that we didn't always see with Canadians. Such as regardless of age - they bike or walk. It doesn't matter what your bike looks like here - there's no judgement. If it works and gets you from A to B - they use it. In Canada I'm sure some of these bikes being used would be scoffed at because they look so old they shouldn't be able to work. But they do. Even though it's winter and we've had a bit of snow everyday since October/November - everybody is walking. Babies are pushed in strollers, teenagers and kids are strolling around and even the senior citizens with or without assistance (human or walker) are walking. It's not something I was used to seeing when we first arrived.
Maybe that's why they can afford physically - to eat all those baked goods I keep taking pictures of! The chips and pop section are always full. Doesn't seem like anybody eats them to be honest!
I tried giving V�in� a baby-sized spoonful of home-made apple sauce (sugar/salt free of course!) and he rejected it. Probably not used to something in his mouth other than a bottle or breast and I can't blame him. He only accepted the spoon once before and that was for liquid pain medicine during his teething in which nothing else was working to soothe the pain. So hopefully he warms up to the idea of a little spoon in his mouth. And the nurse only recommended at most a tablespoon worth then work your way up as the weeks go by. So no worries - I'm not pressuring him to finish a bowl of apple sauce (which was super easy to make and delicious by the way).

And there you have it. Finland versus Canada.

Prom Date and More random stuff from Jyv�skyl�

This morning when I took the dogs out to the woods it was -34C with the wind chill factor included. That was fine - I enjoy the cold as long as bundled up properly.
By the time V�in� was fed and the dogs were tired out - the weather had warmed up and I decided to head out on my own (too cold still to bring V�in� with me) downtown.
I had to return a library book and while there I found a few more that peaked my interest. Primarily Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts. Well I found 3 books and as I was scanning them the 3rd one gave me a message on the monitor screen saying I couldn't check it out. I tried again and still got the same message "Please go to the counter". So I took my receipt and library card and tried it again - still couldn't check out this 3rd book. I went to the lady at the counter by the machine and asked for some help. She took my card and the 3rd novel and tried to scan it and it didn't work. So she asked to see my receipt - turned out that it WAS checked out but for some reason the machine didn't list it on the monitor. She bluntly laughed at me and I smiled and walked away. How embarrassing!

On to the baby store "Juniorit" (not pronounced Junior It...J sounds like a Y) - in which I was hoping to find some cheap but serviceable soft plastic spoons for V�in�. He'll be able to eat mashed/soft veggies, fruits and berries next month - so I wanted to be prepared.
I found just what I was looking for and a non-slip bath mat for V�in� that I never thought to get before. I don't think Juniorit had it before - as it was in the same section as the spoons and bottles. Either way - we need one - as he loves to slip and slide in the tub - even with Tim holding him!

Found a Halti in the pet store and hopefully it fits. The last one Loki had broke.
As I was leaving and getting outside (as the pet store, post office and electronic shop is in a separate section from the other malls) I noticed young, pretty girls (high school aged) dressed up like they were going to the prom!
I'm still awaiting an explanation from a friend here- to see if it IS prom night... But it appears so. Lots of young guys with fresh hair cuts and the girls were dressed in big and bright dresses and their hair done up in various twists.
*** UPDATED*** Taneli says it's senior's night, meaning the 11th graders celebrate that they are now the most senior because on Thursday the 12th graders began their exam period thereby ending their seniorship.

On to the grocery store. I went to S Market and grabbed some roasted ribs for tonight's dinner and swung by the Elonen stand. Elonen is a cafe that has baked goods on sale in the store as well. The lady working there recognizes me and often coos at V�in� if he's with me. I said hello and was checking out the baked goods in the glass case and she instantly pointed to the danishes we normally get with jam in the center and white chocolate shavings. "2 of these?" she asked. Smart girl - she remembered my order.
This time I stumped her and opted for a different kind of danish that Tim had brought home the other night. It's square and covered in sugar crystals with fresh raspberries in the center. Mmm good. Then I saw a cheese cake of sorts with an orange-colored jelly topping cut in slices. She is quite the business lady, this Elonen representative. She looked at the cake and said, "Mango - you like?" Well how do you say "NO - I play Wii Fit everyday to make up for the beautiful danishes I consume on a near daily basis!" in Finnish?
So I said yes please. I can't wait to try it later.

Found some used Wii games at a local store (similar to Electronic Boutique) and picked up this mystery one called "Secret Files: Tunguska" - pretty good so far.

I finally figured out how to use the Picasa Web Albums last night after much frustration...but I'm okay now. Feel free to check 'em out: http://picasaweb.google.com/Domotos.zoomclick

Riding a Bus - check!

So one of my many New Year's Resolutions for 2010 was to ride the bus.
Today was the perfect opportunity. It wasn't overly cold (about -15*C) so with V�in� strapped to my chest - we walked downtown and got everything done quickly without V�in� making a peep.
We received our Wii in the mail today so we had to get another controller, some re-chargeable batteries, another nunchuck, a power bar and I also needed some more small canvases.
We made a quick stop at the library in which I took the stairs - 2 flights of stairs to get a couple Danielle Steele books and return the ones I had.
On our way home I decided we should probably swing into the grocery store and pick up some fresh baked goods...an excellent idea!
So I picked up 2 of the short bread cookies with whipped cream in the center (Whew! I thought these were only a Christmas item!) and 2 apple cake slices...they're so delightful.

When we got on the bus - it costs 2,90E. I had some change on me and I handed the driver 3 Euros - as there was no box or container to drop my change. He pointed to a little circular counter that's beside him and I dropped my change on it. He than gave me my 10 Euro cents change AND a receipt!
In Halifax - you don't get change back. There was also a plastic pad to swipe your bus pass I think - and another machine that you insert your card (not sure what the difference was) and it beeped then would spit it back out.

Overall - we've been living here now for almost 6 months and I really enjoy it. It's super safe here and we're contemplating the possibility of living here permanently if Tim's able to get the fundings and projects.

The differences between S and K Market and other stores

I just pulled my lower back an hour ago, popped an ibuprofen, have an energetic baby at my feet in his car seat and decided to write something in my Finnish blog - as it's been awhile.

In Canada you can buy Tylenol, diapers, clothes and toys in Walmart. Heck - you can even buy food in some of them!
That is not the case in Finland. Each store has it's own "thing".
For example - you can only buy medical things (including vet medication i.e. flea treatments) at the pharmacy. Even simple things like Vitamin D (unless you go to a specialty shop I guess), ibuprofen and so on are only purchased at the pharmacy.
Things like Band-aids can be bought at Sokos (not sure about Antilla the other department store).
You can't buy diapers or wipes in the department stores - only at the grocery stores.
Dog/cat food is only sold in the grocery store.
Sokos in relation to a Canadian store is like The Bay. A bit more expensive and more "higher class". So S-Market is tied in with Sokos - as they also share the "S Card"program. With the S card you can get discounts in-store as well at some restaurants - usually 5%. I believe they also have a point system like Shoppers Optimum or Air Miles.

K-Market would be the other chain and has a "Plussa Card" program. I haven't seen any signs for discounts at restaurants if you present this card. However the discounts in the grocery store and in Antilla can be quite significant.

The differences I've noticed between the S-Market downtown and the K-Market near home are HUGE.
I suppose because of location - S-Market is larger, has a rotisserie, a deli, a fresh meat counter, a fresh seafood counter, sells sushi (which I finally tried - it wasn't too bad), and has a larger on-site bakery.
K-Market close to home rarely has good cuts of meat (if any at all because they're quite small), no deli/rotisserie/seafood/meat counter and a very small selection of "freshly"baked goods. I think it really depends on the time of day that you go to pick up bulk baked goods - as I've had some not-so-fresh items and was very sad. As well the variety doesn't change much.

One other huge difference between S and K market are their store-brand names. Similar to "Our Compliments" versus "President's Choice"- S Market carried a brand called "Rainbow" while K Market carries "Pirrka".
I like either brands for certain things. For example the Pirrka line carries a good loaf of bread that lasts longer than the expiry date stamped on the clasp and their Basmati and Jasmine rice has flavour. We no longer purchase the Pirrka branded maple syrup - far too watery. We just get the "Maple Joe"stuff which is a bit pricier but has a strong maple flavour and not as watered down.

Now obviously due to location - there are 2 bigger stores City Market (K-Market) and Prisma (S-Market) a little ways out of town. Definitely not walk-able distance like downtown is...I just need to get the courage to take the bus. We're hoping to find a cheap used/reliable big enough vehicle for the 5 of us (dogs included) - then we'll be able to make a trip once a week and get enough groceries to last longer. As well - we're in the process of looking for a larger apartment - preferably 2 bedroom and with a washing machine and a balcony to hang the clothes in the warmer seasons. Oh and preferably furnished - as the place we're in is furnished. So far we have found plenty - but they're all available this month or next. And that's not enough time to find someone to move us and to give a couple of months notice of our moving.
I don't WANT to move - however now that we have V�in� - we could use a bit more space.

Region 1 Versus Region 2, bath time, washing machine soap and blasted bacon.

We got a DVD player at a store downtown and I scored us a 28" Samsung Television off the Tori site for super cheap - and they delivered it. I'm pumped!
We asked the fellow while purchasing the DVD player if it would play North American DVDs and European - he had no idea. That's okay.

My colleague advised me on how to hack the DVD player and set it on Region 0.
Region 1 = North America
Region 2 = Europe
So! I was in a dilemma as Taneli lent us their massive DVD collection which contains both Regions.
Unfortunately the Region 0 option would not work - however now we know how to program it to either Region 1 or 2 - and be able to have the best of both worlds!
I was also advised my colleague that Blu-Ray doesn't contain Regions - so they're universal!

So tonight may be an Indiana Jones fiesta - as I haven't seen a full Indiana Jones movie - EVER.
We've watched Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou? and the original Austin Powers.

I'm also going to try and bathe V�in� twice a week - on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. Since our last bath time was so successful without a single tear - I am going to tempt fate and see if he can handle being bathed twice a week. It's not like we expose him to many people or visit anyone (now that Taneli and his family are gone for awhile) - but with the dogs licking him all the time and licking themselves - well it only makes sense.
V�in� seemed to enjoy the freedom of being able to look down at the water - or up at us by standing in the tub (with Tim's assistance of course).

Still plenty of snow in Finland and for those of you that read about the shooting in Espoo (pronounced Es-poh not POO) - it does not happen very often! And Espoo is nowhere near us.

The other day - I did a massive load of laundry which mainly consisted of V�in�'s cloth diapers. Those get washed everyday or every second day - depending on how many he went through. I think this was a 2nd day washing - well I forgot to add soap. I was so sure I did - but I must've emptied his bucket of diapers into the washing machine and put laundry soap and water into the diaper bucket...and not the washing machine.
I was so upset as the clothes started drying in the living room on wire racks - and the living room started smelling like dirty diapers. I lost it. So - we were already on our way out the door to pick up the DVD player and so on - so when we got home I re-did the load...making sure to add an extra capful of liquid soap.
Today - I did a load of laundry and I did put soap but the clothes still came out smelling a little like dirty diapers. I was so confused! Tim looked at the washing machine and there's a little blue strip of plastic that acts as a bit of a trap door for the detergent. So if it's pushed down then the soap has no where to go. Or if it's properly lifted up - then the soap is dispensed properly.
The instruction booklet is in Finnish by the way. Anyways - so we figured that it must've jiggled closed from the spin cycles - as I have never touched the blue plastic trap door before and Tim rarely touches the washing machine.

I'm going to cut out nuts for awhile - which makes me very sad as Jessica cleaned out her cupboards and gave us bags of nuts (Tim can't eat them at all due to digestive issues)...as well good-bye cheese (even though it's lactose-free - I'm still getting contraction-like stomach cramps)....and good-bye bacon.
This afternoon - I threw a tantrum. I got splattered on the face again but I didn't even cook the bacon! I got Tim to, and I cooked the eggs. Then when I went to drain some of the fat out after his eggs were safely on his plate - I got a shot in the face of bacon fat. I was livid. I refused to eat the 4 strips that Tim put aside for me and refused to cook my eggs in that pan - despite the fact that Tim drained the remaining bacon fat into a tin can.
If I didn't wear glasses - I'd get a shot of bacon grease in the eye...every time I cook bacon - even if I wear a long-sleeved shirt and long PJ pants - I still get splatters on my hand and face. Which hurt a lot. And no- I'm not hanging my face over the pan.
Probably a good thing I'm saying good-bye to bacon - I mean yes with breast feeding - I'm burning 500 calories a day so I'm not concerned about the weight gain part - as I was only allowing myself no more than 3.5 strips. But I had a single strip of bacon yesterday morning and V�in� has had an upset stomach ever since.
Someone suggested the microwave - I am not one for bacon cooked in the microwave. Just tastes weird - maybe it's me. Or the texture isn't right.

I prefer to cook bacon on the George Foreman...which wouldn't work here unless we had an extra converter. That and I gave it to a friend as a gift.
There's no splatter, the fat is all drained away into the little plastic tray...it's crispy....and nobody gets hurt.