Our Son

We (actually I) decided that we were going to wait to find out the baby’s gender. We found that this is rather uncommon to do in Switzerland but I wanted it to be a surprise. Matt graciously accommodated my wishes. It was fun to have people guess the sex of the baby throughout the pregnancy. I will also never forget hearing the doctor announce ‘un garçon’ when our son was born. Matt was so focused on talking me through the birth that he missed the big announcement.

My thoughts on the sex of the baby changed from week to week. I had only two dreams about it while I was pregnant. In my first dream it was a girl. I had my second dream a week before Finn’s arrival. The only part I recall from it was an entry written on this blog. It was called ‘Our Son.’

Our Beautiful Baby Boy

Finn Charles McCarthy was born on July 7, 2011 at 10:50 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds (3.65 kg) and measured 19.3 inches (49 cm) in length. He’s healthy and happy and we feel so blessed. It’s overwhelming the amount of love we have for this little boy already!

New Product at the Supermarket

My friend, Christina, was in the German part of Switzerland about a year ago and found English muffins at the Coop, which is one of our main supermarkets. I’ve been waiting patiently, making routine checks, for English muffins to make their way to the Coop in the French part of Switzerland. I guess it takes about a year. Finally, they are here. I was so excited to find these because it means Matt can make his yummy breakfast sandwiches (think Egg McMuffins from McDonalds but way better).

I went to bed thinking about breakfast and was not disappointed the next morning. The sandwiches were great, so great that I had two (one for me and one for baby – that’s how I justified it). It reminded me of weekends at the cabin with Matt’s family. Perfect timing as I am feeling a bit homesick because we’re missing out on family getting together back home to celebrate the 4th of July. Say a few ‘aahs’ and ‘oohs’ for us as you watch the fireworks this weekend.

A Special Package

No, this isn’t THE special package that’s been nine months in the making. This was a different special package that we received from my cousin, Michael. He sent us the outfit made by my Grandma Thoma for her first great-grandchild. We have the tradition of passing it on to the newest addition to the family. Baby McCarthy will be the fourth great-grandchild to wear it. The outfit has traveled a bit - Minnesota, New York and now Switzerland.

C'mon Back

Our friends, Suzie and Didi and their girls, Pia and Alena, left about a month ago for their new home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Up until the last few days it’s felt like they were just there for a vacation. Although we are happy to hear they are adjusting well to life in KL and enjoying their new surroundings we’re ready for them to come back home to Morges. We miss them…a lot.

Nesting

I’ve had a serious case of nesting this past month. Every nook and cranny has been cleaned in our apartment (this includes Matt’s sock drawer). After thoroughly cleaning the freezer, it was then stocked with as many homemade meals as I could fit in there. I had to be very strategic in how I did this since our freezer is about a quarter of the size of a a typical freezer back home. I’ve also been stocking up on household supplies so I won’t have to make a lot of trips to the store right after the baby’s born. Matt has put a ban on me buying more laundry detergent and toilet paper. He said we have more than enough of each to last us a while. Just a few more things to do around the house and we’ll be as ready as can be for this little one’s arrival.

Baby Shower

Last Friday my wonderful neighbors had a baby shower for me. The gifts were very generous and thoughtful, and the food was delicious. Just being around them calmed my mom-to-be nerves. I am so lucky to have all of these lovely women in my apartment building, and I am sure to be knocking on their doors very soon asking for more advice once the baby arrives.