Grandma and Grandpa Thoma’s Visit

Finn spent some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa during their two week visit. We’re so glad they were able to make the trip over to see their grandson so soon after his birth. It was extremely helpful to have them here while Matt was away in the US, too.

Grandma had a special knack for getting Finn to sleep. She logged a lot of miles as she walked him around the apartment to induce sleep. Many of those miles were after middle of the night feedings. I don’t think she slept through a night here. She was always getting up to check on us.



Grandpa was in charge of pushing the stroller on walks. We discovered the more cobblestones, the better. They put Finn right to sleep. I think we’ll be wearing out the stroller wheels at some point with all those bumps. Grandpa and Finn bonded as they watched a few baseball games on TV. Their matching clothes made it obvious which team they were rooting for (Go Brew Crew!).



We are so appreciative of all the love and support they gave us during their visit and continue to give us from afar. Finn is very lucky to have such loving grandparents.

Happy Birthday!

Gramma Barb celebrated a birthday last weekend. Since Finn wasn’t able to wish her a happy birthday in person, he did the next best thing and did it over Skype. He’s saving his birthday hug and kiss for when she comes to Switzerland later this month.

One Month Old Already

It’s amazing how life has changed in just one month for us. It can be exhausting at times but it is truly the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced.

Finn had his one month check up today at the pediatrician. Just getting me and Finn dressed and out the door is still a challenge but we did well this morning. The pediatrician had all good things to say. Finn gained 800 grams in the past month. He is now 4.42kg (9 lbs. 12 oz.) . He also grew 7 centimeters. Our baby boy is growing!

Hello Grandma and Grandpa!

Grandma and Grandpa Thoma made the trip to Switzerland to meet their new grandson. It was a very special moment when they saw Finn in person for the first time.

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.