Thursday, May 19, 2011

A present, a national holiday and a check-up

On July 11th. Sigve and I will have been married for 30 years, and this weekend he revealed to me what my 30th anniversary present is going to be:

A trip to Australia, to visit dear friends, for nearly 4 weeks, leaving on June 26th! 

Sydney 2008, and soon I'll be there again!
Unfortunately Sigve cannot travel yet, as his immune system is still not strong enough, but he knows how much I love to travel, and he knows how exhausted I am feeling these days, so he's giving me this break on my own. Isn't he just a dear? I am beyond excited!


Tuesday was May 17th., The Norwegian Constitution Day.



On May 17th. 1814 the norwegian constitution was signed at Eidsvoll, declaring Norway an independent nation. 
The day is celebrated in a non-military manner, with emphasis on the children. All over Norway there are morning parades featuring school children and marching bands, and afternoon parades for various adult groups and associations, in addition to children's and young adult's groups. In between there are gatherings in school grounds, with entertainment and competitions, and food is served. 
Everyone dresses up in their very best clothes, and the traditional national costume, the bunad, has become more and more popular. It is customary to carry a small norwegian flag and/or wear a red, white and blue ribbon.


My sister-in-law Liv, her daughter Kristine
and my daughter Hilde Marie,
attending the school parade, years ago,
when the girls were still in grade school.

Our friends Ketil and Brita, in their national costumes.

Hilde Marie, in her bunad. Picture taken in 2005. Her aunt Liv did all the embroidery, and I made the silver jewelry. (There are close-ups of the jewelry under the tab " My jewelry" just under the blog header.)



On Monday we went to Bergen for Sigve's 9 month's check-up. As usual we took the camper van and parked in the parking lot just outside the hospital.
Every 3 months after the transplant there's a big check-up, so this was one of them. No surprises this time either; Sigve is still being followed up closely every two weeks at Haugesund hospital. The formerly raised liver test levels were back to normal, but the creatinine level is still slightly raised, so he should be sipping water all the time, which he finds hard to do. It was decided that he could reduce the evening Sandimmun dosage again, to 75 mg, so he's now on 75 mg x2. Fingers crossed that the liver test levels don't go back up again.
However, lately Sigve has had some leg cramps at night, and his right foot is feeling numb from the ankle to the toes. It also feels a bit powerless when he walks. The doctor took this seriously, and did a lot of tests, without drawing any immediate conclusion. So a MR examination is being scheduled within the next 4 weeks, and we'll have to wait for that before we know more. 


Helmer has grown so much. He's passed the 3 month mark already, weighing 5.9 kilos and measuring 62 cm. He's cheerful, "talkative" and cuddly. At his 3 month's check-up the health care nurse was impressed by how strong his little neck is. 















Gratitude for abundance:
For this wonderful husband of mine, who's sending me on an amazing trip without being able to go himself.
For Sigve's recovery still going so well. We are amazed at how fortunate/lucky/ blessed he is to have had no serious complications.
For living in a country where our tax money takes care of all costs concerning health care.
For a wonderful son, daughter and son-in-law, and a most awesome grandchild.



9 comments:

travellers4fun said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
travellers4fun said...

Indeed great news about Sigve,
and great news about the journey
(guess who made the travel arrangements)!

In the midst of trying times, my dear -
- you're also one lucky girl!

:-)

[First comment edited away due to horrid orthography!]

Inge said...

Dejlig læsning og Helmer er bare så skøn :-)

Birdie said...

I am new to your blog. :-)

Where to start? Good news about your husband! Your grandson is adorable and a trip to Australia! Awesome!

Inger said...

How great to see those costumes and how nice that you pointed out your National Day is celebrated without military hoopla. I'm glad your husband is doing OK and I hope the foot and leg problems will turn out OK too. I can see what a joy your grandchild is. He surely came along at just the right moment. Having good health insurance here, I am still faced with some expensive problems, and I am so with you when it comes to wishing for the security of taxes paid health coverage. It is scary getting old here unless you have a lot of money. I know you will have a wonderful trip. What a gift!--Inger

Gemma Wiseman said...

Fantastic that you will be travelling down my way! What a wonderful husband! Adore the costumes and baby faces featured in these photos!

eileeninmd said...

I am also a new visitor to your blog. I loved all your family photos, especially the little one. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Make sure you take lots of photos.

Haddock said...

The kids look so happy.
Like that picture of the grandchild sleeping on the chest.

Unknown said...

Congrats with your anniversary!
So exciting to go to Autralia and well deserved:) Very giving of your husband. And I love that little frown in the last pic of your grand child!

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