Ulrika is another childhood friend of mine and goddaughter of my father (her father is also my godfather). She and her husband Oscar have three little boys, August who is almost two years old now, and twin boys, Julius and Gabriel, who are just a little older than Alec. I can’t imagine having three kids under the age of two, but this family seems to be so relaxed and just “together” about it all. I also love the way Ulrika and Oscar seem so “child-centric”, really seeking to take into account their kids’ perspectives in everything they do.
Here are Ulrika, Oscar and their boys’ favourite things:
1. BUGGYPOD. A clip-on side car for older siblings to ride alongside your stroller until they’re big enough (or disciplined enought
) for the stroller board. It’s perfect for picking up August at day care and since it folds up, I can just have it attached to the stroller when I’m out and about and don’t have to stop off at home to get it before picking August up. If it’s just me and the little ones going out, just detach it completely and leave it at home.
2. PEPPA STUFFED ANIMALS FROM BABYLONIA. I love the strong colours, the sturdy cotton terry cloth material, the fact that they’re Fair Trade, and that they are machine washable at 40 degrees (other stuffed animals “can be wiped with a moist cloth IF necessary” – what a joke, those manufacturers cannot be parents!). Considering how scared to death we are that big brother August’s beloved lovey is going to get lost since it’s no longer available, we really appreciate that “You can always replace a lost Peppa. Any model that is discontinued kan be replaced by Babylonia for at least three years.”!
3. ORGANIC DRIED MANGO FROM GO FOR LIFE. Mommy-candy. Divinely delicious and smart if you want something to munch on and still get into your pre-pregnancy jeans!
4. THE BOOK “GE DITT BARN 1000 MÖJLIGHETER ISTÄLLET FÖR TVÅ“. “Give your child 1000 possibilities instead of two” by Kristina Henkel and Marie Tomicic. This book gives you a lot to think about from a gender perspective. For example, these days we often dress our boys in pink, polka-dots and florals and August has several dolls and other typically “girly” things to play with. I wish everybody would read this book!
5. THE BOOK “TITTA VAD JAG KAN! – VAD FÖRÄLDRAR BEHÖVER VETA OM BARNS UTVECKLING“. “Look what I can do! - What parents need to know about children’s development” by Ylva Ellneby. This book made me understand that children learn something from every little thing they do. Jumping in puddles and pulling themselves across the floor on their tummies is not just “play”, it develops all their senses in a significant way.
