It's definitely been an adjustment living here, but not completely unfamiliar, at least for me. I feel like this is similar to when we moved to Montreal, only more pleasant. It's a new city to learn, we don't have a car and therefore walk or take buses everywhere, smaller grocery stores (but more of them), and everything is in a different language. The more pleasant part comes from the people. Everyone has been very nice so far, and when we mention that we don't speak Finnish, they don't seem bothered at all to switch to English. We've been very welcomed and have met several wonderful people. I am looking into Finnish classes, of which there are many, and hope to start one pretty soon.
Cole is adjusting well, though he is so young so it's not quite as big of a deal to him. Amy is having a bit of a harder time. She had friends at school and certain things she enjoyed about home. She knew her school and how things worked there. Now she is at a new school that works differently with new kids who don't all speak English as their native language (and therefore switch to Finnish on the playground and during break time), so she doesn't quite feel like she fits in yet. She hasn't found her place. I know that with time she will adjust and it will get better, but when you're 7, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
One good thing that has changed with Amy is her attitude toward food. She has always been the pickiest eater I know. She lived on nutrigrain bars and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For months, we've told her that will have to change when she gets to Finland, and now it has. It was really hard at first, but she has gotten over the hump and is now eating so many more things, and trying new foods happily. It's such a huge deal for her, and I'm so proud of her for it.
Amy leading the way to school practicing for next week when she starts walking by herself.
Cole picking out what pastry he wanted after a day at school.
She asked, on her own accord, if she could have some blueberries. So huge for her.
Overall, I think we're all hanging in there and doing well. Each day is a new adventure and new opportunity!
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