So yesterday was my birthday, but so far it’s shaped up to be a whole week of celebration. Monday afternoon Debbie, Helena, and Melanie came over and spent the afternoon. We ate lots of baked goodies and they brought me a bouquet of gorgeous flowers and a very, very cool clock. Lydia also talked me into opening the present she’d gotten for me (and gave me a couple of not-so-subtle clues about what I was getting from Tage, but I refused to budge and open his as well).

Yesterday Olof and Lydia woke me up by singing “Happy Birthday” and bringing me fika and presents in bed, as Swedish tradition dictates. Later on the in-laws came by for a club-sandwich lunch prepared by Olof and they brought presents, too. I made a second batch of the delicious toscabullar that we ate so many of on Monday, but this time I managed to save some for the freezer.

The merriment continued today when I got a terrific birthday package in the mail from my “secret sister” in a gift exchange that I’m doing with a group of online friends. She sent me and the kids so many goodies and treats that we hardly no what to do with ourselves. Even the baby made out well, with a package of the cutest onesies and a Baby Einstein CD that’s supposed to help prepare for learning multiple languages (isn’t that the most thoughtful thing?). We also made and enjoyed a real, American-style Betty Crocker birthday cake, courtesy of the cake mix and chocolate frosting that were included in the box … YUM!

I suppose I can’t expect this flood of presents and surprises to continue past today, but I don’t mind since I’ve been well and truly spoiled. This birthday business isn’t half bad.