It’s definitely been awhile since I’ve updated my blog. Mostly because I’ve been busy birthing an adorable baby girl earlier this month and settling into some nice mommy routines. I’m still processing it all, moving through various stages of surrealism, floating between reality, dreamlike states, and fully understanding just how my life has changed once again for the better.
Welcome to our crazy world, Emelie. We’ll do our very best to carve out a slice of sanity where you can live, grow, and thrive amidst it all.
[ Work Updates ]
While I do get 480 days joint maternity-paternity leave off (1.5 years) to share with my husband, I’m only taking the month of February off for now and will slowly slide back into a modified freelancing and traveling schedule until routines are firmly fixed.
One of the major reasons I feel blessed to be able to live a flexible lifestyle.
So this means I’ll still be freelancing as usual, but will be choosier in terms of what projects I can spend time on. In the meantime, here are links to my latest articles and contributions for January/February:
Africa Geographic (Safari) – 48 Hours in Lagos
BBC Travel – Sweden’s Winter Sami Festival (also on Lonely Planet)
BBC Travel – Stockholm’s Vintage Style (also on Lonely Planet)
Fodor’s – Jetting Across Europe: A Long Weekend in Stockholm
Travel + Leisure – World’s Strangest Desserts
Travel Curious Often – Reel Travel: Favorite Movies
WildJunket Magazine – Photo Essay: The Spirit of Lapland
Upcoming articles – Qatar Airways’ Oryx, Delta Airlines Embark, Heart & Soul
I’ll also be back in March continuing my work as photoblogger for Sweden‘s official website – a project I thoroughly enjoy on so many levels.
Thank you all for your continued support, love, and well wishes.
@Eunice – Thanks so much! My husband would definitely love the “Mr. Lola” reference 😀
@Chelle – Great to hear from you and thanks! Time seems to be flying by.
Wow, Lola!!! I had no idea. I am so late with this but congrats!!! So exciting! Enjoy mommyhood amd keep sharing … I can’t wait to follow your journey as you and your travel adjust to accommodate the new addition.
Congratulations Lola (and Mr Lola). Fantastic news and sorry I missed it at the time. Best wishes and many many happy cuddles. Sending hugs.
@Carolina – Thanks! She’s quite a handful 🙂
Congratulations and I just saw the only pic of your baby in facebook and I have to say that she is sooooooooo cute.
@janerowena – Thanks! It was a nice feminine name my husband and I really liked.
Congratulations, Lola! How wonderful – and what a pretty name.
@Audrey – Thanks! Definitely a learning experience. More so trying to decipher her various cries and types of poop 🙂
@Candace – Thanks so much! Same to you as well. 2012 is off to a fantastic start for you.
@Tope – Thanks maggot!
@Good Naija Girl – Thank you so much.
@Akila – Thanks! I tell ya, it does feel like a blessing to be living here especially while pregnant and as a new mom. Once the dust settles, I hope to share a bit more insight into the Swedish “social” system.
@Perlina – Tusen tack! 🙂
@Andi – Haha! I really didn’t announce it publicly. Thanks so much!
@Ekua – Thanks!
@Lynne – Thank you so much for your kind words. That would be my challenge – balancing it all. Rather, balancing the most important things.
@Felicia – *blushing* Thanks chica!
Amazing woman you are!
Congratulations, Lola! And what a beautiful name. I am sure you will be a wonderful mom and will find a way to balance it all.
Congrats, Lola! So happy for you!
How on earth did I miss that you were pregnant dear? You are wonder woman!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you and your family and I wish you all nothing but the absolute best. 🙂
hej,
Grattis, grattis, i am so happy for you. I am going to cry )) Du had tur !!!! Welcome to this world little Emelie. Take care.
Congratulations! And, wow, Sweden offers such a generous amount of time off — in the U.S., most people only get 4 months (joint maternity and paternity)! Looks like you have an incredible 2012 planned.
Congratulations on Emelie’s birth, Lola! All the best to you and your husband as you enter parenthood!
…that ducky looks mad…lol :p
congrats again sis!
There is so much to be excited about in this post, Lola! A huge congratulations to you for both the birth of your beautiful little girl, and for so many great writing opportunities. Looks like 2012 is off to an awesome start for you so far 🙂
Just wanted to send another congratulations to you and I’m so happy that you’re settling in with Emelie and just enjoying these moments. I imagine it’s a learning experience every second, a new adventure every day.