Thank you!! Thank you so much for your comment! That blog entry gets an amazing number of hits. There just isn't much out there about Turkish weddings, in English. I guess my kina gecesi was not exactly a traditional one, but among "city people" now, there are so many different sorts, and many people bypass them altogether. For me, it was way more fun than the wedding (and I really did like that it was co-ed, it was right for me and my family, but I'm sure girls-only would be great, too.) Good luck with your wedding!! Is your groom Turkish, too?
Baby Stuff in Germany I think our Teutonia model is the Pixxel, but we bought it in 2005, and they change/update them. They have much cooler ones now! And though for a long time I questioned whether we spent too much, I am still thrilled with it and it's carrying around our second son, looking brand new. Something that it has, which a lot of other strollers don't, is the ability to wash all of the cloth bits without having to unscrew anything - they all come on and off very easily.
As for the other furniture, we've just got simple stuff from Baby Walz and Ikea - kids grow out of it all so fast, I don't personally think it's worth it to get anything very fancy. Good luck with your pregnancy ;)
Expectant mom Thank you for your blog! I was in Germany this summer, and though we weren't pregnant yet, I fell in love with the German strollers. Now that we're expecting, I definitely want to get our baby a German stroller. What model is your Teutonia? I've noticed that there are several chassis design. Also, what baby furniture and gear (ie strollers) stores would you recommend in Germany (Munich or Frankfurt areas). Thanks!
This has really taught me a lot. Well i am pregnant to my German boyfriend at the moment. and i am in Australia (with a struggling health system). My boyfriend always tells me not to worry but a lot of what i have read in your blog post he knows nothing about.
I am so glad i am going to have his mum, and sister to help me with this. Now i know a little bit more i have to think about in the next few months, thanks!!
Your son is so cute!
-Ket
Thanks! Thanks for this post! My husband and I recently moved to Germany and found out shortly after that we are pregnant with our first child and have no idea what to expect. Hearing such good experiences definitely helps. Luckily, the doctor at my husbands office has been able to recommend a few things. But is there anything particular that you would recommend for having a baby in Germany?
nationality of children born in Germany This is a really good question, and one that we only got an answer to when our son was around 6 weeks old! Being born in Germany does NOT instantly make you a German citizen. To be a German citizen, one of your parents has to be German or your parents have to have been in Germany for a certain number of years before you were born (I think it's 8). It's actually more complicated than this, but that is the summary. If you are American, you will submit a consular report of birth abroad at the American Consulate located closest to you. If you are another nationality, check with your local consulate in Germany. You will then have to go to a German government office (I think it's called Auslanderamt or something) to get a visa for your child. Good luck :)
I have a quick question. Since both your babies were born in Germany, how would you travel back to the states with them? would you have to apply for a germany passport for the baby? what would get them into the states? my husband and i are moving to dusseldorf in Oct and having the baby in March. This is something i'm worried about and havent been able to find online. Thanks!
anyone heard of the Haberkorn Variosport Kinderwagen Maxi Cosi Adapter 2912 this stroller looks amazing but as i don't live in Germany where it sold, I have not seen anyone with it, and was wondering if anyone ever heard of it, and what you can tell me about it.
Need a Hesba wheel! I am in the US. I have already checked e-bay, but I don't read German and the only place I can find information on the Hesba Condor Coupe is in german. Please help! Thanks!
Need a Hesba wheel! I was just given a Hesba Pram hand-me-down, but when I went to pick it up, one of the wheels is missing. Does anyone know where I can purchase an extra wheel? I love this stroller, and it would be a shame if I cannot use it. Please advise.
Always good to ask I think it depends on your doctors, both here and in the States, concerning how much info they offer you. I always try to do as much research as possible on my own and not depend entirely on doctors, because I'm obviously the one closest to the situation (doctors have mis-diagnosed me twice, on pretty serious things - never depend on them 100%). Actually, I was a medical interpreter for Spanish, which did not help much here! I am sorry I can't help you with the fundus measurements notations. If your Frauenarzt is nice, she/he'll explain it to you. (If you find out, send me a message, so others can learn, too!)
Thanks for reading
Great to hear! Now I have a question :) I am so glad to have found this. I am an American living in Germany (Jena) and 28 weeks along with our first child. I have been very impressed with the care I've received, but I have noticed that I usually have to ask for information more than I think I would have to back in the States. Since you worked as a medical translator, perhaps you can help me decipher part of my Mutterpass? I just want to know how to read my "Fundusstand Symph-Fundusabstand" column. I think that's where the fundus measurements go (my German's not THAT bad) but I don't know how the measurements are notated. There are arrows, and numbers over other numbers, and I would love to know what it all means? Any suggestions? Thanks again for writing this!
I enjoyed this entry, because I have experienced so many of the things you spoke of! The pillow sizes are bizarre, although have you noticed that they also have pillow that are half sized, so you can either have pillows bigger than you are used to, or smaller. I also thought it strange that when we bought all of our furniture at Ikea we could not use VISA to pay for it!
The milk is a mystery to me, as it sits in a box in our house for a month without needing to be refrigerated, but is still good! It just seems wrong, somehow :)
www.tessa-enright.com
Photos and stories of the daily life and travels of an American girl living in Germany.
You'll be just fine I may be wrong, but I think that the Army really takes care of its own. In some places, there are American hospitals with English-speaking doctors... then again, i could be wrong. Even if that's not the case, you will be JUST fine. The health care system here is fabulous. Friends who are moving out of Germany all try to get all their medical treatments done before they leave! The best way to find something before moving here would be to ask around. Where in Germany will you be? YOu could find an international women's club in that area. Good luck!
Finally, someone who knows... I am moving to Germany around May 19thish with my husband who is in the Army. I'll be about 33 weeks along at that point with my 1st child. I am scared to death, at least I was until I read your page. I am just nervous I am not going to find the resources I need in time. Is there a way to acquire any info about hospitals without knowing someone over there?
Thanks I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to blog your experience. My family moved to Bavaria just last fall and we are looking add another. I have had 3 children in the US and not knowing how the system works makes for a little hesitation in just "going for it." Knowing what to look for helps. Thanks again!
never head a american not likeing german food german food is the best bread cheese knoedel schnitzel you name it cake ice cream wish every american have that great experience and get to taste all the german food... Aufwiedersehen
daughter in France? I should have mentioned that even though our sons are born in Germany, they are not German. it doesn't work that way. They are Turkish and American. If we decide to have a daughter in France, i'll let you know, but for now I am extremely happy in Germany :))
bisous
Saskia
Tesekkur Ederim Merhaba,
Tesekkur Ederim for your reply.
The henna party and wedding in Izmir were the highlight of my trip to Turkey. I also had a great time in Istanbul; my visits to Ephesus and Pamukkale were wonderful.
The couple asked me to be one of the two official witnesses at their marriage. WOW - What an honor!
All the best to you.
Paula
Gifts at Henna Night Have fun at the wedding - it'll be fun, I am sure. As for gifts at the henna night, I don't think I got any. Some people preferred to pin the gold on me (traditionally, the bride and groom only receive gifts of gold at a wedding, rather than vases or plates) at the henna night rather than on our wedding night. But for the most part, it was just a night of fun and dancing.
We moved to Europe so that we could experience life here and travel around easily. Our three sons were born here, and these days, most of our pictures are of them! We only planned on staying in Germany for a few years, but it's rapidly becoming HOME.
This blog is featured on Expat Women
... full info
Kaanosaurus
Rex
Thank you!!
Thank you so much for your comment! That blog entry gets an amazing number of hits. There just isn't much out there about Turkish weddings, in English. I guess my kina gecesi was not exactly a traditional one, but among "city people" now, there are so many different sorts, and many people bypass them altogether. For me, it was way more fun than the wedding (and I really did like that it was co-ed, it was right for me and my family, but I'm sure girls-only would be great, too.) Good luck with your wedding!! Is your groom Turkish, too?