10 things I (don't) love about being a parent in winter

So, winter has finally hit Norway hard. I want to embrace it and enjoy the pretty snow and chilly air, really, I do! Especially after weeks of complaining that we didn't get snow during Christmas. To be honest, I would enjoy winter a lot more if I didn't have a two-year-old to drag along my daily routine. I feel it's a bit of a taboo to say that one does not enjoy parenting. That's not what I am trying to say. I enjoy being a mom, and I adore my son. I just don't particularly enjoy parenting during winter. Here I have gathered a list of 10 things I don't love about being a parent at the moment.

1. Every morning before going outside I have to wrestle a 16 kg squirming octopus into four layers of clothes.  My son prefers nakedness above all and convincing him to get into his snowsuit takes a big chunk of the morning.

2. When we finally make it out the door, the second challenge presents itself.  I have to carry a heavy stroller filled with lunch-boxes, blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes down three flights of stairs. While holding the upset octopus in my arms.

3.  Once outside the building we begin our journey to day care.  Nico attends an outdoor barnehage (kindergarden) that lies one kilometer away from our place. During winter this kilometer is covered in ice and snow.  Despite its idyllic scenery, its quite the challenge to push a stroller though ice when one is not born with skis on one's feet.  As all Norwegians seem to be.

4. During our walk Nico takes his mittens off repeatedly.  It is almost impossible to fit small mittens onto a squirming octopus.

5. I enjoy the company of other parents on our walk to day care.  I don't enjoy the embarrassment of being the one that everyone has to wait for because I can't walk on ice.

6. Undressing the flailing octopus once we are indoors.

7. I do enjoy playing outside on our "kjelke" or sled.  Even though Nico is not that fond of it. We'll get there.

8. Hot cocoa sounds nice after an afternoon sledding, am I right? Think again! Nico will not by any means have anything to do with warm cacao. I thinks its partly because of all those times I've told him my coffee is just for mommy when he's tried to drink it.

9. Dressing myself. I also have to wear extra layers of clothes when I am outside playing with the little one. We both look like starfish.

10. I do love how cuddly Nico is after being out in the snow.  He just wants to cuddle me and warm up.  Plus, his little red nose in contrast with the white surroundings is a cute sight.