The temporary apartment

Our temporary apartment is quite different than what we're used to, as expected.

It's not exactly child friendly.  The first full day we were here, Maddie shattered one of the bedside lamps because it looked like a ball.  The lamp was a white glass ball with a light bulb inside sitting on top of the table (similar to this).  Who could blame her?  She loves playing ball and the nightstands (and the bed, and the couch, and the coffee table) are very low to the ground so she couldn't be stopped.

Our living/family room

It's very modern, which isn't exactly what we would choose.  For example, the couch is not ergonomic or very comfortable.  The coffee table is about 6 inches off the ground which makes it seem very impractical.  We are excited to get into our own rental apartment and add some warmth with area rugs and make it our home with pictures and things.

This was after we went for a run on some trails nearby.  

At the same time, it has a LOT of nice features.  It is great to have 2 bathrooms.  I love that the kitchen is open to the dining/family room so I can wash dishes and watch the kids.  We love the little terrace.  Just this morning, we sat out there and listened to the birds while Maddie ate breakfast.  It's very nice to have a washer/dryer in the unit.  The water gets hot instantly because the water heating is at the source, more efficient than water heaters in the USA.  It's only a 5 minute walk to the grocery store door to door.  The blinds, oh the blinds!  They are awesome and pretty much block out all light.  It's pretty standard to have built in blinds in all the windows on the outside.  Some are electric and some are manual.  It's great for kid nap time and for going to bed before the sun fully sets during the summer (or for sleeping in, but really, who does that anymore?).  I'll have to take a video to show you.  The curtains are also different--it's pretty standard to have built in lines to put ceiling to floor curtains on every window.  No need to screw into the walls.  It has a lot of storage for a small apartment.  They build the apartments so well and use every inch of extra space for built in cabinets.

The view from the kitchen sink.

The first night, I made the easiest and cheapest thing I know how to make: spaghetti.  The second night, I made a very appropriate dinner: sausage and potatoes (with a side salad).  We are living in the land of sausage and potatoes.  It was a bonus that this sausage was on sale.  I had no clue what I bought, but I knew it was cheaper than any other meat at the grocery store, and meat is very expensive here.  

One of the main ways we get her to sit and eat around here.

Our room.

 On the beds here, they sleep with a fitted sheet and a comforter with a duvet on it.  The beds usually come with 2 comforters that are folded for each person.  One of us sleeps with the comforter and the other with Granny's quilt.  We will be bringing back a set of queen sheets when we come home to visit!  Mainly because it's easier to wash the sheets rather than the duvet cover every time you launder the bedding.

One of the bathrooms.  Note that there are 2 buttons for flushing the toilet.  The showers almost always are a handle.

The front door and main hall.

Madison's room.

 Madison now has a crib in her room.  In desperation for more sleep, we went to Ikea yesterday and bought a crib in hopes that she wouldn't climb out.  Last night was a success in that she didn't climb out, but she still woke up 3 times which seems to be the norm now.  Unfortunately for him, Bryce is on Maddie duty at night.  We are both averaging 3 wake up times a night.  You can pray for us.

Our kitchen.  Note that there is a steamer, not a microwave.  I'll answer your question, no, it does not replace a microwave.  In fact, it takes quite awhile to cook your food in the steamer, but it is a healthy option.

This morning, eating her breakfast and watching Bubble Guppies.

We are sure that before we leave, she will flip over this chair.

Testing the limits, as usual.