You can blame Gwynne when after you read her exposé on the
Swedish Embassy you find yourself booking one-way tickets to the middle finger
of Scandinavia, family in tow. In addition to a Baby Björn
fashion show, Gwynne was treated to a traditional Ikea
Swedish meal and
tour of the Washington DC
home of the Swedes - and was quite taken with their focus on the family, among
other things. Hmmm, I’m having a hard time picturing our own US Embassy
inviting Swedish journalists to check out our Mattel toys while dining on ham
steak. But hey, this is the Nordic
country that gives everyone like a year paid maternity and paternity leave,
it’s no wonder they invented the most popular baby holder around. They had
actual time to spend with their
little one in those early carrying days. Pass the lingonberries.