Mammaliv i Nashville

ABOUT PARENTING –

When you are alone with August for a day, what do you do?
Check out music/guitar shops or go nuts at any playground.

As an american man and a swedish woman, do you an Jenny have different opinions on how to raise kids?
Many, I’m more traditional/old school, jenny is new age and believes in attachment parenting. I think we have a winning combo when combined.

What are your feelings about being a father of two?
Love it! Three-Not Loving it!

What do you think is the hardest when it comes to raising a child?
Patience & Sleep Training!

3 weird things about jennys parenting
Attachement, No discipline, and…that’s about it?

And second, how do you feel about Jenny talking Swedish to August? Are you bothered, eager to learn it as well or enjoying the funny sound of it?
I think it is great! Maybe I do understand Swedish, I’m just listening and observing in silence

If you had to rename August, what name would you pick?
Rhoads

What was your first thought and first reaction when you found out that Jenny was pregnant (with August)?
I think I knew before she did, I was much more prepared

Which are your 5 favourite names for a girl (your future daughter)?
You’ll have to wait and see.

ABOUT SWEDEN –

Which of our Swedish traditions do you find most strange?
Midsummer. Its very pagan-like which is taboo here in the States. I love that you celebrate a Pre-Christain tradition, that would never happen in the States. We’re too conservative.

3 weird things you have eaten in sweden
Not sure names, but I’ve seen some AWFUL looking things in your grocery stores. Everything is pretty bland too, you need to spice it up Sweden!

3 weird things abouts sweden/swedish people
Always dark in Winter, Always light in Summer. All of your bathrooms are rooms, not stalls (pretty cool actually). You don’t edit television, very shocking to see nudity at any time of day.

What is the biggest challenge to be married to a Swedish wife except all the food cravings during the pregnancy?
Stubborn, Stubborn, Stubborn

If you could find a job in Sweden, would you move?
Depends, would have to put my family in a much better financial state than now.

Favorite swedish food? And swedish food yot dont like?
Meatballs/Pancakes are a tie. I dont like Jenny’s meat sauce pasta dish.

When are you going to learn Swedish?
Do you remember what you promised me?
Yes Svärmor, I remember my promise, and I’ll learn Swedish when you learn Spanish 🙂

Would you ever want to live in Sweden?
Of Course

What did you know about Sweden before you met Jenny?
I lived w/ Swedes in Spain for 6 months, met a lot of you before Jenny actually. Its hard to judge an entire country by a handful of people, but you definitely have great fashion, music (metal!), and meatballs. And I guess your pancakes are OK too 🙂

What do you think is weird in Sweden?
You guys could loosen up a bit publicly. I find it very strange the amount of distance and space you give each other and never communicate w/ strangers.

ABOUT ANDREW –

Favorite food?
Love Japanese, Indian, & Pizza.

Fav-movie and song?
Movie-A Clokwork Orange or Aliens. Music-Rain Song by Led Zeppelin/I’m Broken by Pantera

Did you go to university?
University of Iowa – Go Hawkeyes!

What exactly do you work with and how did you end up there?
I run the merchandise Tour Department for Warner Bros Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra, Roadrunner, etc. I make sure there are plenty of cool T-shirts to buy at your favorite concerts.

As someone else asked; i would like to know more about your carrier and how you made it to where you are today!
I pursued music business outside of college and took on every opportunity/challenge for free, made something from nothing. Most people give up early in this industry, but I kept at it, learned from my mistakes and built knowledge from experience. When you’re young you think you know everything and assume someone/everyone owes you something. Reality sucks when you realize the opposite. IMO- Success happens when you work hard, set goals, take advice from others, listen to your PARENTS, and help others. I can’t say I’ve accomplished much, but I’m very fortunate for what I have today .

Where in US are you from originally?
Born in Thousand Oaks, California (outside Los Angeles). Raised in Rockford, Illinois (outside Chicago)

How old are you?
34

I would like to know whats your favourite things to do when you have the day off?
I’m usually outside cleaning up around the yard, mowing, gardening, etc. Otherwise I’m playing guitar, listening to vinyl, chasing August, running errands for Jenny, paying bills, watching movies, or drinking a cold beer

Do you have any brothers and/or sisters?
1 brother and 1 sister in law. They live in Tucson, AZ, we don’t get to see them as often as we like, but Skype when possible. I think they are responsible for all the cool August gifts you see in pictures.

Could you imagine living in Nashville forever or do you have other dreams?
Nashville is home for now, I see our children growing up here. I don’t think its forever, but its a great place for the kids.

Do you have a nickname?
Drew/James, Husbeef or beef-o (no idea when Jenny got that)

ABOUT JENNY/US

Tell us something embarrasing that Jenny does. Like, does she burp like a man or fart in her sleep?
Jenny does not shower very often, sometimes I have to ask her when the last time was. She also considers washing her arm pits in the sink normal. Weirdo

I wonder what your family and friends thought about you marrying a woman from Sweden when it was all new? Did they find the situation exciting and interesting or did they think that both of you were a little bit of wierdows ;)? haha.
They thought it was great, my parents pushed me to explore other cultures growing up and probably knew I would marry outside the US once I moved to New York since its a melting pot of all colors/cultures.

Did you at all hesitate to marry Jenny after just knowing each other for a few months?
Not at all, when you know, you know

When did you know that Jenny was the one for you?
She didn’t run the other way when she saw me at my worst, she was patient and understanding.

What made you fall for Jenny?
Her eyes, patience, and adventurous spirit

Do you think there’s a difference beeing married to a Swedish woman compared to an American? And if so, what?
YES, American women are batshit crazy, they are exactly how they appear on television. OK, that’s a joke, but Swedish women seem to be years ahead in maturity. Not sure why that is, or maybe I say that because of Jenny?

What do you think about Jenny having a blog?
Love it, its how I stay connected and see what my family is up to all day! Plus, Jenny pours her emotion into her writing, so I can tell if something is bothering her and react if needed.

What is the best thing about Jenny?
She’s my partner in crime, she has my back at all times and she holds herself well when meeting new people. She’s also a badass when it comes to customer service hotlines…she can talk anyone into a discount or free replacement regardless of warranty.

RANDOM QUESTIONS-

What do you miss the most about NYC? (Except friends & family)
Endless FUN and opportunity

What’s the best thing about Nashville?
Best place in USA to raise a family, and cost of living is pretty cheap too. We have a great music scene, professional sports, and pretty damn good restaurants which keep getting better