Tooting My Own Horn

I have never scrapbooked in my life but as most parents know, when you become a mom, you want the best of the best for your children (well, this applies to your first child at least).

Way back when, when our babies were just a few months old, two New Hampshire friends, Becca and Staci, showed me their scrapbooks. I was enamored by their work. They were wonderful. Such a tribute to their beautiful babies, Mickey and Jillian.

So, off I went. Bought a scrapbook. Bought some materials. Checked out a few more friends books (Lauren, yours are awesome too!!) I was on my way....

Three years and four months later, I am VERY proud to say that Katie's First Year Scrapbook is COMPLETE. (as of April 2009)

For those of you have seen me scrapbook or seen the book firsthand know that I am a little bit of a perfectionist and take a lot of pride in the details. I loved and hated every minute of making this scrapbook. I toiled over ways to express what was happening in the pictures. I cropped too short or too long and had to reprint and reprint and reprint SO many ity bity pieces of papers. I struggled, I smiled, but most of all I reminisced about all the fun (and challenges) we had during Katie's first year of life. Our first year as parents.

63 pages later. I am SO glad I did this. Katie and I love to look at it together and talk about all the fun and silly things she did as a baby.

Here are a few of my favorite pages... Enjoy.

Page one. A summary page of the first 6 months.
Yes, it took 2 books to complete 12 months.

Bathtime. 0-12 months.

Ocean City NJ July 2006.

Picnics at the Park with friends: Jillian, Ryan, Mickey, Sylvia, and Uma

Lake Winnipisaukee, NH. August 2006. 8 months old.

Orlando FL. October 2006.

First Halloween

11 Months Old. I did a full spread page (2 pages) for each month and summarized in text what Katie was up to.

First Haircut. 11 Months

Sign Language Class. October - November 2006.

First Birthday.

First Birthday - Joint Birthday with 5 friends who are also Dec 2005 babies

Fun for us and the KIDS

Sunday we went to Mosaqua. It is an indoor and outdoor swim center. It was a lot of fun for all of us. (http://www.mosaqua.nl)

There was a lazy river idea that Katie absolutely loved. With her "bubble" on she was able to "swim" in the current by herself. So proud. Andrew liked it too. At first he held on to us tight and by the fourth or fifth time that day, he didn't want to be held. He wanted to "swim" solo like his big sister. (We did not let him)

It also had two pools one that was 10 cm - 1 meter (yes everything is the metric system here) and a terrific splash pool that the kids spent most of their time in. Ned and I took advantage of the water slides a few times too!

We were all tired when we left. Katie keeps asking to go back!

Ned and Andrew is the lazy river

Look fast, there they go! (Ned and Andrew)

Andrew checking out the Alligator in the Splash Pool

I think they both did this slide 100 times!



There she goes!

Katie and Daddy in the Lazy River

Katie "swimming" solo

Valkenburg

Sunday was the holy day, Pentecost. (For those who are not religious, it is the passing over of the Holy Spirit where the apostles were able to speak in various tongues to spread the word of Jesus.) Monday in the Netherlands is Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday so Ned had off. I think this is Ned's 3rd day off since he started work at the end of April! There seem to be a lot of vacation days in Holland so far.

We chose Valkenburg, Netherlands which is just a 15 minute drive from our house.

A bit of history for those that are interested...(for those that aren't, skip the next paragraph)

Famous for its ancient limestone caves, Valkenburg is where the Netherlands can trace its history back for centuries on end. A fascinating assortment of charcoal drawings, bas-reliefs and other forms of artistic expression in the caves offer an inspiring glimpse of life here once upon a time. From Roman times, when the occupying forces knew of the caves to World War II, when countless refugees sought shelter here. For those interested in age-old mysteries, there are secret passageways connecting the Fluwelengrot, or velvet cave, to the castle. In fact, a 70-kilometer network of underground passages filled with museums and other attractions runs through and around Valkenburg. (For even more information... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valkenburg_aan_de_Geu l)

Remains of a Castle

Checking out some fish at the Cave Aquarium

Lungfish (scarey!!!)

Katie leaving the Grotto...looking at a funky ladybug

Two tired kids!

First "Swim" of the Season

We bought a blow up pool when Katie was a baby. I never imagined that it would last years... I think it was $6. Anyway, we used it last year and I have really cute pictures of Katie and Andrew in it. Andrew was six months and Katie was 2.5 yrs old. (see bottom) This year, the pool was a little smaller. I know it didnt shrink, so the kids must have grown! It is on my list to buy a new pool this year. They didnt mind. They had a blast splashing each other and getting in and out of the pool.

They spend a lot of time digging in the sand table. It is like deja vu trying to teach Andrew not to eat the sand and not to put it outside the table

Monkey See...

Monkey Do

Look at that belly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you say, "where is your belly?", Andrew will
proudly lift his shirt, smile and show you his belly

July 2008

Mini Break

Ned had a couple days off last week so on a whim we decided to go on a "mini break." (Yes, very Bridget Jones of us....)

We headed to Paris to go to Disneyland Paris Resort. Katie had been to Disneyworld in Orlando when she was 10 months old so she didn't remember it. Andrew had never been. Ned and I love Disney and we figured the kids would love it to.

We left Thursday at 11am. The drive took 4 hours and was pretty uneventful. Both kids napped and we did not hit any significant traffic or roadwork. We stayed at the Dream Castle which, as you can imagine, was the whole princess and knight theme. The lobby had a ball pit and 1 euro kiddie rides. For the first time, we stayed in what is called a Family Room. It had built in bunk beds and a queen size bed. The bottom bunk even had a full bed lenght curtain (think princess bed).

We hit Disney Friday and Saturday. We rode all the major attractions like Orlando has...It's A Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Flying Dumbo, Lancelot Carousel, Pirates of the Carribean and so forth. Katie's favorite rides were Autopia which was a racecar on a track ride and Casey Jr. "roller coaster" train ride. Andrew liked the rides, but didn't love them. He was a little scared in the Flying Dumbo and Aladin's Magic Carpet rides when we went up. I know he was scared because his entire body clenched and his face turned beat red for about 5 seconds. Once he was reassured, he was interested and enjoyed it. Ned rode Indian Jones roller coaster while Katie, Andrew and I picked up a few Disney souvenirs....Baby Simba stuffed animal, Mickey tee shirt and a Winnie the Pooh balloon.

Mommy and Andrew in front of Cinderella's Castle

Katie, Daddy and Baby Simba in front of Cinderella's Castle
(notice it is pink)

Mommy and Andrew riding behind Katie and Daddy in Casey Jr. "roller coaster"

Katie VERY happy driving the racecar in Autopia ride

Andrew sort of in awe in It's A Small World

Katie in awe in It's A Small World

Andrew in a Mickey Ears high chair

Sunday we checked out of the hotel and headed to the city center of Paris, just a 40 minute drive from our hotel. We figured there wasn't a lot in Paris that would interest the kids and they were exhausted from a long couple of days in Disney and off their nap and bedtime schedules. But, how could we be in Paris and not go to the Tour d'Eiffel? So that we did.

We got to the Tour d'Eiffel around noon and had a picnic lunch at the park around the tower. It was a gorgeous day, high 80s and sunny. We had baguette sandwiches, creme brulee and petite bingnets from a local mom and pop shop bakery. The kids chased pigeons and ran all over the grass.

After lunch and some picture taking we went to a couple playgrounds in the park and had ice cream. (Yes we just had creme brulee and bingnets, but it was vacation!)

It was a perfect mini break.

Picnicing

Happy Birthday Tucker!

Tucker, our mixed breed, turned 5 years old on May 15th. We arent sure if that is his actual birthday. He was a rescue dog that we found on www.petfinder.com and met on August 15th 2004. The vet thought he was approximately 3 months old. So, we sort of made his birthday May 15th.

He was all of 17 lbs and they told us he would grow to be about 45 lbs. They were a little off... He is 70lbs! I wanted a medium size dog... Opps. He has turned out to be great dog.

This is the first year Ned and I have missed Tucker's birthday. I am sure Tuck hasn't noticed, but Ned and I (and the kids) were especially missing him this 15th.

Grammy and Grumps (along with Aunt Jeanne and Soon-To-Be-Uncle Dino) are taking care of him while we get settled in Holland. We will see him in August and the plan is to bring him to our new home then.

To celebrate his birthday the kids wore their "Tucker" shirts. They were hand me downs from a NH friend (Thanks Sylvia!) We also put candles in some ice cream and sang happy birthday to him over the phone. Cheesey, I know, but Tucker was our first baby. For those of you who have dogs, you know what I mean.

Happy Birthday Tucker!

(Sorry the video is sideways, I thought I could edit it and turn it, but I couldn't)

Katie's First Day of International Preschool

Picture right before we walked to school
Just a 10 minute walk, so nice!

Katie did pretty well for the first day. She cried for about 15 minutes after I left and then plugged right in.

Day two was Thursday and no tears. She was too excited to feed the tadpoles to cry. When I picked her up she said, "mommy, you are so proud of me. I had fun at school."

Proud I am.

Her class has 12-19 children in it depending on the day. It is the most diverse I have ever seen. There are children from all over the world, I mean really all over. China, Japan, Italy, Saudi Arabia, England and more. The teachers seem wonderful with the children and I think Katie will be very happy there.

Just a Hello Video

Kolner Zoo, Koln Germany

After a wonderful breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and ham and cheese croissants, we headed to Kolner (or Cologne in English) Zoo to have a fun family day on Mother's Day.

It was a great zoo. The elephant exhibit was probably the best Ned and I have ever seen. They had a great playground and both kids were exhausted when we left. It only took minutes for them to both be fast asleep!

Katie at the playground

Daddy and the kids

Mommy and Andrew in front of the elephant exhibit

You can sort of see a monkey in the background

A tired and pouty Katie even though she got a "Nemo" balloon

Happy Birthday Mommy!

My birthday was May 7th. Thank you for all the cards and well wishes!

We had American style pizza from a place called New York pizza followed by cake with candles and presents.

Katie insisted on getting me a soccer ball, specifically a white one with black dots. The condition was that I had to share it with her and Andrew. Ned bought me a soccer ball and "we" have enjoyed it.

A Mall!

Things are different here to say the least. You saw the oven...

Anyway, all the stores that I have seen until a few days ago have been downtown in a city setting. Think cobblestone, lots of tall buildings and people bustling about. This setting is not conducive to shopping with children. I need containment and a kiddie ride to pop a euro into need be.

Well, I found it. My concierge, Alexandra, I should call her, told me about a mall in Maastricht. I was skeptical because she is Dutch and her idea of "mall" may be different than mine. I was pleasantly surprised and quite excited when me and the kids pulled into a parking garage (sort of) and were greeted by a mall...really a mall.

Two stories, department stores, bath and bedding stores, sneaker shops (called "Do it"...as in Nike), supermarket, houseware stores, clothing and shoe stores. I was in my glory. I WILL go back there sans kids soon.

First Adventure

Monday I got a rental car. A manual rental car. All cars are manual here. I haven't drive manual since my Mazda Protege days and I left those behind in 2000. It has been a while, but like Ned predicted it came back to me. Like riding a bike :)

So, me and the kids took our first adventure drive. We went to Belgium. Just a 20 minute drive from Maastricht, but it took us 30. Not bad, I say. We missed a turn or two but made it safe and sound to our playdate with some new friends.

Since then, I have missed many a turns and now Katie says "Mommy, you are always going the wrong way." It is nice that my three year old had such confidence in me!

Just Another Day

Last night we made an "american" meal... tacos a favorite with both Katie and Andrew (and Ned and I too!). I went to two supermarkets to get black beans and even asked. They looked at me like I had two heads! Oh well. I bought kidney beans and Katie and Andrew liked them just as much.

Like usual, Andrew was covered in beans and taco seasoning from ear to ear. He thought it was pretty funny.

Katie, well, she is still three. FULL of sass...lots and lots. I tired to take a picture of her and this is what I got.

Queens Day

The Queen’s official birthday (Koninginnedag) is a national holiday, which is celebrated by street parties, flea markets, concerts and much more. http://www.queensdaymaastricht.nl/

Everyone wears orange, the national color of Netherlands. Orange symbolizes national and royal pride and relates to the Dutch royal family name, The Nassau Family, House of Orange.

Andrew was the only Galka sporting orange. We will have to be better prepared for next April 30th.

Breakfast of Champions

Here is one example of the cuisine in the Netherlands.

Breakfast: Sprinkles on buttered toast.

Not your average sprinkles or jimmies (as some people call them...I am one of them), but flavored ones. For the moment, we have pink and purple (Katie's new favorite colors) which are strawberry and, of course, chocolate at our house.

Step one: Make toast
Step two: Butter toast
Step three: Pour on lots of sprinkles in flavor of your choice
Step four: Enjoy!