Sunday, June 28, 2009

A sick week

Eileen had her first major illness here between Monday night and Tuesday. She had a fever of 104. But, it came right down with acetaminophen. The next day we talked to the doc and she told us that it was likely a lower GI viral infection and would clear within a week. I caught it the next day, but for each of us, it was thankfully less than 48 hours till we were well.

So, then we played with friends in the sun, at the lake at Hemelrijk and the great play area in Handel. And of course, went to Schinnen...getting the car legal for the second half of our time here.

There you have my mindset. We are on the outbound side of this time. I need to spend it more productively, more friends, more adventures, more play. Less time in the house with a frustrated toddler.

Also, for those of you planning to come visit (you know who you are)...remember we are on that downward side of the time here.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

playgrounds

Eileen and I go to playgrounds. Last Thursday was indeed a three playground day. There are some things to note here. A playground never ever ever has a drinking fountain. In fact, they are scarce here. Perhaps an endangered species.

If a playground has a swing, it most certainly isn't meant for babies -- except in three locations near us...

All playgrounds must have at least one slide.

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Another thing to note. If the playground has a bunch of kids speaking Dutch (Nederlands), then the correct approach is to rapidly attack whatever you find interesting, even (or perhaps especially) if you must push the other kids out of the way to get there (or at least ignore them). But, if the kids are speaking English, this is rude...even at 16 months...so you should wait your turn.

Play is really a very complex thing. I don't remember it that way.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Anniversary and life

Eric and I have lasted another year. So, year one we couldn't celebrate as the plane did not fly that week from Ascension (Eric missed Karl's wedding as a result). Year 2 was in C. Springs, at Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Year 3 was at Bella Italia here in Uden, with Eileen asleep on the chair next to me for the whole meal. And, this year, Eileen enjoyed a baby sitter (thanks Madeline!) and we went to Listers in Uden.

Other news: we are getting ready for vacation in Scotland.

I am still the least romantic person I know. I got Eric a couple of neat versions of things that he would enjoy (e.g. white chocolate, a place to store the cell phone while charging (thanks for that idea, Karl), a travel toothbrush holder that looks like a cow and mounts to the wall. Eric got me beautiful, pesticide free, lilies. Notice a discrepancy? Me neither!

Eileen and I joined friends for a trip to Utrecht on Friday. It was great. I got to see a bunch of things that were fun...and cannot wait to go back with Eric. Thursday we met my friend Meredith and baby Dina in the cute little town of Son en Breuge for lunch. We had an awesome lunch and time. Wish it had been longer, but we wore out our respective little ones.

Eileen is definitely pushing all the 2 year old buttons full force. We will see if I end up having a break down, but so far so good. Solutions for the tantrums include, putting her in her bed. Walking away. Giving hugs. Tickling. Blowing bubbles. Diming out the cat. I am open to other suggestions, as I am usually through that whole range before lunch!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Return to the Netherlands and a Blog

We have spent two weeks in the US since I last posted. By we, I mean Eileen and me. Eric joined in for the last four days to see daughter number 1 happily wed to the father of her daughter. I enjoyed grandparent-a-looza part 1 2009, so thanks to everyone who joined us along the way!

Along the way, we had the ability to contemplate the kindness of strangers. Over the course of 6 flights, we were delayed by: 0 hrs, 26 hrs, 1.5 hrs, 2.5 hrs, 0 hrs, and 2 hrs. During those delays people helped me in various ways, whether watching the baby seat so that I could chase her in a play area, or hoisting my belongings (or occasionally baby and child seat) on my behalf, I must quote Tennessee Williams and state that I depended on the kindness of strangers.

On our return to the Netherlands, our good friend Sheila was visiting. A piece of her equipment was not working and we had to go to take it to be fixed. The young man that was working on the equipment spent at least an hour of his time on it, eventually figuring out that it was the charger, which he switched for one that they use as a diagnostic. He refused to charge for any of this or even take a tip. He used a very popular phrase here: no problem.

I have weaned Eileen and unpacked since our return...but not much else. I promise to try to write more soon!