May 16, 2008
My childhood revisited
In the first week of May, after a 24 year hiatus for me, Noah and I and Mormor and Morfar went to Sweden! It was the first visit for Noah, and a 'tugging at the heart strings' kind of home coming for me!
Continue reading "My childhood revisited"April 20, 2008
Goofy knights
Yesterday Noah and I went, yet again, to our 'castle'! We took the opportunity to take some atmospheric window shots!
Continue reading "Goofy knights"April 13, 2008
Room with one spectacular view
First week of April Noah and I made the trip across the Atlantic for the second time, to catch up with Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy and to meet baby, erm, I mean cousin Jakob for the first time!! One of the highlighs of the trip was being whisked up, up and away in the CN Tower in Toronto!
Continue reading "Room with one spectacular view"March 29, 2008
Sir Emil
Today Noah and I went to our 'ridder kasteel' and did lots of 'knightly' things. Noah didn't want to bring his 'ridder' costumes and somehow he looked more like 'Emil i Lönneberga' than a knight with his new summer hat!
March 28, 2008
I'm a WHAT?
For our upcoming 8 hour flight to Canada next week I've been trying to think of games that we can play on the plane. Yesterday I invested in three little 'HABA' games and today we tried them out.
Continue reading "I'm a WHAT?"March 21, 2008
Good Friday, good company
We had planned on going to our goat farm as we did last year on Good Friday but it was snowing and blowing out today so we went to the Museum of Ethnology instead. It was not really for kids, Noah found it a little bit scary even (it was kind of dark in there) but he enjoyed many of the artifacts and did his best Buddha impression up on a podium among the statues (and yes, I'm sure you're not allowed to sit up there......dat mag zeker niet).
February 18, 2008
Losing the training wheels
Today Noah dispensed with his training wheels!
Continue reading "Losing the training wheels"February 14, 2008
Valentines Day
Today was Valentines Day which started appropriately with Noah uttering 'Mum, I love you' as soon as he opened his eyes this morning! Ahhhh!
Continue reading "Valentines Day"February 8, 2008
I'm a farmer
This morning started all wintery and frosty but by the time school was out, i.e. mid-morning it was a lovely spring day and Noah and I whizzed down to our goat farm!
Continue reading "I'm a farmer"January 16, 2008
Tur i oturen
Last weekend we were really lucky to have Uncle Johan come visit! However we were very unlucky that Noah was ill the whole time, running a fever and throwing up.
Continue reading "Tur i oturen"January 10, 2008
Views on the new year
Just like last year Noah and I went to Spain for a week over New Years!
Continue reading "Views on the new year"December 26, 2007
What a happy Christmas!
We certainly didn't get a white Christmas but Noah and I were happy to have invitations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and so spent the special days with special friends!
Continue reading "What a happy Christmas!"December 23, 2007
Room with a view
A few days before Christmas it was quite beautiful outside with a millimetre or two of snow, blue skies and sunshine! It was pretty cold as well with temperatures as low as -8C. This was the view from Noah's window yesterday!
Continue reading "Room with a view"December 16, 2007
Lucia
This afternoon Noah and I went to Voorburg to listen to a Lucia concert for the first time! We got front row seats which was super dooper!
Continue reading "Lucia"December 13, 2007
Pepparkaks-house as per tradition
Today is Lucia, a Swedish celebration and tradition. We didn't really celebrate that today as we will do on Sunday but instead we put together our Pepparkakshus. It wasn't planned consciously but funnily enough we did exactly that on the 13th December last year too.
Continue reading "Pepparkaks-house as per tradition"December 8, 2007
Sinterklaas & Noah's new room
Noah's growing up fast, and needs more space to play.
Continue reading "Sinterklaas & Noah's new room"November 29, 2007
Christmas Cookies
Well, there is a time and place for everything and apparantly Christmas is already approaching with full speed! Today we decorated Christmas cookies with our buddy Arlo!
Continue reading "Christmas Cookies"November 17, 2007
Swedes Ahoy!
Today Noah and I went to Svenska Sjömanskyrkan/Swedish Seamen's Church in Rotterdam to attend their Julmarknad/Christmas Market!
Continue reading "Swedes Ahoy!"November 4, 2007
Winter digging
It's been another mild autumn/winter weekend and today we joined up with friends and went to the beach for a bit of fresh air and a bit of digging!
Continue reading "Winter digging"October 14, 2007
Sunday play
Having started the weekend with apple picking we decided to continue with the activities today by going to 'our' castle again! However this time we spent more time exploring the little town next to the castle and found a great little bric-a-brack shop on a very 'quaint' little street on the canal.
Continue reading "Sunday play"October 13, 2007
Saturday Night Gaming Night
We've recently been able to start playing simple games like Memory! It's a blast!
Continue reading "Saturday Night Gaming Night"Going back for seconds!
It's another glorious autumn weekend and since it's still apple picking season for another few weeks we roped in some friends and went back to the orchards today! The three musketeers found some logs to climb!
Continue reading "Going back for seconds!"October 10, 2007
Need a new bike!
October has been quite nice lately so today we were able to go out for an afternoon bikeride today! Noah has been eating well and growing a lot lately and we both noticed that he needs a new bike! This one is just TOO small!
Continue reading "Need a new bike!"October 7, 2007
Autumn and Apples
We've had a lovely autumn weekend with lots of sunshine and yesterday Noah and I grabbed the opportunity to go apple picking at Landgoed De Olmenhorst!
Continue reading "Autumn and Apples"September 16, 2007
Fantastic: Noah's 4th birthday party!
As planned for some time now we went to 'our' castle for Noah's 4th birthday party today, 2 days before his 'real' birthday on the 18th! Mormor and Morfar were there as usual to help get the party started!
P.S. No, not to worry, Noah's arms have not fallen off, they're simply held behind his back on this photo! He was begging to open his presents and I had just told him that it was indeed finally time for that now! Hence the big grin!
Continue reading "Fantastic: Noah's 4th birthday party!"September 13, 2007
Clever guy!
Today Noah was sitting at the table all by himself and wrote his name for the first time! Well, a bit mixed up but still! Amazing!
September 3, 2007
Another milestone... first day at school
Today was Noah's first day at school!
Continue reading "Another milestone... first day at school"September 2, 2007
Doing something together
As Noah starts school tomorrow morning, a big change and event, we decided to mark the occasion by doing something 'together', just the three of us. So with mamma AND pappa in tow Noah went to his farm today for an outing.
Continue reading "Doing something together"August 31, 2007
Holiday Again!!
At the end of August we went to Spain again! As usual!
Continue reading "Holiday Again!!"August 19, 2007
Hanging with the homies...
Last week we also had our weekly 'fix' at Arlo and Quinten's!
Continue reading "Hanging with the homies..."August 18, 2007
Star appeal
With the lack of summer weather we've been frequenting a lot of museums. Last week Noah and I went to the Communications Museum in the Hague.
Continue reading "Star appeal"August 8, 2007
Noah in big brother mode
Last week we went to visit Arlo and his little 'miracle' baby brother Quinten! Noah got to hold Quinten which he did very well!
Continue reading "Noah in big brother mode"July 31, 2007
The moment of wonky truth....
Today was the big day......the cast came off for the second and final time! Here is Noah nervously waiting together with Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks at the hospital!
Continue reading "The moment of wonky truth...."July 29, 2007
Dressing up again
Today we went back to our 'ridder kasteel' again to do some research and also for another chance to dress up!
Continue reading "Dressing up again"July 24, 2007
Stranded at Schiphol
With the weather permanently stuck at 'autumn' and with Noah's cast we've had to be a bit creative with our activities. Noah really wanted to go on a train so today we went to Schiphol Airport on the train, just to run around and check out the planes and that sort of stuff!
Continue reading "Stranded at Schiphol"July 21, 2007
A magical land
Last weekend we took Noah to the Efteling, a theme park in Holland which is very old, beautiful and magical.
Continue reading "A magical land"July 20, 2007
Robot Zoo & Therapy
Today Noah and I went to an exhibition called 'Robot Zoo' in The Hague.
Continue reading "Robot Zoo & Therapy"July 17, 2007
Cast Away......for a little while at least
Today the cast came off, for a wee while, while Noah had more x-rays and then a new, smaller and much handier cast replaced it. Here's Noah at the hospital, waiting for the x-rays, with Mater as company.
Continue reading "Cast Away......for a little while at least"July 8, 2007
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark
Today Noah was a 'ridder' at a 'ridder kasteel'!!
Continue reading "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"July 7, 2007
Whistle while you work
This evening Noah helped me hang some laundry up for the first time!
Continue reading "Whistle while you work"What's in a train
Today we went to our little train museum in Valkenburg. For the millionth time!
Continue reading "What's in a train"July 3, 2007
A weekend in the country
Last week we went to a big house in the east of Holland which belongs to the parents of a friend of mine who were out of the country.
Continue reading "A weekend in the country"July 1, 2007
Little miracle
In the middle of the night last night Arlo came to spend the night with us! His mummy had to go to the hospital to deliver his baby brother!
Continue reading "Little miracle"June 30, 2007
Captain Hook
Today we visited friends and had pancake brunch and the boys dressed up as pirates! Amazing what you can do with 'one' arm.
Continue reading "Captain Hook"June 28, 2007
The one-armed-bandit strikes back
This morning we went back to the hospital in Delft for x-rays and a check up for the first time since the 'accident'.
Continue reading "The one-armed-bandit strikes back"June 21, 2007
Guilt, guilt, guilt
Noah broke his arm today. At IKEA. It was awful, awful and even more awful.
Continue reading "Guilt, guilt, guilt"June 18, 2007
Boating
A few weeks ago Noah and I went on a boating trip on a proper speedboat.
Continue reading "Boating"bits & bobs
I haven't posted for a while but that doesn't mean we haven't been doing lots of fun stuff! Here's a collection of photo's from the gorgeous warm spring of 2007.
Continue reading "bits & bobs"June 9, 2007
Swedish group
We've been going to 'Swedish group' on Friday mornings for almost 2 years now! Noah can sing some songs in Swedish and has a couple of words as well. Sadly it will soon come to an end, at least in its current format. All the Swedes decamp to Sweden for the summer and come Autumn and Noah will be at 'school' on the day in question. We'll have to find a way to keep up the 'joodeling' somehow. This is Noah and some of the gang yesterday.
June 8, 2007
10 out of 10
Last weekend Noah and I went to Spain again for a mini-holiday!
Continue reading "10 out of 10"June 1, 2007
France again
This year, like last, I went to France with Noah and my parents.
Continue reading "France again"April 6, 2007
An appropriate Good Friday
Seeing that it was Good Friday it seemed entirely appropriate to spend it among new born lambs! Half the country thought so too, but the crowds added to the fantastic atmosphere at this farm not too far from us!
Continue reading "An appropriate Good Friday"April 3, 2007
What a difference a difference makes
What a difference a few days have made! Noah is coming to the end of his stint with chicken pox! Only a few dry blisters remain! We dared to go to Naturalis, the museum, again.
Continue reading "What a difference a difference makes"March 29, 2007
A spot of chickenpox
Well, it's finally here! Chickenpox. We've brushed elbows with it several times before but not until now has Noah actually caught the thing.
Continue reading "A spot of chickenpox"March 25, 2007
When in Holland.....
Mormor and Morfar came around for a couple of days and for once there wasn't so much work that needed doing on the house and so we went to the 'Keukenhof', one of the main tourist attractions in Holland.
Continue reading "When in Holland....."March 17, 2007
Cake on fire
Today Noah and I had another birthday party! We were a bit early so we stopped on the way to get some fresh air and wave some sticks around!
Continue reading "Cake on fire"February 26, 2007
Party pirates
Last weekend I took Noah to a children's carnival in the south of Holland with some friends.
Continue reading "Party pirates"January 30, 2007
Naturalis Naturally
I'm slightly ashamed to say that today was the first time we went to a museum! Together with our friends we went to Naturalis which is absolutely fantastic for 3-year old boys! Even the lifts are fun!
Continue reading "Naturalis Naturally"January 25, 2007
Nursery dialogues
Every quarter Noah's nursery comes out with a little booklet/newsletter. One part of this newsletter is always funny things that they kids have said while at nursery. Noah has never been quoted in the newsletter before but for the one that came out this week Noah was quoted no less than three times!
Continue reading "Nursery dialogues"January 22, 2007
Melancholy accordion
Noah has wanted an accordion for ages or 'akkor-di-onnnnn' as he says. I finally found one for him and it's been his best friend for a few days. Here he is holding it while watching TV. He's actually pretty good! I'm sure the neighbours appreciate this new addition to the household!
Chocolate face
I don't know why but every evening when Noah makes chocolate milk for himself he ends up looking like this! And I say 'for himself' because he does make it himself. He starts out making 'fluffy milk' with one of our new little gadgets, the 'bzzzz-thing' and then he puts chocolate & sugar sprinkles on top until it actually resembles chocolate milk instead of merely milk with chocolate sprinkles! And then he drinks it. Or something like that.....
January 21, 2007
Stormy weather
This morning it wasn't raining for once and so Noah and I ventured out to the beach again.
Continue reading "Stormy weather"January 20, 2007
The entire cake
This morning Noah and I went to a birthday party at our old stomping ground, a great playground in Haarlem. Maybe it was because we had to get up at the crack of dawn to get there on time so Noah hadn't had breakfast yet or maybe it was just that the homemade cake was delicious but for once Noah ate his whole piece of cake. Less for me then.
January 6, 2007
A warm and sunny New Years week
This year, or, at this point I should say last year, Noah and I went to Spain for a week around New Years Eve. The weather was glorious - warm, sunny and a blue sky every day!
Continue reading "A warm and sunny New Years week"December 25, 2006
A Mellow Christmas Day
Noah has been ill for a few days with fevers and a very nasty cough so we had a pretty low key Christmas Day today! A visit to the beach was lovely though!
Continue reading "A Mellow Christmas Day"December 22, 2006
We're, like, so tuned in....
Though there is nothing wrong with Noah's winter hat I couldn't resist buying this super cool one! Screaming green with head phones on! Noah is the hippest boy in town!
Continue reading "We're, like, so tuned in...."December 13, 2006
Pepparkaks-house
Earlier this evening Noah and I put together the Pepparkaks-house. It's a super Swedish thing to do and for me it's also big on nostalgia!
Continue reading "Pepparkaks-house"December 12, 2006
"Ik ben een Princess!"
Noah likes dressing up but even when he's a Princess and is waving his magic wand around shouting 'ik ben een Princess' he does it more with the swagger of a Pirate!
Continue reading ""Ik ben een Princess!""December 10, 2006
Inspired cakes
Before the Christmas season gets off to a start we had a big birthday weekend this weekend. Two of our friends are born on the same day but luckily they chose different days to celebrate so Noah and I had one party yesterday and another one today! This photo is actually a self-portrait!
Continue reading "Inspired cakes"December 6, 2006
Sinterklaas
Noah was old enough for Sinterklaas this year.
Continue reading "Sinterklaas"Trains
About a week ago we went to a cool train museum in Utrecht.
Continue reading "Trains"November 29, 2006
Fog, foggier, gone!
Noah enjoys putting his ears under water in the bathtub! When he does and there are bubbles all around he looks really other-wordly. Well, to me that is. As the camera lens fogged up Noah disappeared, making it even more eerie!
November 25, 2006
Thanksgiving Mayhem
As good citizens of the world Noah and I celebrated Thanksgiving with our American friends last Thursday. The dinner was so yummy that I completely forgot to take photos, but here is Noah focusing on the football before dinner....just kidding, we didn't actually go the whole hog, it was a spot of kiddie TV.
Continue reading "Thanksgiving Mayhem"November 16, 2006
Watch out for this guy
Today at our favourite playgroup a new aquisition had been made! The car was very popular with the boys and whoever sat in it didn't give it up without a fight!
November 13, 2006
Autumn
It's autumn.
Continue reading "Autumn"October 29, 2006
Finally a birthday party we can go to!
Today Noah and I went to a birthday party! It was actually our 7th birthday party invitation this year but thanks to illness it was the first birthday party we actually attended. It must be that all our friends are born in the winter, which is apparantly the time to be ill. In fact, given the statistics, I'm surprised Noah made his own birthday party in September!
Continue reading "Finally a birthday party we can go to!"It's Halloween, innit!
Not only did we have a birthday party today but we also had a Halloween party! How lucky are we!!
Continue reading "It's Halloween, innit!"October 12, 2006
Clowning around
Late this evening (a bit too late) Noah and I were clowning around wearing our winter hats! Noah looked so cute with his hat and his PJs - I just had to take a photo!
Continue reading "Clowning around"October 10, 2006
The ball room at IKEA
Since Noah is now three he is allowed into the 'ball room' at IKEA! Today was his premiere!
Continue reading "The ball room at IKEA"October 3, 2006
What a shiner!
Noah almost always has a bump or bruise somewhere but this shiner took the prize!
Continue reading "What a shiner!"September 18, 2006
The King and his Crown: Noah is THREE!
Today Noah is THREE! We celebrated his birthday with the first of two parties yesterday!
Continue reading "The King and his Crown: Noah is THREE!"September 15, 2006
Crocodile Noah
Noah and I spent the week on holiday at Mormor and Morfar's in Spain again. Much fun was had and one of the highlights was visiting a Crocodile Park where Noah got to hold a baby croc!
Continue reading "Crocodile Noah"August 19, 2006
Animal Farm
There's a lovely biological farm a short bike ride away, and Noah and I have been there twice already this summer.
Continue reading "Animal Farm"August 15, 2006
The future of paparazzi
This morning Noah found my old Nikon from the depths of some drawer containing pre-historic stuff.
Continue reading "The future of paparazzi"August 4, 2006
Ahhh... summer!
And what a gorgeous summer it has been so far.
Continue reading "Ahhh... summer!"Sleeping Beauty
Noah was a bit ill last night with a fever and so today I let him sleep for a long time during the day! He was completely out!
Continue reading "Sleeping Beauty"July 22, 2006
Steam Engines
This morning Noah and I went on a ride on a steam engine!
Continue reading "Steam Engines"July 21, 2006
What, do I look funny?
On these warm summer evenings Noah likes to sit in the sandbox in the evening after dinner! The other evening he had drawn with a pen all over his forehead and then stuck his head in the sand!
Continue reading "What, do I look funny?"July 1, 2006
The Boat Ride
The last installment of our holiday: One day we went for a short boat ride! Noah liked watching the water and foam at the back of the boat.
Continue reading "The Boat Ride"June 30, 2006
The Crazy Beach
Noah always goes a bit mad on the beach! This time was no exception.
Continue reading "The Crazy Beach"June 29, 2006
The Parque Acuatico
This waterpark was voted the best activity of the week by Noah!
Continue reading "The Parque Acuatico"The pool
The pool always features on our trips to Spain!!
Continue reading "The pool"June 28, 2006
The Boat
I had promised Noah a boat for this holiday and without further ado we got one for the beach and the pool!
Continue reading "The Boat"June 27, 2006
The Road Less Travelled
Last week Noah and I went to Spain once again for a week's holiday. Since nobody could drive us to the airport this time, this journey started rather un-glamorously at a bus stop. In the rain.
Continue reading "The Road Less Travelled"June 20, 2006
Educational bath
After all that time in the new sand box our new bath tub comes in rather handy as well!
Continue reading "Educational bath"More Sand Everywhere
Today Noah and I got a sandbox to go with the new front garden!
Continue reading "More Sand Everywhere"June 18, 2006
Noah's Ark Art
Today we went to an art project for children, in and around an old fort near where I work.
Continue reading "Noah's May 30, 2006
(Indoor) Surf Dude
Given the continued wet and cold weather we went to an indoor swimming pool with Arlo (and his mummy) this morning! Noah looked super cool in his new swim shorts!
Continue reading "(Indoor) Surf Dude"May 25, 2006
The boys
Today we braved the November style weather and went out to a playground with one of our best buddies; 'baby Arlo'!
Continue reading "The boys"May 11, 2006
Le Noah, c'est moi
Noah's first holiday in France alone with dad (and opa & oma) was a roaring success.
Continue reading "Le Noah, c'est moi"April 20, 2006
Busy, happy, concentrating....
Today at our favourite playgroup I managed to snap this photo of Noah in his busy and concentrated mood coming down the little slide!
Continue reading "Busy, happy, concentrating...."April 19, 2006
Dishing the dirt
Noah loves digging in the garden!
Continue reading "Dishing the dirt"April 14, 2006
Flying high!
This afternoon Noah and I had quite a big day out considering it's Easter and things are closed and our normal playgroup was cancelled!
Continue reading "Flying high!"April 13, 2006
Easter allright...
Clearly when you have a toddler and attend playgroups you really notice (some of) the different holidays. And I don't mean in a cultural/historic/philosophical or religious sort of way but by the snacks, songs, gifts, crafts and decorations that go with each celebration.
Continue reading "Easter allright..."March 17, 2006
On the road to recovery
A few posts down I was knocking on wood and saying how we were well again. Well, I must not have been knocking hard enough or on proper wood because both Noah and I got struck down again with illness. I guess the winter isn't quite over.
Continue reading "On the road to recovery"March 13, 2006
To the Zoo
On Sunday Noah and I went to Artis, my favourite zoo in my favourite city, Amsterdam.
Continue reading "To the Zoo"March 6, 2006
The right tool for the job
On Saturday I finally bought Noah the little guitar he has been ogling every time we go to the toy shop.
Continue reading "The right tool for the job"March 1, 2006
Web cam conference
The other day Noah had a web cam Skype conference over breakfast with Mormor and Morfar for the first time. What a great way to stay in touch!
Continue reading "Web cam conference"February 23, 2006
Winter of our discontent
Most of my faithful readers have noticed the lack of posting in recent weeks. Noah and I have been ill, ill and more ill, missed birthday parties and endless playgroups and play dates. However, knock on wood, things are looking up again and this week we got back to regular activities.
Continue reading "Winter of our discontent"January 9, 2006
Birth of a rockstar
Noah has taken a big interest in guitars.
Continue reading "Birth of a rockstar"January 7, 2006
Down it goes
This morning Noah helped me change all the bedsheets!
Continue reading "Down it goes"December 31, 2005
Bubbles and bouncing for the end of the year
Yesterday, for the second to last day of the year we went to the nearby 'BubbleJungle', a sort of indoor paradise for kids!
Continue reading "Bubbles and bouncing for the end of the year"December 30, 2005
Xmas at opa & oma's
The traditional Christmas dinner on Boxing Day at my parents' was a great success, and Noah had a wonderful time.
Continue reading "Xmas at opa & oma's"December 29, 2005
A fully functional site!
As our loyal commenters have noticed, posting comments has been impossible for quite some time now.
Continue reading "A fully functional site!"December 25, 2005
Jul in Spain again
This year, like last year, Noah and I went to Spain to visit Mormor and Morfar and to celebrate Swedish Jul.
Continue reading "Jul in Spain again"December 15, 2005
Noah meets Santa
A bit early for Christmas Santa Claus came to visit at our favourite playgroup today!
Continue reading "Noah meets Santa"December 11, 2005
Sunday Party Day
Sometimes Sundays are fun. This afternoon Noah and I went to a great little birthday party!
Continue reading "Sunday Party Day"December 2, 2005
Playgroups: A Way of Life - Fridays
On Friday mornings we attend the Swedish group! It's always at somebody's house and a much more intimate group because of this. Very 'mysigt'!
Continue reading "Playgroups: A Way of Life - Fridays"December 1, 2005
Playgroups: A Way of Life - Thursdays
On Thursday mornings Noah and I attend a playgroup a little further away in Wassenaar. It's an early start but this group is so much fun that every week when we leave we're buzzing like we've been to a party!
Continue reading "Playgroups: A Way of Life - Thursdays"November 29, 2005
Playgroups: A Way of Life - Tuesdays
Since getting more settled in Noah and I attend several playgroups! We have groups for every day that we're 'home' together.
Continue reading "Playgroups: A Way of Life - Tuesdays"November 25, 2005
Giving Thanks
Noah went to his first ever Thanksgiving Dinner last night!
Continue reading "Giving Thanks"November 19, 2005
No wind in the windmill
Today Noah and I embarked on a mission to explore the windmills of Leiden. Noah is crazy about windmills and our humble town has no less than 9 windmills! The windmill we choose to explore today also happened to be on the route of Sinterklaas, arriving today in Leiden as tradition will have it on a 'steamboat' from Spain.
Continue reading "No wind in the windmill"October 30, 2005
Boo!
Today Noah and I went to our first bona fide American-hosted Halloween party!
Continue reading "Boo!"October 12, 2005
The Competent Self
For a few weeks now Noah has been in the 'do-it-myself' stage. This manifests itself with Noah saying 'self!' in a very authoritative way and pushing - almost throwing - my hand away if I attempt to 'interfere' with anything!
Continue reading "The Competent Self"October 2, 2005
Double Trouble
This weekend we had friends visiting from Belgium! Noah and his little friend got up to lots of mischief in the beemer when we tried to do a bit of sight-seeing.
Continue reading "Double Trouble"September 29, 2005
The Sweetest Thing
Today Noah got up to some monkey business!
Continue reading "The Sweetest Thing"September 26, 2005
Sticky fingers
At lunch time today Noah made the discovery that if your fingers are greasy enough with say maple syrup, cinnamon, banana and general grease from eating pancakes then things in your hand, say the chocolate sprinkler, will glide down, without you having to do anything.
Continue reading "Sticky fingers"Oooh! Donker...
A short post, with photos that don't match.
Continue reading "Oooh! Donker..."September 18, 2005
Noah is TWO!!
Today we celebrated Noah's second birthday! The 'fantastic' two's have officially begun!
Continue reading "Noah is TWO!!"September 9, 2005
Beach boy
Just like last year Noah and I went to Spain during the first week of September for a bit of ‘summer’ after a cold, wet and rainy August.
Continue reading "Beach boy"August 15, 2005
Hair
A huge fan of hair - especially pulling, tugging, twirling his mother's hair - Noah got his first haircut at a salon this afternoon!
Continue reading "Hair"August 10, 2005
Gravity pulls.....not
Late this afternoon I came outside to find Noah snacking on an apple. Still attached to the tree.
Continue reading "Gravity pulls.....not"August 5, 2005
Painting Schmainting
With all this bad, cold and rainy weather we've had to think of some classic indoor activities to do. Not really Noah's thing!
Continue reading "Painting Schmainting"July 29, 2005
Going for Gold
If the Olympics had a category for 'Entusiastic Running on the Beach' then Noah would take gold every time!
Continue reading "Going for Gold"Mamma's Little Helper
Normally when Noah 'helps out' it's a bit like "one step forward and three steps back" (but lots of fun, which is kind of the point anyway) but this morning the car actually got a wash and got clean.
Continue reading "Mamma's Little Helper"July 25, 2005
Family visits
July has been a good month for family visits!
Continue reading "Family visits"July 11, 2005
Curious is as curious does
Just after lunch today I turned around to find Noah with a glass stuck on his mouth, not holding on to it but from creating a sort of vaccum. Needless to say I laughed my head off....
Continue reading "Curious is as curious does"July 2, 2005
The Dynamic Duo
Continue reading "The Dynamic Duo"June 30, 2005
You keep on talking but I can't hear you
Just after finishing dinner tonight and with food still all over his face and hands Noah all of a sudden sat with his fingers in his ears and with a concentrated look on his face as if he was coming to tearms with his ability to reduce his own hearing!
Continue reading "You keep on talking but I can't hear you"June 24, 2005
The sun is shining!
The neighbours have added to their collection of 'wind catchers'! Appropriately - given the current heatwave - it's a very sunny sunflower. Noah loves checking them out and in fact, every day before getting into the car we spend time looking at them, it's part of the going-out routine.
Continue reading "The sun is shining!"June 16, 2005
Talking the talk
Noah's language is really coming on, he's starting to repeat a lot of words and sounds and we have daily conversations with Morfar and Mormor on Skype!
Continue reading "Talking the talk"June 3, 2005
Wow!
This morning Noah and I went across the road to feed the ducks and to have a look at the scenery on the water.
Continue reading "Wow!"May 27, 2005
Boat!
At Noah's new abode there is plenty to see! Living on a canal there are for example loats of little boats going by and we've taken to shouting 'Boat!' everytime!
Continue reading "Boat!"May 26, 2005
Don't know about that goat
Not far from our new house is a lovely little park with a children's 'farm'.
Continue reading "Don't know about that goat"May 18, 2005
Welcome Jakob!
A lot has happened since the last post - Noah has moved, has got a new house with a new room (with a fantastic view!) and he has started nursery one day a week. However, his mother still hasn't had the time (or internet connection) to document these happenings (but will do soon)!
However, in the middle of the night last night another great event took place which does require immediate mentioning. Noah's first Canadian cousin - Jakob - was born! We welcome him into the world and offer his parents - Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy - our happiest 'CONGRATULATIONS!' Little Jakob showed up on the 18th of the month, just like Noah. That's already a great sign!!!
![Jakob[1].jpg](http://www.noahjoaquin.com/noahblog/archives/photos/Jakob[1].jpg)
Continue reading "Welcome Jakob!"April 4, 2005
Another day, another way to travel
Today Noah and I road tested our new 'bikecar'. I've wanted to get one for ages!
Continue reading "Another day, another way to travel"March 21, 2005
Noah, Boy of Science
Today Noah aided humanity, furthered science and almost got an honorary PhD for taking part in an experiment at the 'Baby Lab' at the Cognitive Psychology section at the University where I work.
Continue reading "Noah, Boy of Science"March 19, 2005
Bath Monster
This is the typical scrunched-up-nose Noah smile!
Continue reading "Bath Monster"March 18, 2005
Between 'Ektorp' and a hard place...
Noah turned 1 1/2 today! Just as I had got used to telling people that he is 1! We celebrated by yet another visit to IKEA. This week. Where the sinks are slighly less wet.......
Continue reading "Between 'Ektorp' and a hard place..."March 7, 2005
Holding the baby
Today Noah and I went to visit a friend and her 3 week old baby, (her 3rd son!) and Noah got to hold a baby for the first time! He was very concentrated and very careful holding the baby and I was very proud of him.
Continue reading "Holding the baby"March 3, 2005
It's all downhill from here
Just as we thought spring was around the corner Holland has been surprised by the largest amount of snow in 15 years, as Jessica wrote in the previous post. A full 30 cm no less, 50 in some parts of the country! Now I know that some Swedes would chuckle at those quantities, but Noah, a Swede himself, was impressed! And so was I.
Continue reading "It's all downhill from here"Snow, Snö and more Sneeuw
In the last 24 hours the country has been thrown into total chaos by the wonders of snow!
Continue reading "Snow, Snö and more Sneeuw"February 25, 2005
The Last Cookie
After all this talk, a few posts down, about eating the last cookie I thought I'd explain. Another Bjorklund family thing.
Continue reading "The Last Cookie"February 4, 2005
From One Cup To Another Or The Art of 'Pyttsa'
Noah has really excellent fine motor skills! These days he entertains himself for a long time with pouring things from one cup to another or any type of container really. Or, as you would say in Swedish, and what I myself loved when I was little, 'att pyttsa'.
Continue reading "From One Cup To Another Or The Art of 'Pyttsa'"February 2, 2005
Noah says No (aaaahh...!)
Noah can’t talk yet, that is, he can talk very well only not in any language we understand. To hear him though, you’d think he was telling whole stories and imparting interesting nuggets of wisdom.. too bad it comes out as ‘Grzj? Dseh.. gerr a-ák!’
Continue reading "Noah says No (aaaahh...!)"January 30, 2005
What does the dog say?
Noah is fascinated by dogs these days! He has yet to say either 'dog' or 'woeff' but he's really interested in all dogs. Doesn't matter if they're way bigger than he is or really small - they're all worth checking out!
Continue reading "What does the dog say?"January 21, 2005
Open Sesame
A few days ago Noah started opening doors for the first time!
Continue reading "Open Sesame"December 27, 2004
Jul spirits
Just a few moments from our last day in Spain, on Christmas Eve - 'Julafton'.
Continue reading "Jul spirits"December 22, 2004
How much fun can one boy have?!
We've had a busy week so far.......
Continue reading "How much fun can one boy have?!"December 16, 2004
It's a hard life....
It's still December. It?s Thursday afternoon. It?s sunny and warm. In fact, it's 21 C and blue skies! You're in Spain. What do you do? Go to the beach of course!
Continue reading "It's a hard life...."December 12, 2004
You do what you gotta do
It's December. It's Sunday afternoon. It's cold. It's grey. You're in Holland. What do you do? Go to the beach of course!
Continue reading "You do what you gotta do"November 4, 2004
Autumn Leaves & Toddler Tears
The best thing about autumn is that Noah gets to wear his big blue coat and since he's now walking like a champion I bought him his first proper shoes! However, with walking and the increasing independence it gives also comes a lot of anxiety. And tantrums...... in other words - he's a TODDLER!
Continue reading "Autumn Leaves & Toddler Tears"October 23, 2004
Walking the walk
At 13 months, 7 weeks after taking his first 2 independent steps, Noah is walking!!
Continue reading "Walking the walk"October 10, 2004
The great outdoors
This weekend Noah became the proud owner of his own little sand box!
Continue reading "The great outdoors"September 20, 2004
Noah's birthday party
Over the weekend Noah turned 1.
Continue reading "Noah's birthday party"September 18, 2004
Noah is ONE!
Time flies!!!
It's a cliche but the first year goes SOOOOO quickly! I can't believe my little baby is 1 already! We've had all four seasons with our little miracle and here we go again! It's still amazing!!
Photos of the day will follow.......
September 10, 2004
Finally Summer
In the first week of September, after a perfectly miserable summer, Noah and I went to Spain again to get a bit of sunshine before the autumn really kicks in.
Continue reading "Finally Summer"August 4, 2004
Sand everywhere
Last week I took Noah – sporting his new sandals - to a playground for the first time and it was such a hit that we’ve been 3 more times since!
Continue reading "Sand everywhere"July 27, 2004
First Shoes
Today I bought Noah his first pair of shoes! Or rather, given that it's summer, a pair of sandals.
Continue reading "First Shoes"July 16, 2004
Bicycle baptism
The Dutch custom of taking not only themselves, but also their very young children everywhere on bikes has many foreigners looking on in amazement.
Continue reading "Bicycle baptism"June 18, 2004
At Home
Noah is 9 months today. Things are returning to normal and Noah and I are enjoying our days at home and out and about again...........
Continue reading "At Home"June 5, 2004
Jet Lag
It's surprisingly difficult to get up at 4:30 every night and spend three hours bobbing a hyperactive baby up and down, who thinks this is just the coolest thing to do, and the very best time to do it.
Continue reading "Jet Lag"May 11, 2004
Standing Tall
Over the last few days Noah has discovered the joys of standing up!
Continue reading "Standing Tall"April 28, 2004
Travel Bug
Last week Noah and I boarded a plane to Spain again.
Continue reading "Travel Bug"April 15, 2004
Discover new worlds
Spring is back.
Continue reading "Discover new worlds"April 6, 2004
Almost off
Earlier this evening Noah stood on all fours rocking backwards and forwards for the first time.
Continue reading "Almost off"March 27, 2004
Getting Comfy
The other day it was my birthday and during the day we all went to a cafe in Haarlem.
Continue reading "Getting Comfy"March 24, 2004
Living Room Adventures
Not yet crawling Noah now gets around by shuffling and rolling over (and over and over) and recently ventured off the soft padded carpet in the living room and onto the wooden floor and started pulling himself around with sticky little hands and gliding on his clothes - sort of ‘body surfing’. Like a precious little floor mop.
Continue reading "Living Room Adventures"March 18, 2004
Happy half birthday
Noah is 6 months today!!
Continue reading "Happy half birthday"February 29, 2004
Love at first bite?
Noah had his first solid food this weekend.
Continue reading "Love at first bite?"February 23, 2004
eeeh-Spain
Continue reading "eeeh-Spain"February 18, 2004
Bath time, part II
Our kitchen is heavenly.
Continue reading "Bath time, part II"February 6, 2004
Growing!
So much has happened in the last 5 weeks.
Continue reading "Growing!"January 12, 2004
Bath time
Our kitchen is evil.
Continue reading "Bath time"December 25, 2003
Love and Literature
We always suspected Noah was a bit ahead of the game......
Continue reading "Love and Literature"December 18, 2003
Noah takes a turn
After some practice Noah, at 13 weeks, can turn himself over on to his sides.
Continue reading "Noah takes a turn"December 14, 2003
On IKEA and exploration
At 12 weeks Mormor and Morfar came to visit again for 5 days.
Continue reading "On IKEA and exploration"December 5, 2003
A strong boy
At 11 weeks Noah is really very good at holding his upper body and his head up.
Continue reading "A strong boy"November 27, 2003
Neck troubles
Noah is receiving physiotherapy...
Continue reading "Neck troubles"November 19, 2003
Back to work
Today I went to work for the first time.
Continue reading "Back to work"November 13, 2003
El Commandante
This is one of my favourite photos. The little ‘Che’ outfit, given to us by friends from London, was a regular favourite as soon as he could fit into it but after this fashion shoot it was pretty much too small.
Continue reading "El Commandante"November 9, 2003
Hip Hip Hurrah!
Today was Ab’s - David’s grandfather and Noah’s great grandfather – 82nd birthday!
Continue reading "Hip Hip Hurrah!"November 8, 2003
Swedish quality!
Every time we go outside in the pram Noah wears this wooly hat!
Continue reading "Swedish quality!"November 7, 2003
Speen control
Continue reading "Speen control"November 1, 2003
Smiling to survive!
For evolutionary reasons babies are designed to be as cute looking and as appealing as possible so that their parents or caretakers will look after their offspring and guarantee their survival. Their size and obvious helplessness make them adorable. As does smiling.
Continue reading "Smiling to survive!"October 28, 2003
On (a mother's) separation anxiety
Early last week Noah had to move from sleeping in his little cot in our bedroom at night into his ' big' baby bed in his own room. This, for any new, hopelessly attached mother, can feel like a major, major event, a big letting go, a massive separation.................
Continue reading "On (a mother's) separation anxiety"October 19, 2003
Continuous change
Noah is growing well.
Continue reading "Continuous change"October 7, 2003
It's a Bjorklund!
I could never get into the whole 'he looks so much like mum/dad/grandma... etc' thing with newborn babies.
Continue reading "It's a Bjorklund!"September 30, 2003
Next to Godliness
I have started to wash my hands threehundred times a day since the birth.
Continue reading "Next to Godliness"September 29, 2003
It ain't always easy...
A few days have gone by, and quite a lot has happened.
Continue reading "It ain't always easy..."September 25, 2003
Our first outing
Our first outing, as great journeys go, was perhaps somewhat tame.
Continue reading "Our first outing"September 24, 2003
The best present in the world
Yesterday was my birthday.
Continue reading "The best present in the world"September 23, 2003
Finding a routine
Continue reading "Finding a routine"September 21, 2003
Of nipples and sleep
First night at home was not so bad.
Continue reading "Of nipples and sleep"September 20, 2003
Back at home
I have had a good night's sleep.
Continue reading "Back at home"September 19, 2003
Noah is born, 18 september 2003, 22:14
Ohmygod. After an agonising labour, the weirdest thing happens. There is Noah. He is real, lying on Jessica's chest, where all this time he has been inside her womb. We knew him, then, knew his little shaky tremors he made occasionally, inside her belly, we knew that his little feet were sort of on the right, sticking out a bit and forming a weird bump under her chest. We knew his kicks, his bubbling when awake, calm when asleep. But now there is this new little guy, we don't know him yet, he's all bloody, traumatised by having been yanked out with a vacuum pump, whimpering, not yet crying. Unreal.
Continue reading "Noah is born, 18 september 2003, 22:14"