On Our Own

Wednesday was a sad day. Grandma and Grandpa had to leave. We all had a great time and adjusting to the lack of help will continue to be a challenge, although we are doing pretty well. Today I will finish getting the Ikea cabinets we bought set up in the bathroom, and that will make a big difference.

Tuesday morning I had a prep hour, and I spent it across the street at the zoo. If this nice weather holds, I will try to make that a more regular thing. On Thursday during one of my prep hours I picked up my 5-year residence permit, which makes me a more permanent fixture in Dutch society.

Naomi did really well on her own this week, she even got a bit too much done. This weekend brought a bit of rest, but we have still been busy. She does a great job of taking care of the twins, although she often thinks she doesn't or can't. Hopefully that changes soon now that she is on her own four days a week!

Ready for the Great Outdoors.

Walking in the Park.

Naptime after the Walk.

The crib downstairs gets lots of use...it isn't so neat anymore though!

Birds near the Zoo's entrance - I can see the flamingos from my classroom and bike past the pelicans every day.

Welcome to Asia.

Monkey Island.

Amélie.

Abigail.

Family Picture Time.

The Last Week

Only a few days left of the easy life. Once my parents head back on Wednesday we will have to do everything on our own. I am happy to say that we have had a great visit and many things have been checked off the lists. Our houses are really getting into shape for these babies.

My energy has been pretty decent this week except for a little cold, so we will see how that changes. Early on Tuesday morning I even snuck over to the Zoo during one of my prep hours. Too bad I didn't have my camera because the low light coming in through the mist was incredible. I was one of only a handful of visitors, so it was fun to feel like I had the place to myself.

Mom and I took a trip to the Ikea and as always, ended up with more than we came for. Still need to install some cabinets in the bathroom and when that is done things will run more smoothly. We tried the cloth diapers this week and they worked out well. Good to have that system installed, then we can use as we like.

This weekend was spent at the Cottage. We all had a nice time. Yesterday Naomi and I did something completely new for both of us - bought clothes at full price. Strange experience. We shall see if we continue to do this or not, but it sure is nice to have the luxury of giving that a try. We also had a nice lunch outside with a live band. Good to have babysitters!

Did Grandpa Steal a Baby?

I have been trying to remember what happened this week, but it comes back as a bit of a blur. A good blur. Mom and Dad have been a great help - Dad got here Wednesday. We are getting used to taking care of the twins, but it will be quite the shock when Mom and Dad leave.

School went fine, and on Friday we even went to the Zoo. It was sunny and nice. I seem to be having a decent amount of energy given the splintered nights, but that all might change when we are on our own.

For now, September continues to be one of my favorite months. Plenty of sunshine, lots of nice walks, no shortage of things to keep us busy. So much has changed since last September!

Grandpa loves to go for walks and he takes one of the girls, usually Abigail, with him. He immediately looks rather suspicious with his UP beard and clothing - they don't see that style much here in the big city. On top of that, he carries the babies in his arms, without a backpack or a stroller.

On his way home from a walk to the windmill, the police stopped him. They were very friendly, but explained that he had been reported as a possibly baby thief. They walked him home in order to confirm his identity and that of the baby's with the mother, who happened to be in the shower at the time.

All in all a rather awkward situation, but one that we home Grandma will make into a children's book one day...

Back to Work

Happily, I was able to start slowly this week. Monday was a day of meetings with a nice lunch. Tuesday was just a few lessons. Wednesday I had off as the school was able to arrange the schedule so I don't have to teach then. Thursday and Friday were full of teaching, but the lessons went really well. I was even able to organize my space and hang up some posters. A much better start than last year.

The babies are doing quite well. Gaining weight and changing fast. They already look much different from when they were born. Mom was able to take over my nighttime duties on the days before I needed to teach, and this along with all the other help she is able to provide makes the start of the school year seem manageable. Things would be pretty rough if she wasn't around!

We were even able to go to the Cottage for the weekend. It was some work setting things up there for the babies, but we did have time to relax and enjoy it too. Even had the time last night to watch an entire movie on our new couch! This coming work week will be a lot heavier, so we will see if the positive spirit continues...