Who's afraid of the big bad washing machine?
Not satisfied with just crawling, she is now trying to stand!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy Holidays all! Happy first night of Hanukkah!
Happy Holidays all! Happy first night of Hanukkah!
Click here to see many pictures from 2008
Its now December, time for cold weather and end-of-year parties and celebrations.
As well as celebrating the Jewish holidays at home, we join Rob's family in traditional Dutch celebrations at their homes.
On December 5th, we went to Jan and Nettie's house to celebrate "Sinter Klaus". In the Dutch tradition, Sinterklaus lives most of the year in warm Spain. In December, he comes to Holland via steam boat. He has Moorish helpers calles Zwarte Petes (Black Petes). People write poems as well as exchanging gifts. I even wrote mine in Dutch! Presents are sometimes given in a Surprise, where the packaging is more elaborate then the gift. This year, Rob made Quinten a cardboard airplane. In years past, Rob made a castle and a 3-foot tall windmill as Surprises.
We also had a family holiday party at my office. Rob and Leah joined me there. Afterwords, we went to the Steam Train museum for a fun visit. No, there is no Dutch tradition of visiting steam trains during Sinter Klaus. We just did it for the fun.
Click here to see many pictures from 2008
Its now December, time for cold weather and end-of-year parties and celebrations.
As well as celebrating the Jewish holidays at home, we join Rob's family in traditional Dutch celebrations at their homes.
On December 5th, we went to Jan and Nettie's house to celebrate "Sinter Klaus". In the Dutch tradition, Sinterklaus lives most of the year in warm Spain. In December, he comes to Holland via steam boat. He has Moorish helpers calles Zwarte Petes (Black Petes). People write poems as well as exchanging gifts. I even wrote mine in Dutch! Presents are sometimes given in a Surprise, where the packaging is more elaborate then the gift. This year, Rob made Quinten a cardboard airplane. In years past, Rob made a castle and a 3-foot tall windmill as Surprises.
We also had a family holiday party at my office. Rob and Leah joined me there. Afterwords, we went to the Steam Train museum for a fun visit. No, there is no Dutch tradition of visiting steam trains during Sinter Klaus. We just did it for the fun.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Welcome to the world Celestine
Welcome Celestine!
3 Cousins
Leah is no longer the youngest Kaptein grandchild. On November 8th, Celestine Noa Kaptein arrived in the world, weighing in at 9 lbs. Femke had a home birth, as the majority of Dutch ladies prefer. She was attended by a midwife, and had a completely natural birth (no pain medication), as is also the Dutch preference. On the very day of little Stine’s birth, the whole family was invited to admire the new member. Femke, amazingly strong woman that she is, was downstairs drinking tea with us less than 6 hours after the birth!
High Tea
The ladies Kaptein went out to celebrate the birth this weekend with a High Tea. Well, OK, only those Ladies who have teeth. We had a delicious high tea at a local restaurant. The papa’s stayed home to spend a fun day with the kids, modern papas that they are.
Stine and Tante Laurie
Little Stine is doing wonderfully. She is now 3 weeks old, and in perfect health. Leah is explaining all the ins and outs of babyhood to her, and how to get your parents to jump when you want them too.
3 Cousins
Leah is no longer the youngest Kaptein grandchild. On November 8th, Celestine Noa Kaptein arrived in the world, weighing in at 9 lbs. Femke had a home birth, as the majority of Dutch ladies prefer. She was attended by a midwife, and had a completely natural birth (no pain medication), as is also the Dutch preference. On the very day of little Stine’s birth, the whole family was invited to admire the new member. Femke, amazingly strong woman that she is, was downstairs drinking tea with us less than 6 hours after the birth!
High Tea
The ladies Kaptein went out to celebrate the birth this weekend with a High Tea. Well, OK, only those Ladies who have teeth. We had a delicious high tea at a local restaurant. The papa’s stayed home to spend a fun day with the kids, modern papas that they are.
Stine and Tante Laurie
Little Stine is doing wonderfully. She is now 3 weeks old, and in perfect health. Leah is explaining all the ins and outs of babyhood to her, and how to get your parents to jump when you want them too.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Leah experienced her first snow today
(written by guest blogger Rob)
Leah experienced her first snow today, November 22, 2008. At first she didn't notice while observing traffic. When enough accumulated on the strollers canopy window she stared at in in amazement (see picture). Seeing the beauty of it all she started laughing as Leah can, as if the whole meteorological phenomena was only there for her entertainment. She did not even feel the flakes on her hand.
Hard to believe that a month ago she was swimming with Grandpa in 90 degree temperatures!
Leah experienced her first snow today, November 22, 2008. At first she didn't notice while observing traffic. When enough accumulated on the strollers canopy window she stared at in in amazement (see picture). Seeing the beauty of it all she started laughing as Leah can, as if the whole meteorological phenomena was only there for her entertainment. She did not even feel the flakes on her hand.
Hard to believe that a month ago she was swimming with Grandpa in 90 degree temperatures!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Reunions with friends and family
It took a few days for me to adjust to being in LA again… The strangest part for me to adapt to was that everyone spoke this weird language, English – why arent they all speaking Dutch?
We are trying to fit a years worth of socializing into just 1 week. We have so many close family and friends who want to greet us and see Leah for the first time. They are all amazed at Leah’s constant smile and sunny personality. If she knew how to write, I think she’d be asked for her autograph!
We have had a constant stream of visitors this week, as many as 10 in one day. I think we had over 60 people coming over to visit is. It really makes me appreciate all of our incredible friends and family! It feels a little like I was only away for a few weeks and calling everyone to catch up.
To help fit everyone in, we even had 2 Leah “open house” days where people could drop by casually to see her on the weekends. We have also had wonderful meals out, learned all the happenings of the last year (including 4 pregnancies that I know of so far!)
Next blog will be about the Mexico cruise….until then Hola amigos
We are trying to fit a years worth of socializing into just 1 week. We have so many close family and friends who want to greet us and see Leah for the first time. They are all amazed at Leah’s constant smile and sunny personality. If she knew how to write, I think she’d be asked for her autograph!
We have had a constant stream of visitors this week, as many as 10 in one day. I think we had over 60 people coming over to visit is. It really makes me appreciate all of our incredible friends and family! It feels a little like I was only away for a few weeks and calling everyone to catch up.
To help fit everyone in, we even had 2 Leah “open house” days where people could drop by casually to see her on the weekends. We have also had wonderful meals out, learned all the happenings of the last year (including 4 pregnancies that I know of so far!)
Next blog will be about the Mexico cruise….until then Hola amigos
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
California sunshine
We have been having such a wonderful time visiting with my family in LA! The time is just flying by. We are all enjoying the California sunshine and the hospitality of Hotel Flieder. Definitely worth a repeat visit! It was a full house, with my parents, the 3 of us and Jeremy down from San Francisco.
We had a direct flight to LA on KLM, the most child-friendly airline in my opinion. Leah had her own little baby-bed to sleep in. I wanted one too!
At LAX we had such a happy reunion with my parents. Leah was smiling and giggling with grandma and grandpa The last time they had seen her she was barely a month old. She was mainly sleeping and eating at that point. Now she is so eager to observe and play with people and “speak” to them in her very own language.
We had Leah’s baby-naming at our family Temple the Friday after we arrived. Leah is now named Leah N’Tanya after my Mom and Dad’s parents for her Hebrew names. There was a beautiful service, where Rob and I brought Leah up to the Bima for the blessings of the Rabbi and Cantor. We gave a little speech about her Grandmothers Leah and Dorothy and why they were so special. Many of my friends and family friends came to the naming to celebrate with us.
We met Jeremy at my parents house the next day, also a very joyful reunion. We all shared our stories of the past year and introduced Leah to her uncle.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Movie of Leah
I can eat on my own
Originally uploaded by LaurieInHolland
Making her small-screen appearance for the first time, here is a little movie of Leah eating. Click the image to see the movie.
California here we come!
We are getting ready to visit Grandma and Grandpa in L.A.!! Leah’s first trip on an airplane, and 3 weeks of fun in the sun.
Here are some pictures of a day-trip to Amsterdam. Leah and I went with Femke and Quinten on a rainy Friday last week. Femke had a special offer for riding first class for the 4 of us. Luckily the train was pretty empty. We took up 10 seats with all of our gear.
We met Tomas for lunch, then wandered Amsterdam for a little while. It is very different pushing a baby stroller in busy Amsterdam then when I am on my way to work. We had to dodge lost tourists, kamikazi taxis, trams, cars, narrow ancient streets with high curbs…it was definately an adventure!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Leah's first meals
eeewwww, carrots
Click here to see all the “Leah’s first meals” pictures
(by guest blogger Leah, translated by Mama)
Happy half-birthday to me, happy half-birthday to me! I have this baby thing down pretty well after 6 months of practice. I am an expert at both bottle and breast feeding, can almost hold my own bottle, and have my loyal servants (mama and papa) trained pretty well in prompt meal delivery.
Pears taste better than carrots
Play time after dinner
I thought I had this all under control when Mama and Papa sudden starting putting weird things in my mouth. What is this orange glop? Carrots, who needs carrots! Give me a good bottle any day! Well, OK, the yellowing glop called “fruit medley” was pretty good, but that thing called a banana was down right weird. I wonder what weird colors and flavors are in store for me this week? I saw some brown glop labeled beans and green glop labeled peas…hope that’s not on this weeks menu.
Oma Nettie feeding Leah
Click here to see all the “Leah’s first meals” pictures
(by guest blogger Leah, translated by Mama)
Happy half-birthday to me, happy half-birthday to me! I have this baby thing down pretty well after 6 months of practice. I am an expert at both bottle and breast feeding, can almost hold my own bottle, and have my loyal servants (mama and papa) trained pretty well in prompt meal delivery.
Pears taste better than carrots
Play time after dinner
I thought I had this all under control when Mama and Papa sudden starting putting weird things in my mouth. What is this orange glop? Carrots, who needs carrots! Give me a good bottle any day! Well, OK, the yellowing glop called “fruit medley” was pretty good, but that thing called a banana was down right weird. I wonder what weird colors and flavors are in store for me this week? I saw some brown glop labeled beans and green glop labeled peas…hope that’s not on this weeks menu.
Oma Nettie feeding Leah
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Happy 37th Bday to Me
When do I get a bike asks Leah
I celebrated my 37th birthday last week, on September 12th.
Watch out, I am turning into a real Dutch girl. I got a new bike for my birthday, with bike bags as a gift from Jan and Nettie. I actually ride my bike almost daily here, as Holland is the Bike capitol of the world. My $60.00 Target Special kids bike was on its last wheels, so time for a new bike. I now have the ONLY adult bike made in a smaller frame in Holland, land of the giant bikes as well as people.
Taking a spin on my new bike for a spin
Baby on the beach
This was my first bday celebration with Leah (for MY birthday, I was of course there for HER birthday!). I went out with the Dutch family to a restaurant by the beach. We went for a stroll along the beach first, then went to have a delicious meal.
Our city of Heemskerk had free guided tours of the local castles this weekend, arranged for my birthday I am sure. We did a very interesting tour of Castle Marquette. The tour was all in Dutch, but I could actually follow quite a bit of it.
Castle Marquette
Click here to see all the photos of my bday weekend
I celebrated my 37th birthday last week, on September 12th.
Watch out, I am turning into a real Dutch girl. I got a new bike for my birthday, with bike bags as a gift from Jan and Nettie. I actually ride my bike almost daily here, as Holland is the Bike capitol of the world. My $60.00 Target Special kids bike was on its last wheels, so time for a new bike. I now have the ONLY adult bike made in a smaller frame in Holland, land of the giant bikes as well as people.
Taking a spin on my new bike for a spin
Baby on the beach
This was my first bday celebration with Leah (for MY birthday, I was of course there for HER birthday!). I went out with the Dutch family to a restaurant by the beach. We went for a stroll along the beach first, then went to have a delicious meal.
Our city of Heemskerk had free guided tours of the local castles this weekend, arranged for my birthday I am sure. We did a very interesting tour of Castle Marquette. The tour was all in Dutch, but I could actually follow quite a bit of it.
Castle Marquette
Click here to see all the photos of my bday weekend
Monday, September 8, 2008
Commuting to work Dutch Style
Leah ready to leave
In LA, commuting to work brings visions of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405 for miles on end…Yes, of course they have rush-hour in the Netherlands, and many people commute by car in traffic…but we do it a bit differently.
Mom and Leah getting ready
Rob stays home w/Leah on Monday, and works 9.5hrs/4 days a week. I stay home with Leah on Thursday/Friday. On Tuesday and Weds., Rob and I go to work and Leah to the baby sitter.
Leah’s luxury travel
Getting out of the house on those days is an entire production that took some getting used to. We all get up at 6am. I breast-feed Leah, and all of us eat, dress, get a clean diaper (well, OK, only one of us gets that, guess which one?)…Then we prepare for our commute on bikes. Yes, in Holland, the bike is a very popular form of transportation. Holland has the highest bike/person ratio in the world I think.
Hit the snooze, I’m still sleeping
Leah’s car-seat is strapped securly into a bike trailer which is attached to Rob’s bike. We all head out together for the first part of the trip. Then Rob brings Leah to the baby sitter, and bikes on to work. I branch off and bike to the train station. From there, it’s a train and then tram commute to the office. The bike trip is about 10-15 minutes one-way. If there is a stiff head-wind, it can take longer. I definatly build my fitness more outdoors than in the gym. If it is starting to rain, I have real incentive to bike faster to get dry!
In LA, commuting to work brings visions of bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 405 for miles on end…Yes, of course they have rush-hour in the Netherlands, and many people commute by car in traffic…but we do it a bit differently.
Mom and Leah getting ready
Rob stays home w/Leah on Monday, and works 9.5hrs/4 days a week. I stay home with Leah on Thursday/Friday. On Tuesday and Weds., Rob and I go to work and Leah to the baby sitter.
Leah’s luxury travel
Getting out of the house on those days is an entire production that took some getting used to. We all get up at 6am. I breast-feed Leah, and all of us eat, dress, get a clean diaper (well, OK, only one of us gets that, guess which one?)…Then we prepare for our commute on bikes. Yes, in Holland, the bike is a very popular form of transportation. Holland has the highest bike/person ratio in the world I think.
Hit the snooze, I’m still sleeping
Leah’s car-seat is strapped securly into a bike trailer which is attached to Rob’s bike. We all head out together for the first part of the trip. Then Rob brings Leah to the baby sitter, and bikes on to work. I branch off and bike to the train station. From there, it’s a train and then tram commute to the office. The bike trip is about 10-15 minutes one-way. If there is a stiff head-wind, it can take longer. I definatly build my fitness more outdoors than in the gym. If it is starting to rain, I have real incentive to bike faster to get dry!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Fairytale Wonderland
Last Saturday we visited Fairytale Wonderland (Sproojkes Wonderland in Dutch). It is the Dutch “disney-esque” theme park for the under-6 set.
It features life-size cottages that depict scenes from fairy tales. Well, life-size for a 6-year old. Of all of us, I had the least trouble bending to see into the little windows. They had all the classics like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and also a bunch of little Kebouter (gnome) houses.
Leah and I took a turn driving Cinderella’s magic coach. Leah preferred being an equestrian than sitting in the coach. By next year, Aunties Sarah and Grace will help her choose a ball-gown so she can go to the ball at the palace.
They also had little rides, like boats and a “hobby horse” on a track. Quinten needed an adult to accompany him, so of course it was 6’5” Tomas who scrunched on that tiny horse behind Quinten!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Trip to Bouillon (Belgium)
Click here to see all the photos from the trip
Best Jousting Tournament Ever
We did a 4 day mini-holiday to Bouillon, Belgium for a 4 day weekend. One of the cool things about living in Europe is you drive a few hours and you are in another country! We stayed in Bouillon, at the French/Belgium border. Never did find out though if the soup was named after the town.
Bouillon view from our hotel
Bouillon is a pretty little town set in the Belgium hills. A change of scenery after being in flat Holland for a while. Our hotel was on a hill and had a gorgeous overview of the town and historical castle. The hotel was not as impressive as our Gent B&B, but it had a great view! We visited the castle, museum and the tourist movie about the local hero (leader of the first Crusade in 11th century)….well, I use we a little loosley. Leah did not feel like seeing a film or museum, so Rob got his museum and I got my crusader film, and Leah got to hang out with the other one and enjoy the outdoor scenery.
Rob & some lazy guards
We all had an incredible time on our day trip into Sedan, France. They had a fun castle tour, with audio tour and life-sized dolls set up in various rooms to show the historical events. They had the coolest jousting tournament ever!!! They had 5 nights doing about 6 sorts of historically accurate jousting events, a non-very-historical-but-still-incredibly-cool fire breathing dragon, princess in danger, sword fighting….anyways, it was really spectacular. We all enjoyed it, the highlight of the trip for me!
Family at Bouillon castle
Leah is in all a well-traveled baby. In the first 4 months, she has been in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. She may be up for the baby award for most castles visited before 6 months old!
Best Jousting Tournament Ever
We did a 4 day mini-holiday to Bouillon, Belgium for a 4 day weekend. One of the cool things about living in Europe is you drive a few hours and you are in another country! We stayed in Bouillon, at the French/Belgium border. Never did find out though if the soup was named after the town.
Bouillon view from our hotel
Bouillon is a pretty little town set in the Belgium hills. A change of scenery after being in flat Holland for a while. Our hotel was on a hill and had a gorgeous overview of the town and historical castle. The hotel was not as impressive as our Gent B&B, but it had a great view! We visited the castle, museum and the tourist movie about the local hero (leader of the first Crusade in 11th century)….well, I use we a little loosley. Leah did not feel like seeing a film or museum, so Rob got his museum and I got my crusader film, and Leah got to hang out with the other one and enjoy the outdoor scenery.
Rob & some lazy guards
We all had an incredible time on our day trip into Sedan, France. They had a fun castle tour, with audio tour and life-sized dolls set up in various rooms to show the historical events. They had the coolest jousting tournament ever!!! They had 5 nights doing about 6 sorts of historically accurate jousting events, a non-very-historical-but-still-incredibly-cool fire breathing dragon, princess in danger, sword fighting….anyways, it was really spectacular. We all enjoyed it, the highlight of the trip for me!
Family at Bouillon castle
Leah is in all a well-traveled baby. In the first 4 months, she has been in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. She may be up for the baby award for most castles visited before 6 months old!
Monday, July 14, 2008
A tale of 2 Leah’s (my family history)
click here to see the slideshow of family history
click here details and comments of family history
As many of you know, Rob and I are carrying on the Jewish tradition our kids in memory of beloved relatives. Our little Leah is named for her great-grandmothers Leah – my mom’s mother and Cornelia (Rob’s mother’s mother)…but our little family is just one branch of a pretty extensive group on both sides of the family…
4 generations (Anna, Leah, Naomi and baby Laurie)
My parents just came back from a family reunion of what really amounts to a dynasty founded by Leah Sr.’s mother Anna and Father Reuben. They had 6 daughters (Leah the eldest >> my Mother’s generation of about 15 kids from the 6 girls>> my generation of about 40 >> Leah’s generation of about 32 great (3X’s removed) grandkids of Anna/Reuben…and the latest generation is still growing!
My branch of the family history is:
(Anna’s parents – not sure of the names)
Anna/Reuben (with 2 eldest girls Leah and Sunny):
Leah (eldest of 6 girls)
Naomi (and her brother Stanly)
Your’s truly
Leah Caroline:
