Happy Anniversary, Honey

I love you. I can't believe it's been 4 years already. Neither can Henry.

From Egypt

Updates

Went to the doctor today. Henry is 8.3 kilos (18.3 lbs) and 70 cm (27.5 inches). Since birth he has grown almost 10 lbs and 6 inches! Amazing!

We returned from our trip to the US yesterday. Becca's wedding was beautiful and it was great to see some friends.

Henry has been pretty jet lagged, as have I. We had hoped to go to spain this weekend to visit Raph's aunt, but decided it was just too much for Henry. We may go to Paris instead, but are undecided because Raph seems to be coming down with a cold.

I'm currently reading 3 books, all of which I'm really enjoying: 1) The Diary of Anne Frank; 2) Pure Drivel by Steve Martin; 3) The Kite Runner.

That is all for now.

CNN article!

CNN) -- Norwegian violinist, Alexander Rybak, 23, won the Eurovision Song Contest with an upbeat ballad that got the most votes in the history of one of the world's most watched television shows.

Alexander Rybak of Norway performs during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest Saturday in Moscow, Russia.

On Saturday night Rybak beat out contestants from 42 countries, with singers from Iceland and Azerbaijan taking distant second and third places.

The boyish Rybak -- who performed a self-composed tune, "Fairytale," with some deft dance steps and a smile plastered on his face -- won with 387 points, the most in the contest's 53-year history, organizers said.

It was the third time Norway has won the competition. Although the classically-trained Rybak grew up outside the Norwegian capital, Oslo, he was born in Belarus.

A television audience estimated at more than 100 million people watch the show.

In years past, winners have parlayed their victory in varying degrees of success -- most notably the Swedish quartet ABBA, which won with "Waterloo" in 1974 and became one of the most successful pop groups of the 1970s.

In the Eurovision Song Contest, which began in 1956, each participating European nation submits one singer or group who then perform a specially-written song. Telephone votes as well as judges from each country decided the winner this year.

This year the contest was televised from a packed stadium in Moscow, Russia.

Earlier police arrested dozens of gay and lesbian rights activists who were planning a rally to coincide with the contest. The protesters wanted to draw attention to what they call widespread discrimination of gays in Russia.

Eurovision!!

I strongly, super-duper urge, even beg you to click on the links below. You won't be disappointed. Eurovision is like an inter-europe American Idol. Each country gets to submit one entrant, and people across europe vote for the winner. Here are a few of the highlights of what we caught on TV tonight. Keep in mind, they are not trying to be ironic. This show is almost too good to be true.

Serbia

Croatia

Latvia

Norway (spoiler alert: this guy wins)

Moldova

Albania

Azerbaijan

Hungary

Greece

Solid foods: take one!

The verdict is in: Henry let us know in no uncertain terms that he does not care for solid food. Or at least "rice," which I am putting in quotations because it is a powder made from rice that gets added to formula. He doesn't like formula for that matter, either. Anyway here is the video. His face is priceless.

According to our pamphlet from our pediatrician, we are supposed to wait a week or two and try again..... to be continued!

Adventures in Babysitting

The computer is having a brief period of cooperating, so i'm using this opportunity to get you up to date...!

Now that baby Aaron is home from the hospital, Joanna and Alexandre have their hands full with two little ones at home. Raphael and I traveled to Paris last weekend to lend a helping hand and take Alena. (whether or not this was helpful to J&A was besides the point- we just wanted to steal our little niece for the day!) We had a wonderful day and took the babies (Henry and Alena) out to lunch at Raph's favorite childhood spot, Hippopotamus, followed by a trip to the Louvre. Both babies were captivated by the Egypt exhibit, as were we! We all decided to nix the dinner reservations and instead opted for quiet take out at home, at J&A's apartment.

Here is a link to the photos. There are some great ones.... here are a few to get you started...

From Paris 4-9-09

From Paris 4-9-09

From Paris 4-9-09

From Paris 4-9-09

From Paris 4-9-09

Detergent

Our computer is really dying, rendering the screen nearly black, so I can barely see what I'm typing, so please forgive any typos in advance. I just had to log on to tell you my latest discovery: I realize I've been washing our clothes in fabric softener (instead of detergent) for the past 3 months.

When we first arrived, we bought a genuine detergent called "Ariel" and it worked fine. When it ran out and I went to replace it, I couldn't find the same type at the new supermarket (that I had since discovered, and where I now do the majority of my shopping), so I bought another kind, Soupline. I have been using Soupline since about February.

As you know, Raphael plays soccer with his work, and I don't have to tell you that when he comes home from soccer, his shirts really need to be washed. However every time I was washing them, they never smelled clean, but instead still smelled like... Raph playing soccer. So I started using more and more "detergent," but to no avail. So I finally decided that I need to get a different brand.

At the supermarket today, I looked for my original brand, Ariel, but they only had a huge bottle, which I didn't want to lug home from the store by myself. All the smaller bottles, including the Soupline, were accross the aisle. I chose one of the smaller bottles that I was about to take, and I realized it had that little snuggle bear on it- the one from the fabric softner who laughs like the pillsbury dough boy in the commercials. then I realized, that the side of the aisle with the "smaller" bottles of "detergent" were all really fabric softener.

The funny thing is that I had previously remarked (to myself) how many different scent varieties of laundry detergent they have over here.... orchid, rose, fresh linen, lavander.... but it turns out those were all the fabric softeners!

this story is pretty funny, until you realize that our clothes haven't been actually washed since about January....

Interruption in service

Hi everyone. Just a note to let you know that I won't be posting regularly for the next 2 weeks or so. Our computer is on the fritz, making the screen difficult to see at times. In addition, I'm headed home to Connecticut next week for Becca's wedding (so excited!) so I may or may not have time to post from there. Hopefully by the time I return (May 27th) we'll have a solution to our computer issues. That's all for now. TTFN!

Foot finders

Video of henry enjoying his "foot finders".

Singing, Forest Kindergarden

Today Henry and I went to a "moms and tots sing-a-long" at the American Women's Club of Luxembourg. It wasn't great... a little awkward. Don't think we'll go back anytime soon.

Here is something funny I found in our book, "Family Guide Luxembourg." I came across this when I was looking for the gym that I took Henry to yesterday.

Beschcreche
Something that is very popular abroad, is in Luxembourg like finding a needle in a haystack: a forest kindergarten. The basic idea is that the children are occupied the whole time in the forest -- at every time of year and no matter what the weather. This strengthens not only the physical and mental health, but also the cognitive, motor and social competencies. . . . No lunch is served, but the little nature lovers are served something in between to keep their strength up.

The first thing I'd like to know is where, abroad, is this very popular? My second comment is it is not like this kindergarten exists in Southern Florida or California. It is in Luxembourg, where, as you well know by now, has very cold, damp winters that last well into spring. Guess this falls in line with the neighbor putting her baby to nap in the yard, although, surprisingly, that hasn't happened since the weather was really bad. No, apparently when the weather is actually nice out is not the time to let the baby nap outdoors.

This weekend we're going to Paris.... Have a good weekend everyone!

Gym class- blah blah blah

Today I took Henry to his first gym class. I think these are more popular in Europe than in the US, but the basic premise is that a group of parents and babies sit around and do little exercises and sing songs. Henry was fairly nonplussed by it. I do a lot of those things with him at home. Or if not those exact things, I play with him, so it wasn't so extraordinary to be bouncing around on my lap or extending his arms while singing songs. But he was interested in the other babies, and they were in him. We will definitely go back each week.

At one point they have you put your baby on the mat, face down, and then the parents go to the other side of the mat and call to their babies and throw balls at them (no I'm not kidding. but the balls are soft). They looked like little turtles ready to have a race. Anyway the baby next to henry rolled over practically onto Henry and started grabbing Henry's head. Henry didn't mind; he was just kind of like, "Oh, Hi. What's up?"

Henry also did two "somersaults." Essentially you hold him at the hips and flip him upside down, lower him to the floor between your legs, and then roll him onto his back. The teacher said he was very advanced at this considering he had never done it before- that most babies, the first time you invert them upside down freak out.

I was pretty proud of him, actually. Many of the babies were fussy throughout the class, but Henry just took it all in and enjoyed himself. Oh, and at the end he absolutely loved the bubbles. It was crazy; almost all the babies were fussing by the end, and then the teacher blew bubbles, and all the babies became silent watching the bubbles. note to self: invest in bubbles.

The biggest challenge of the class was my not freaking out about germs. There was one baby who had a goopy looking eye. The mother was very nice to me (was British so spoke english) but nonetheless I tried to steer clear of his general area. Also they hand out various props-- bells, drum sticks-- and some of the babies put these in their mouths. I obviously didnt let henry put them in his mouth, but I do wonder if they clean these props between classes. I tend to think not. Anyway I know, I know, germs are good for him, which is why I resisted the urge to squirt hand sanitizer all over all the other babies.

Oh, and I met my neighbor. I got talking to one mother at the end, and it turns out she is my neighbor accross the street. So we exchanged numbers. And just to tell you how small Luxembourg is- she had already "heard of" me. Here's how. When we first arrived, Raph's company hired a relocation agent to help us get settled. The relocation agent took it upon herself to give our contact informatoin to another of her clients, because they were from Israel and jewish (I guess there aren't so many jews here and she figured we'd want to know each other). Raph and the guy exchanged e-mails, and then the guy gave Raph his wife's phone number so I could call her. I should have, but didn't. Anyway, tihs neighbor is friends with the Israeli wife, and so had heard that there was a Jewish American family living on her street. Voila. So now we three are going to get together I suppose.

Okay, and I can't resist, so I'll just say it once: there are a lot of unattractive babies out there.

Tonight we are having Raph's coworker and his wife over for dinner- the same people who invited us to their wedding (they are already legally married, but this is the church and celebration that we are invited to). I'm making salmon.

And the last bit of news for LC/ Avon folks: I got an email from Nick Bozzuto- he and his wife had a baby last year. I am awaiting details. Also Justin PF had a baby recently also- a boy named Bennett. Heather is friends with Justin's wife, so I get his news via her. Having a baby myself doesn't make me feel old, but knowing that Nick and Justin have babies does!!

Amy, these are for you

Amy collects pictures of funny signs, and has a cat named Schnitzel.

Gouda and Kinderdjik

On our way home from Amsterdam we stopped at Gouda and Kinderdjik. Gouda is a cute town where the cheese comes from, and according to our guidebook, is pronounced Hoo-da. So now when you eat gouda cheese, please call it by its correct name. We had lunch there, and Raph ordered "cheese souffles" which were about as unlike the french variety as you can get. Instead of fluffy baked egg creations, they were basically large mozzarella cheese sticks, but in a patty size and shape, and with gouda instead of mozzarella.
Kinderdjik is an area famous for its windmills. Personally I don't get what the big deal is about windmills. I don't find them particularly pretty or interesting. I guess I'm in the minority. However I do think that Raph's photos of the windmills are great, so I guess he can make any subject pretty.

Here's a link to the rest of our photos.

Amsterdam

Let me start by saying what a great city! And I say this despite the pot and hookers! For some people this probably adds to the charm, but anyone who is reading this knows me well enough to know that that isn't exactly my scene. Let me also start by warning you that this will be a long post, because I have so much to tell you!

My first inkling that this was going to be an awesome trip was when Raph sent me the link to the hotel's website. I previously mentioned that it looked fancy, and yes, it was. What a treat to stay in an American style hotel with a large lobby, large rooms and large TVs. This was not your typical winding stair case, antique furniture, narrow hallways, charming little European hotel. This place reminded me of Vegas. Okay, that's a stretch. But nonetheless I felt like I had hit the jackpot. Okay forget the Vegas image- this place was way more charming and not glitzy at all- it was just large. And had glass elevators that were external to the hotel, so you felt like a window washer riding up. As I mentioned previously, the hotel overlooked the North Sea. The atmosphere there was all calm and beauty. On our second day there, we enjoyed coffee outside.

The next foreshadowing that this would be an awesome trip was when we left Luxembourg, Raph popped in a mix CD that he made with many of my favorite songs! I felt like a girl back in middle school. He even included songs that I know for a fact he doesn't like, though I love (read: Supersonic- a song dating back from my childhood). So sweet! I also have to compliment Raph on his superb and extreme driving. Despite my protests, he drove the entire 4.5 hours there without stopping (don't worry, I kept him company and made sure he was awake). I had my very own personal DJ and chaffeur! :)

Okay onto Amsterdam. On Friday, our first stop was Keukenhof, the flower park located outside of Amsterdam. This place should be on everybody's bucket list. It was just so beautiful there. The flowers were overwhelming. The colors so cheerful and inspiring. I loved it. And not one to disappoint, Raph took some amazing photos. (you'll have to click on our photos below to see them all- here is a brief sample:)
At Keukenhof, there were many people walking around wearing traditional Dutch costumes. It felt like seeing Amish people, but more ornate. It looked like these people had just stepped out of a Vermeer painting or something. Meanwhile, Henry himself was practically a tourist attraction, as he was wearing his cool new sunglasses that his grandma bought him. Literally everyone we passed commented, smiled, or laughed when they saw him. One woman even took his picture (without asking our permission!!)

We then went into Amsterdam where we visited the Anne Frank House. I'll have a separate post on that later this week. In short, it was an eerie but good experience.

Following the Anne Frank house, we made a very brief foray into the red light district. Or not really into it, but around it I would say. As Beth described it to me, it is a very touristy disneyland of sorts for drug users. I think that hits the nail on the head. Raph estimated that every single person there, including the hookers, were not Dutch, and that really, the red light district has very little to do with the Dutch people. Interesting observation. Anyway it was neat to see marijuana leaves growing, and see signs advertising for mushrooms and the like. We saw someone selling "Brazilian energy"... whatever that is. Just seeing all that stuff legally for sale out in the open was a trip unto itself! (pun intended). As for the hookers, what was surprising was how normal they looked. They weren't exceptionally beautiful or thin or sexy. They were all just average looking women in bikinis, beckoning from behind full length windows. To me it was just very odd. Obviously there is something, some appeal, that I'm missing. Or maybe it's not appealing to most. Whatever. Anyway, moving on.

On Saturday, we headed back into Amsterdam and went to the flower market, which was really cool. If only we could import the flower bulbs back to the US! They were so abundant and inexpensive. Someone remind me that when I own a house, I want to plant hundreds of tulips. Some of the bulbs themselves were even beautiful, like the amaryllis bulbs.

We also went to the Van Gogh museum, which was somewhat disappointing, only because it was so ridiculously overcrowded. Besides those two activities, mostly we just enjoyed walking around the city, eating waffles, and taking in Amsterdam's artsy, chill vibe.

I think that about covers it. Here is the link to our photos (there are over 100!) Because there are so many, I organized them for your convenience with all the flower photos at the end. So the Amsterdam photos are first, followed by Keukenhof photos with us in them, followed by only flowers at the end. So if you aren't in the mood or don't have time to see them all, you can skip Raph's photos of flowers at the end- but I do recommend them- some are really great.

dress

Here is a link to a clothing store in Amsterdam that I liked. I bought a dress there.

Direct deposit- a famous solution

For my loyal readers, you know that from time to time I post little tid bits about quirky Luxembourgish customs. Well here's a good one for you. Everyone here pays for everything through direct deposit.

I first noticed this about a week ago, when I was looking at an invitation I received from the American Women's Club of Luxembourg. They are having a lunch, and in order to confirm your reservation, you need to pay $15. For payment, the only way you can pay is through direct deposit. The invitation gives you the Club's bank account and routing numbers. Odd, right?

Then, we kept receiving bills from our phone company, but without any payment coupon or envelope to mail a check. We figured that I would have to go to the post office (the post office and phone company are one entity- Luxembourg Post and Telecom) to pay in person, since we didn't know how else to pay. But before I got around to going, last Friday, we received a certified letter that I had to sign for, essentially telling us this was our last warning- we really had to pay. From the letter, it became clear that instead of paying in person at the bank, we were supposed to go to our bank and pay through direct deposit- again, the letter contained the phone company's bank account and routing number.

So today I was on my way to the bank (which is in walking distance so much easier to go to than the post office) to pay this bill, and I checked the mail on my way out. Lo and behold we have an invitation to our friends' wedding. (Aren't you impressed that we've been here less than 4 months and we are already getting invited to weddings? I am! Anyway it's Raph's co-worker, so I can't really take much credit. Actually I think it was Henry- they adore him.). I digress: anyway included with the invitation is one of those little cards saying that what they really want is your presence at the wedding, but if you insist on giving a gift, they would prefer money rather than gifts.... and it included their bank account and routing number! So clearly this preference for direct deposit is deeply embedded in the culture here.

So at the bank, I pay the bill through direct deposit, and I asked the teller if it was common to pay bills this way, by transferring money like this, because I had never paid a bill this way before. He said it was a "famous solution." So there you have it... Direct deposit- a famous solution.

Henry playing

Amsterdam was amazing, and we have a ton of photos to share. While I'm working on sorting through the photos, in the meantime, have a look at these three recent videos of Henry playing. In the first he is trying to eat his favorite toy- a little bug. If he could he would stuff the whole thing in his mouth! In the second, he is playing on a play mat that we received from Francine that we just set up for him- he loves it. the third is the cutest- and as a bonus, you'll get a glimpse of his new pants....

In addition, check out these photos of Henry playing on one of his (three) play mats. I took these just to show you how mobile he is these days with his rolling around. I left him on his back, vertical under the play mat. When I came back in the room a minute later (or less!) he was now on his stomach, completely perpendicular to where he had started! The series shows his progressive movement over the next few minutes.