Home Sweet Home

After weeks living out of suitcases, we've managed unpack all our belongings and settle in. My Type A-ness was relieved to finally have things in their proper place.  Somehow we've managed to lose a variety of items as we've bounced around the past few months. Surprisingly, the loss of Google Home has been a big adjustment. I have to stop myself from yelling "Hey Google" across the room and actually walk over to my phone to play a podcast or get the weather.  I know, first world problems. Don't worry, I haven't shared this with our Dutch neighbors. They already think I'm soft and lazy as I complain about having to carry my giant American stroller (along with Maddie and Brie) in and out of the house every day.

  

After a month of research we have a daycare for Brie. We're excited that Brie can socialize and learn Dutch as many children don't learn English until 5th grade. Right now, she knows Njntje (Miffy, a popular children's character with its own kid-friendly museum) and ijsje (ice cream - Brie's favorite!). We toured a number of local Dutch places finding many of them offer standard amenities of beautiful outdoor space, classrooms filled with natural light and organic meals that consist of fruit, bread and cheese, milk and yogurt. Little processed food is allowed with an all-inclusive approach complete with diapers, sleep sacks and bedding. A mobile app is available to check on your child throughout the day.   Pricing is similar to what we would pay in the U.S. with most families receiving government subsidies or rebates for utilizing daycare. For many Dutch families, it is common for one or both parents to work part time typically getting Wednesday and Friday off. It's no wonder the Dutch have a decent work/life balance.

In case you were wondering, Dutch children are no different than kids in the States. For those that have read "Bringing up Bebe" you may have the misconception that EU kids are generally better behaved than American children. I pictured most kids Brie's age walking around without pacifiers, calmly going for errands about town and sitting in restaurants like perfect angels. WRONG! They misbehave at the park, throw fits in the supermarket checkout line and run around restaurants like they own the place.  However, the Dutch do have a secret. Kid's play areas. They are EVERYWHERE. In government buildings, restaurants, and coffee shops there is always a kid's area with activities set up to occupy their short attention spans. Makes sense, right? You can grab coffee and have 10 minutes of peace and quiet (or in my case coveted adult conversation) since your kid(s) are off playing with some new toys. Genius! I'm sure this is just one of many Dutch life hacks that I'll be sharing over the coming months. 

  

More to come on my new Dutch gym, our latest weekend excursion to the apple orchard and anniversary trip (Ben won't spill the beans).