Winter in summer

It seems like its getting colder here in Holland despite it being summer and all. And this tropical woman here, who is terrified of the cold and does not thrive in temperatures below 28-degrees, is not liking it! Well, I still try to live it up and be merry about the weather but sometimes, I do wish it was warmer here.

Nonetheless, we have not been hibernating. Yesterday was probably the coldest and windiest day since we arrived but we braved the weather and drove to the pretty town of Delft, where the famous Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer lived, painted and died. We visited the Vermeer centre where there was a collection, but reproductions, of his more famous paintings. Ok, still not familiar with him? You know the famous painting 'The girl with a pearl earring'? He's the one that painted it.

It was a nice excursion for the afternoon despite the cold ... yes, I can be very whiny about the cold but I would like to end this post by also saying that it was 11-degrees when we went to bed last night! Hello ... it's supposed to be summer!

Posing by a canal in Delft. It's cold ...

As you can see, Sera has been made weather-proof for summer in Holland. Oma had to buy this wind breaker when we were in Delft yesterday, because in summer, wind breakers are a norm.

Sera's day

Today, Sera turned 1 year. I'm sure I speak for Johan as well when I say I was filled with plenty of emotions. Just thinking of this day, one year ago, when she entered our lives, in the sterile delivery room in the hospital, that frantic morning. The awe and amazement during those initial seconds. And then the months that followed ... wow, they are all but a happy blur now. We made it through her first year ... and from now on, it only gets tougher! Ha ha. Nah, we'll take it all in stride and enjoy the ride.

So it was her day and we tried to make it special for her, without over-doing it. We started the day by planting her with many kisses and hugs. I dressed her up in a pretty white top, gift from grandma. On hindsight, not so sure if it was the wisest of choice because it got dirty very early in the day. On oma's insistence, we had decorated the living room with some party decorations the night before, which immediately gave a celebratory mood. Oma even baked Sera' birthday cake, topped with fresh strawberries (Sera's favourite). So at 3PM, guests (mostly family and close friends of the family with their little ones) arrived to celebrate Sera's birthday. Needless to say, Sera was very happy with all the attention and the many people that she was able to say 'HI' to. Really, she says 'HI' together with a raised hand, exactly like the Queen of England.

I think Sera had a great time today. On behalf of Sera, thank you one and all for the birthday wishes and lovely gifts!


The morning started with opening presents. She was more interesting in ripping the gift wrapper than the actual content of the gift

Playing bubbles with Johan. Ok this was probably her most favourite gift. The best gifts are always the most simple ones!


Pointing at her lovely home-made strawberry cake


Johan and I helped her blow out her candle before she tried to snubbed out the flame with her fingers

Our road trip south

Last week, the three of us hopped into Johan's parents' car and drove down south to Brugge, Belgium and into Britanny, France. I thought it would be simple for me to log unto a computer and do some posting along the way but it wasn't so easy for a few reasons. First reason was a technical one - apparently the computer keyboard used in Belgium and France is different from the rest of the world. So I was completely frustrated that one morning when I was replying an email. I was practically typing gibberish, so I decided no computers during the trip. And the other reason was that Johan and I were COMPLETELY WASTED at the end of each day. Travelling with a an infant on a brink of being a toddler, and to be more precise, a 'Duracell baby', is simple no joke! Not to say we didn't enjoy our little side trip with Sera. We had a very nice time visiting the beautiful town of Brugge in Belgium, and later driving to yet another historical town of Dinan in Britanny where we met up with our friend Benoit. And thankfully, we had fine weather throughout. So here's a snapshot of some moments during our trip ...

In Brugge, we explored the city for 2 days on foot. Cobbled streets are lined with beautifully restored buildings from the Baroque period. And there are about fifty chocolateries within the city. Of course, chocolate lovers that we are, we couldn't leave without buying a box of handmade chocolates.

The social butterfly that Sera is, she was in her element meeting so many people while on this trip. She would smile, wave and say 'HI' to anyone she took a fancy to. In this little rest stop, she even caught the attention of some of the customers at the al fresco cafe.


Sera decided to start walking again since we arrived in Holland. During this side trip, she walked the streets with her fingers wrapped around one of our fingers.

One of our many pit stops while driving. Sera is not the best traveller when it comes to sitting in the car for a stretch, well, I suspect not many children are. So we had to make a number of stops both ways or suffer the wrath of an unhappy child


In Dinan, we spent the day with our friend Benoit, taking in some of the interesting places.

It's rare that we get a photo together, so thanks to Benoit we have one. Notice how tired Johan and I look.


Travelling back from Britanny to Holland took ten hours on the road. I think Sera was going crazy, ready to pull her hair out. Seriously! This photo of her, tugging at this musical toy, shows her at her pre-screaming stage. Nah, she was a sweetheart ... really.

Day without Sera

Today, Johan and I decided to treat ourselves to some 'alone time' with each other. We have been feeling a little beat up, what with Sera being ill since we left Doha for Holland. And trying to have a holiday with a sick child is not fun at all, it is very very stressful. So anyway, we thought it would be nice if we spend the day in Rotterdam, catch a movie, have a cosy lunch together. Besides, who better to look after Sera than oma. Might as well take this opportunity!

We started the day with breakfast together. Sera has her usual - brown bread with peanut butter. She usually eats half a slice and the rest ends up on the floor or were offered to the rest of the people at the table. Yes, Sera has a thing about sharing her food. Lately, she'd bite off a corner of a cookie, taste it, take it out from her mouth and then offer it so very eagerly to one of us at the table. A bit gross, I know, but I believe she actually has a good heart and only good intentions when doing so. She's telling us that she'll forgo that bit of cookie, a little sodden with saliva, for a person she favours. Ha ha.

So after breakfast, Johan and I braved the cold and dreary 'summer' weather and jumped onto the metro into Rotterdam. We had a little argument about the jacket I initially wore. He complained that the sweater I was wearing was way too thin for the weather and I was disagreeing. But somehow, I ended up wearing an old winter jacket I had left in his parent's place 3 years ago. I, of course was a little embarrassed wearing a winter jacket in summer. I mean, a long wool jacket. And to make matters worse, the jacket was really outdated ... I mean, something even my grandmother wouldn't wear! Well, despite the monstrosity of a jacket (I mean, it's not even my favourite colour ... what was I thinking when I bought it in 1966???), I have to painfully admit that it did protect me from the cold winds. Hmmm.

So once we arrived in Rotterdam, we went straight to the cineplex to get tickets. We decided on Ocean's 13, just because it was at a good time (before lunch) and secretly, I wanted to simply sit back, relax and watch some good looking people prance about the screen. Just before the movie, we sneaked into a cafe round the corner and treated ourselves to coffee and cake. The day was looking very good already. Ok, what we do next is TOTALLY normal! I'm sure of that ... I mean, ask any parent. I had brought my camera along (just so we could capture our day out) and what do we end up doing? We start to view the gallery of photos of Sera! Ha ha ha. In the end, Johan admits that he misses her and that we're terrible parents for leaving her behind! Goodness, now we have definitely established who the 'softie' is!

Anyway, I have to say the movie was surprisingly good, entertaining and my gosh, those guys were stunningly dressed. Really, guys if you need some good dress advice, watch Ocean's 13. We grabbed a sandwich once we stepped out of the cinema and let's see, what did we do next? We popped into a book store, bought a book for myself. Then we went to Hema to get pyjamas for Sera, and then into a bakery to get some typical Dutch cookies for Sera, and into a gift store to get a birthday card for who else ... but Sera. Ha ha ha, we're completely hopeless!

We took the train back, happy and relaxed but looking forward to seeing Sera, especially Johan. So you can only imagine his utter disappointment when we came back to an empty house. Oma and Opa had taken Sera cycling. Like I've said many times ... In life, we always have to wait for the good things. It was about an hour later when the cycling trio were back and Sera's wide smile and wave was definitely worth the wait.

It was a good day indeed.

Johan at breakfast, cheery and looking forward to a day out

Sera enjoying her breakfast

And finishing up with a long sip of water

Apple pie, carrot cake and coffee ...

Ok, do not laugh ... I know I look really ridiculous in that jacket but I was standing in front of a piece of floral art landscape that commemorated a historical fire that burned down this particular spot of Rotterdam

The town Johan grew up in

The little town of Rhoon, where Johan grew up, is cosy and very quaint. Everything is within walking distance, if not a short cycle. In the park, a few steps behind his parent's house, there is a fenced up area where sheep, reindeer, hens and even an ancient pig proudly call home. Oh and of course, there is a pond where ducks happily waddle all day.

So it is without a doubt that Sera is really enjoying herself here, and experiencing many firsts. Over the last few days, she has enjoyed her walks in the park with oma, trekked through the marshland. She even got unto the best seat on the bicycle, up front on Johan's bicycle. Oh and she also had her first up close and personal encounter with a pony. Now how cool is that?


Walking around Rhoon


Taking a rest along the bank of the marshes

One of similar landscapes of Rhoont

Sera sharing a moment with the pony

Sera all geared up for one of her many cycling trips

A visit to opoe

We visited Opoe van der Vorm (that's Sera's paternal great-grandma) last Saturday. I have to say, the star of that afternoon was not Sera but Opoe. The dame is 83 years old and she really lives up to the expression 'as fit as a fiddle'. We even went for a walk in the forest just within the vincinity. I mean, how luxurious is that? A forest just at your backyard! It was really beautiful - the lush greenery, the tall trees, and the freshest of air. Of course we ended the walk with a stop at the ice cream shop.

Walking in Mildenburg forest


Sera and Opoe, both in pink stripes

While on blogger leave

Since my last post, Sera fell sick. It was actually the very next morning that she was not herself - sleepy and lethargic just after waking in the morning, and then throwing up her yogurt during lunch. Her fever was very persistent and even after 5 days, it failed to go away. However, on the day we were to take the plane to Holland, she improved considerably, thus we went ahead with our travels. The plane ride was uncomfortable for obvious reasons. The seats were too small and the leg space too narrow for Johan. He was visibly very, very uncomfortable. And despite Sera having her own seat, she was sprawled on her belly over her seat and half of mine. So I was sitting on my side, on my right buttock for most of the 7-hour journey. Like I've said before ... parents automatically, without question, become very selfless and sacrificial for their children!

We were happy to land in Holland, of course. The sight of oma and opa broke Sera into a big smile. Unfortunately, since our arrival last Thursday morning, Sera has been plagued with erratic bouts of fever. Her voice has gone very hoarse, most likely from too much crying or I suspect, from the change in weather too. To be honest, she has been a cranky little one ... sigh, but we love her still the same. Today, after 9 days of battling her sickness with only the occasional fever suppository plugged into her, we decided to go to the town doctor. The prognosis is that she is WELL, no fever, clear lungs, no inflamed throat or signs of an ear infection! Needless to say, Johan and I were a little puzzled and I guess I was a little skeptical too. The good news is that she appears to be visibly well, still active, still a big chatterbox with a husky voice so we will leave it as that.

So in a way, I can now start to enjoy our holiday in Holland ... I mean it has definitely been nice and cosy since we arrived but it is most important that Sera is healthy and happy.

Sera at her most comfortable, snuggled into Johan's arms. Check out that guy on Johan's right. He also snuggled unto Johan's shoulder during the flight. Ha ha

Pool time

I have an aversion to swimming pools, in general. To me, it's like jumping into a haven of germs and viruses. So needless to say, I am appalled that our tiny pool in the compound is supposed to accommodate over 100 villas. What's more, now that it's summer with temperatures hitting the high 40's, the pool is packed with people. Eeuwww. I mean, that pool is a breeding ground for a lot of 'sickness' waiting to attack all the children and adults. And ... we all know that children don't always control their bladders well. Ah hah, so what do we have? A lovely, big potty for all the over-excited children. Sigh ...

But Sera LOVES it at the pool. She doesn't care about the germs and what have you that swirls happily in the water. It's her one highlight of everyday! So this mama has put Sera's happiness above all that is disgusting, has put her trust on the Indian guy who cleans the pool with a hose and a brush, and has joined her daughter at the pool every single day. Hmm, I've realised that mothers just can't help themselves. When it comes to our children, we're very sacrificial. Ha ha.

Walking to the pool with her woddle toddle. Well, not all the way or it would have been dark by the time we reached the pool.

Walking home, very very slowly ... in the end, Johan carried her back, it was getting dark.