This Week's Happenings

Once the news of the visas came through, we knew the scramble to close things out here would begin. Although it's a pain, I don't mind one bit, probably because Markus has to do most of it but mostly because I am so happy not to be in limbo anymore! As it works out, we have two full weeks after this weekend before the movers come. We've got a lot to squeeze into the remaining time, including a week-long visit from Oma, but I know we'll do it.

This week, Ellie had two playdates with her friend Sophie. She is soooo excited to see Sophie every time. Monday we had the hideous weather, so we met at the Naturalis Museum in Leiden, where the girls proceeded to go insane at a high pitch. They did have fun, but boy-o was the change in weather later in the week most welcome! On Wednesday, Sophie and her mom came to The Hague by train and we all cycled to Clingendael to play. Look at these cute girls in the bakfiets!


This morning, we made a quick trip to the huisarts (family doctor). Ellie woke up from yesterday's nap with a large bug bite on her arm. This morning, it was twice as large and concerning her mama. There are no poisonous bugs in Holland (lucky!), but there was definitely a reaction happening there that I'd rather have checked. This was initiated with trepidation on my part, because the last two visits to the doctor with Ellie proved to be heart-breaking nightmares as she panicked and sobbed her way hysterically through the appointments. Since then, we've done more doctor-prep-talks and hoped today would be okay. She likes the toys in the waiting area. She really liked the doctor's kit and was keen to try the stethoscope after a brief demonstration. Funnily enough, she was afraid for me to use it to "hear" her heartbeat even after I demonstrated on myself and baby Stephanie. She liked using it herself though.


The bug bite is fine, by the way. Diagnosis: just a big reaction to a mosquito. The doctor prescribed some cream in case it starts to bother her more.