I've got a minute

Things have been quite busy the past few days. Sunday we enjoyed a beautiful (well, rainy)day of shopping and having lunch in the Plein/Grote Markt. It's a nice little shopping area, but it reminds me of all of those pictures you see of the streets of like Tokyo. Just shop after shop, pavestone walkways, TONS of people, kinda dirty too. The kids had a nice peaceful day too, though it was quite cold and rainy. I got a new coat. It's beautiful. Dylan got 2 coats since I overestimated his size. I thought he'd be in 12 mo clothing by now, but he's really starting to thin out, so we're still in 9 mo clothing.

Alexa was supposed to start school at Tasid yesterday, but once we found the house we wanted, we decided that a 30+ minute drive would not do. Plus, they only had room for her Tuesday/Thursday, which was ok, but we immediately started searching for a school near the new house and found The British School of the Netherlands was right around the corner. Plus, they are building a new campus, opening in January, that is really close. We went in yesterday for a tour and it's PERFECT! They follow the same principles and teaching methods that I like (the group rotation, where at Tasid they all had to sit and do things together). Of course Alexa walked right into the room and started playing with everything, so they said she wont have a problem fitting in at all. She's one of the smallest kids in the class though, which is weird because about 2 months ago she was almost 30 lbs and over 37 in. They teach the kids to be more independent. As the years/semesters progress, they teach them to drink from a cup without a lid, to pour their own milk, butter their own toast, etc, as well as putting on their own clothes. Each child has to bring a raincoat and boots because they get to play out in the puddles during recess. This truly is the ideal pre-K. One of the pluses of this school is that she will get to stay there until we move. With Tasid, it's more like a daycare than a true school, but this is a school, through 11 yr olds (whatever grade that is). We got so lucky we inquired when we did because this week is the end of one of their terms. They dont allow admission during terms, but the new one starts November 3rd, after their break, so Alexa will start at her school November 3rd, which happens to be Dylan's birthday!

I cant believe my baby is almost 1! I'm going to cry! He is SUCH a joy and SUCH a happy baby. Totally opposite of Alexa, though she's teaching him some really bad behaviors. My goal this week is to either find somewhere that makes little cakes (or even a cupcake or 3), and if I cant find anyone, I'll try to find the ingredients (which has been unsuccessful so far, but if I set out ONLY looking for those things, I might find them). I havent talked to the family yet, but I have a cute little idea. Hopefully they will read this. When I get Dylan his cake and candle on his birthday, I'll set up my webcam and try to find a program where we can talk to a bunch of people at once.....like a conference call where they can sing happy birthday to him and see him blow out the candles and everything too. I'll keep everyone posted so yall can watch too, if you want. Oh, and guess what!?

WE'LL BE IN THE NEW HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got the phone call yesterday. We were also able to negotiate rent down for Shell..lol. We get to move next week!!! All of our stuff should be through customs by then, too. I am just beside myself excited! Everything is falling into place now. Alexa has a school that she will be able to stay in and make friends, we got the house, our things supposedly arrived yesterday, I am just so excited!! I want to go run around in circles!! LOL. I might do that later if it's not too cold or raining....and if Dylan wakes up ok. He felt a little warm when I put him to bed last night (after giving him Tylenol), and he cried out twice, but he's still sleeping now (at 10am, which isnt unusal for him). I might take him by the Dr today. We'll see. I have alot on my plate today. We just got the note to go to the Dr (well, Chris is supposed to have it today. We'll see), and I need to go for a followup from my surgery, and I might need to take Dylan in too. I need to get all of our medical records faxed over from all of the Drs too. I also need to get a thermometer (yeah I know....mommy of the year here). I found a babysitter online through an ex-pat site. She sounds wonderful. Right now she's a nanny for some school aged kids, but she's free during the day (while her kids are at school) and on the weekends, and at night. We are interviewing her Saturday. She has a degree, is certified in CPR, and sent pics of herself with some of the kids she has nannied. This is going to be great. If she works out, we will be able to take the language classes on the weekends, and possibly even have some time to ourselves! Going out to dinner with these 2 has been a very challenging task! Many places dont have high chairs. Alexa wont sit still in a chair/booth, and Dylan can't sit still. I did, however, take my scarf I had Sunday and use that as a "seatbelt" so help him sit in the chair without falling out. Gotta do whatcha gotta do, right?

Everything is going great right now. I'll keep yall posted on the website for Dylans birthday. Other than that, I'm out! Love ya guys!