Ok, that is just dumb.

Or In Dutch: oliedom.

The hubby’s parents refuse to let us move our own stuff and insist we hire a moving company to do it for us. On their expense. Ofcourse, we can’t refuse such a sweet offer. We already had one company come over and make a price. They were a bit expensive, so we decided on inviting another company to make an offer as well.

So today, I called a moving company to make an appointment. The conversation did not go like I expected. I think the guy on the phone tried to pull a trick he wouldn’t have tried if my husband had called.

Moving company man: Good morning, how can I help you?
Me: Good morning. We would like to move January 19th. Would that still be possible?
MC: Yes
Me: Then I’d like to make an appointment for you to look at the house & stuff that has to be moved.
MC:. Sure. But first. Have you asked other companies to make a price?
Me: Ofcourse.
MC: What companies?
Me: I’m not going to tell you. Can we make an appointment?
MC: Haha. I can try, can I?
Me: Sure.
MC: Can I ask, where did you find us?
Me: I found you on a website, between other The Hague moving companies.
MC: I have to say, we are leading in our business. But we are not the cheapest. What other companies have you asked?
Me: Like I said, I am not going to tell you.
MC: There are ‘price fighters’ out there, we cannot compete with them. It would be inefficient to make an appointment if you’re looking for the cheapest. I just want to check you haven’t had them come by.
Me: Oh. I see. That would be inefficient. Why don’t you give me the names of the cheap movers so we can check that?

And so he did…! He gave me a list of the 3 cheapest moving companies in the area. They’re all big and have a good reputation. So tomorrow one of those companies is coming to check our stuff and give us a price.

Now, how dumb is that. On a scale of one to You’re Fired!

The second day of Christmas

For those who don’t know, in The Netherlands we celebrate two days of Christmas. Don’t ask me why. Usually the first day is spend at one family and the second day at the other side of the family. At least, I think that’s what most couples do.

But not today:
The hubby is painting the living room ceiling in our new house. Tim is sleeping in his crib. And while I should be getting ready to visit my in-laws, I am laying in bed with my Apple, drinking hot tea and eating some toast with French cheese.

I could not resist our comfy bed when I put Tim in his crib. We’ve been very busy in our new house. Also, my parents came to visit us yesterday. And while I thought about making a simple dinner, I cannot do simple. So we spend hours and hours in the kitchen. I have to say, we made the best chicken ever! It was flambéed chicken in Dutch gin, cooked in beer. It was delicious. And for the very first time, I made a vegan chocolate cake. Mmmm! It was GREAT. You’ll find the recipe here.

Happy holidays everyone!

(this is our best attempt of making Tim wear a Santa hat)

Now, how will I get out of bed?

Miracles do happen

Last Wednesday our family expanded a little bit. Tiny – 4.4 pound – Laura was born. She’s the daughter of hubby’s brother and wife. It’s their first baby, and everyone is extremely happy for them. Birth is always a miracle, but what happened to Laura and her parents was beyond words.

You see, she wasn’t supposed to be healthy. Doctors told the parents their baby would be born with a genetic disorder causing her to have deformed hands and feet. Ultrasounds ‘ showed’ an abnormal bone structure. Up until she popped into this word, her parents were convinced they would have a baby with a handicap.

But when little Laura came into this world, there was nothing abnormal to see. Normal hand & feet. But yes, the little pea is a bit small. Two extremely happy and amazed parents.

The gynecologist still wants to do research, x-ray photos and is convinced there must be something wrong. But the doctors in the hospital are pretty sure she’s healthy.

Only time & research will tell. But for now, I bet this is as perfect as a Christmas present can be.

Monday we'll drive up to Belgium - where they live - and meet little Laura.

Congrats JW & E! We wish you nothing but the very best.

Caption Time!

This photo made me realize I used to have a tradition called "Monday's caption time". OK it's Wednesday, I know that, but make me smile anyway:

Oh what a feeling

...my MIL is tearing down the ceiling!

Finally. A chance to blog. We got the keys to our new house last week. And ever since we’ve been working in the new house.

Some things that we’re doing:
New kitchen and relocate plumbing to other site of the house, new floor, new central heating system, plastering walls, paint, remove ceilings and place new ones.

We’ve hired a contractor to do most of the stuff. We’re both not very handy when it comes to house stuff. Anything beyond removing things - Like tearing down the ceiling, that was fun! Although my mother in law almost KILLED me while doing that! But I survived!- and painting we have to leave up to the contractor. We do get a lot of help. Both grandma's reguraly take care of Tim, so we can work @ the house.

Sorry I haven’t been around here and your blogs. But as you can read, I have been a 'little' busy. I hope things we’ll be back to normal soon.

January 20 is moving date! Aaaah.