Swimming for toddlers
Our wonderful trip in Ibiza really flew by. Besides relaxing, beach visits and exploring the island, the holiday was all about Otis’ rescue swimming. Way before I became a mother, I saw a wonderful video of babies swimming underwater and learning to float on their backs, so they are safe in case of emergency. If I ever have children, I'm going to do this too, I immediately thought. And now, three years later, I can proudly show the same video of Otis. Children of the Water teaches little ones to swim a stretch underwater to a parent/safe spot and float calmly on their backs. Despite some tears, Otis happily walked out of the water every day and immediately asked the next day, ‘Swim? I knew the course had passed when Otis had to do a few tests on the last day: at one point, he swam underwater to the little staircase, but it turned out to be out of his reach anyway. Because we were filming everything, you can see very clearly the moment when Otis realises he can't reach it and decides to float on his back. That's how incredibly proud Jon and I were. Now of course it is a treat to go to Ibiza for this course, but fortunately it is also possible to take it in the Netherlands. For more info, check childrenofthewater.com.
Sometimes I don't dare say things out loud, for fear of ‘jinxing’ it. I am so happy that Otis still lets me dress him without a fight. Especially at the times when he wants to play in full sun and I immediately came up with long UV sets and big hats on holiday. And it was quite a search to find nice outfits... In the end, I found some lovely outfits at UV-Fashions.co.uk that are both responsible and look nice. Yes, but now that I've said this out loud, I doubt he'll leave his hat on next time...
‘Can't we just skip his birthday for once?’ asks Jon pleadingly, holding two Mickey balloons and a Mickey garland. Actually, we had planned a summer rooftop party, but thanks to the cold weather, we are busy getting the living room ready for 30 people (which is not going to fit anyway). The first guests arrive and Otis races to unwrap presents in two seconds. But du moment the living room is packed, it becomes too much for him: all he wants to do is lie in my arms. Fortunately, his gorgeous birthday cake offers solace: Sweet Cakes has truly conjured up the most beautiful Mickey creation ever. When the last guest leaves the house, the three of us collapse: what a cosy chaos it was. Surely next year we will skip it?
Whenever I come back from abroad and ride my bike through Amsterdam, I am so happy to call this city my ‘home’. Everything within cycling distance, the nicest tents on every street corner and - apart from a few incidents - there is a friendly atmosphere. Also nice: when you've been away for a while, you look at the streets with different eyes, suddenly discovering places you hadn't seen before. My latest find: Vegabond in De Clerqstraat, where you can find the most delicious juices, vega dishes and sweets. And I went all out on all the vegan shopping you can do there (from vegan cheese to vegan appetisers, spreads, pizzas and so on). And all in ‘my’ city.
