PSV Wins!!!

PSV just won 5:1, clinching the league title in a thrilling last day of competition. They began the day tied for the league lead with two other teams. The team that held the tiebreaker, AZ, lost 3:2, and Ajax won 2:0. Since the goal differential between PSV and Ajax was 1, PSV wins since the final goal differential is +1 in favor of PSV. Unbelievable!

Tulips Galore

Last weekend we visited the Keukenhof Gardens near Leiden, where the flowers were in full bloom. The gardens are located in the midst of numerous bulb fields, and a few of them were very bright and colorful. I would describe the gardens as a Disneyland for flower-lovers. There were outdoor flower exhibits, a large pavilion filled with more flower exhibits, lawns for picnicking, play areas for children, and a very nice petting zoo. We walked through the gardens and admired the flowers, let Elliott pet every animal in the zoo, and ate beenham sandwiches and fresh strawberries for lunch near a large windmill. The weather was very warm so it made for a lovely afternoon. The tulips were amazing! I never knew that tulips came in so many varieties. I wouldn't do justice describing them, so if you want to see all the crazy types of tulips we saw take a look at our newly updated photo album.

Tomorrow is Queen's Day. We'll let you know how it goes!

Voetbal Zondag

I had the opportunity to play for one of TUE's club soccer team's on Sunday, filling in for an injured player. It was exciting to play in a full field game for the first time in a couple years, and we even had real uniforms! It was pretty exhausting playing two 45-minute halves in the 75+ degree weather. Fortunately, at half-time the home team had refreshing beverages waiting for us in the visiting locker room: hot tea! I'm sorry, but I think the Dutch have taken their love of tea a little too far this time. Of course I drank it, hoping that it was some top secret European sport drink. But nope, it was just tea. Weird.

Home birth

Home birthes are very popular here in the Netherlands. As I understand it, it is very common to have a midwife come to your home and deliver the baby. I haven't seriously considered it as an option...too American, I guess. Plus, having had a C-section before, I think a hospital is probably where our second little trouble-maker will be born.

Imagine my surprise when I got a package from our insurance company this past week. I opened it to find a nice diaper bag and everything I'd need for my home birth! A big, plastic sheet, sterile guaze, and so on, including an umbilical cord clamp. Not sure what we're going to do with the supplies...I don't think my Dr. Lee is qualified for this type of procedure. I don't know if he's ready for it either. I'm just hoping they send this kit to everyone...

On the baby front, things seem to be progressing. I'm getting enormous and Sproutje is very active. He/she seems to prefer to do somersaults during the night...taking a page from Elliott's book. I have had my blood sugar tested another time and it was within normal ranges. Our next appointment is Friday, April 27.

It's getting hot in here...

It was 75 degrees here in Eindhoven yesterday. Mooie!

Belly update: Week 27

Prettig Paasdag!

Happy Easter everyone! Megan and Elliott arrived safely back in Europe Wednesday. We're enjoying a long four day weekend together here in Eindhoven. We didn't hide Easter eggs, but we did buy some funny Easter pastries (see photo), had ham for dinner, and ate lots of chocolate eggs. Did you know that "Second Easter" is a holiday here? I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering that Second Christmas was a holiday too.

Sad News...

Today I made a sad realization: it's the opening day of the Major League Baseball season, and I'm not in a fantasy baseball league:(
I guess it's my own fault, I should have organized one myself. Anyhow, if anyone is interested in participating, let me know ASAP because it might not be too late to start one!

Spring is here!

The weather is warmer and the flowers are blooming all around town. I think spring is here and I'm happy about that, although winter was pretty weak this year, according to the locals.

Things that have happened here lately: I've been working a lot; I'm watching a friends dog (his name is Kramer, and he requires 2.7 walks per day); I took a day trip to Delft (a very nice city); and I went on a 56km/35mile bike ride (now I want to ride even farther...sound good Megan and Elliott?).

I'm excited for the coming week. Not only am I counting down the days until the baseball season starts, I'm also counting down the days to Megan and Elliott's arrival on Wednesday. According to Megan, Sproutje is growing like a weed. I'm so excited to see them!