BlondebutBright

• Gems of toddler bilingualism 5 months ago Adrian is nearing 2 1/2 and lives in an English, Spanish, and Dutch language environment. Though he doesn't say much in Dutch, he speaks a beautiful mix of Spanish and English. Before becoming a mama, I definitely imagined the ins and outs of raising a child. But I never pictured speaking to a...
• New Year's drink with the neighbors 5 months ago There it was: a sign up sheet, tacked in the elevator, right to the left of the buttons. New Year's drinks on Sunday at 4pm. Please join us!I've lived in this building for more than six years, and though I greet my neighbors, I've always avoided the yearly drinks. Why? I'm a social person. I love...
• In flight toddler 10 months ago The epic bi-annual journey was once again upon us: It was time for the flight from Minneapolis to Amsterdam, alone with my toddler. Adrian is now approaching the age of two. For those unacquainted with the term "infant ticket," this means while traveling with a child under two years, you pay about...
• Apple, Starbucks, home? 11 months ago Amsterdam now has the biggest (and dare I say coolest) Apple store in the world. It also has the most eclectic Starbucks I have seen. Both opened earlier this year - one on Leidseplein, and one on Rembrandtplein. Just picture it: Shiny MacBook Pros at aesthetically pleasing intervals. "Can I help...
• Exploring the Noordermarkt 13 months ago I've been in Amsterdam three times this week. I guess you could say I'm growing nostalgic. The third visit was earlier today. It was chilly but bright and sunny - the perfect combination for a stroll around some of the markets that Amsterdam is famous for. I participated in a little activity...

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