Food, Frisbee, and More

Luke started solids this month, and he's been a champion eater so far. We've tried carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, banana, and apples. Most of it goes down easily, though not necessarily in his mouth (see pictures). I've now also completely stopped breastfeeding, which is both a joyous occasion (I have my freedom back...sorta), and a very sad occasion (nothing quite replaces the intimacy of breastfeeding).

Daddy likes to feed me when he's home:

But why won't he let me put my hands in the carrots?

What do you mean the food is supposed to go inside my mouth? What are you looking at anyway?

Earlier this month I also participated in my first Ultimate Frisbee tournament since the pregnancy. And I promptly hurt myself! Ugh, this time my left knee. I've got a bad bone contusion and possible ligament damage. I think it's time to quit this sport! For real. I don't think my body can take it anymore. However, Luke is getting better and better at handling the frisbee! If only he could run...

Daddy teaching me to catch with two hands:

But I prefer the three-prong hold:

About to spike the disc!


In other news, I have a third interview tomorrow with the Brussels Department of the Environment. I think (hope!) it will be the last one. I believe they've narrowed it down to two candidates. This last interview is with the director of the organisation, and he ultimately has to sign off on the candidate. Wish me luck!

One last picture, taken in a friend's backyard. I love it when Luke falls asleep against me.

Le Soleil de la Belgique

Today is the 7th day in the row where it has been incredibly nice here in Belgium. Sunny blue skies, warm temperatures (20+C, 70+F), easy breeze... just wonderful. All the vegetation is blooming, growing, and flowering, and all the Belgians are outdoors, turning lobster red at the park, the beach, the corner cafe. Belgium comes alive when the sun shines!

This weekend is a long weekend - monday is the pentecost or whit monday. For a country that claims to have a separation of church and state, we sure get a lot of religious holidays!! But I'm not complaining! Alex's family came for a visit this (long) weekend: his mom, sister, nephew and niece all hopped on a train to see us. We had a lot of fun with them - we went to the animal park on Thursday and the seashore (knokke) on Friday and Saturday. Below are some of my favorite pictures.

Today is also mother's day in Belgium. My first mother's day! Alex went to the bakery this morning and got me my favorite "pain au chocolat", let me take a nap in the afternoon, and made me dinner. All that plus lots of hugs, gurgles, and smiles from Luke. It's been a great day. It feels good to be a mom! Happy mother's day to all the moms out there!

All the cousins (Tities, Iris, Luke) and Nonna playing together at home:

At the animal park. Luke got to sit on Titien's shoulders, which he loved. He especially like to grab Titien's hair. Titien didn't like it so much...

With Tata 'Nessa and cousin Iris at the park. It's about 6pm in this picture but the sun is still high in the sky. The days are getting very long now - sunrise is around 5:30pm, sundown at 9:30pm.

Big cousin love! Titien, who's 4 years old, is a great older cousin. Luke loved it when Titien would play with him, make funny faces, or tickle him.

With Nonna at the seashore in Knokke. It was almost too hot to be outside - thank god for the parasol and the shade. Luke was fascinated by the sand! He loved to put his hands and feet in it, and tried to eat it a couple of times.

Going crabbing in the morning. Notice the big star fish that Alex is holding (but that Titien found).

And yes, we did find some crabs. This one was HUGE - a female with lots of eggs. We put her back where we found her.

Alex, Titien, and Luke sharing a quiet moment in the evening reading books before bed time.

Le soleil de Provence

Last week I went to the South of France to visit Alex's grandmother (Nonna). The weather wasn't quite as good as I had hoped, but it was a bit better than here in Brussels. Luke had a great time with his Nonna, and got to re-acquaint himself with his cousins and his aunt and uncle. I think the pictures speak for themselves...

La semaine dernière je suis allé à St. Remy de Provence rendre visite à « Nonna » pendant qu’Alex était en voyage d’affaire. J’espérais trouver le grand soleil, mais les nuages de pluie de Bruxelles m’ont suivi jusque la bas ! Luke s’est beaucoup amuse avec sa Nonna, et il a refait connaissance avec les cousins.

Iris & Luke:


Nonna with the babies:

Nothing but love for Luke:

Tata Vanessa et Tonton Didier:

Having a laughing fit with MiBlu et Nonna:

Eating lunch outside on our last day:



Upon my return to Brussels, I had a second interview with the Brussels Dept of the Environment. I think it went pretty well and they will contact me within the next two weeks. Keep your fingers crossed.

J'ai eu un deuxième entretien avec Bruxelles Environnement et je trouve que ça c’est plutôt bien passé. J’attends une réponse dans les deux semaines.

More posts to come soon!