Remembering Oma

We remember Oma a year after her passing.
While in Amsterdam recently, Sonya took me to a cafe called De taart van m'n tante.
(The tart from my aunty)
It was like a shrine to the decorating tastes of Oma - carpet table cloths, plastic flowers, multi-coloured handmade blankets, tulips, random ornaments - just like Oma's conservatory! And of course we had a slice of the ubiquitous dutch apple tart because Omas would have!

See Dorrie on Wereld Omroep (World Radio Nederland)

Family visit

On Saturday Tanté Mien, José and Maya came to visit Max. Quite a journey for Tanté Mien especially, who travelled up from Venray on the train. She's 90 years old and so sprightly! It was so lovely of them all to visit us. Max is a true dutchie- he isn't even registered in NZ yet. He's eligible for a dutch passport too.
Also this week Aunt Helen, Katherine and Stevie came to visit. Helen was in Amsterdam for just a few days after a work trip to Madrid. It was lovely to see them too, but I forgot to take photos. Whoops.

We took Max in for his 1 month checkup this morning. He's growing fast and all looks good. He's gained over a kilo since he was born- luckily he's also getting taller too!

Meet Max!

Our first two weeks with Max.

Meet Max from Sonya Nagels on Vimeo.

World cup fever

I may not be the biggest rugby fan, but Max and Toby sure are! His brother sent the top and the shorts, Mum's friend knitted the black booties and Toby bought the black hat. The little kiwi toy is from Dad. This is them on Sunday watching NZ vs Argentina (with Mum). 

Bath time

Hi from Wilhelminastraat, 93, Amsterdam.
All doing well here, Max is a healthy hungry boy and has settled nicely in the last two days now there is plenty of milk to be had! Sonya and Toby are coping well and very proud parents. The Kraamzorg is great, having someone quiet, calm and informed in the house each day showing first time parents how to do things and being really useful - it's a wonderful system. Oma is enjoying being here and helping too! Check out my blog for more photos and regular updates:
http://sherylmadigan.blogspot.com/

Sheryl

Max!

Hi family!
Max has arrived- I know you've seen the Facebook announcement- thanks Heidi for that photo- great to see everyone celebrating in Tauranga! He was born on the sunniest, warmest day we've had all summer. True kiwi baby- he just needed some sun to get him out.

I had a pretty epic labour- still can't quite comprehend what happened really- something like 53 hours. My waters broke too early but I had an epidural - which was a blessing and made it all a lot easier. Toby was a huge support. He was great.

The doctor and midwife team were really good and they kept me and Max in overnight- just for observation. But all was good. So we stayed in the hospital on Friday night and Toby came and picked us the next morning.

We have the "kraamzorg" (the baby nurse) visiting everyday this week- very cool Dutch system of mother and baby care. And Mum arrived this Saturday!  So excited to meet her one day old grandson!

Mum brought over lots of lovely things from home, including a blanket knitted by Oma- and she brought the right one! Blue for a boy! It is so special to have that. And a sweet knitted jumper and matching hat from Pauline. Thank you so much! As well as some gingernuts and marmite. Yes! We feel really spoilt.

Thanks for all your messages of love and support. Check out those Nagels cheeks! 

Love to all, give Groot Opa a big kiss from me,

xx

Sonya, Toby and Max