Saved by Santa

Luckily, on the evening of the 25th, our somewhat 'lost' Christmas was saved by 'Babbo Natale' (Santa Claus) who dropped by with a bag of presents. Auro, who last year had still been completely unimpressed by Father Christmas, this time looked at Santa with some suspicion while he greedily accepted the presents that were handed to him. He needed some convincing, but he even posed with him for a picture right before he disappeared back into the dark night ;-)

A merrier Christmas!!

(25/12/2010) I should be in Belgium right now posting photos of our Christmas Eve in front of the Christmas tree and preparing for the big family dinner that I had been looking forward to so much, but instead I'm writing this from the house of my in-laws in Cesenatico (which is in Italy and not in Belgium) and the only photos I can show you were taken at the airport and on the train yesterday.

Let me tell you what happened. Last Tuesday (the 21st) we left the house at 8:20 in the morning for the airport of Pisa, where we arrived just before noon. We stood in line for the check-in and after we had checked in our luggage and gotten our boarding passes, the lady behind the counter noticed I was pregnant. We told her we had a letter from my gynecologist saying it was safe for me to fly. When we handed it to her, however, she noticed that the letter didn't literally say that I was healthy enough to 'fly'. After she spoke with her superiors, she told us the plane would have to leave without us unless the gynecologist could fax them another letter immediately. After some calls to the hospital, we found out that our gynecologist wasn't there on Tuesdays and no one else was certified to fax a letter like that. So, we got back on the train to Genoa. On top of that, Auro was not only exhausted, but had also developed a fever in the meanwhile.

The next morning Remo went to the hospital and got another fit-to-fly letter and in the afternoon we bought a new ticket for Friday (the 24th). On Friday we again left for the airport of Pisa (though a little less excited than on Tuesday). We checked in, they saw the letter and we made it to the gate... where we waited for some time (some hours) until they finally canceled the flight due to the bad weather in Belgium! Remo's parents, whose flight for Belgium from Bologna had also been canceled that same morning, told us to take the train to Cesenatico. And so that is what we did. 

Hoping that we will have better luck on Monday (third and final attempt), I end this post by wishing everybody who reads this a merrier Christmas than ours :-)

Pisa airport

Train between Florence and Bologna

Station of Bologna

Paper shoe

Last night, Saint Nicholas, the Belgian/Dutch (and original) version of Santa Claus, made a detour on his horse and visited our apartment in Genoa. When he came here last year, Auro still didn't have a clue why I was making him leave one shoe in the living room before going to bed, but this year he decorated a paper shoe days in advance. Yesterday evening, before going to bed, he neatly put it under the TV together with a glass of water for the thirsty Saint Nicholas and a carrot for his tired horse. When we went to check his shoe this morning, we found it full of chocolates and candy. Auro must have been a good boy the past year, because he also was rewarded with some toys, a book and a DVD. He discovered everything with great excitement and showed us proudly what the saint had brought for him. Only after a while he interrupted his play for a breakfast of chocolate and candy ;-)

November rains

I know I haven't written in a a while, but not much has happened since the last time I wrote. Remo has been going to work every day while I'm at home with Auro. The rainy  weather that seemed to last forever kept us locked up inside of the apartment most of the time. But here are some pictures of  the past month's 'highlights'. 

Almost one month ago, Auro's nonni (Remo's parents) came to visit us in Genoa. They were here for only 2 days, but it was as 'intense' as a one-week visit for Auro, who, (and as a pregnant and therefore most of the time exhausted mother I have to admit this) to my great joy, needed some extra long naps over the following days to recover from all the excitement. Since it was raining nonstop, we took Auro to la citta' dei bambini (a huge indoor playground/museum for children) here in the old port of Genoa. Needless to say he had a great time and the moment we had to leave (to make it on time for our lunch reservations) was, quite understandably, accompanied by the unavoidable tears... the poor thing!

Auro and I looking into all kinds of mirrors that give funny reflections

Auro dressed as one of his 'idols': Bob the Builder

And here are some photos of what we did at home while it was pouring outside.

Auro with his 'helmet' on his head, saying "Auro moto! Auro moto!" (moto = motorbike)

Auro showing off his 'new' bed (We removed one side, so he can get in and out of his bed by himself. I decided it was time for this, because lifting him in and out was becoming a bit painful for me. Also, with my ever-expanding belly I wasn't able to bend over and give him a goodnight kiss anymore. We are nearly one week later now and, except for the one time he kept climbing out of his bed during his nap time  because he didn't want to sleep, he has slept like an angel in there!) 

Auro posing proudly in front of the Christmas tree that we put up last weekend. He also knows that a Christmas tree is to look at and not to touch (except for the one Christmas ball that is hanging from the lowest branch, which he occasionally touches, ever so delicately, with one finger!)

Pink!

On Tuesday, we finally managed to fix an appointment with a gynecologist (I'm already in my 23rd week and the last time I saw a doctor was in August). So yesterday, we went to the hospital for another ultrasound. I don't know if you can make anything from them, but I post some photos here anyway. The two photos on the top show the baby's head and the one on the bottom left either one of the arms or a leg (it all looked a lot clearer 'live'). I have no idea what the one on the bottom right is supposed to be. But.... everything is OK!!! The baby seems healthy, is growing well and weighs about half a kilo by now. (I'm not going to tell you how much I weigh by now!)

Anyway, and this might be the news you are really waiting for, near the end of the examination, the gynecologist confirmed that the baby that has started kicking in my belly is clearly a girl (her words: "una bella femmina")! I don't have to tell you how happy I was to hear that after all the blue clothes, toy trains and toy cars, we will also have tiny dresses, dolls and flower necklaces. Hooray for pink!!!

My mother

On the 2nd of November (the day we drove back from Abruzzo), we also toasted to my mother who passed away exactly 2 years ago. How things have changed since that day! We can only imagine how happy she would have been playing with Auro, holding Zita , while eagerly waiting for the third grandchild to be born...

The photo I've posted was taken in Aarschot, in the year 2006, when my mum and I went for a bicycle ride.

Far and away

 

Last weekend we were invited to stay in the house of Remo's boss/colleague. So, on Friday, we left (almost right) after lunch, to arrive in Abruzzo 12 long hours later (we were stuck in traffic and lost about 3 hours). The region of Abruzzo lies to the east/southeast of Rome and is not a very touristic region, but known for its beautiful and unspoiled nature. Since we arrived at 2 in the morning, we didn't see just how amazing (and isolated) the place was until the warm autumn sun of Saturday brought out its full splendor. On Sunday, unfortunately, the weather changed and we were confined to the beautiful, but somewhat cold house. So, instead of going out for walks, we lit the fireplace, roasted chestnuts, talked, watched TV, ate and drank a lot. Auro, as usual, took on the task of entertaining  all of us and did a great job. We thank Marta (the daughter) for sharing her old toys and playing with him while we were resting lazily in front of the fire.

On Tuesday, we drove back to Genoa (less than 10 hours this time!) and, even though we enjoyed the beautiful nature and the clean air of Abruzzo, we were happy to see the thermometer read 15 degrees when we entered the city.

Our hosts

The house

The home-made pasta

Changes

On the 19th of October we finally came back to Genoa (Remo had joined us some days before in Belgium, so he could also visit his newborn niece) The plan is to stay in Genoa (or at least in Italy) until Christmas which we will celebrate in Belgium this year.

Since we have come back, I have again started to help Auro learn new things (it's very hard to teach a child anything when you are always in a different place among different people!). Because Auro turned two recently I decided it was time to put him on the potty. We are still at the very beginning of what I'm fearing to become a very long learning process and we have booked no remarkable successes yet, but I will let you know (and possibly throw a big party) as soon as Auro has mastered the basics of this new 'skill'. 

I also thought it was time for him to join the other 2-year olds I have observed over the passed months and to push him to learn to eat by himself (with a spoon from a plate). At first (read: during the first 5 or 6 meals) he refused to even hold the spoon  and was very upset that I was robbing him of his privilege of being fed, but then, all of a sudden, he started to spoon his food by himself and before we realized it he had eaten 3 full plates of pasta! 

The only transition he didn't find hard to make was the change from a sippy cup to a normal cup during his meals. After a little practice he was able to drink from it without spilling too much!

Auro also has a new hobby: puzzles! Usually while I'm preparing the dinner, he sits at the kitchen table with me and draws (mainly trains, or so he proudly claims). Recently I have started to give him small puzzles (4 pieces) and he loves making them. Here's a little sample of how that goes and some useful vocabulary ;-)

n-au-o = Auro (He says that because he wants me to give him the mobile phone I am filming him with. As for the 'n' at the beginning, I have no idea, but he tends to put it in front of a lot words staring with a vowel.)

kanni = kan niet (Dutch) = it can't = I doesn't fit or I can't do it

ecco facco  = ecco fatto (Italian) = there, I have done it!

a posso = a posto (Italian) = I will put it away or where it belongs

farmer Auro

During the two weeks that Zita had to remain in the hospital, my brother, who had taken a holiday, came to Begijnendijk often and took Auro out for walks in the woods and across corn fields. With his uncle, Auro not only discovered the fun of piercing mushrooms with pointy branches, but also the (apparently even bigger) joy of collecting acorns and putting them in the pockets of his jackets and cardigans (he still keeps some in his pockets now!). After this, my brother somewhat became Auro's hero and even now that we are back in Genoa, words like 'bos' (woods), 'mais' (corn) or 'eikel' (acorn) can always count on a smile and an eager reply from Auro with the word 'nuki' (=nonkel Chris).

the fortunate one

While we were in Turkey, my little niece (my brother's daughter) was born. Zita (the fortunate one) was born on the 28th of September, at 10 past midnight! Because she was small and not strong enough, she had to stay a little longer in the hospital, but after about 2 weeks her parents could take here home. Beautiful Zita not only made me happy to become 'tante' (aunt) for the very first time, but, as I was chosen to be one of the godmothers, she also gives me the pleasure to be able to spoil her from now!!

Turkish delight

 Some days after Auro's birthday, my father, Auro and I left for Antalya, Turkey. During the next 10 days we enjoyed the Turkish sun, sea and beach. It's indeed always a delight to visit Turkey!

 

Two!!

Auro's 2nd birthday fell on Friday the 17th of September, while Auro and I, unfortunately for Remo, were already in Belgium. On the other hand, it was maybe for the better that we were not in Italy on a Friday the 17th, seeing that the Italians consider it to be an unlucky day, much like we connect Friday the 13th with misfortune.

Opa (my father) surprised the birthday boy with a huge (and nearly impossible to take back home to Italy) toy truck (complete with backhoe) and in the afternoon Nuki (nonkel Chris = my brother) treated Auro on a couple of rides on the merry-go-round and a go at 'fishing for ducks' (I have no idea how you call this in English) at the yearly fair of Leuven (Louvain). Needless to say Auro enjoyed his day which was topped of with a Belgian waffle and a visit to tante Els (who unfortunately was hospitalized since the previous day).

Early 2nd birthday

On the 10th of September we arrived back in Genoa, exhausted and in need of a break from all the traveling. Unfortunately, Auro and I had only some days before we were expected in Belgium. Because we would not be in Genoa on the 17th (Auro's birthday), Remo and I had a mini pre-birthday-celebration before leaving. On the morning of the 15th we surprised Auro with his present. You can see him on the photo proudly showing his new cars and matching parking garage. He literally played from morning till evening with his birthday present, after which we all went to bed very satisfied ;-)

Samurai Auro

 My first summer living in Genoa and I had already spent half of it on the other side of Italy, in the house of my in-laws. The second half of the summer I spent even farther away from my new home. On the 18th of August, Auro and I took the plane and flew to Osaka, Japan. Remo, who had not seen his boat for nearly a year, had left one week before us and was waiting for us at the airport. Auro and I were invited by my (former) boss and stayed in the guesthouse belonging to the institute where I used to work (in Kyoto). Still suffering from 'morning sickness' there were some days that I had to stay in bed while Remo took care of Auro, but luckily there were also many days that we were able to go out and let Auro discover Japanese playgrounds, toy stores and even the zoo. Having to spend hours on trains to get to these places just made him happier. Of course I also had the opportunity to meet my friends/ex-colleagues and got a complete update of the project. Despite the (pregnancy) nausea and tiredness it was well worth the long travel!

The picture below was taken in Eigamura (a theme park where you can visit locations that were used in Japanese historical movies ... you know, the ones with samurai and ninja!). Auro and Remo are posing with some samurai that had just re-enacted a sword fight. A performance that had left Auro gasping in awe ;-)

Surprise

Well, I hope this still comes as a surprise to at least some of you, because most of our relatives and friends have already heard the joyful news: we are pregnant again! I've known for a while now, but I have waited to tell you until now, because morning sickness prevented me from sitting in front of a computer screen for longer than 5 minutes. In July I was feeling so nauseous and tired that I even went to stay with my in-laws, so they could help me take care of Auro.

Anyway, I'm feeling a lot better now (not completely nausea-free however), which means that I should be about 3 months along. The doctors also confirm this, though the due date is still not very clear. According to the gynecologist's calendar it should be around the 6th of March. The ultrasound scans suggest it might be a bit earlier than that. 

The first ultrasound scan was done here in Genoa when I was about 7 weeks pregnant and shows a tiny little bean of about 10mm big. 

For the 2nd ultrasound I went to a clinic in Cesenatico. By that time I was 12 weeks along and the little bean had grown arms, legs, fingers, eyes, a nose... and was already 54mm long! Even though it is the 2nd time for me, it feels as magical as the first time to see my child growing inside of me, so I hope you will forgive me if I will try to keep you posted ;-)

Shasha

Leaving the beach of Cesenatico and returning to our apartment without garden wasn't as big of a change for Auro as I thought it would be. He was quite happy to rediscover all his toys and re-appreciated our small balcony from which he could 'chat' with the lady downstairs (and all the other ladies that were willing to smile at him from their windows).

Things were back to normal... at least for 10 days, because on the 30th of June we flew to London. Remo had to be there for work and Auro and I went along to visit some friends from Japan. I met Marina when I was studying at the university in Osaka and it was Remo who introduced us to Phil. Phil and Marina got married (they had a beautiful wedding in Japan) and I ended up with Remo ;-) They went to live in England and we finally moved back to Europe to settle in Italy. Auro was born in September 2008 and Alexander, Phil & Marina's son was born in December of the same year. The last time we had seen each other was 2 and a half years ago, so we had some catching-up to do. While Marina and I chatted for 3 days, the boys got acquainted with each other and by the end were able to call each other by name (Auro called Alexander by his nickname 'Sasha', but pronounced it more like 'Shasha')! After four days of playgrounds, aquarium (we visited the aquarium of London), sightseeing and a little bit of shopping (beautiful beautiful Windsor), we returned to Genoa a little tired (plane was delayed for 2 hours because of a technical problem), but completely content of having 'renewed' our friendship ties. Thank you, Marina, Phil and Sasha!!! See you in Genoa!

Reunited

For nearly 2 years we could only dream of having some time to ourselves, but now that we finally had two whole weeks of it, I have to admit that I missed my boy incredibly much. We arrived in Genoa on Saturday morning and Sunday morning I was already on the train to Cesena, hardly able to contain my excitement to see Auro again. I was a bit worried that he might not be as happy as me to see each other again, but as soon as he saw me walking towards the car I could see him shouting at the top of his lungs "mamaaaa" and all my worries disappeared instantly. He was as happy as I was ;-)

Since then we have been staying here with my in-laws, enjoying the beach and the sea, taking bicycle rides through the town and playing in the garden. This place has absolutely everything to please children. I'm afraid it might be disappointing for Auro when we return to Genoa next week.

Major update V: the cruise

The Monday after the wedding, me and my husband (ha!) left Auro with his grandparents in Cesenatico and drove back to Genoa. My brother left the next day on his motorbike and, all of a sudden, I found myself alone in the apartment for the very first time. Even though I was missing Auro, I also felt extremely relaxed. So I decided to enjoy it and I went out almost every day with my book and sat on a bench near the sea.

The following Saturday, Remo and I left for a cruise on the Mediterranean. The reason why we left only on Saturday is because I insisted we leave from the harbor of Genoa. I just thought it was more appropriate. The cruise lasted only for one short week, but the 'MSC Splendida' docked in Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), Tunis (Tunisia), La Valletta (Malta), Messina (Sicily) and Civitavecchia (close to Rome) before arriving back in Genoa. For us it was the first time to undertake such an organized way of traveling, but it was very 'suitable' for a honeymoon and I would recommend it to any newlywed couple.

Leaving Genoa...

Marseille's Notre-Dame de la Garde, seen  from the yacht harbor

Colorful balconies in Malta

Tunisian coast, early in the morning

Stromboli's still very active volcano (off the north coast of Sicily)

Arrival in Genoa (it was raining!)

Major update IV: the big day

On Saturday, the 29th of May 2010, Remo and I got married in the castle of Verucchio, in the province of Rimini. We said 'si' to each other in front of about 90 guests who had joined us from different countries to celebrate our big day. A big thank you to all of you who have helped make it into an unforgettable day!

An unforgettable day that started (at least for me) with getting ready in the hotel room. While my super-and-incredibly-professional hairdresser/beautician was making me pretty, I got my 'something blue' from my witness and good friend Wendy. My friend Dragana started taking photos and my father was pacing impatiently up and down the room continuously asking whether I was ready yet because "it was time to go". 

For those of you who were wondering whether I was actually wearing my 'something blue', here is a photo of me 'slipping' it on ;-)

When I was 'finally' ready, my father walked me from the hotel, through the village, all the way up to the castle, where Remo was waiting. Upon entering the gate, three of my friends, dressed in medieval costumes, played the wedding march. Trying very hard not to cry we proceeded to the armory hall of the castle.

The ceremony was performed by the mayor of Verucchio and lasted no longer than 10 minutes. Assuming I understood most of what I said yes to, we exchanged rings, kissed (!) and put down our signatures. Then Remo's friend Max and my friend Wendy signed the same document as witnesses. The hardest part was over ;-)

The ceremony was followed by a small reception in the courtyard of the castle, during which nonno Elio (Remo's father) revealed his surprise for us (he had been talking about it to me for some weeks already!): a huge photo of Auro was hanging from the outside wall of the castle, saying: "Ciao a tutti! Brindo a modo mio con tutti voi alla felicita' di mamma e papa'. Salute! Sante'!" (Hello to all of you! Together with you I drink a toast in my own way to the happiness of my mom and dad. Cheers!). However, before we made it there we had to pass under the traditional shower of rice!

A photo with my Belgian family and one with Remo's: frietjes and spaghetti!

At 6 o'clock there was another couple getting married in the castle, so together with all the guests we walked down to the restaurant (less than 10 minutes walking). I can tell you that the road to the castle was considerably cleaner after I had passed twice with my wedding dress ;-)

In the restaurant a second reception was waiting for us on the big terrace. Peter, Caroline and Christoph embellished the already breathtaking panorama with their beautiful music.

Once the reception was over, we all moved inside for the (completely vegetarian) dinner. Not long after we had sat down, it started raining heavily outside. Thunder and lightening appeared out of nowhere. It was as if the sky was angry we had moved the festivities inside. The storm didn't last long, but it surely made an impression. Luckily for us, in Italy rain is said to bring good fortune to the bride: "sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata"!

After most of the food was eaten and lots of the alcohol was consumed (by mainly the Belgians, I have to say), Remo and I opened the dance floor (while the ceremony was the most stressful part for me, the dancing part had kept Remo awake for many nights!). However, by that time many of the Italians had already left (it was nearly midnight... way too late for an opening dance...) and Remo had been worrying for nothing. The Belgians, on the other hand, had been waiting and readily jumped on the dance floor ;-)

I'd be lying if I said the wedding party had lasted until the morning, because by 2 am the DJ was asked to switch of his music. I am, however, convinced that the people who stayed until the end had a good time and were not feeling that disappointed the next day when they were able to get out of bed before noon and hit the beaches of Rimini before returning home.