Have Mercy on Us - thoughts from a crazy persons head.

For some reason, our kids are refusing to adapt time-wise.

Yesterday, they woke bright-eyed and bushy tailed at 1:38am.

This morning, it was 3:00am.

Today, we are trying a long morning nap in hopes of keeping them up the

rest of the day into the late evening so that they will sleep through.

I know they will eventually adapt, but it is thoroughly exhausting.

And I wonder when I will begin to feel normal again.

Yesterday, we had our first "adventure" which was supposed to include

a quick trip to Ikea for a few comfort items.

Like a fan - it is very humid.

We've been told this is very unusual.

We stand out as the people on the stuffy trains who are sweating profusely

desperately fanning ourselves with our train tickets and downing water like

we are hiking in the Sahara.

Our quick trip to Ikea included a short train ride to Duivendrecht

where we then had to change from the train to the metro.

The "Information" desk (term used loosely) told us to ride the Metro

3 stops. As we are on (what we thought was) the Metro, a nice

Dutch lady informed us that we were on the wrong train. In fact, we were on a train,

not the Metro. Note to self - these are different.

So we got off at the next stop and waited for the "Metro" which we rode to our

final Ikea destination. Except, we couldn't get out of the station (they are automated "gates").

The station was empty and lacking an information desk.

We run the kids up to the platform again and ask someone why we can't get out.

There wasn't a good reason. Our tickets were just rejected, so in front of the

security cameras, we drafted behind other exiting train riders.

Only to find out that this was not the Ikea stop. The Information attendant was wrong and we

had gone one stop too far. Back on the Metro going the opposite way now.

And finally at the Ikea stop. We are sweaty, hot and tired and Henry's legs are giving out

on him, which is great, because it is a 15 minute walk to Ikea.

Once at Ikea, we seriously contemplated napping on the staged beds.

After a plate of meatballs and frites and soft serve, we

head back 15 minutes to the train. Henry wants to be carried because his

legs are tired.

I mean, at least we know how to get back....right?

Wrong. We got on the wrong train in Duivendrecht and passed right on by Weesp.

A tear falls from my eye (or maybe that was sweat) as I watch Weesp get smaller and smaller.

Now in the Dutch country side and too stressed to enjoy it.

30 or so miles later, we finally stop.

Henry melts down, Charlie is whining.

Back on the train going the other way..again.

We land at Weesp and Henry falls asleep for the 10 minute walk back to the flat.

Which means, he must be carried. All 41 lbs of him.

I've never challenged deodorant more.

FIVE hours later, we were home.

Thankfully, one of my new co-workers offered to deliver the 50 lbs in boxes that I shipped

to the office. Bless his heart. Public transportation is a whole new element that

I underestimated. I am so thankful to my kind co-workers who also demanded

that I take a "Holiday" on Friday (today), get settled, help my kids and just start work on Monday. I almost cried, because this is just what I needed.

Today is the big football match Netherlands v. Brasil.

Big game and there is a buzz here. You can't help but

get the football fever and it is fun!

Nate is sporting his new Nike Netherlands hat.

We planned to head to Amsterdam today (its a straight shot, no train changes, so we are good!)

and start a canal tour, but our kids fell asleep at 9am, so we're letting them

sleep the crankies out. We'll head north this afternoon. The canal tours are "hop on hop off" and are good for 1.5 days. I am so very excited to take this tour!

The sun is out until 10:00 every night and rises at 4 something.

There is a rooster behind our place. It starts crowing at 4:22 every morning.

It makes the kids giggle.

Maple syrup is nowhere to be found. I bought something that looked like syrup.

Turns out, it is molasses and is disgusting and I gagged.

We don't have many TV channels, all are in dutch except 3 or so, which is totally fine, but since the kids are asleep so

much during the day, I am watching a lot of MTV.

Except I think it is Dutch MTV.

The fruit here is like crack. The strawberries are like

nothing I've ever had. I am so ready to dive into the

baguette and Gouda that Nate brought home this morning.

The peanut butter is "different" as is the bread, so Henry will

likely slim down while we are here.

He does like croissants with jam - so that has been a staple.

Nate is wandering around Weesp with backpack on trying to rent a bike for he and the boys.

He hasn't found a bike, but he found a fan....and that is more important right now as I sit here

fanning myself with my tiny train ticket.

vaarwel!