Apr. 9, 2009 - Catching a ladybug

During our visit to the 'Academiegebouw' in Utrecht, Aydin enjoyed the little garden behind the building. The blossom in the trees show springtime in the Netherlands and Aydin was pleasantly surprised by a little ladybug that daddy put on his hand. You walked around carefully with your hand stretched in front of you to make sure the ladybug would not fall off! After that you were relieved we could put it back safely on one of the bushes...

Apr. 2, 2009 - Help, they made me walk on wooden shoes!

This time my mommy and daddy have gone too far... They made me wear these hard wooden shoes that make funny clicking sounds when you walk. On top of that, even the Dutch people in the street were pointing at me and saying `how cute' I looked. Oh well, this afternoon will be pay back time when I will scream and cry a little more than usual  .

See me in my cloggies

They even took a movie of me struggling to walk on these things...

Mar. 29, 2009 - In the Netherlands

After a surprisingly easy flight with Aydin we have arrived in Amsterdam for our 3 month stay in the Netherlands. Aydin's uncle Paul took good care of us during the weekend we arrived, so we could adjust to the new time zone and the chilly (start of spring) weather. We will be living in Delft where we will be renting a cozy appartment on one of the canals. Aydin will be learning more dutch as he will spend a few days per week in a dutch day care!

Clockwise: with uncle Paul in the park (flowers show start of spring!), sleeping in front of the many local souvenir shops, picture from the main stage in Carre (thanks, Paul!) and family picture in front of one of the canals in Amsterdam. 

Dear Aydin,

We hope your time in Holland will be memorable for you, as you learn how to be on a bike everyday, play in the dutch daycare, make new friends, eat dutch goodies and learn a few dutch words! We hope the travel will broaden your horizon and make your even more wanting to travel once you get older.

groetjes en liefs van Pappa en Anne

Feb. 21, 2009 - Under Water!

Almost every saturday morning Aydin and papa take a plunge at "the Plunge" in Pacific Beach. Partly swimming lessons, but mostly just for fun, Aydin gets to jump in the water, splash around, play with all the toys and kids around the pool. One of the excercises is a short dive underwater and this week Anne joined us and papa was able to borrow an underwater camera.

Some great pictures and almost looks like Nirvana's Nevermind  cover . It is fun to go swimming with you each weekend!

Jan. 17, 2009 - Having Fun in the Bath

All the swimming lessons are paying of, as you feel very comfortable in water! We see that when you sit in our big bath tub - you simply roll around and play with your toys. Although swalling water is still enjoyable for you .

Geting you out of the bath tub is a little harder than getting you in. You have so much fun in the water, you like to voice your opinion when we tell you it is time to get out. Whoo, you really let us know that you like to stay in!

Dec. 28, 2008 - Hike in the Snow

San Diego received a lot of rain and snow during the last days of this year 2008. With Ramon's father visiting we took the opportunity to go for a hike up Stone Crest Peak close to Julian. You were enjoying the sight of the bright white snow! You spend most of your time in the baby bjorn on daddy's chest (oooo, you are getting heavy), but you also walked and played in the snow!

Dec. 25, 2008 - A Christmas Tree with Gifts

At first you were surprised there was this tree with sparkly things in our livingroom. Despite the temptation of playing with every ornament, you were very good not touching them if we asked you. You kinda understood this was fragile!

On Christmas day you were even more surprised there were a lot of colorful boxes under the tree! Your first gifts were mostly cloths and a new PJ, as Santa Claus figured you would still be very excited getting those . But you also got some fun toys that we hope will keep you entertained for a long time to come.

Dear Aydin,

Our 2nd Christmas together was very memorable! Spending time together unwrapping gifts at the breakfast table was a wondeful experience for us.

Anne & Pappa

Dec. 13, 2008 - To the Wild Animal Park

For the last time this year, the Wild Animal Park has its festival of lights. We grabbed the opportunity to enjoy the Wild Animal Park at night, withstanding the rain and the cold wind. You love being out and all the attention and entertainment of a train ride. Anne got you a special cover for your stroller, a good protection from the rain!

You enjoyed the train ride and being held by Elena. Although at the end of the ride you started complaining it was taking to long! You were a great sport in the cold and we were happy the funny hat kept you warm .

Nov. 29, 2008 - Walk on the beach

Aydin's getting better in walking by himself. It all started a week after his 1st birthday. The sight of all the kids running around made him want to run around too! Today we went for a nice walk on the beach with Boris and Elena from Torrey Pines to Del Mar. Although you spend most of the time in your sturdy stroller, watching the birds and the beack, the last part you could run a little bit through the sand!

After the walk we all had a well-deserved late lunch at one of the restaurants along the water, watching the soft winter sun over the water. Elena took great pictures of us and we love the golden curls of you in the warm sunlicht!.

Nov. 27, 2008 - Gaye and Emre visiting Aydin

All the way from Seattle (where the sun almost shines), Gaye and Emre came over to visit us. The first time they were able to hold little Aydin and they loved playing with him! In addition, Aydin loved to play with Emre's beard .

Aydin is also leanring more and more turkish!

Nov. 26, 2008 - Aydin's birthday

After his birthday party on sunday, today (Wednesday Nov. 26, 2008) Aydin started his 1st birthday with a cake and a Skype call to his family in Turkey. We put him in front of the computer screen, so he could see his uncle Ilker, aunt Pelin and his 2 cousins Cansu and Umut! Dealing with the (hot) candle and eating the cake went well. Unfortunatey, the cake fell on the floor  !

Dear Aydin,

Happy birthday from Anne and Papa! You have grown so much in one year and we are looking forward to see you grow and develop even further. You are almost walking and definitely love eating cake on your birthday!

Anne & Papa.

Nov. 22, 2008 - First Haircut

Aydin's hair is getting so long, it is now bothering him when it gets into his eyes... Ofcourse we do not like to cut it, as we like his golden curls . So we made a comprimise and decided to give Aydin his first haircut - but only on the front! Best to do that when he's sleeping, as he is way to bouncy when he is awake. In this way he will look pretty and professional on his upcomig birthday!

Aydin getting a haircut while he's sleepng - looking pretty afterwards

Dear Aydin, we saved the first golden locks that were cut. Your hair is so soft and precious, we simply had to save it!

Anne & Papa

Nov. 16, 2008 - First few steps!

Nov. 8, 2008 - Our STAND UP commedian

Nov. 5, 2008 - You're a part of history Aydin!

Nov. 2, 2008 - Father and son

Nov. 1, 2008 - The little tow truck driver

Oct. 31, 2008 - Halloween!

Dressed up in (our) favorite color orange, Aydin is enjoying his first Halloween this year! Dressed as a little pumpkin, as that is what he is, we hope to get a lot of candy. We'll make sure to eat the candy for him :) Happy Halloween!

Aydin in his first Halloween pumpkin costume

Oct. 26, 2008 - Mommy's birthday in Sedona, AZ

We took the opportunity to explore red rock country during an extended weekend in Sedona, Arizona. As mommy was also having her birthday this weekend, we could enjoy both the beautiful scenery and spend some time together to practice singing birthday songs with Aydin.

Family pictures at Sedona, AZ

Oct. 18, 2008 - Little camper