Ruben, Mutaleni, Naomi & Mila

last weeks of 2010

2011-03-16T21:08:00.014+01:00

The last weeks of 2010 were spent on Oupa & Ouma's farm. The family came together to enjoy the new farmhouse and enjoy the sun and good food. The children left early with the grandparents and we joined for the Christmas weekend.

Nadir, Zianah, Naomi & Mila (and all the luggage!)
at the back of Ouma's car. The beautiful farmhouse. The "backyard"!

Aunty Ree, Aunty Namene, Aunty Mutaleni
- and the kids!
Naomi read half of 'The Wizard of Oz' ...
with a little help from mama, of course. Mila had a few moody moments,
finding her place in the big family.

Naomi pointing out where the cows are.
We also celebrated Mutaleni's twenty-something birthday!

We were fortunate to receive a visit from George, Justina, David & Gerald on the farm on their way back to Windhoek from Ovamboland -- lots of fun!

We took family portraits and
Naomi decided to be with the Alders!
The Nadimis (sans Naomi).
David, Gerald & Naomi. Look Mila, "Cow!" Very charming poses!
And after all that sun... a cool drink
and some yummy pancakes. Thanks Justina!
Oupa and Ouma's favourite tree on the farm.

Naomi and Mila received pets from the farm.
Two tortoises - Rainbow and Sunshine! Our last visitors for the year were Ruben's cousin Arjen and his girlfriend Chantal who were traveling through South Africa and Namibia. They spent "oud-en-nieuw" with us and here is our very first official group photo of 2011!

December already!

2010-12-19T07:14:00.005+01:00

Gosh - it's already December! And so much has happened between now and our last post in September. Mila is growing so fast and finally started walking in October (hurray!) and she and Naomi are developing a new kind of relationship thanks to her mobility. Naomi is making more and more friends and enjoying play dates and birthday parties on a weekly basis.

Ruben and Mutaleni are enjoying the joys and challenges of being in Namibia - we had an amazing 5-week run of guests in November-December when we were visited by six people! Ruben's father, Tate Houshang, his older brother, Ramin, and his youngest sister, Famke, as well as our friends Hein and Loes were here to visit.

Also Mutaleni was been busy with organising Namibian film awards and film screenings prior to the awards and we enjoyed a stunning and succesful Theatre & Film Awards Show here in Windhoek on the 20th of November.

Here are some photos to give you a small glimpse of what's been happening.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday!

We Love Mum!

Mila sharing a smoothie with papa.

Naomi and her new (boy)friend Bob making pizza dough!

Naomi and Mila climbing up sand hills with some new friends!

Mila feeding herself. Such a good eater!

Naomi having adventures around the house... she made orange-lemonade from fruit from the garden.

Naomi sitting between her cousins Nadir and Zianah after picking them up from school.

All dressed up... and looking good for the 2010 Namibian Film & Theatre Awards!

Even in Namibia... a visit from the Sint and his lieve Piets!

2010-09-13T22:19:00.006+02:00

In the past few weeks we've really settled in to our house, and started having even more fun!

we've had the chance to go out and had a fabulous time at M&G's wedding. So nice being Mr&Mrs for a night instead of papa&mama! Thanks to cousin Hilja for babysitting all day & all night!

The crazy Dutchies cycling to school in the morning (yes, the helmets are obligatory). It was so hot that Ruben decided to pick Naomi up by car... it's hot, it's hilly, it's Windhoek. Not Amsterdam!

Naomi is spending more and more time with her new friends.

Mila is standing and will be walking any day now !!!

And the girls get the prize for having the prettiest room in the house.
We feel very at home here.

Love the Nadimis.

So far...

2010-08-29T12:38:00.008+02:00

A lot has happened...

The World Cup

With blood, tears & sweat Oranje came and almost conquered. Ruben was there to witness it live in Johannesburg. Mutaleni and the girls watched it live on a big screen TV organised by Aunty Namene - who was supporting Spain, but we still love her!

Nesting

We moved into our own place and have been busy fixing and painting and moving in. With a large garden and barbecue area we are enjoying outdoor living. And the evenings when it cools down we can make a fire in the living room. The girls enjoy sharing a room, so we have a spare room which we use as a play room & guest room.

Bring 'n Braai

We had a little housewarming party where friends came over with meat for the barbecue and had a lovely evening together.

Outdoor childhood

Naomi & Mila spend a lot of time tearing the garden apart and biking and cycling around. They invite their friends over, put on their hats and play clothes and go on little adventures in the garden.

School days

Naomi has started kindergarten and loves going to "school" with her new friends and teachers. She even has swimming lessons as part of the school program.

Family ties

We are also enjoying being so close to our family here and regularly visit ouma & oupa's house where we can eat and play with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins... and also watch tv as we still don't have one at home.

Now that we have an Internet connection at home we plan on posting updates more regularly.

Lots of love from sunny Windhoek!

feeling at home

2010-06-29T23:31:00.009+02:00

Windhoek, Namibia.
June 2010, winter.
day = 24 degrees Celsius
night = 07 degrees Celsius

We are so happy to be here in this beautiful country, surrounded by family & old friends. We have been here a little over a week now and feel very blessed. Here are a few photographs taken at Ouma & Oupa's house (Oma & Opa in Afrikaans) as well as photos of our gorgeous temporary home until we move into our own place next month. Also browse further down for some more pics of our last weeks in NL... speaking of which, World Cup fever has taken over so excuse us for taking so long to blog. Hup Holland hup!

Lots of love R,M,n&m

Outdoors at Ouma & Oupa's house

The sun is shining...

...but it's still a little too cold to swim.

Ouma & Mila share a joke :)

Uncle Matati helps Mila make a long distance call...

Our landing nest
We are house sitting for friends who are currently on vacation. It's still very much the honeymoon phase and we're loving it!

Week 1 in Windhoek

2010-06-27T23:38:00.004+02:00

Goodbye Netherlands!

2010-06-23T12:05:00.009+02:00

Our last weeks in The Netherlands have been busy, emotional and yet filled with many wonderful moments with friends and family. It is a small miracle that we were able to see and say farewell to so many friends during these hectic weeks!
Some highlights:

Our last night in The Netherlands was spent in Nijmegen at Celine & Tim's house...

Da dag Tettertjes...

On Naomi & Mila's last day at the creche we had a "borrel" with all the teachers, parents and children. It was a lot fun yet bittersweet... we are still enjoying the many toys, books, bags, hair bands and cards we received. THANK YOU TETTERTJES, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Family aan zee

We spent a whole week in two big houses together with the entire Nadimi Wouters family at Noordwijk aan Zee... we will miss the North Sea, especially Naomi!

Oma Adri and the grandkids.

Famke, Joanne, Roya & Sietse went surfing!

Mutaleni squeezed in some good summer reading.

Babajoon shielding Luka from the wind.

Naomi & Rafi watching the surf.

The whole family!

2010-06-16T15:22:00.001+02:00

Farewell picnic

2010-06-15T09:36:00.010+02:00

Vondelpark... a picnic to say goodbye to our wonderful friends who've made life so much fun for us in this beautiful city. See you soon!

A week at sea...

2010-06-15T09:25:00.005+02:00

We spent one week together with the whole Nadimi-Wouters clan in Noordwijk aan Zee, just a three minute walk from the beach. The kids loved it, the big people loved it! So wonderful to have spent so much time together with our Dutch family before the move to our Namibian family. Especially great that Sietse and Joanne were here from Singapore. Thanks to Oma Adri for putting this all together!

Pinkster camp!

2010-06-15T09:07:00.003+02:00

We had a lovely time camping in Groesbeek together with family & friends! We also had our first farewell party... since we're moving (back) to Namibia at the end of June!!!

Mila's party!

2010-06-15T08:23:00.006+02:00

We had a little party for our little Mila! Her friends from Amsterdam where invited to celebrate with cake, fruit & music! Nebio, Tristan, Franka and Sonali where there & Naomi of course!

Mila is 1 today!

2010-05-25T08:50:00.013+02:00

Today is Mila's first birthday!
She shares this special day with her ouma Sustjie!

Naomi 3 years old!

2010-04-17T21:33:00.004+02:00

April 15 2010 - finally 3!

My friend Samuel surprised me with a little sparkling treat!

My sister Mila played hide & seek with me under my bed, so much fun!

This is the gift I got - a cool suitcase I can sit on and ride!
These are my parents. Cute, huh?Naomi took this photo of the two of us on her birthday.
We are so proud of her for making us feel... old.

snow snow snow!!!

2010-01-06T20:31:00.002+01:00

A brilliant start to a new year!
It is snowing like crazy in Amsterdam and we are loving it! This means some fun in the snow but it also means cocooning and spending hours indoors... which means more blogging! Looking forward to keeping you up to date on our adventures past and present.
For now - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"I'm singing in the snow... just singing in the snow"

"Mama - can we go home now?"

The playground all coated in powdered sugar... I mean snow.

Who wants to ride home on that! We're taking the tram!

Mutaleni & her girls

2009-09-02T12:09:00.002+02:00

BBQ at the daycare!

2009-09-02T11:48:00.007+02:00

The children's daycare had their annual summer BBQ - loads of fun for little people & big people alike. Naomi got her face painted like a butterfly, there was a jumping castle, loads of food and live music!

Watch the parents, teachers & children dance together!
What a great party!

Day at the beach

2009-09-02T11:16:00.004+02:00

Naomi, Mila & Mutaleni discovered Ijburg beach a few weeks ago & spent the day there with Bregje & Tristan and Ebisse & Sonali.

our beach camp

mamas & babies

Bregje & Tristan

Bregje & Mila

Mila all smiles

baby Sonali

Ebisse & Sonali

Naomi & Ebisse

Home all day

2009-09-02T10:50:00.002+02:00

Mila... growing by the day.

Naomi snuggles up.

"Sister, my sister".

Time to cook!

Naomi's self-made kitchen :)

on the couch

2009-08-21T08:39:00.004+02:00

Naomi is 28 months & Mila is almost 3 months old - watch the sisterhood!

Holiday in France

2009-08-16T16:58:00.006+02:00

We enjoyed seven gorgeous days at the beginning of August in the south west of France vacationing with family & friends at La Blanche, the vacation house of Valerie & Ulrich's family. Ramin, Cathelijne, Norah & Kian were there as were Marc, Nancy & Guilia as well as Elena, Nicolas & Arthur - Ulrich and Valerie's children. Here are some snap shots of the house, the food, the swimming pool, our adventures... and our wonderful family & friends!

Mila smiling

2009-07-23T14:41:00.001+02:00

Mutaleni acts in dramatic short film CLICK HERE

2009-07-15T09:31:00.010+02:00

Without words, we’re left to consider whether love and attraction can break through the impasse of human intolerance.

******************************************************************************************
Directed by young Dutch filmmaker Bram Schouw, IMPASSE is part of a series of short films inspired by the United Nations 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It has been shown at film festivals in Paris, New York, Amsterdam and Istanbul.

Family time

2009-07-08T08:55:00.003+02:00

Finally... a picture of the four of us on the couch.

Mama looking understandably tired... or is it just that she's heard this story a million times? Naomi never gets enough of her favourite books! So good to all be together in the same place doing the same thing at the end of the day... eating at the dining table, reading on the couch, dancing in the living room or just laying in bed. We belong together.

For now

2009-07-01T08:46:00.005+02:00

We will be updating more regularly with more stories & photos soon.
But for now...

We are still busy recovering from Ouma Sustjie's return to Namibia
We are enjoying your beautiful cards
We are stealing sleep

the first two weeks...

2009-06-07T13:52:00.004+02:00

Some photos from Mila's first two weeks... lots of bonding time with big sister Naomi, a few visits already, loads of diaper changing, and our first trip outdoors to Vondelpark.

She's here... Mila Nadimi born 25 May 2009!

2009-05-28T14:16:00.005+02:00

Our beautiful daughter, Mila Philipine Nadimi, was born on Monday 25th of May at 5.13am. We are very thankful for her safe delivery, in good health & good spirits - born on her Ouma Sustjie's birthday! Mila has been given Ouma Sustjie's mother's name as a second name as her great grandmother had four children born on this same auspicious day.

Naomi is delighted by the presence of her little sister, as are the entire Nadimi, Mbumba, Oudshoorn, Van Wyk, Wouters, Wolters, Tjitendero & Lie families.

Mother and baby are doing well, and along with Papa, Ouma and big sister Naomi, enjoying the sweet attention of cards, flowers and messages streaming in. We look forward to your visits after our first weeks of rest.

family pics

2009-05-28T13:04:00.002+02:00

One day before the BIG day... Oma Adri & Baba Joon dropped by to see how we were doing. As you can see the belly was in its fullest glory. Little did we know that in just a few hours somebody very special would be joining us.

Ramin & Cathelijne's son Kian is born!

2009-05-24T15:02:00.008+02:00

Ruben's brother Ramin, his wife Cathelijne and their daughter Norah welcomed a new member to their family. Baby Kian was born on the 18th of May, we went to visit him a few days after his birth. Mutaleni's mother is also here visiting... awaiting the birth of her latest grandchild. Here are some pics of us adoring our cute little nephew & cousin!

Queens Day 2009!

2009-04-30T21:56:00.001+02:00

Naomi's 3rd Queens Day! This time with papa in a cast and mama 8 months pregnant! We hung out in Vondelpark and took photos on the way home to the Da Costakade.

Beautiful Luka Wolters...

2009-04-19T22:16:00.001+02:00

Our neice & Naomi's cousin - daughter of Tim & Celine.

Together with her Baba Joon.

More birthday pics!

2009-04-17T09:57:00.005+02:00

Naomi had a grand time celebrating her birthday at home with mama & papa and at the creche with her little friends - whom she treated with cookies and balloons. She is also really looking forward to becoming a big sister soon... mama is already 7 and a half months pregnant! The pic at the bottom was taken at Roya's 10th birthday party in March. Soon Oma Adri & Baba Joon will be welcoming a sixth and seventh grandchild as Cathelijne & Mutaleni are both due in May.

exactly one year ago today...

2009-04-15T08:20:00.002+02:00

15 April '09 - Naomi is 2 years old today!

2009-04-15T08:00:00.003+02:00

We are so proud of our beautiful, healthy & happy daughter - who is two whole years old today. Naomi - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Recent events...

2009-04-15T07:45:00.006+02:00

Opa was here for a quick visit - what a treat!

Papa broke his ankle and has to wear a cast for at least 4 weeks!!!

Naomi explores her musical talent!

2009-03-07T14:16:00.009+01:00

Hi everyone,

We have so much to share with you... Ruben & Mutaleni were in Haifa, Israel, on pilgrimage to the Baha'i holy places in December while Naomi spent 11 days with her aunt Cathelijne, uncle Ramin and cousin Norah! In February all three of us went to Uganda for 3 and a half weeks..! We're now back in Amsterdam enjoying and celebrating the many family birthdays in March.

As you can see Naomi is busy learning how to help us update this blog to keep you all posted. In the meantime you can find some recent photos of our trips on Ruben & Mutaleni's facebook profiles.

Before we do a thorough update of posts, please enjoy these videos of our time on the road.

Much love, Ruben, Mutaleni & Naomi!

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T09:29:00.006+01:00

Dearest family & friends, Happy 2009!
A view of the fireworks from our living room window...
with freezing temperatures outside it was nice to have such a spectacular view from inside!

This is the year Naomi becomes a big sister..!

Peace & blessings, Ruben & Mutaleni

Number 2 is on its way!

2008-11-14T14:32:00.004+01:00

Dear friends,
It is our greatest pleasure to inform you that we are expecting a new baby / a brother or sister! Mutaleni has been pregnant for about 12 weeks now (due date end of May) and it is tough again, but experience does count! We are very happy and thankful, and are looking forward to having two kids together.
Here you'll find the first glimpse of our new addition (taken 3 weeks ago), and upon request some new pictures of Naomi!

JULY 2008

2008-07-31T20:00:00.001+02:00

MS ERYKAH on-and-on-and-on BADU
We celebrated 4 years of marriage by attending an Erykah Badu concert at Paradiso (just a 10min bike ride from our apartment). It was a fabulous evening, and Ms Badu did not fail to entertain. She even stepped into the crowd and sang with Ruben... what a day what a day!

ZANDVOORT AAN ZEE
Our little sand lover and budding life guard enjoyed a couple of summer visits to the beach at Zandvoort. Uncle Jaap also hung out with us on his visit from Bolivia.

A DAY AT THE LAKE - AMSTERDAMSE BOS
Ice-lollies & bubbles and nothing on except my diapers and a hairclip. I love summer!

JUNE 2008

2008-06-30T18:44:00.000+02:00

FAMILY VISIT
Kuku Nangolo and Uncle Matati were both in Amsterdam for a visit at the end of June. Baba Joon came over and we enjoyed a great dinner at our local Iranian restaurant, Kleine Perzie, with Oom Sietse and cousin Nyske.

Naomi had a hard time dividing her attention between her two grandfathers and had an emotional meltdown... but they thought it was cute.

GROWING UP:
Those who eat must learn to wash dishes.

NORAH IS HERE!
After living in The Philippines all her life, Naomi's cousin and our niece, Norah and her parents finally decided to move to The Netherlands. We are so happy to have them here with us. Norah had a birthday bash and the girl cousins had a chance to catch up... Roya really enjoyed this as it got her all excited about her baby sister due in September!

THE PITTER-PATTER OF LITTLE FEET
There's nothing like hearing that sweet but naughty laugh followed by the soles of her feet slapping onto the wooden floor as she runs through the apartment to find comfort in your arms.

bicycle in the Vondelpark

2008-06-18T11:57:00.002+02:00

Vondelpark... what a lovely place. Even the bicycle feels at home.

recovery

2008-06-18T11:25:00.006+02:00

Naomi had a small operation on Tuesday morning (17 June) to remove her nose tonsils at the hospital where she was born. It seems to be a common procedure for many children here as we've spoken to friends and aquintances who've shared their own experiences of their children having gone through it. We were prepared for a not so pleasant experience. Fortunately, after a rough morning - no food or drink since previous night, being put under anesthesia, a bleeding nose and ears, and two ice lollies (that part wasn't so bad) and some pain relief medication in the bum (zetpillen)... Naomi took a loooooooooooong nap. When she woke up, she was in such a good mood - that we had to go to the park and celebrate her bravery. Here she is being her wonderful sweet self.

Nothing gets in the way of this girl and her food!

"Are you talkin' to me..?"

A little song and dance.

Even the ducks came by to say hello. Or was that "quack"?

videos of Naomi walking!

2008-06-04T21:23:00.004+02:00

Fruit

2008-06-04T20:56:00.004+02:00

The little rascals in Baba Joon's fruit bowl.

road trip

2008-06-04T20:44:00.005+02:00

The three of us met up with Nathalie, Joe and Brian in "de Ardennen" Belgium for a family weekend. Pics of Naomi having her milk break during the trip, posing with Papa next to a waterfall and of all of us in the town of Spa.

13 months and 12 days - a short report by Mama

2008-05-27T21:56:00.004+02:00

Today Naomi took her first steps. Just before 4pm at home this afternoon after I picked her up from daycare. She had not taken her usual morning or afternoon naps, but was still in a surprisingly good mood. We got home, I took off her scarf, sweater and jacket while she sat on the couch and then placed her on the floor standing. "Come to Mama..", I said - and she did!

She's a healthy eater with such a big appetite that after she's finished what's on her plate - she'll help you with what's left on yours. She loves to sing, play the drums, dance and clap her hands. She knows how to act like she's talking on the phone, reading serious books and cycling on her own by pushing my hands off the handle bars when she's in her bike seat so she has the feeling that she's in control. She's not crazy about "swimming" but she loves water - washing her hands, watering the pot plants, bath time, and of course drinking it. Her favourite fruits are bananas and strawberries. She loves pasta so much, we sometimes call her "Naomi Macaroni".

She is not so fond of crawling on grass or having her teeth brushed (prefers to do it herself). Her favourite words are: "ta-ta" (bye-bye or "dag" in Dutch), "ja" (yes), "buiten" (outside) and "Mama" and "Papa". She once said "duck" while playing with one of her rubber duckies in her bath tub. She loves music in Damara, French and Portuguese, and of course songs in Dutch and English - her main languages.

She enjoys switching on the lights, holding the keys when we walk up the stairs until I have to unlock our apartment door, and then putting them at their place once inside. Looking at photos on the screen of the digital camera. Typing on the laptop. Drinking from a real cup without spilling too much. Catching bubbles.

I could go on...

another day in the park, another reason to sing

2008-05-14T10:48:00.003+02:00

spring feels like summer

2008-05-06T23:12:00.006+02:00

The weather lately has been so incredibly good... it's got us in the summer mood! Slowing down and taking walks with the stroller, meeting friends in the sand box or on park benches. Getting used to putting on sunscreen and never leaving the house without that summer hat. Here you see her with Samuel at Sarphatipark and with Nebio and his dad at Westerpark.

Koninginnedag!

2008-05-06T22:42:00.007+02:00

Queen's Day is a national holiday (the birthday of Queen Beatrix's mother) when the whole country turns into a giant fleamarket, people tend to wear orange and have no excuse but to have a good time. Whether it's hanging out with friends, selling your stuff on the street, or wading your way through the merry crowds.

Naomi's first Queen's Day a year ago at 2 weeks old.

Uncle Matati was here!

2008-05-06T22:05:00.004+02:00

Matati, one of Mutaleni's brothers, was here on his way to Antwerp (what a detour). Naomi was really happy to see him again after they bonded two months ago in Namibia. He was here just in time for Queen's Day. Check out that bright orange t-shirt! Mutaleni & Matati went out on Queen's Night, and someone got to show her older brother the notorious side of the city. Ruben had to take a photo the next morning just to show the bags under our eyes! We also enjoyed walks around the neighbourhood and made the most of the long evenings.

scenes from a fabulous party

2008-04-22T20:50:00.009+02:00

Birthday Party

2008-04-22T09:53:00.003+02:00

Rafi & Naomi had a party last Saturday! More photos to follow soon, for now feast your eyes on the birthday cakes.

Naomi on Ohdeedoh! >click here<

2008-04-17T18:32:00.002+02:00

Birthday celebrations were reported on one of Mutaleni's favourite sites! Follow link on title.

NAOM1

2008-04-16T16:24:00.009+02:00

Happy Birthday Naom1!
The three of us celebrated the big day at home on Tuesday (April 15) with cupcakes and one little candle. We are still in awe of how much has happened in the past year. Celebrations continue all week with a double birthday bash over the weekend for both Naomi and Rafi. It was all a little emotional for our little one... but in the end all the drama was worth it. She enjoyed trashing her chocolate cupcake.

Showing off her skills, balancing on the couch and playing with the light switch. Imagine the trouble when she starts to walk!

Thank you for all the beautiful cards! We also enjoyed receiving your phonecalls, e-mails and text messages. Hieper-de-piep Hoera!

early bird

2008-04-16T16:09:00.002+02:00

Last week Wednesday... a whole week before the big day, Naomi received her first birthday card all the way from her grandmere Norma in New York! She was so excited she couldn't wait to take her hat off before grabbing her mail. Thank you!

Space Invader >click here to learn more<

2008-04-16T15:34:00.005+02:00

Naomi and I went on a spontaneous Monday morning rendezvous to the Noordemarkt, on the way we discovered a space invader. Here Naomi poses in front of a wall with some obscure graffiti, you can see the space invader at the very top.

change of seasons

2008-04-16T15:19:00.004+02:00

Winter has faded and spring is in bloom. Look at the view from our window from a few weeks ago and now. Naomi was a little concerned. Global warming, she thought. But after reassuring her that it was simply the change of season and that it meant her birthday was coming up very soon, she cheered up!

Naomi and Luna in Flevopark!

2008-04-06T19:48:00.008+02:00

Naomi and her little Finnish-Cuban friend Luna spent the afternoon together. Mamas Mutaleni and Jonna played along! Finally... a little bit of spring.

Back to A

2008-03-13T17:58:00.004+01:00

Naomi and I are back in Amsterdam after a wonderful visit to Windhoek. We arrived on the evening of Tuesday March 11th after a very good day flight (we took 2 naps together - I wrapped up my little bundle of joy and energy against my chest and belly, it worked wonders). Ruben took the day off on Wednesday and we spent it at home together. We took a short walk in the windy weather and spent the evening unwinding and watching a movie, Naomi has promptly settled back into her routine (one she created herself and we just assist her in sticking to... although the whole idea sounds like a joke to my family in Namibia!)
Today she went to the creche and had a lot of fun. I'm told she was a little more energetic than they are used to - must be the effects of the Namibian visit where she learned to dance, and had so much more space than usual in which to crawl and climb around. We miss the sunshine and heat and of course the Mbumbas and all our other family and friends who made the time to be with us. But it's also so nice to be home again with Papa/Ruben.

Splashing around in the pool at home in Windhoek.

Catching some sun with Uncle Matati.

With Ouma and Oupa in town.

2008-03-08T10:28:00.002+01:00

I am so happy in Namibia

2008-03-06T21:00:00.006+01:00

Naomi Carla Muna is enjoying all the loving attention from her family in Namibia!

Letter from Namibia

2008-03-01T07:24:00.006+01:00

Hello everyone,

Naomi and I arrived in Windhoek on Tuesday February 26th. We are here to visit our family and for Naomi to show her grandparents just how much she's grown. Our last visit was 7 months ago when she turned 3 months old. The 10 hour plane ride was alright (just a little exhausting for mama) with Naomi putting on a show for the other passengers, crawling down the corrider and wanting to grab the bottle of her fellow baby passenger. As soon as we touched down on Namibian ground it didn't take long to find Ouma and aunty Namene waiting for us, and Naomi promptly flew into her grandmother's arms.

The weather is warm, although most days a little overcast because of the late rainy season. The rain showers so far have been short but produce thick juicy raindrops and even hailstones which we rush out to catch and chew (sounds crazy, I know, Namibians). Naomi has adapted to Namibian life by indulging in real food and is refusing to eat baby food. She's being fed chicken, butternut, meat, fish, carrots and potatoes straight from mama and ouma's plates. She is also going to be bed very very late and learning to watch cartoons with her cousins Nadir and Zianah. But she's on vacation, so why not!

Oh, Naomi is really keen on practicing to stand. She's also getting better and better at climbing. Hopefully she can hold on a bit till we return home before she decides to start walking! Papa calls and skypes with us and is very happy that her grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins are enjoying being with her.

You can see more photos on my facebook profile and you'll will hear from us soon again.

Lots of love and warm greetings from beautiful Namibia,
Mutaleni & Naomi

Rafi 10 months old today!

2008-02-21T11:52:00.004+01:00

Celine & Tim's son and Roya's brother, Rafi, is 10 months old today!
Last weekend we all got together to celebrate Oma Adri's birthday. Oma Adri gave Celine and Mutaleni lessons on how to carry the babies on our backs. Rafi really enjoyed it!

more teeth on the way

2008-02-19T08:29:00.003+01:00

Naomi is teething and experiencing some growing pains, but she still remembers to laugh out loud.

10 months today!

2008-02-15T18:50:00.004+01:00

Our little Amsterdammertje turned 10 months old today!
Hieper-de-piep Hoera!

crawling

2008-01-29T20:18:00.000+01:00

knee stands

2008-01-28T17:31:00.000+01:00

Naomi loves "standing" on her knees...
here with a little support from the furniture.

curly hair

2008-01-28T17:14:00.000+01:00

It's started to happen... Naomi's hair is curling (not surprising) and getting lighter in colour (very surprising)!

adventures with papa: water

2008-01-28T12:04:00.000+01:00

Naomi takes her first underwater dunk with papa during baby swimming lessons.

playing on the floor and in the box

2008-01-28T12:00:00.000+01:00

Our little girl loves crawling around on the floor following us. She loves "talking" and singing and banging two things together to make noise... or music. Sometimes we put her in the box (playpen) when we can't keep an eye on her. She's beginning to understand the concept of toys, although she also loves empty tissue boxes and newspaper.

waking up

2008-01-20T12:49:00.000+01:00

See how our little one wakes from an afternoon nap.

Naomi at 9 months!

2008-01-14T12:02:00.000+01:00

Naomi is becoming more and more expressive and energetic. She now crawls around the house like a little mouse.
The apartment is continuously being baby proofed. Naomi loves sitting in front of our bikes on a baby seat for quick, fun and easy transport around the city. She has a good appetite, especially if you sing "yummy, yummy, yummy I've got love in my tummy" and loves snacking on rice crackers with her two bottom teeth.
She now weighs 8.5kg and sometimes falls asleep on her knees with her butt in the air.

Naomi videos at 8 months!

2008-01-06T16:46:00.000+01:00

Watch our little girl attempt to crawl, clap her hands and flash her first two shiny teeth!

Festive family days

2008-01-02T15:08:00.001+01:00

December has been an eventful month in our family. We visited, were visited and met many friends and family. Naomi has begun crawling, saying her essential first words/sounds, "mama, papa" and many other firsts including Christmas and New Year and the cutest little teeth. Due to the loss of our digital camera, we are relying on photos from friends and this has been our convenient excuse for not updating the blog. As soon as we replace our camera (very soon) we will continue with more detailed updates.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed 2008!

A very blurry moment on a very magical night.

At the table with the whole family.

Naomi, Mutaleni and Ndafu, a friend from Namibia who visited us for the holidays.

We took walks in the beautiful woods near the house in Molenhoek.

Naomi cuddling up with her Baba Joon and Oma Adri.

Giulia and Naomi

2007-12-13T14:04:00.000+01:00

Naomi's friend Giulia came by to visit. We spent our time together playing on the floor with the children. Thanks for the photos Marc and Nancy!

Naomi half-a-year old!

2007-10-29T07:26:00.000+01:00

Naomi turned 6 months old on October 15th. She now weighs 7.2kg and is 70cm tall. She sings and babbles a lot and loves flipping over from back to front and back again. Her parents are proud.

cousins!!!

2007-10-09T11:18:00.001+02:00

We were all so happy to finally meet baby Norah! Our pretty cousin/neice and her parents were in the Netherlands for a visit in September. Isn't she lovely...

Adventures & Outings... on-line (click here)

2007-09-06T10:55:00.000+02:00

Our trip to Namibia & South Africa has been featured on Apartment Therapy - a cool website (originally a book) that tackles the challenges of living in small spaces. August was travel month and they asked parents to send in their experiences of travelling with the little ones - check out our post by clicking on the title above.

Meanwhile back home...
Naomi's corner is showered in summer's last rays.

moments

2007-09-05T12:00:00.000+02:00

Naomi is ten days shy of turning 5 months... here are some snap shots of some of the people she's shared moments with this month.

With her Baba Joon (Oupa Houshang) in Molenhoek.

With Uncle Oscar at a cafe in the Jordaan.

Shopping with Aunty Jo on the Rozengracht.

They came, they saw, they conquered!

2007-09-05T11:02:00.000+02:00

The Gawanas-Minney clan where here to visit us. It was the first time Grandpa Tom, Aunty Amakhoe and Uncle Hodago (aka the Godfather) met Naomi. (Ouma Bience has already been here twice to see her!) They were very quick to insist on going Dutch by renting bikes and cycling around the city. Naomi had a wonderful time with all the attention. She was so happy she couldn't stop kicking her legs and as a result has gained the nickname "Happy Feet"! Here are some pics of us out and about in Amsterdam.

4 months old this week!

2007-08-17T22:04:00.001+02:00

Rafi and Naomi at 3and-a-half months!

2007-08-15T15:09:00.000+02:00

We're back...

2007-08-15T15:06:00.000+02:00

The laundry is finally dry... below are posts with photos from Windhoek, Owamboland and Cape Town. Videos will come soon. Naomi is comfortably settling into the Dutch summer.

Windhoek

2007-08-15T14:38:00.000+02:00

Naomi finally got to meet her Namibian grandfather, kuku Nangolo, at 11weeks and 6days!

Don't they look alike!

We had a big gathering of family and friends...
here the women pose together.

Naomi gets introduced to her cousins.

Zianah has to share her Uncle Ruben with the little one.

Nadir could not get enough of his newest cousin!

Taleni, Loide & Mahevo's daughter, holds Naomi.

Loide and Mahevo coo.

Aunty Jeanette oogles.

Family dinner on Kasteel Street at the guesthouse.

Uncle Matati and his niece.

Dinner at Nabil and Ndiitah's with Vahid and Tjireya.

Naomi with Aunty Ndiitah

and Aunty Tjireya.

Naomi, Ruben and Kyana at 19 Day Feast
at the Baha'i local centre in Katutura, Windhoek.

Zianah celebrated her 7th birthday on July 17th with lots of friends...

...and a jumping castle!

Me Selma with Naomi.

The Namibian cousins in order of age:
Desiela, Nadir, Zianah, Tia and Naomi.

We visited Desmond & Basiela at home.

For Namene's 22nd birthday we had a professional family photo shoot.
Mum and Dad steal a moment.

Desmond and Mutaleni take a break with the babies.

Before we left Windhoek we welcomed Oma Adri, Gerlof, Judith and her family at Luxury Hill Guesthouse.

Owamboland

2007-08-15T14:37:00.000+02:00

We went to Owamboland to Onamene farm to spend some time in nature and, of course, introduce Naomi to the family there.

Naomi was "officially" welcomed into the Mbumba clan through a ceremony performed by Me Magga at the Itope homestead in Oniipa.

Ruben, by way of marriage and now fatherhood, has reached the top tier of Ndonga family hierachy. Here he poses with his father-in-law.

Naomi with her Uncle Axas, who now works in Owamboland.

Oh, yeah... we spotted some animals in Etosha National Park on our way back. After all, what's a trip to Africa without some wildlife.

Cape Town

2007-08-08T13:53:00.001+02:00

Here are some of our holiday pictures! Our journey began in Cape Town were we stayed in an apartment for one week and did a lot of touristy things and hung out with friends. On our way back we stayed at the Daddy Long Legs hotel (one of the worlds smallest & coolest).

Little world traveller on her way to Robben Island with Table Mountain in the background.

A map shows us exactly where we are.

On top of the world!

Papa and baby have a moment.

The three of us on top of Table Mountain.

Yes... we were there.

Posing with some girls in Nyanga, one of the townships in Cape Town.

We visited a daycare in Nyanga.

Sinan and Naomi get to know each other.

Catching up with Moko somewhere cosy...
what's the name of the place again?

Penguin watching at Boulders.

Chilling out in our hotel room: Freshly Ground, decorated with CDs featuring the South African bands favourite music.

The view from our room.

Naomi on her first long distance bus ride:
Cape Town to Windhoek in 21 hours!

Away on vacation

2007-06-28T19:15:00.000+02:00

We will be away (or here or there - depending on where you're standing) for vacation from Friday June 29th until Thursday July 27th.

Itinerary:
arrive Cape Town Friday June 29th and stay for a week
arrive in Windhoek Saturday July 7th and leave Sunday July 22nd
Cape Town again for two nights until Wednesday July 25th
back in Amsterdam Thursday July 26th
See you there?

Welcome baby Norah!!!

2007-06-28T10:28:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to Ramin & Cathelijne on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Norah Carla Nadimi!

Norah was born on Sunday June 24th in Manila, the Phillipines.

See more of our videos on YouTube CLICK HERE

2007-06-25T13:35:00.000+02:00

Naomi and her cousin Rafi playing in the box last weekend.
Celine, Roya and Rafi came all the way from Nijmegen to visit us in Amsterdam! We had a good time together.

2007-06-08T12:00:00.000+02:00

Naomi is becoming very expressive... at seven weeks she has started to smile and laugh at her parents and even recognises familiar voices on the telephone!

picture perfect

2007-06-04T14:57:00.000+02:00

There is an open air exhibition of nature photographs by Steve Bloom at the Westermarkt in Amsterdam (a 10 minute walk from our apartment). Oma Adri took this picture of us in front of one of a penguin family.

kraamvisite foto's!!!

2007-05-16T20:44:00.000+02:00

www.flickr.com

lushdreamer's kraamvisite photoset

Thank you for the gifts!

2007-05-07T14:32:00.000+02:00

Queen's Day 2007

2007-05-02T09:17:00.000+02:00

30th of April is Queen's Day in the Netherlands - when the Dutchies salute Queen Beatrix by partying, wearing orange, selling their junk on the streets and generally losing their minds. Needless to say - Amsterdam is the place to be. Ouma Sustjie, Mama Muta & Papa Ruben took Naomi out to experience it all. How did she find it? Well, Naomi pretty much slept, had to be fed twice and demanded a diaper change. Exciting stuff. We all had a good time.

Proud Ouma

2007-04-28T16:21:00.000+02:00

It was the most memorable event to be present at the birth of my most adorable grand-daugher.I am equally happy to have been with her and her parents during the first two weeks of her life.Looking forward to her visit to Africa soonest. Ouma Sustjie.

Week 1: already new family member!

2007-04-22T22:46:00.000+02:00

Celine, Tim and Roya have welcomed a new family member last Saturday 21 April at 20h29. Congratulations! He was born within a few hours only and mother and son are doing well. Naomi's cousin is younger, but weighs 1,2 kg more! Grandfather Houshang was very proud to pose with his three grandchildren for a picture, and he gladly awaits another one in June!

Naomi alive and kicking!

2007-04-15T17:26:00.000+02:00

Dear friends,

We are happy to announce the birth of our daughter Naomi, who was born on Sunday 15th April at 04.20 am at Sint Lucas Andreas Ziekenhuis, Amsterdam - in the presence of her parents and her grandmother Meme Sustjie. News will follow, but let us just say now.....WE ARE SO HAPPY TO BE TOGETHER WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL CHILD!

Love,
Mutaleni & Ruben

the last day...

2007-04-15T17:23:00.000+02:00

The last day before the BIG day - and wow was I feeling big! We were only 11 days away from the due date... but babies work on their own schedule!

Baby corner - CLICK HERE - for slideshow

2007-04-07T10:41:00.000+02:00

Visit our flickr photo set and view a slideshow of our baby corner.
[Click on the post title to go to link]

Sun is shining

2007-04-01T16:29:00.000+02:00

With spring in the air I'm enjoying spending a lot of my afternoons on the balcony reading. Some great reads:
'When We Grow Up' (on inspired but practical Baha'i parenting) by Bahiyyih Nakhjavani
'Third Culture Kids' (on raising children in multiple cultural settings) by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. van Reken
'Baby's Eerste Jaar'... a reference guide on the first year of a baby's life - just leafing through really.
and lately... ' The Mosquito Coast' by Paul Theroux - a fantastic adventure novel!
Sometimes fiction can be a great distraction from the pending due date.