It is now so long ago, that I hardly recognize the typepad environment anymore... I am doing fine. Still happily living in Germany with my husband and 2 boys who are 2 and 5 at this moment. I am still working at the same place where I started 1,5 years ago and really enjoy it. Although it sometimes tough to combine work and family, it is manageable, especially because of our 'leih opa & oma'. Thanks to them everything runs pretty smooth!
Optimist
- modern designs, cool stuff, beautiful items and handy gadgets for babies and young kids by a Dutch mom who was living in Toronto, Canada and is now living in Germany.
Featured blog
A long time ago, but I still want to mention because I was so proud of it, I was a Typepad feastured blog!
Sorry, sorry, sorry
I am thousand times sorry for not even posting a single post during last couple of months... Due to hectic months with our 2 little boys I just could not find the energy and inspiration... And once you are out of it, it seems a big hurdle to get started again... In this past period a lot of changes have happened. Wout is no longer a tiny baby (8 months old today) and Jort is a happy big boy who is enjoying 'Kindergarten'. The biggest change however is that I started working this week... Not to say that I was not working before, but now I have to dress up, put on make up and drive to the office... It takes time to get used to it but sofar it feels good! I have no idea if I have time to continue this blog... I hope so because I feel motivated again and would like to keep in touch at least once a week. We will see if I manage...
Wout update
Luckily we most probably found out the reason for Wout's excessive crying: he is allergic to cow's milk. Since 1,5 weeks he gets special formula and he is much better now, although sleeping is still an issue. He hardly sleeps during the day and at night he still wakes a few times... Anyhow the survival days are over, it is more manageable now, especially because my parents have been here for 2 weeks and my mom will stay another week!
These funny wooden letters are from Tariri, an Italian company. You will find here more information
Survival...
Life is not that easy at the moment with Wout crying a lot and sleeping too little and a almost 3 year old at home who also needs his share of attention... I am happy that I could borrow a 'carrying blanket' from a friend which gives me 2 hands to do stuff! Wout is 7,5 weeks now and I really hope that better times will come soon. Although we are having a hard time at the moment, it is great to have 2 healthy boys, especially later on when they can play together!
Just a short note on the clothes: The blue vest was a present from my mom and is of one of my favorite Dutch brands Jottum. The grey outfit which really suits him ( I never expected that grey could look so good on babies) is from another Dutch brand Imps&Elfs and was given by Bart's sister Marieke. The white and blue outfit is from old-time favorite Petit Bateau which quality and fit remain outstanding.
I try to to post whenever I have a free minute which unfortunately did not happen in the past weeks...I hope you will keep on coming!
Basics for babies
When you have a baby, you realize that many baby clothes are not practical, too wide or too small and sizes do not reflect actual dimensions, not to speak about the size differences between brands... I think there is still lots to improve in this area. I was very happy with the Limo B sleeping bag which I received from my parents. I like the color options, although I must admit that many of these colors do not look good on babies. My baby boy looks best in dark blue, grey and light blue. Limo B is from a Dutch lady living in Spain who has 2 shops in Barcelona: LimoBebe and LimoKids.
Wout 2 weeks old
Today we have been celebrating 'Heiligenabend'.This is the day that presents are exchanged in Germany. Of course also Wout received a few presents and Jort was very happy with his Lego Duplo Bob the Builder set!
Baby Wout is born!
Probably most of you guessed already that something happened... Yes, Jort has a brother. His name is Wout Lucas Florian and he was born 2 weeks ago on Dec 8th. We are doing very well and Jort is very sweet with baby brother. 
I have ordered these birth announcement cards at 4cards. I am very happy with the result and the service by Muriel is great. She makes her own designs and uses the work of some other Dutch designers. Our card is from the Jojojanneke series, like the mural decoration about which I wrote before.
Parents on the go
When Lesley from Weetravel sent me an email, I immediately had a look at her website. She runs a baby equipment rental company in Canada. A great concept for everyone who does not want to buy all gear. 
She also has a blog where you'll find great traveling products. Like this umbrella which you stick to your stroller or the Travelmate so your car seat can be wheeled around...
More baby room
I am very happy with my recent purchase: a great mural decoration which is a pouch as well. It is made by Jojojanneke. I have asked her to make this based on some pictures that I sent from the room. Now I am just waiting for my dad (who will come with my mom at the end of next week) to fix it to the wall. Dad, this is not the only project... take along your drill!
And we have bought the one and only Billy. Ikea is now selling a red version as well. I do not want to mention the hassle it was to take it home...
Knex construction toys
A friend told me about Knex construction toys and she told me her 4 -year-old son likes it a lot, although it requires completely different building skills then for example Lego. Maybe it is more for boys than for girls although they have many girl themes as well. Knex from Pennsylvania presents themselves as the most innovative and fastest growing construction toy company. Their sets start at the age of 3 but they also have complicated sets for 9 and older. Knex is sold in over 30 countries. Let me know if you have experience with this product, I would love to hear more about it!
Educational toys from Mudpuppy
My son is currently into puzzles, and therefore I came across Mudpuppy and found a great selection of not only puzzles but also flash cards and other educational games. They have all kinds of themes, some of them licensed from famous authors like Richard Scarry and Eric Carle. Mudpuppy is part of Galison, originally known for its paper products made for museums. Customers from the US and Canada can order online. All others should send an email.
Etsy's Friday
Noodle and Lou: These funny paintings will not just fit in your children's room... Made by a creative mom from New York who also has her own blog.
OrangeRhinoKids: Allison sent me an email that until theiwr website is live, they sell their adorable onesies and t-shirts via their Etsy shop.
Zutano clothes
If you like colorful unique prints, then you should have a look at Zutano. Zutano offers baby basics in many colors and adorable patterns. You can shop online or find a store in many countries around the world.
Handed By
Sorry for my absence; some readers already wondered if the baby was born... no signs sofar! Being a bit less mobile, I am fully to online shopping; for the baby room, Christmas presents, lamps for our house. Almost everyday UPS or DHL is delivering something and I am afraid to look at my bank account...
Yesterday I bought some of these storage baskets by Handed By. They have them all kinds of colors and sizes and I like the fact that they have a cover. Handed By is sold in many countries, just have a look at the selling points.
Thank you
This week is flying by and I do not manage to post daily. With about 4 weeks to go until nr. 2 arrives (and keeping in mind that our son was born 4 weeks early!) I am getting a bit nervous and I am in the shopping mood. Today I did grocery shopping for at least a month and I just have been looking for the perfect Christmas presents for my family. I have decided to buy everything online and found some very nice German webshops which sell beautiful items...
Nevertheless, I want to take the time now to thank Sarah Jane. She was so happy that I wrote about her Etsy shop that she offered me a print. I have chosen this one with the dancing elephants, which will get a nice spot in the new baby room. Thank you so much, Sarah Jane!!!
Label your stuff!
A friend whose son will be starting school on a short notice, told me about 'Goed Gemerkt' (or 'Neatly Named' in English). They offer all kinds of labels for clothes, lunch boxes, sport gear etc. It is very easy to create your own label and select color, icon, letter type and of course text. A good idea for every one who is afraid of losing your child's belongings (and who is not?). Goed gemerkt ships around the world.
Etsy's Friday
Normally I can make decisions rather quickly but I find it very difficult to decide on some nice pieces of art for the babyroom. There is too much out there...
Aliette: a graphic designer from Paris
Birdie1973: Beautiful prints, cards and wooden books from London. Also take a look at her blog.
Der Tim from Germany
As my German language skills progress, I come across more German sites. I found these Kettler plug-in figures ('steckfiguren') and fell in love with them. The packaging, the cuteness of the characters and the way it is presented on the website makes it irresistible. I have no idea if children like to play with it. However, I saw that they sell around the world, so I guess it is popular. If you have time to read about the history of Kellner; it is very interesting as it all began in 1919!
Cocomma shoes
A friend attended me on a great children store in Frankfurt: Die kleine Fabrik. Although I have not yet been there, I found these shoes on their website. I have never seen Cocomma from Denmark but I find their collection very appealing, both for boys and girls. Cocomma is sold in many European countries, in Japan and USA.
HipKid from Belgium
Today I came across Hipkid from Belgium. They sell beautiful decoration items, bibs, blankets and more. There is not much I can tell you about this company. Just browse their site and get inspired by their products. Unfortunately the site is only in Dutch and the only way to get Hipkid products is to order online.
I now have to do my German homework, tomorrow I have my German classes...and I hope to do the exam in 4 weeks from now (around my due date!)
Etsy's Friday
One red robin: Cute softies and beautiful mixed media collages made by Jhoanna from Melbourne. Do not forget to vist her blog. 
Mokeybiz: Who does not fall in love with monkeys after seeing these adorable sock monkeys?
Terra Kids
Via Dutch online store Maus & Co I came across Terra Kids. handmade pottery from a small studio in the north of Holland. Jacqueline , who graduated from the School of Arts in Amsterdam is the creative lady behind the Terra Kids collection. It is sold in Holland, Germany and France.
