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| <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 |
It's been over 6 months since I first arrived in Amsterdam. I have been living with my best friend and her 2 and 3-year-old, so needless to say, we are all very well-acquainted at this point. I feel like a big sister/ faux-mommy/ babysitter/ Court Jester/ Magician/ DJ... you name it. It's awesome. If I'd wound up anywhere else during this transition in Europe, I'm pretty sure I would have gone back home by now. It can be just as lonely, confusing, nerve-wracking as it is inspiring and wonderful to make a leap to a new city for a year, so I feel lucky that I am making mine with the support of this little adorable family.
My time with these girls is spent playing dress up, singing songs, having dance parties, and often debating the inner workings of inanimate objects. It's silly the majority of the time, and as much as I'd love to say I help to guide them in some logical way while their mama is at work, it turns out that they are the perfect little tutors for me during this quirky time. Lest I forget the unparalleled wisdom of my time with these two little gurus...
I shall try to compile some of the most important lessons they have shared with me in my life in Amsterdam for you here: Enjoy.
#1. There is nothing wrong with singing and talking to yourself all day.
2. There are many languages in this world, but hugs are universal. (I should warn you now that some of these will be sappy.)
3. When all else fails, put on a Princess Dress. Run around naked. LIBERATE THYSELF!
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| Sorry, future Margot and Babette... |
4. Never neglect a wish-making opportunity...
5. It is only a Monster if you believe it is. (Or want it to be). This can include, but is not limited to: Sprinkles, the stringy things on bananas and oranges, very tall male strangers in the grocery store line, and/or the family cat. And not all monsters are bad.
6. A bike can get you anywhere....
7. Reading is important.
8. Sometimes the best remedy is a nap...
9. Laugh it out.
11. A kiss can heal almost all pains.
12. One man's makeup case is another man (or little girl)'s set of crayola markers. (I really wish I'd gotten a picture for this one before scrubbing the green marker full beard off of Margot's face...)
13. There is nothing wrong with striking up conversation with the nearest strangers about how bald they are. (Use your judgment with this one).
14. Hide and "Sook" is an excellent way to pass an entire afternoon when it is too rainy out for the park.
15. There is no reason to worry about what happens next. All that matters is that all the mommies and babies are present in the doll house right now.
16. When in doubt, just make the word up.
'Lekker...?' 'Doolicious?' 'Deeelooosus?'
17. "Please" can get you almost anything. Bonus points for every 'thankss you', too.
18. If picking up your things the normal way is too boring, adding a magic wand can go a long way.
19. There are always good reasons to party.
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| Pyjamas! Balloons! Monday!!!! |
And lastly, (For Now)......
20. Sometimes all it takes is a deep breath to be ready to play again.
