When Luna enters her twentysecond month on Planet Earth, she spends a weekend at Opa Tano and Oma Naatje's to take care of their animals while they are away. She very much enjoys playing with the dog (Timo), the cat (Kimmy), the donkeys (Ian and Maurice), and the chickens. And she loves hanging out with the neighbor girl, Victoria.

Luna goes for a stroll up the Elten "Mountain," where she enjoys a lovely view (top left) and visits a darling church (top middle and right). Papa teaches Luna how to use sidewalk chalk (left), but Luna much prefers to use it on her face (right). Papa and Luna take care of the chickens (below left) and donkeys (below right), while going for a bike ride in between (below middle).

Luna absolutely adores dancing and tries to get whoever is near her to join in the fun. Opa Ben is Luna's most recent "victim" (left). Luna loves to help out when her mom does the laundry or goes grocery shopping. She also tries to copy Esther-Mirjam's behavior by changing a doll's diaper (right). Such rapid progress she is making!

When Esther-Mirjam has another reunion with the women from her birthing group, Luna gets to try out yet another slide and swing, much to her delight (row above). She also begs for another toddler's banana (left). The little ones are so active now that it is virtually impossible to get them all in one picture (right). They seem to enjoy the reunions as much as their moms.

Those of you who have known Esther-Mirjam for a long time may be surprised to learn that she is no longer a vegetarian. At the same time, those of you who are parents may understand. Esther-Mirjam found it just too difficult to give Luna a vegetarian diet that includes proper amounts of the nutrients that a rapidly growing young lady needs. As you can see in the row below, Luna is very happy with her mom's decision to allow her to eat chicken! As usual, she is quite the jokester once she becomes aware of her adoring audience.

Thanks to a trip to Ikea, Luna is now the proud owner of her own table & chairs as well as a few new toys. All she needs is a playmate to occupy the other chair. Fortunately, papa and mama are more than willing to oblige.

Tante Daphne saw Luna even before Esther-Mirjam got to do so and has a special bond with our Moon Child as a result. In return, Luna is very happy when Tante Daphne comes over for a visit (left). The two enjoy playing "damespaardjes, herenpaardjes, boerenknollen." Luna keeps begging for another round of hopping on Tante Daphne's legs.

Luna remembers the many times Oma Alie came over to babysit her with much fondness and still loves to cuddle with her grandmother, especially right after waking up (right). This also gives us a good look at Luna's wonderful bed head hairdo!

Luna loves the little car on which she can sit and move around. When she cannot find the car, she tries to sit on a few other toys, with varying degrees of success (left and right).

Luna quickly learns that it is much better to keep some toys on the table instead of trying to sit on them (left). Such a smart toddler she is!

Tante Marijke from Canada sent Esther-Mirjam an email message wondering whether Luna's lovely curls had been cut. Here is proof, especially for Tante Marijke, that the curls are all still present (right). In fact, Luna's hair is now long enough to get braided.

When papa cannot accompany Luna, Oma Alie comes along for her granddaughter's "swimming lesson". Luna gets to play with lots of toys (left and right), while Oma Alie pays careful attention to the instructions (below, middle). Afterwards, Luna showers and is rubbed with baby body lotion (below, left and right).

Hip, Hip, Hurray!

Twenty-two months old! The 13th of every month continues to give us cause for celebrating the wonderful presence of Luna in our lives. This time, Oma Alie and Opa Ben get to spend Luna's Month Day with their granddaughter.

When Luna goes for a walk (row above), she much prefers to sit on Opa Ben's walker or walk behind her own stroller. After a late-night snack, Luna has to clean up after herself (left and right). And while cleaning herself, she much enjoys splashing with the water and making a big mess (row below).