Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Visit a farm!

April 28, 2013July 8, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Howdy-ho folks! Spring is here to stay. We are so excited to get our sunshine on! Bababoo has had a busy week, taking first steps, babbling up a storm. One of her favorite things in the world is to read books. One of the big discoveries I have had as a new mom is that it is nearly impossible to find kid’s books that don’t feature animals in one way or another (why would you want to?!). So bababoo is quite well versed in chickens, cows, monkeys, elephants, lions, horses and sheep.

Well I realized the other day they though she knows them well in the pages of her favorite books, besides the occasional dog, cat or police horse, she had not seen many animals in person. Well the sun was shining and birds singing so we decided to pack it up and head out to one of Brussels many animal farms, La Ferme Nos Pilifs.

About a 20 minute drive from Chez Bear & Dragon, La Ferme is a true slice of heaven. In additional to lots of happy, well-cared for animals, they also have a lovely little cafe, organic food market and flower and plant nursery. Another really cool aspect is that it is largely run by people with physical or developmental handicaps, providing them with meaningful work and training.

We started with a quick bite in the cafe and soon took a walk to see the animals. We saw some of the greatest hits for sure. Zoe squealed, smiled, touched and altogether charmed a succession of donkeys, horses, cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, goats, sheep and baby lambs. Also two giant pigs that turned out to be favorites. I can only image that this was her first Disneyland-type experience of watching animals she was familiar with come to life before her very eyes. It was truly magical.

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Apparently I had so much fun, I barely took any pictures. 🙂 I know we will be back many times! So check out the Ferme and soak in the sun and giggles.

Where: Trassersweg 347 – 1120 Bruxelles

When: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 18pm and Sunday from 10am to 18pm

How much: Free!

Here are some other farms to consider. Did not check them out (yet) but they are on the list.

La Ferme de Parc Maximilian: http://www.lafermeduparcmaximilien.be/

La Ferme du Planois: http://www.lafermeduplanois.be/

Ferme d’Uccle: http://www.tournesol-zonnebloem.be/fr/

First look: Elsje and Clara

March 8, 2013January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

I first met Clara when she was barely a little bean and now she is growing into a lovely little lady! In mid-February, we had the pleasure of hosting the Fourie family, including grandparents visiting from Beijing, in the Bear & Dragon studio. What a fun afternoon! Clara was a good sport with multiple outfit changes. Good thing we had grandpa to keep her smiling.

Thank you Elsje, Clara and family

PS. Happy Friday!

The most wonderful year

February 21, 2013February 25, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

It is hard to believe but it is one year ago today that our little angel came into the world. It really has been the most wonderful year. Bababoo has an amazing happy spirit and fills each day with light. She is my most beautiful adventure. Happy birthday Zoe!

So how do we celebrate such a momentous day? The only way we know how, by shoving chocolate cupcakes into our mouth. Behold, the cake smash.

For the momma’s mommas

February 7, 2013January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Momma’s mommas, one of the most wonderful things out there. Though I love living abroad, I sure do miss my momma. Just thinking about that special lady and all she has done for me. She has a special bond with Zoe and can’t wait for her to come visit this summer (hint, hint mom)! I took these shots during our summer visit to California and they never fail to warm my heart.

So call your momma today and tell her you love her.

Love kills cancer

February 4, 2013February 11, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Over the holidays I had the extreme privilege of taking portraits of a family living its way through cancer. Johan is almost like family to us and I am grateful that I was invited to spend the afternoon with this incredible and kind family.

A beautiful love story and now many years and six kids later, they nestled in for the holidays to celebrate life, love and family. In our thoughts and prayers too.

Update: Bengt passed on February 9, 2013 surrounded by his family. I am proud to have met him.

Valentine’s Day: A preemptive strike

January 25, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ahh, here comes Valentine’s Day. After a failed Christmas experiment (we bought an lovely, very large bed and decided it was our Christmas present to each other AKA super duper boring Christmas Eve, boo!), I have decided to go all out for Valentine’s Day. After all, aren’t holidays those wonderful bright spots in the year that give us something fun and festive to fix our minds on?

That said, the Bear’s gift is ordered and evening menu in the planning phase (think oysters and champagne, and my next blog post about emergency medical care for puncture wounds incurred when shucking said oysters). Here is a sweet image to jump start your heart on the romantical journey towards All Heart’s Day.

We’re back!

December 15, 2012December 15, 2012 | lifeofbearanddragon

Wow, what a month. After so much fun and adventure, it is hard to know where to pick back up on my story here. We journeyed to California to see family and have Zoe baptized. Had an amazing time visiting, relaxing, laughing and welding bonds. Too soon back and the loooong and arduous work of packing up, moving, excessive amounts of IKEA assembly, unpacking.

Guests and Lucia Day party. Good golly, Miss Molly. So I will let a small selection of pictures do the talking with some narration. I hope the holiday spirit holds you warm and safe in its grasp. The greatest gift of all is to love and be loved in return.

This is us

November 12, 2012November 12, 2012 | lifeofbearanddragon

With all the outward facing energy, I realized I am shamefully low on pictures of my little love and I, So I present for you, two girls on a reindeer rug. 🙂

Mary, where art though

November 9, 2012November 9, 2012 | lifeofbearanddragon

I admit it, I am a Sablon enthusiast. Sure it might be obvious but between the antique shops (jeweler shops), Parc Egmont, and weekend market, I am hooked. However, dropping down into the main square this week, I was stopped dead in my tracks by a sudden shock of light and color. There she was in all her glory, Mary! I have never before seen the light stealing through a church stained glass window in such an arresting way. A thump, thump in my heart and I wondered for a moment if my angels, Granny and Nona, were shining especially bright today.

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

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