Double Digits!

Yesterday we hit another milestone with this pregnancy. We're now at 10 weeks! If conventional wisdom is correct, baby DJ is doing quite well because I have been quite sick! First I tried the sea bands, then we got a prescription for some meds which made me into a zombie. Now I'm on some new meds that they give to chemo patients. I went a whole week without throwing up. I was starting to think the worst was past until this morning when I went to Giant Eagle for a few groceries and um, "watered the lawn" on my way out. Oh well... Our next OB appointment is June 3, the day after Niels' birthday. After all the appointments in the beginning, a month seems like forever so I'm really looking forward to the assurance that everything is going well.

We have a few posts we've been meaning to make: DJ's first gift (Raggedy Ann and Andy from Grampa Elmer), Bailey's near death experience, the China earthquake and a few other things. Hopefully we'll be feeling up to posting soon.

Baby DJ says hello...

We are very happy to finally share with the world that little baby DJ is scheduled to bless this world with his/her presence on December 16, 2008. Yep, we're pregnant!!

Earlier today we had our 2nd ultrasound and saw the heartbeat. 150 bpm, exactly where it should be. We are only 7 weeks along so baby DJ is very busy doing what he/she does best, making mommy nauseous. Well, in the end (Lord willing), we'll have baby DJ to show for it, so we don't mind too much... ;-)

We told both American Mom and Dad (aka Gramma and Grampa) and Dutch Dad and Mom (aka Opa and Oma), and they are all very excited. Baby DJ will be the special guest and make an appearance at Niels' mom's 60th birthday celebration this coming Saturday. For obvious reasons we can't be there in person, but with a little help of modern day technology everybody in the Netherlands can still have their first look at our precious baby DJ!

Keep growing, baby DJ. Mommy and daddy are looking forward to meet you in December!!

American Idol 2021

Here's my vote for the next American Idol. Or maybe a decade or so from now. In addition to having an amazing voice, this little girl make me miss my Mia!

Happy Birthday, Bailey!

While some people might think of April 15 is tax day, here at the de Jong household, we like to think of it as Bailey's birthday! Our (usually) sweet dog is 49 years old today, the oldest member of the household by FAR!

She has had a fun day. Daddy gave her a long tummy rub before leaving for work, and then she got to snuggle with Mommy as they both slept in. Mommy shared her breakfast yogurt with her, as Opa has her utterly spoiled to think all yogurt containers are her personal play toys. Sometimes she even waits for us to finish before asking for it.

Bailey got to go for two car rides. Once with Mommy to the library and once with Mommy and Daddy to the grocery store. She got a dingo, her heart meds (which she thinks are her extra special treats), and an egg with her dog food.

Sigh...a dog's life is good.

Permanent Resident and Citizenship

After our announcement that I've received my Green Card a.k.a. Permanent Resident Card we've seen that it's not always clear what that means, so here is a brief explanation:

• If you are a temporary worker/student under a work of student-visa you are considered a 'non-immigrant' since it's temporary and you have the intention to move back to your homeland.
  
  
• If you want to settle in the United States and the petition is granted you are an immigrant and considered a 'permanent resident' and you receive the well-known 'Green Card'.
  
  
• If you want to become a United States citizen you have to live in the United States as a 'permanent resident' for at least 3 and usually 5 years.

The biggest difference between a Permanent Residency and Citizenship is that with the latter you can't be deported, can vote in ALL elections, run for office (except the Presidency) and it can't be taken away from you.

I will apply for Citizenship in 3 years, but since both the US and the Netherlands allow it, I will retain my Dutch Citizenship and will have dual US and Dutch Citizenship.

Hope that clears it up a little... ;-)

Green Card has been received!

The end of a number of years of visa-issues (at least for the next 2 years) is here. Earlier today when I got the mail (which I maybe did 5 times over the last 9 months) there was a very nondescript envelope without any markings. When I opened it I did a little dance of joy... It was my I-551 Permanent Resident Card, a.k.a. the Green Card. Finally! I'm now officially a permanent resident of the United States.

Well... 'conditional' permanent resident. Since we filed within 2 years of getting married I have to file a petition to remove the condition. We have to do that within the 90 days before 3/22/2010 and basically 'prove' the on-going marriage relationship through various records (joint tax returns, jointly held assets, bills, etc...). We are actually hoping to send some birth certificate(s) from children born, but that is up to the Lord... ;-)

Anyway, I'm here to stay!

de Jongs are Deflated about de 'Dogs from Des Moines

Our good Friday week of good things has taken a turn for the worse. Niels and I were just returned from Damon's where we had the whole bar cheering for my alma mater, the Drake Bulldogs, in the NCAA tournament. (I was wearing my Drake alumni t-shirt). Alas, in overtime, with no time remaining, some guy from the other team (Western Kentucky) nailed a 3-pointer to win the game 101-99. Sigh...Maybe they'll make it back in another 37 years.