My father stayed with us for five weeks, and we had a wonderful time together.

My favorite moment of the day was to put Nora in her chair next to him: she started smiling as soon as she saw him -- and Jaap too.

It was great to spend some relaxed time with my father. The good news is that Jaap and Mieke will be here again in three weeks!

Yesterday Jaap taught me how to make his apple pie and this morning we tasted the delicious result.

For me, this apple pie is synonymous with birthdays. It is a real family tradition and I'm looking forward to start making this apple pie for Nora's birthdays.

"You owe me a hundred sixty five dollars!"
"No! It's one fourty five! The extra twenty bucks were a tip for your 'pleasant behavior'!"

A cab driver and a female customer were pulling at a suitcase and yelling at each other when I ran by this morning. The power was out in many places after last night's storm, and it was a hot and busy morning. The cab had stopped on Wilson Boulevard near the Ballston Mall, just when I ran by.

I asked what was going on, and together with another passer-by we managed to calm them down. They had clearly been angry with each other for a while.

The passenger, very upset, had arrived at BWI airport and her credit card was declined in the cab. They had pulled over at several ATMs in the area but since the phone lines are dead she couldn't get any cash. The cab driver wasn't happy either and said that the passenger had tried running away -- which is why he grabbed her luggage.

We tried calling 911 but there was no connection. I ran around the block, looking for a working ATM but there was nothing. When I came back I waved down a passing ambulance who called the police. The officer who arrived thanked us and sent us on our way, so I could continue my run.

A big storm hit Arlington 30 minutes ago. There were very strong wind gushes and we even had to take our balcony furniture inside.

We live in an apartment building that overlooks Lyon Village. Here's a short video of the lightning.

This morning we brought Nora to the pediatrician for her four month check-up. She is healthy and growing well. She's now 14.4 lbs (6.5 kg).

When she was two months old she got her first series of shots and today she received the follow-up injections. Nora took it well -- she cried for a few minutes but after a big hug she recovered.

Her next appointment is in two months.

Today Jaap was in Ballston and he came by my office with Nora. It was great to show her to my colleagues and to introduce Jaap to everybody.

Nora had just waken up from a nap in the stroller so she was quiet and peaceful, just staring at everything and everyone with big eyes.

Tomorrow morning we have our 4-months check up at the pediatrician.

Nora is four months old today!

Incredible.