Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Addy's & John Michael's best friends & I've been tagged

Thanks to all of you who guessed on John Michael's size! He is a hefty 20 pounds 10 ounces and 29 1/4 inches long. He's longer than I thought and a bit lighter than I thought!

Most of you know that Addy's best friend is officially Faith. :) We joke around about that but we genuinely hope Adeline grows up friends with Faith, especially if she turns out like her brothers and sisters! Faith & Adeline had a little play date last week with Sam and I. It was a blast.

Riding in the new stroller:






Playing at the park





Addy and Faith really do love each other. They've learned that they are best friends and ask about each other regularly. But, Faith hasn't taken the place of Addy's beloved Lucy... who we're hoping will also be a good influence on Addy. The high school students taught Lucy how to have a quiet time - here's hoping Addy follows in her hoof-steps. :)




John Michael, on the other hand, is not as fond of Wrigley. He doesn't hate him but his interest in him only lasts about ten seconds. However, he is nearly inseperable with his FINGERS! I'd definitely say they are his best friends right now.









We're still giving him a paci, which he seems to be just fine with but his love affair with his hands is not going to be easy to break!




Addy is also a bit protective of her Lucy... Last weekend at my parents we noticed her first streak of jealousy toward John Michael. When she saw John Michael playing with her Lucy she went up, tore it out of his hands and said, "NO GA GA!" (that is her nickname for him.) This is the very first time we have noticed any kind of conflict between the two of them. Personally, I think it was because we spent the weekend at GG & Bampa's house where normally she is the center of attention... but this time John Michael got his full share of attention and that threw her off. Not to much later she complained that "GaGa" was sitting in her high chair and insisted that Ga ga go down." Note, she wanted nothing to do with the high chair all day and cried when we put her in it... until he was in it! And lastly, she kindly informed me that she thought Ga Ga should stay with GG and Bamp and Addy would go home with Mommy and Daddy! WHAT A STINKER!

I'm glad to say that her evening of jealousy was short-lived. This morning she woke up, as usual, calling for John Michael and insisting on finding him to say good morning. It was very sweet and hopefully the rivalry will lie dormant for the time being!

And okay - Bipin is getting me back for tagging him like a year ago... so here goes:
Link
A- Available or married? Happily Married
B- Best Friend? Besides Johnny? Um... Its been a while since I've had one. Prob still Nat & Les... and Shannon for helping to care for my soul
C- Cake or Pie? Homemade Key Lime pie
D- Drink of Choice? Dr. Pepper
E- Essential Item? Burt's Bees Chapstick
F- Favorite Color? Green unless you're talking clothes... then black.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? I'm a little burnt out on both right now
H- Hometown? Merrillville, IN
I-Indulgence? McDonalds - a regular indulgence for me.
J- January or February? Feb - closer to warm weather
K- Kids & names? 2 - Adeline & John Michael
L- Life is incomplete without? Friends
M- Marriage Date? March 1, 2003
N- Number of Siblings? 2 - Tara & Jason
O- Oranges or apples? Oranges
P- Phobias/Fears? I'm a little claustrophic but only with people
Q-Favorite Quote? "It is what it is."
R- Reason to Smile? my family
S- Season? Summer
T- Tag someone I tag Tara - and only if she wants to do it....
U- Unknown fact about me: I don't have many unknown things... I sleep in. Late. but tthat is slowly changing with the help of my relentless friend Candi and of course... obedience on my part.
W- Worst habit? wow, i might have to steel Bipin's answer of "Negotiating the price of everything I buy" and add to it... sleeping in late and staying up latte
Y- Your favorite food? Steak & Fett. Alfredo
Z- Zealous for? - the glory of God

Sunday, January 28, 2007

She's a rock star & He's a steer!

painted nails and already behind the mike.










Well, we all know John Michael is a big baby... and even though you read about it its a bit surprising when you see him! He isn't really that abnormally large but he is always just off the growth charts. We're used to that after Addy though. We're taking him in Monday morning for his 6 month checkup. Any guesses on weight/length?



a visit from the Swarts and una casa de sick folk

Well, Addy got a bit sick last week and ran her first high fever (103.8). Of course I had no idea what to do but we pulled through and her fever dropped... but whatt remained was a terrible congestion and cough. Now, John Michael and I have it too. So, its not a pretty picture here at the Hamstra household! We kind of look like this:
Align Center




But, before things got bad we were able to see Dave, Kath & Abi! Isn't she a doll? It was fun seeing her since we don't get to see her very often. She wasn't really crazy about me but Id on't blame her, I can be scary. :)

Her and John Michael were posing for a picture and Adeline insisted on getting in on it. You can tell she is sick in this photo.




Hey! Is she making the moves on my son!??





John Michael was introduced to Elmo last week and he LOVED it. He watched the ENTIRE 35 minute DVD!





and was happy as a clam about it.





He turned 6 months old yesterday. I can hardly believe it! He's still drooling like crazy with no sign of teeth, his farts still amaze us with their potency and drive even those who love him the most out of the room. He is starting to sit up and is talking quite a bit. He's simply a joy and we're so glad he's our boy!



More soon!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Hamstra Wedding Part 2

Here you have it folks - more pictures from the wedding!

We were so happy to have Nick & Mary Elizabeth stay with us over the course of the weekend... and Mary was invaluable as she helped me with Addy & John Michael (seemingly) endlessly throughout the weekend. Its no wonder Addy keeps asking for "Nick and Mare Mare"!





Johnny & I attempting to take a picture. Man, I look like I have black eyes in these pictures!!






Shannon's neice, Payton was the flower girl. She is a doll... and super sweet too. Addy loves her - almost as much as she loves Ajai! Here they are as DD pushed them around in the podium. They loved it.



da boys rehearsing



Michelle and Josh at the rehearsal - anxiously awaiting the wedding! (doesn't josh look like a rock star? no wonder he got such a cutie)




attempting a family picture (note how happy addy is to be taking a picture)



success? Not my favorite but it'll do.



what a cute idea for bridesmaids gifts! The guys all got suitcases.



They shed a bit but they were still cute!



Addy loved the rehearsal dinner... she played peek-a-boo until we dragged her home.



Here is Ajai playing with John Michael.



John Michael is so smiley!!



Josh and Michelle are back from their honeymoon and from what I've heard had a great time!


take a guess

Who can guess what John Michael is doing in this picture? (unless I already told you....)


Tuesday, January 16, 2007

still alive

Well folks - for those of you who are still checking the blog we are STILL ALIVE! Josh and Michelle's wedding was last weekend so all of my efforts went into maintaining our house as best as I could while extending hospitality and adding in wedding prep... and then I considered "fasting" from the internet this week but decided today to do food instead. It will have to be a moderation of a normal fast since I am still nursing but I have a plan and so far its been working out great!

*For those of you who don't go to LWC this week is our annual week of prayer and fasting*

Here are some wedding pictures:

Me and my date:





Johnny and his date:





Our family at the wedding:





happy girls





sad boys





the happy couple





me and shannon





me and candi




me and jules




me and kath




me and beth




More soon!