Friday, February 23, 2007

growing like weeds

John Michael is growing up quickly.... Its so different with child number two because its going by so quickly! With Addy we were able to sit around and wait for every little thing to happen... with John Michael it seems like we turn around and he's doing something new!



For example, I started realizing (I'm a little slow noticing sometimes) that I would leave him in one place and find him in another.... therefore coming to the conclusion that he is nearing mobilty! Now I see him regularly turning in circles and scooting backwards. He is on his hands and knees some rocking back and forth so it could be soon I'll have one walking and one crawling around!



Here he is snuggling with my dad. He is so much more of a snuggler than Addy was... probably because we have never been as strict with his schedule as we were with Addy.



A couple of nights ago we were praying with Addy before she went to bed. When we finished Addy put her head down and said, "Jesus, help me obey. Amen." Johnny & I were floored! It was one of those parenting moments where you're so proud and so shocked that you almost want to cry or something. Wow, I sound so sappy!



All that praying will be helpful though in light of her recent bahavior. While Auntie Les was here (as well as the week before) Addy introduced us to "Evil Addy". haha... Seriously though she began throwing all out tantrums. Screaming, kicking, and the infamous rubber body reflex when you try to pick her up. So, its more time at home for the Hamstra's. We need to spend more time training and get over this hump... though my dad tells me the hump is about 15 years long. Guess if you want to hang out with us you're going to be coming here!

Hanging with Les was so nice though. We didn't do too much but just being together was nice. She is one of my best friends from college and one of the girls I keep up with the most now. She's an incredible girl - those of you who were able to meet her know that just from talking to her. It was so cool she was able to come out and visit. Thanks Les... I love ya!

And you might as well call us Grand Central Station! The Swarts are coming in town this weekend and I'm sure the kids are going to have a blast. I'm eager to see how Addy responds to Connor since she's into being bossy right now. In the past she's always deferred to him so it will be fun seeing how they play together this time!

I'll leave you with some pictures of my parents with the kids. Most of these are kind of old but still fun to look at!

Here is Bampa reading to the kids. Right after this picture was taken John Michael began reaching for the pages and Addy began saying, "No GaGa!" and insisting that he be put down.



Addy loves making tents with my dad. She has him put a sheet over a table and pulls him under there with snacks and books. She does this with Johnny's dad too but they have a real tent at their house.



Here is Addy telling me that me and my camera were not invited to her tent party.



and giggling with GG. GG always makes her laugh.



I just LOVE this vest. My mom got it for me from J. Crew. As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. Its a size 3 so I'm banking on her wearing it two years in a row.






Making cookies with GG... notice the IU cheerleader outfit from my Dad. :)



And finally, the weather is finally in the 30's!! We've been enjoying this "spring" wave for the past week. Here are the kids getting ready for spring.














10 comments:

Aimee said...

It is amazing how fast they grow up! It seems like you just had John Michael, and now he's moving around!! It's hard once the two of them are mobile, but it's rewarding at the same time. They don't seem to be as demanding once they can move around.

As for the tantrums ~ we have an "Evil Brett" hear alot too. I'm hoping it's just because he's two and he's going to grow out of it. Staying home hasn't done the trick for me yet, so I'm getting out of here! ;) No really, I think that they are just trying to show us their independence ~ I just wish it wasn't so ugly!

Aimee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kathy said...

well our 2 year old doesn't throw tantrums, so no help there... if only.

I know what you mean about the 2nd one just growing and us happening apon them. Adi's expressions are so funny.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Bipin Sen said...

haha.. it's why they call stages, stages. in a not very dissimilar way priya has started acting up. she throws the biggest fit when you put her on her high chair for eating times. the other day she howled and howled when taking a bath...

Mrs. Smith said...

Ah yes, Hayden has started the "terrible twos" early, so I totally understand what you are going through.
Hang in there, we will make it!

Christy said...

Michelle, that prayer Addie prayed is precious! Talk about incredible wisdom coming from such a young little mouth. Ache!

Anonymous said...

¿Por qué la gente sin embargo piensa que Elvis está vivo? Significo, adelantado, gente. ¿No hay cosas mejores a concentrarse encendido? Significo, después de todo, no nos olvidemos del individuo en el final de sus días era un drogadicto desesperado y tiraba encima de medio a sus dedos del pie antes de que él podría levantarse realmente en etapa para conseguir encendido con la demostración

Clair Boone @ www.mummydeals.org said...

What is it that is so cute about kids in sunglasses?? They both look adorable!!!

Tara Sasser said...

JM is really getting big! It's going to be wild when John Michael and Addy start talking to eachother.

I love Addy's tents too, looks like Bampa is having too much fun crawling around on the floor ;)

oh yeah, the vest looks awesome GG, keep shopping at JCrew.

Leslie Bowden Nack said...

Michelle -- post some pics of "evil addy" --- the world needs to see! :)