I guess, as a mom, you notice all these tiny things about your child. You spend hours just studying them. Well, I have noticed that Elinore has the most beautiful nostrils. Silly, I know, but I think they look like little hearts. I wanted to share them with you. 

Gabe's Hat

We took a quick trip up into the mountains with my family and forgot to bring a hat for Gabe. But he looked pretty cute in the makeshift hat I made for him:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEN !

We hope you have a very happy 25th birthday. It will be an extra special day as it is your first one as a mom. Hopefully, Elinore will cooperate and let you get some rest and relaxation. Glad you got back safely from your Chicago Thanksgiving.

One of Dad's colleagues from Hope, Dr. Janet Andersen, chairwoman of Hope's Math Department, was killed in white-out conditions here Thursday morning as she returned from a Thanksgiving church service. Her husband was only slightly injured. She taught at Hope since 1991 so I'm wondering if any of you ever had her for a math course. She was only 47. Her death is a major loss to the college, the community, and beyond. She had authored several math textbooks. They aren't sure who will finish teaching her classes.

I'm not posting much since our computer has been "down" since Thursday. Dad will be taking it in for repairs--not much debate about where we should take it :) I'm writing this on Dad's laptop, which takes a bit of getting used to. So...we'll rely on the rest of you to keep us current. Mom

Gabe's party

Gabe had a little b-day party with a few of the neighborhood kids. We also had a little party for Eric on Friday night. On Thursday Gabe was dismayed that Eric had no presents yet so he wrapped up various items in towels and tissues and gave them to Eric.

She has arrived

So here is how it all went down, we arrived at the hospital at 8:00am, they broke Jen's water at 8:30...contractions began almost immediately. Just under 7 hours later at 3:21pm on November 18 2005, Elinore Yarin Wolthuis came into the world. In case you were wondering, the middle name is of Hebrew origin, meaning "to understand." It was a truly amazing experience for everyone involved. Check out these pictures. We look forward to you all meeting her in person.



1st order of business...take a nap.

Yes, I am a cheeseball!!

Granparents with Granddaughter #2

It is so hard to be me.

My traveling clothes.

Snow Angel

I took the kids for a sled ride around the block. We got to Mi Favorita and I glanced back to see how they were doing. Lydia had fallen out a house back! She is so tiny I didn't notice the weight change and Sam hadn't said anything! She was just rolling around on the sidewalk, playing with the snow. When we got home we made cookies and danced to music. What a wonderful day! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIC!

Eric, we hope you had a good birthday--since it is almost over already. We sure have birthdays on our minds in November. We still don't know whether you will share a birthday with Elinore or whether she will decide to have her very own day. We have had our first measurable snowfall so the ground is white this morning. Sam was able to make a snowball yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mom

Attempted Photo Shoot

I tried to get Sam to look cute, but this was about the best shot...I think he's picking something for you, Kev. 

We just thought we'd post our photo here so that when we arrive in Thailand in the spring, Gabe will be able to recognize us!

Happy Birthday, Gabe; we miss you lots!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GABE

Although you are already in bed with memories of a very special day, we want you to know we are thinking about you on your 4th birthday. We know you will do more celebrating when your Grandpa and Grandma Taylor and Uncle Nathan come to visit you this week. Best Wishes from all of us here in Michigan (and from Grandpa W. in Turkey). Love, Grandma W.

80's moment

I've been meaning to post pics of these for a couple of weeks. I have been enjoying wearing my jelly shoes except for that familiar jelly-shoe problem: rocks stuck in the soles. Also, I included a pic of those familiar rubber bracelets we used to wear. I see lots of kids wearing them now.

We're doing pretty well these last few weeks. I have been fighting a cold this week and the Airborne supplement that mom & dad W brought has actually been helping quite a bit-Thanks guys! Yesterday we had our annual day of prayer for our group in which I played the guitar for 8 hours. I couldn't feel my fingers by the end, but surprisingly, they don't hurt today. Today is the Grace yard sale where we all go to trade goods. It's our only chance to go a garage sale here in Thailand, so of course, it's the event of the year.

Other People's Kids

So I was at Target on Tuesday running some errands when I had this moral/social dillema. The woman at the checkout in front of me was busy applying for a Target credit card, so she was distracted from watching her two girls (probably about a four-year old and a seven-year old). She had bought each of them a piece of candy. I watched as the four-year old intentionally dropped her candy wrapper on the floor, trying to do it in a way that no one would notice. Remember that mom is busy and oblivious to what is going on behind her. As it dropped from her hand, she and I made eye contact. She knew that I had just watched her purposely drop her trash on the floor. She hesitated, holding my gaze. I think she was trying to decide if she should leave it or pick it up and pretend like she had dropped it. She left it.

So, what do I do?

New Camera?

I wish you could see the prints of the pictures I posted. The color is so much better. Sorry for the faded look. As Dad says, maybe it is time to get a new digital camera to keep up with the rest of you. Amy, I'll get some of the prints to you. Mom

More Pictures

Birthday Pictures

Here are the pictures I promised. Thanks, Jen, for your help.

Here I am at 40 weeks. Today is Elinore's due date, and there still seems to be no sign of her. I had a foot massage and went for a long walk to try to help her get started, so we'll see what happens. I had no idea I looked so huge until I saw this picture!! Pray for us! 

Weekend Highlights

It was our last weekend before Dad leaves for Turkey, and it was very busy, but in a most enjoyable way. On Saturday, we witnessed a beautiful ceremony in which Andy Van Hekken married Alina, one of Dad's former students. Sara Luneack sang, and the reception was at the Blue Dress Barn, a real barn way out in the country. It of course was transformed by lights, music, a dance floor, etc. It was more fun than the usual "former student" weddings because we knew so many people--friends and relatives of Andy. We were able to catch up a bit with Dan Pike, Peter Hunsberger, Charley Vandenberg (and his family), etc. All in all, a great evening.

Yesterday, I was privileged to take part in the installation service for our new Minister of Congregational Care. He asked me because of our "long history;" I was one of his high school teachers. He mentioned that during the service, and many people asked me later how I could be that much older than he is since he is in his 50's. One lady said she figured I would have to be 25 years older than he is. I quickly explained that I started teaching at age 22, and he was 15, so....... In the evening, our Growth Community discussed our pastor's sermon--"God is Looking for a Church Home." We talked about what kind of church God would feel at home in and is our church that kind of church. Many people participated, and it was a stimulating evening.

Now it's Monday, and I just washed underwear so Dad can start packing for Turkey. Hopefully, he'll write something about his trip before he leaves. And he REALLY would like to meet Elinore before he leaves :) Mom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANG!

As I write this, Ang, I am aware that your birthday is already past in Thailand. For those of us over here, it's still November 5, so I guess these wishes are only "half late." Were you able to celebrate with your friend Christina, or has she already left?

Lydia's birthday (Oct. 26) started our month of Wolthuis birthdays, to be ended by Jen's (Nov. 26), with one date yet to be determined (Elinore's). Sam and Lydia's party was lots of fun. I just picked up my pictures of the party. There are some great ones, and I'll try to post a few--when I figure out how. (Don't hold your breath.) Hope you all have a good weekend. Mom

Halloween

For Halloween Kevin dressed up like Napolean Dynmaite. We keep hearing about the resemblance between them, but Kevin is much better looking! Anyway, thought you would enjoy a photo!

Addicted?

Yesterday our phone lines went out around noon, and didn't return until this morning. Brian and I were chatting about how dependant we are on them, after hearing threatening news that they might not return until Sunday. 'What is this, the third world?" "I wonder who has tried to call us today." "What if someone in our block works at home and uses the internet?" "What if Jen start labor?" "I'm sure there are people without cell phones!" "What if someone is bidding on ebay and now can't check it?" "I won't be able to check the blog!" All the sudden it seemed like there was information out there that we needed, even though we didn't know what it was. Secretly, I was glad we wouldn't be consuming our evening with the computer and it was nice having no phone calls for the day. Now, here we are: The phones haven't been ringing off the hook, Jen is still very pregnant, nothing has changed on the blog, and I only got one email...a Bill!!