Thursday, December 8, 2011

Where in the World is Carmen Santiago - I Mean Jean Hamberg?



Chalk it all up to my advancing age and the fact that I'm a new grandma, but I haven't posted in a long while, so here's a bit of an update.  Ah, by the way, there are others in our family who could also use a nudge - it's really fun to read the updates, but I know it's hard to find the time sometimes to do it.  I think Jen definitely takes the prize for being the most reliable about keeping us updated on her darling family - thanks, Jen!

Anyway, as you know I've been spending lots of time in Chicago lately, and that has been great - Charlotte changes by the day, and it's always exciting to see what's new with her.  Right now she's at the stage where she is beginning to smile a lot - especially for mommy and daddy, and she's also starting to coo and make those cute little sounds like she's trying to communicate with you.  Of course she IS a genius, so that helps - haha.  Also sleeping 8-9 hrs. a night, so that really helps Rachel and Dave to get plenty of rest.  They have arranged for Charlotte's daycare situation, and Rachel is already dreading having to leave her each day, but it sounds like a very good situation - a referral from friends of Dave's, who have a young son who goes there, and in a couple of months they'll also be bringing their 2nd son there.  It's in a woman's house where one floor is completely set up for the children, tons of toys, special place for the babies to sleep, and run by a really sweet woman in her late 40's or early 50's and her licensed helper.  Just a few children in her care, and Dave & Rach can drop her off right on their way to work (just a few miles from their house).  She actually lives in Oak Park, where Dave grew up.  Still, it will be hard to leave her, especially at first.  Here are a couple of current pictures:


Kate and I had a great time at the play "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater in downtown Chicago last week.  Here are a couple pics:



A couple of the Macy's windows, decorated for the holidays.....



A few pics from Thanksgiving at our house, that I think were mostly taken by Carol - thanks, sis!  Hope everyone had a good time, even though the Lions lost.


Food coma....

It's amazing - dad can sleep anywhere....


It was so nice to see Bren, Jen, Mace and Kels in Chicago a few weeks ago, too.  Those little ones are beyond adorable, as usual, and so polite.  I think they had fun going to the Lincoln Park Zoo (below) and also meeting baby Charlotte.....

Haven't taken a picture of these 4 beauties all together for like 10 years....thanks, girls!

These pics are a bit out of order, but who feels like moving everything all around - not me,  haha...

Looking forward to seeing "The Wizard of Oz" at Holland High with Carol and Rachel tonight.  So for now, I'll just say, "Love to all, and to all a good night.".....

1 comment:

Rachel Nykerk said...

Welcome back Carmen(Jean)great pictures and that is one beautiful baby. I would have a hard time leaving her for work too !