This has been a record-breaking summer in Texas. I just heard on the news this morning that it is actually the hottest summer on record in the US... EVER! Our average lowest temperature was 86 degrees and we had the most 100+ degree days. All I can say is UGH. I've always said the heat has never really bothered me because I just go from my car to the house, work, store, etc... all of which have air conditioning. But now that I have kids who like to do things outside, I feel much differently. We had to get creative when and how we did things. We didn't even go to the pool very much because it was simply too hot to be outside at all. Totally miserable.
Jon has had some really random hours due to meetings, conferences and overtime on top of the overnight shift he already works. He has also started attending a mid-week morning men's Bible Study regularly again and attends a ministry opportunity once or twice a month. All of this is great, but it has required us to be extra thankful of the time we do get to spend together. We've been using an online calendar so we can keep up with his schedule and make sure we know who's taking the kids, when who will be gone, etc.... It's been hectic!!
I've also been very grateful to have gotten a promotion at work and am still transitioning from my old position to my new one. It's been extremely hectic at work in the process and I've also been required to have a longer commute temporarily while I train and get used to my new position. I'm very excited about the opportunity but there is definitely a learning process just as there is with anything new. All this to say -- I'm exhausted!!!!
And now to the kids. Harper is 3 1/2 and amazes us each day with her ever-expanding vocabulary and the silly things she comes up with. She has always been a great observer of things. Some of her favorites are pointing out certain cars and saying "Mommy! That's like YOUR car!" even when we it's super far away. She always notices when someone is wearing something "new" (meaning she's never seen it before) or when something is different about a person, no matter how minor it may seem. She also observes people's behaviors in a big way and loves to play pretend teacher. It's usually very cute, but sometimes she can get too bossy so we have to bring her back to reality. She is extremely helpful of Jasper and is usually very happy to assist with him when we ask her to. For instance the other day we were in the front working on the yard and Jasper was exploring the garage when he got himself trapped on the step. He didn't want to take the step down, so I asked her to help him and she made it her mission to take his hand and guide him down, lovingly saying "C'mon Buddy, I'll help you! C'mon Jasper, it's okay, take a step". She is heavily influenced by friends at school, which is sometimes good but sometimes bad. We work really hard to keep her grounded at home with remembering respect and obeying. She really strives to do good and wants to be such a pleaser. She's very sensitive but also quick to laugh and forgive as well. She is so loving and just plain awesome.
Jasper is 18 months old today! He is really a funny little guy but very different than Harper. It's so interesting to see the differences between them. He is quite independent when it comes to playing and his teachers agree -- he is quite happy to explore things on his own but plays really well with friends as well. He is quite stubborn when he chooses to be and has a very quick temper which sometimes shows itself in anger, but most times in tears. He can be quickly consoled when picked up and hugged, but would much prefer just to get his way. On the flip side, he is hysterically funny and really thrives on being silly and making someone else laugh. He has the absolutely biggest smile and mouth I've ever seen on a child - it cracks me up! He finally took his first steps on August 1st at 1 week shy of 17 months! That's the stubborn side I spoke of earlier. He definitely has me wrapped around his finger, but I've been working hard not to cater to his every whim and be more stern with him. He is extremely loving and gives great hugs and kisses whenever you ask. He also willingly goes to anyone who asks and always has a smile for strangers who talk to him. Like Harper he is very observant and is obsessed with dogs -- he notices them everywhere! His voice goes up an octive or two as he shouts "doggy!" and gets quite excited when he sees them. He is very attached to his blanket which isn't a problem-- yet. Thankfully we have a couple spares for when they need to be washed. He is a fantastic sleeper and loves to take naps, even at school, which is such a relief. His vocab is expanding, but most of the words still sound the same. He still refuses to say "Mommy" (there's that stubborn side again!) and instead calls me, Jon and Harper "Dahyee". We've gotten him to say "Harper" several times, but it's not his go-to name for her.
After that marathon wrap-up, here are tons of pics from recent weeks (months?) and a short description.
At the bouncy place where we spent a few afternoons during the heat letting the kids burn some energy.
Decorating brother with a water bottle label. He is so patient with her and was very willing to oblige.
Then herself.
Crashed out with Brobee and his blanket.
Thoroughly enjoying his dinner.
Looking at their (temporary) tattoos we got from a restaurant.
Sibling hugs in their play tent.
Sibling love as she tries to pack Jasper away in Daddy's suitcase.
Showing off that winning smile (and huge mouth!)
Posing for her first day of her new class.
She picked out her outfit herself, which she does every day now -
with some input from Mommy. :)
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