The Rest of July

Where did July go?

(Jaz's new 'face' that he makes, often. We call him Saru-chan or in English "Little/Baby Monkey". The face is often accompanied with oo oo's and ahh ahh's... he's so cute.)

So July went so much quicker than I expected. I still have some photos to download from my camera but I figured I best start updating now, otherwise it'll be halfway through August :)

(I made this onsie for Jaz. it says "D is for Daredevil" Unfortunately, he's almost outgrown it. He's in 12 month clothes already!)

July was a really great month. The kids completed their book logs for the library and have been continuing reading. Jordan's into this new series (well the books aren't new but new for him) called "Warriors." It's about these cats that live in the wild in clans and how they live and guard their territory, etc. I didn't think I'd like them much but in the end I've enjoyed reading them along with Jordan... perhaps it is the comments he makes and the way he gets excited during 'battles.' He cracks me up. We're on the 4th book now. Jade is into reading Nancy Drew books. She's great. She's already reading above the 1st grade level... her teacher next year is going to have their hands full I think.

The kids and I have been enjoying the unseasonably cooler summer here. (It's been hot, don't get me wrong but milder than last year and less humid.) We've been to Six Flags I think close to 8 or 9 times now this season. Jasper loves the water. He's getting more interested in playing when we go to the water park. We also hit our local water park once this month (the kids had a free pass to get in) and that was enjoyable for all of us. The lazy river was especially a highlight. We got a little crispy this month despite the liberal use of sunscreen but at least we've been out doing stuff rather than in the house.

I took the kids into the city and we hit the National Zoo. That was nice. It was a bit warm but they really enjoyed it.

I got a year membership so I don't have to pay for parking. It has already paid for itself. I figure if we go one or two more times it will definitely be worth it.

Jeramis celebrated his birthday this month. We had a nice little celebration here for that and then we got a little surprise... Heather ( my sister in law ) purchased tickets for my brother James and herself to come out to DC for his birthday. So the following weekend they were here visiting and we were able to spend some time with them.

We took James to the beach near our house to gather fossils (he collects them) and we had dinner together. It was really nice and the weather held out for us.

The last week of the month wasn't as nice in the weather department as it rained and stormed most of the week - or was forecasted to storm and then didn't! We made and cancelled plans several times due to the weather but we did get to enjoy a few days over at a friend's home and we visited with another friend at the Golden Arches (Mc'D's) so the kids could play inside on the playground. It was a 90' day that day so we opted for the indoor play land instead of the park. The kids still came out sweating! We took the kids to see the Transformer movie. Jasper did great, he even slept through the last 45 minutes. Jeramis and I have been renting a bunch of movies (well not really renting since we have the Blockbuster deal but ya know what I mean...) The kids have also been enjoying the WII on days when we're home.

Jasper turned 6 months on the 28th... I can't believe it's been half a year already. I mean, in some ways I can... but wow... I'm happy to enjoy each of these moments with Jaz. The weekend James and Heather were here he started to cut his first tooth.

He was pretty cranky. I finally caved on Sunday morning and walked over to the local pharmacy to get some stuff for his gums. That and Tylenol seemed to help but he still fussed a lot. His tooth is popping out of the gums now and a second tooth is coming in next to it. Let's hope that he gets a little break after these two :)

He's also sitting up very well. He can't sit himself up but if we set him down he'll sit for a while without falling over. I ended up making a sitting pillow for him to protect him from bonking his head when he does fall over and it has helped... plus he likes to scratch the fabric with his fingers.

He does fall forward onto his stomach and he'll sometimes play with his toys but a lot of the time he gets mad and wants to be set back upright. It's a little funny to see but I'm hoping he'll eventually get use to his tummy again and he'll start rolling and scooting instead of yelling for someone :) (Not that I'm anxious for him to be mobile but then again it does have its advantages!) Needless to say I really do need to baby proof the upstairs and get a gate for the top of the stairs and some wood to cover our rails around the room so he doesn't fall down into the stairwell.

He likes to play with people now and reaches for everything. He gives hugs and kisses and likes to goo all over you.

Jeramis likes to get down on the ground and play with him. It's fun to watch them interact. Jaz loves it.

The kids have started putting on Puppet Shows for Jaz for which they are rewarded in squeals and giggles. Jaz seems to really like their animated voices and the puppets.

I've been enjoying the kids a lot this summer... don't get me wrong, they drive me batty at times but it is amazing to see how they interact with each other and how much they love each other. I am such a lucky mother!

I've been sewing a bit the past few weeks. Aside from the sitting pillow I also made Jordan 2 pair of pajama shorts.

I finished one for Jade too and made her some armbands and a skirt.

I've got some more projects on the horizon. I want to get most of it done in time for Jade to use for school so I best get crackin'!

I guess other than all that the rest of July was mellow. We've been doing things here and there with friends or just me and the kids. So it's been nice but not super eventful :)

August will change all that (since we've got the last days of summer break and then school starting in about 3 weeks...boo hoo WOO HOO... hah) I'll be back to share as much as I can :) * TTFN!