Summer is in full swing at the Huyser house. This past month, we wrapped up all of our weekly scheduled events and are enjoying the flexibility of lighter responsibilities--ok I'll admit that this has been a bit of a struggle for me. I really enjoy having our different activities and am sometimes overwhelmed by a day with no plans, but we're working to find ways to have fun and escape from the heat. We spend a lot of time outside--playing on the porch, in the kiddie pool (though it's still been a bit cold for that), blowing bubbles, playing with the sand/water table, and going to nearby parks. We enjoyed extra time with MM (called "Emmy" by James...a nickname that just might stick) at our house last week. The kids have also made two trips to Cleveland. For one trip, I came back to Atlanta to work around the house while they enjoyed a trip to the aquarium and other adventures with MM and Pops. I stayed with them in Cleveland for the other trip. We are definitely thankful that my parents relocated last year and are much closer. Later this summer we will attend Vacation Bible School at our church and Claire is signed up for two little summer camps at her new preschool. Of course, we also are preparing for the arrival of Baby #3 this summer. At 32.5 weeks along, I'm feeling pretty big these days!
James forms new phrases everyday. Some of the longer ones include "I want chapstick" and "Claire sit there." He is very aware of possession and likes to point out things such as "Mommy's shoes," "Claire's drink," "Daddy's truck." He is also quick to scream "DAMES!!!" when he believes something belongs to him. James loves shoes--wanting to put them on first thing in the morning. If a pair of shoes is left within reach, James will patiently sit, take off his own shoes, and put on the larger ones to walk around. James has learned that when the last person sits at the table for a meal, it's time to pray. He puts down his food or drink, puts his little hands together, and says "Pray pray pray" until we do. At bedtime when I say that it's time to pray, he is usually sucking his thumb and will bring his other hand up to pray while continuing to suck his thumb.
James is very loud. He screams/squeals often out of frustration or excitement. While having his diaper changed recently, James screamed and then proceeded to put his finger to his lips and say "SSSHHHH" to himself. James is very physical--especially with Claire. He hugs her, grabs her, tackles her to the floor, pulls her hair, and is generally pretty rough with her. Poor Claire is remarkably good about not lashing out at him, but she is understandingly frustrated with him when he acts this way. It is impossible for them to survive a grocery store trip sitting next to each other in the little car attached to the buggy because James is so rough on her. He's really not mean or malicious in his actions, he just loves Claire and wants to rough house with her. Good thing he has a little brother on the way because Claire is too girly to want to play this way most of the time.
James' eating habits have gotten even worse and he has quite the temper when he doesn't like what's put in front of him. He will eat yogurt, cereal, crackers, PB&J sandwiches, cheese, and lasagna. I purchased some refillable squeezie pouches and we've had some luck with getting him to eat fruits or vegetables this way, but the preparation can be a lot of work and he doesn't always eat what we fix. Claire is still a great eater and will finish most things on her plate with a little encouragement and/or a promise of yogurt after the meal.
Claire has a vivid imagination and great vocabulary with which to express it. She tells stories and plays games and will entertain herself for long stretches of time. Her favorite scenario to pretend is a birthday party for herself or a doll. James usually sleeps about 90 minutes every afternoon but Claire only naps once or twice a week. When she doesn't nap, she has quiet playtime in her room. When I go in to get her afterwards she is usually wearing some strange combination of dress-up clothes and play jewelry.
Claire asks A LOT of questions. Pretty much every action that I take and every sentence that I say are followed up with a question from Claire. She doesn't just say "Why?" all day long but instead asks long questions such as "Mommy, why are you buying ice cream?" She doesn't miss anything! She has had many questions about the new baby and also has been known to tell people--even strangers--that she has a baby sister in her tummy. I caught Claire holding James' hand to her tummy and asking if he felt the baby kick.
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