Our internet still is not very cooperative… sporatically, it works but usually there is usually just a flashing light. So, I’m typing this in Word and when I finally have that moment of connection, I’ll post really quick!

Thursday
James had his 6 month checkup. He is 19 lbs 15 1/2 oz... only 1/2 ounce short of 20 pounds! That puts him in the 88% for his age. He is 28 3/4 inches long, which is still off the charts. He must get his height from Jim's side... maybe he'll be as tall as his Uncle Andy! Everything went wonderfully and he didn't even cry that much when they give him the shots. Jemma was such a great big sister... she sat and watched quietly and patiently. (I did give her fruit snacks to keep her happy and occupied.)

Jemma keeps saying "Mommy, talk more." I have explained that my throat is sore and I don't feel very well but she just doesn't like that answer. This cold has got to go away… there is too much to do to be sick!


Friday
Jemma’s 2nd day of school. One of my happiest moments was when I met the teacher, Ms. Kathleen for the first time. She told me that Jemma was a “Model student… good potty example for the other kids… plainly speaks and answers questions.” I am so proud and so happy, yet a little sad. It seems like just yesterday when she would cry and be so, so upset whenever I would leave her for the shortest time and now she is quite independent and welcomes the opportunity to go to school.

James loves to jump... can you see his big smile? He has gotten to be such a wonderful baby... I love this age!!! :)

Jim had the afternoon off due to the airshow. Our plan was to pick Jemma up from school, stop by Chick-fil-A as a treat for Jemma’s first week of school, and go to the base for the airshow. It was just after Noon when a friend called and told us an airplane had crashed at the airshow. We still don’t know why it crashed and our hearts go out to the aviator’s family… I am so glad that we weren’t there to witness it because I just don’t know how I would explain that to Jemma. We did go to the base and see the static displays and the Blue Angels performed… but they were too loud for James and Jemma.

Yesterday, the pediatrician encouraged me to start more foods with James, so last night we started bananas. He loves his oatmeal and rice cereal. He doesn’t appear to like bananas… we’ll try them for a few more days. I start with bananas because they are so easy and available… I hope he changes his mind and likes bananas soon. We had a yummy dinner (crockpot pork, asparagus, crescent rolls, mashed potatoes) then went for a walk around the neighborhood… of course, we walked over and/or jumped on every manhole! I am feeling much better except for this awful sore throat… I don’t want to talk because it hurts… thank goodness for the throat spray!

Saturday
We went to a birthday party for Marisa today at Taylor Farm. Marisa turned 4. She is truly an amazing little girl. She was born premature and has not had an easy beginning. Her mother, Michelle is a wonderful and inspiring woman. She is always so positive and so nice… she is truly a joy to know and we appreciated being invited to Marisa’s celebration! Here is a picture of Jemma with the goats.

After the party, we went to the mall and got new sneakers for Jemma. They are so cute and they have lights. I planned to do it before school started, but just didn’t quite make it! We went for a lovely walk around the neighborhood after dinner and acknowledged every manhole. Afterwards we went to Rita’s for mango Italian water ice. Jemma gets the little trial size cup and we just refill it… it is the perfect size. James was just content to sit in the stroller and coo and smile and squeal with delight. Thankfully, my throat is feeling better! Yippie!!!!

Sunday
James slept all night! Jim made pancakes for breakfast (a triple batch, so we have them for the entire week) and I again realize what an amazing and wonderful husband I have. Jim took Jemma to the airshow. (It is just too loud for James and I didn't want to battle keeping earplugs in his ears.) Apparently, according to Daddy, French fries and fruit snacks are an appropriate lunch at an airshow. Who knew?!?

James and I went to the grocery store. He rode in the stroller and had a grand time looking at everyone and everything. He is quite the little people watcher. I made pears for James for dinner. He had bananas for the past 3 days, but didn’t really like them. He seemed to like the pears better.

Mya came to sleep over tonight. Merin is on her way back from a wedding in CA, so we are watching Mya for the evening. Jemma and Mya had such fun today. The just laugh and play. It makes me a little sad that Jemma will never have a sister… bedtime made me think of talking to Nicole in the bunkbeds growing up. Sometimes my parents would have to tell us several times to stop talking and just go to sleep. Tonight, I finally had to move Jemma to our bedroom and leave Mya in Jemma’s room. They were so cute talking… but they needed to go to sleep… they have school tomorrow!