New Harper Pics

We'll say that it has been "suggested" (not demanded) by several individuals that I post more pictures of Harper.  Next week I plan on giving a two month update on the joy that she is, but for now just a bunch of pictures taken yesterday will have to do as I am consumed this week by a tiny person on a tiny potty.  Hope this sates your appetites for Harper for a little while.

A Little Trip

Before coming home from Dar, we decided to take a little trip to Zanzibar.  We had some Christmas money that needed using and since we were already so close (only a $17, two hour boat ride away), we spent three days there; two at the beach and one in Stone Town.  Harper and I spent most of our time in the shade by the pool, but Brett, Baylor, and Brittney enjoyed the beach and snorkeling.  We enjoyed it thoroughly and I highly recommend a visit if you ever find yourself with free time in Africa.  

Brett and Brittney's Birthday Fun

Last Tuesday was Brittney's (Brett's sister who is staying with us for a few months to help out with Baylor and Harper) birthday and she spent it in the car for eleven hours while we drove home from Dar.  Not exactly the best birthday ever.  And Brett's birthday was yesterday, so after worship on Sunday, we had an afternoon of grilling meat and eating dessert.  We had red velvet cake for Brett and chess pie for Brittney.  

Brittney requested live blue grass music, so Carson, Jonathan, and Craig got together a little band.

The kids painted, colored, and ran around.  A lot.  Baylor is so happy to be back in Geita with all her friends.  She started stalking random children she saw around in Dar just in hopes they might play with her for a few minutes in line at the grocery store or at the pool.  

Harper spent the day doing what she normally does--sleeping.  She's a pretty laid back little lady.  

Sister Pics

I have finally recovered the cord that uploads pictures from my camera to the computer, so here a Baylor and Harper's first pictures together.  These were taken almost a month ago.  It's crazy how quickly little babies grow and change.  

Baylor loves her baby Harper.  Sometimes very enthusiastically.

Learning

Two year olds suck up information like tiny little people vacuums.  I'm constantly amazed at Baylor's new vocabulary and knowledge.  The other day she counted to six all by herself.  I'm also constantly amused by the funny things she says.

The other day Brett had a conversation with her about the alphabet.

"Baylor, what does apple start with?"

"A."

"What does Baylor start with?"

"B."

"What does cat start with?"

long pause -- "Meow."

Harper isn't quite as funny yet.  But she sure is cute, especially when she stretches.  I'd post pictures, but Brett took his camera with him to Kenya for the week and I forgot the cord that uploads pictures from my camera to the computer.  So you'll have to wait a few more days.

Baylor's First Bike

We decided while we are in Dar, we should take advantage to look for a bike for Baylor.  She's always loved those little bikes with no pedals you just scoot around on, and we figure she will soon be ready to pedal.  There are a couple of places you can buy used bikes from here and this one place happened to have this little purple Trek.  Brett being the bicycle snob that he is, insisted on a good brand, so we were lucky to have found it, as none others came close to his standards for his two year old daughter's bike. She should be able to use it for at least a couple of years before having to move up to a bigger one. Baylor isn't so good at riding it yet, but she still loves trying and I'm sure will be zooming around before we know it.  

The Hospital and Such

We were fortunate this time around to be able to go to the best hospital in Tanzania for Harper's birth.  This was not the case for Baylor's.  The facilities were very nice and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly.  The food was excellent as well.  Brett actually likes to go there just for the breakfast.  They make French toast.  Though things are still never quite the same as home.  For example, one nurse kept trying to make me drink hot tea throughout my labor.  She thought it would give me energy.  When we lived in China people always seemed to think wearing more clothes would solve all physical ailments.  Here, apparently, it's drinking tea. Sorry, I just didn't want any hot tea.  Another time the orderly who brought my food just picked up Harper without asking when she came in.  But still, we were extremely pleased with our experience.

Baylor is enjoying being a big sister.  She always wants to know where Harper is and what she's doing.  She's very concerned when she cries.  She finally decided she wanted to hold Harper, but she still seems pretty scared of her and prefers to just sit next to her.

After the first week of constant eating, Harper has gotten into a more normal schedule and is actually one of the easiest babies I've ever been around.  Hopefully it will stay that way.  She is generally always content and only cries when she's hungry, has gas, or is naked.  She does not enjoy bath time.  She typically only wakes up once a night to eat so we're even getting a fair amount of sleep, which is nice.

All in all, as long as the electricity is on and we aren't dying of heat exhaustion, things are going great and we're one big happy family.