Two Months of Harper

We are so fortunate to have Harper in our family.  She's so laid back; she almost never cries and is generally just content no matter what.  Her current favorite hobbies include sucking on the pacifier and shoving her hand in her mouth when she's not sucking on the pacifier.  She also likes smiling and sleeping.  She's been starting to sleep through the night some nights, which makes me a much happier person.  Of course, she's never woken up more than once during the night to eat since she was born, so I can't complain.  

She's so different than Baylor was.  Baylor was on the go the minute she born, able to hold her own weight on her legs and hold her head up.  Some might describe Harper as a little bit lazy, preferring to just not bother with moving much.  She'd generally rather let someone else do the work of holding her up, though her head control has been improving a bit lately.  We all love her so much.  The first thing Baylor says in the morning is "I want to see my baby Harper right now!"

I Want Meat

Lately Baylor has been on a meat kick.  She is definitely her father's daughter.  The above picture is of her chowing down on some beef jerky that someone sent from the States.  It goes nicely with her pretty dress, don't you think?

We were recently at an event where the main course was grilled chicken and goat.  After ripping her way though a drumstick, Baylor set in on the goat.  She ate more than I did.  A lot more.  I had no idea a two year old could consume so much animal in one sitting.  At one point, Brittney picked up her plate to move it a little and Baylor yelled, "No, B! Don't take my meat!"

Yesterday I asked her what she wanted for a snack.

"I want meat. I want meat! I want meeeeeeeeeat!"

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.