July 2013

Oh July!  Just when you think summer is starting, July ends and the fall is right around the corner.  This month brought us some fun and some challenges.  We attended our annual family reunion for Eric's side of the family on the 4th of July in Detroit.  Kaleb was spending the holiday on vacation with his mom so he missed the family fun with his cousins but he already talks about making sure he will be there next year.  It was nice to catch up with the aunts and uncles and sharing children stories with all the cousins.  Kylee got to meet many more members of her family and the day was a nice one for all of us.  That evening we watched the fireworks in Brooklyn, MI with Grandma Wyman, Aunt Donna, Maggie and Uncle Ron and Aunt Robyn's family.  Kylee handled the fireworks pretty well but needed to be rocked during the booms to keep comfort.  Aunt Robyn and cousin Aleah had no problem taking turns comforting her that night.

Jodi turned 36 on July 8 which also marked her last day before returning to work from maternity leave.  It was a quiet day relaxing that ended with a birthday dinner at Red Lobster.  The next day began a lot of change but everyone has adjusted really well.  We're lucky to have Eric home for the summer to take care of Kylee and spend time with Kaleb.  Jodi's flexible schedule has allowed her a few days off here and there to enjoy some opportunity for summer family fun.  The hardest part of Jodi returning to work has been that it has slowed Eric from finishing house projects so that we can get the house on the market.  Eric's working extra hard in the evenings but we're still not ready to list the house yet.  Close, but not yet.  It's amazing the work he has already put into this home.  Quite the handyman!

Besides marketing and design work, Jodi has been busy preparing her cheer team for their first football game.  Tryouts are complete and her 18 member team is progressing quickly.  Her coaching is rubbing off on Kylee who has perfected her cheerleading fist and the motion that we like to call the "Ninja".  I wonder if that move can help win a state championship?

The end of the month brought Kylee's second month check-up at the pediatrician's office...and her first set of shots.  It was a great check-up and Kylee's growth is right on track.  Her first experience with shots wasn't as heartbreaking as we expected....she handled them fairly well.  She took the oral vaccination like a champ (they must have baby vodka in those things!) and the other vaccinations in her thigh caused a few tightening screams but it was all over in a matter of minutes.  For the next few hours, Kylee ran a mild fever and slept a lot but didn't have any increased fussiness or change in personality.  That's our girl!  Now we're off from appointments until September - unless we get a sicky on our hands.  Praying for continued good health as we embark on the fall soon.

Jodi's aunt was in town from Florida this month visiting family and we were able to meet up for a lunch visit on July 29.  Kylee got to be cuddled by Aunt Sharon, cousin Traci and cousin Hannah.  Kaleb got to spend time with the boys, Brayden, Luke and Chase.  Such a wonderful time introducing Kylee to more family.

In just a few short weeks, we'll all be in school and Kylee will be off to daycare.  We're lucky to have a close friend of almost 20 years with an in-home day care that she'll be going to.  I'm so excited for her to enjoy her day with Kathy and friends!  For now, it's time to enjoy those few short weeks as best as we can...before you know it - it will be winter...and Kylee will be crawling!  

Hope everyone's had a wonderful and happy July!