Just some tidbits

We've had a really busy month of July around here, and I am looking forward to a little quieter August. For one thing, we don't have any trips planned, and our weekends are only partially filling up at this point. (Room to get together with friends & family!)
Keith's still looking for another job, so that has added some interesting emotions to these last few weeks as well. While I really enjoy having him home to keep me company, help with the girls, and do things around the house, there are days where the house just doesn't feel big enough for the both of us! :) Keith is in the process of finding places to apply, as well as generally re-evaluating his career and future. I think we will look back on this time and realize that it was a huge turning point in our family's life. God is moving in such big ways, and we have been blessed by His provision. The generosity of family & friends to help with expenses, entertain the girls, and most importantly, keep us in prayer have all been greatly appreciated.
Hannah is turning into a big girl right before our eyes! She is such the little mama/maternal girl, and she is loving being a BIG sister. She goes in to Gemma's room after her naps (or sometimes, Gemma "conveniently" wakes up upon Hannah's entering the room) and says in a high-pitched, crooning voice "Good Morning, Gemma. Hi honey!" :) It's so funny.
Gemma is cooing, spitting and near-laughing a lot these days. It's so fun to hear all her little noises. She laughed once with Keith, but I've yet to hear a real giggle. :) This weekend marked a big deal for me, especially, as we picked up a pacifier while we were at the beach. Dun, dun, duuuuunnnn! I've always sworn that I would never use one with my kids, so this was a big step. Gemma just has a harder time with the transition from breast to bed :), and since she hasn't found her thumb like Hannah did so early on, we figured it was time to try the "Paci." It was definitely the right move, since she was asleep within 20 seconds the first time we gave it to her, and since then, I've used it for bedtimes & in the middle of the night if she's a little fussy but not hungry. It works! :) We are promising each other that we'll only use it when necessary, and that we'll have her give it up when she starts saying words. (One of my biggest fears is that it will negatively influence her speech development.) Anyway, we refer to it as the OTT (OT Tool), because Senia (an almost-certified Occupational Therapist) has reassured me that pacifiers are used in the OT setting to help babies work on their suckling skills. :)
Anyway, that's our latest. Currently Keith is keeping busy outside while I hang out in here. We're watching our friend Luke for the day and unbelievably, all three kids are sound asleep! Luke and Hannah have been playing so well together, so they must have worn each other out. This afternoon I'm going to turn on the sprinkler for some water fun!
More later...