Pool Fun

After a ton of chemicals and a helpful tutorial from our pool builder, we finally began to see our new pool in all of its glory. The crystal blue water and fountains add such ambiance to the backyard, and Jeff is enjoying his new outdoor grill and patio as well. Of course, we are a long way from "finished" because the next phase of landscaping is just beginning. But here's to the beginning of our next chapter with fun in the sun in our own backyard!

 

Finally, Pool Time!

The last step of the pool construction was getting the interior plaster coated into the pool. Once that step happens, we could begin filling the pool with water. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the crew schedules were delayed and we had to wait a bit longer. Finally, on one morning in late April, the plaster crew arrived bright and early to begin the work. I was excited for the kids to see them outside, and Connor delivered a happy reaction when he noticed. Hooray for plaster!!

When the crew was finished, the water hose was dropped in and the waiting game began. The pool builder estimated that it would take 24 hours to fill, and he was only 1 hour shy. It was so fun to watch the progress throughout the day and night.

By late afternoon the next day, the pool was completely filled although the color was a bit off. It wasn't officially "ready" with the chemicals, fountains, etc. but that didn't stop the kids (and Jeff), who had been anxiously awaiting their inaugural jump just like we had done years before at our previous Katy house.

The water was COLD! But the kids continued to swim in their new pool for the very first time. So exciting!

Considering the number of new chores created by pool ownership as well as the endless yard work and landscaping projects we were dreaming up, the work for Jeff - or El Jefe as we call him sometimes - was just beginning!

Siblings

One of the things that has been happening in our house lately is the ever-present sibling dynamic. One moment they are cuddling or playing well together; the very next, they are screaming and fighting like mortal enemies. One example is a game they like to play called "Tackle Time" or "Que tiempo es?" (translation: What time is it?). It goes exactly as it sounds: Connor tackles Kaitlynn to the ground, starting with laughter and fun and within minutes escalating to yelling and injuries. It never fails, and it drives us absolutely nuts. Is this another one of those things that we're supposed to miss when the kids are older and out of the house?

Growth Spurt

Last fall I began noticing a lot of changes in Connor's growth and development, including his voice dropping and his feet growing like crazy. He, of course, had surpassed me in height last spring but it seemed like recently he was going through yet another significant growth spurt. I'm not exaggerating when I say that sometimes I feel like I don't even recognize this kid in front of me. He sounds different. He looks different. And, not surprisingly, he is acting a lot different. Secretly it has been breaking my heart but admittedly I've been expecting (dreading) it for as long as I can remember.

I think Connor's growth has been most noticeable when he's around Jeff. Earlier this spring, it caught me off guard when I saw him walk past Jeff and could tell the height difference was shrinking rapidly.

But then what really floored me was the morning he gave me a hug and I noticed that I had leaned my head over onto his shoulder. I was taken aback, "Wait, what? Am I putting MY head on YOUR shoulder now??" Ughhhhh,

In late March, we wondered how close Connor was to Jeff's height. We did an official measurement. They were maybe at 1-1.5 inch difference at this point.

Then, in early May, I happened to notice Jeff's photo calendar by his kitchen in the desk. There was a picture of he and Connor from last year's baseball championship in Dubai, and the difference in Connor's height from that point was shocking. I went back and compared photos to see the year-over-year difference. Wow!

On top of his height, he seems to be adding bulk recently, too. Jeff has been working out with the kids regularly during quarantine and I'm starting to see Connor transform into a much more muscular frame. He was happy to show me his "guns" when I asked him recently, ha!

On Connor's birthday, Kevin came over to hang out and I snapped a father-son photo of the 3 guys. Connor's growth spurt was clearly evident, even since those earlier photos in March. It was crazy to see him next to Kevin and Jeff for reference. I fondly refer to this shot as "Tall Taller Tallest." But for how long??