Taste of Tacoma

The following happenings were actually Saturday (and today is Thursday...) But we had fun at our little outing; seeing, hearing, tasting and enjoying something new. The day began with blueberry wheatgerm pancakes...

Yum.
No really, Grey does like them... She doesn't seem to fond of the camera just yet though. It's either too bright and flashy or just in her face and strange. Not really sure what she's thinking, but I get this reaction or the back of her head, a lot.

First family picture in a while! Self took, like most of our favs. Just more fun and spontaneous that way. Here Grey is enjoying some cheerios, good thing too - soon after we fed the rest to some baby ducks that were SOOO CUTE! Fast and feisty those little guys...they get in there and swoop in between the big ducks and get their fair share of goodies. They get plenty close too. Mamma duck got Grey's fingers...yes, Jude let that happen. But he's a good judge of danger because she wasn't alarmed or hurt at all.

Here they are watching the ducks. After we were finished we saw a sign stating that it is illegal to feed the ducks...it is unnatural. Guilty, (and after watching someone feed them french fries...French fries?! Come on!!) I will agree. Probably shouldn't feed the ducks.

 

Next we went to hear a cover band playing some classic rock gems. Grey got to get out and dance around a bit...and got called out! The lead singer was like, "She is precious!" And threw her some beads. If she sees them around the house she is quick to put them on. She loves it! And it was cute to see her get called out and adored a little.

Ride home. And...she's out! Her eyes were rolling back as daddy carried her back to the car. She might have been asleep by the time she hit the car seat.

And 10 minutes later, in her bed, and she is WAY out! Hopefully happy and dreaming of sweet things!

one more...

just because she's cute.

coloring!

last night we tried out coloring...and this time Grey did well!! 

 

 

And man, was she excited about it. Intense really. Shaking, turning red and clasping her crayon, like, "Mom, did you see what I can do?!!!"  She colored the whole time until the very end, then I saw little bite marks in the red crayon and a chunk of "blue ribbon blue" in her mouth.

So fun!

Making the best of it becomes the best.

Sometimes I feel a little guilty as I lack creativity and ideas of things to do with Grey. And actually, we've been doing a lot of fun things together as a family in the last 4 months, but, when it's just Grey and I...don't know what to do to stimulate her. And sometimes I feel like I have the telly on a little too much.

I have a few friends in Washington with little ones, but I don't know of any stay-at-home moms like me. Yet. ;)

The last two days I ventured off to the library for there organized kid events. I have to say, although the whole thing sounds cheesy and lame, we've had so much fun!! Grey absolutely loves seeing the other kids, and it's just been a really great thing for us. And all I have to do is show up. (yeah!)

First day, yesterday, a guest came and read 2 stories about rocks. Then we made "rock art". There was tons of kids there and Grey soaked it all up.

Okay fine. I did them. But she first picked out the rock, then the color of marker (on the multicolored one, it's painted green underneath if you can't tell.) Then she picked out the gems.

Second rock was made for daddy. She picked out the rock, gem and colors for the writing on the back. Sorry, didn't get a picture of that, just says, "Grey loves daddy". She picked purple and red.

And that was the only white gem and it's like a diamond so he can remember that her love last forever...aw.
 She will do great someday on her own art, I just know it.

Today, we went to see a musical guest. Grey had a blast! I wish I would have got some better pictures...she was dancing, clapping, doing motions and getting all the kids into the music. Definitely not shy, this girl. The woman leading was laughing in the mic at Grey as she danced around. Yes, she was the only one dancing around. Hee hee. Then at the end, the leader (who had a bunch of instruments from all over the world) let the kids pick something to play...

Grey's choice sounded really pretty. Not sure what it was called but it was made of goat's toe nails. Lovely.

It was really neat seeing her interact and try new things. Seeing her little personality come out and just watch her enjoy life in everything. Thank goodness for free events for children because I don't know what I'd do to entertain her! I'm the worst at clever ideas. I got nothin'!

Here is a little video. I wondered if I should even bother adding it, it's not the best. I didn't think of pictures or videos till the very end. And I stopped the video short! She was just starting to dance...aw man. I have the worst timing. Here it is anyway.
She's fun.

The eating habits of the Miss Grey Kahle.

None of this is probably out of the ordinary of any young eater. But why is it still so darn entertaining?! Grey started, like most, tossing things off her highchair that she doesn't particularly like or want at the moment. I guess sensing our disgust, she decided to just put them as far away from her as possible. Without most of the mess. Most of the mess...



Still, it amazes me what she does eat. Tomatoes. Just plain tomatoes, one of her new favs. She'll eat half of one at a time (I usually stop there and try to give her something else because that seems like a lot!) Avocados, her all time favorite I think

. Even over cheese. Blackberries - maybe that shouldn't surprise me, but the seeds don't bother her like I thought they might. She just started eating more of chicken. She's always loved fish though. I don't know...but I love to see what she thinks of foods. Without any influence of culture or TV, she just likes what she likes. I love it.

And who doesn't love lasagna? Food coma:

Get this off my hands.

I only say that because she usually doesn't like any food on her, in particular, her face. Anything outside of the mouth she usually tries to get off with her wrist, then rubs her arm/wrist with her other hand, trying will all her might to "get it off!"  But not with lasagna. Exception to the rule. The one time she has fun with it...and tries to find (I think) itches (all of a sudden...) on her head, eye brows, whatever skin is exposed. All along with getting it all in her hair. Again, nothing different than any other kid. But still cracks me up.  ;)

 Whatever, get it all over. It's worth it.

And the coma continues and truly sets in...

Managing to get some last minute broccoli in, just for dear dad. (I don't think she'd do it for me...)

Sigh. 

Eating.

Sleeping.

The hard life.

12 month shots

Boo. Poor baby.
I turned back to see how Grey was doing after her shots, (12 month check-up time!) She ripped off one of her band aids and was rocking her bunny. Melt me, why don't you.

But, on an upside, this was our first meeting with her pediatrician, and we LOVE her! A hippie with a Medical Degree. We shared our passion of non-petroleum and fragrance free products, among other things. Ha Ha! I tried to research online about a good doctor, and ask people here who they use and like. I couldn't be happier. She greeted Grey with a new book. And read a little with her. Then encouraged us tons to do the same. She spent lots of time with us, made sure everything was all good, answered any questions, no rush. I was pleased.

And Grey was good. The nurses even commented, "She's so chill."
Yeah, sometimes.

But she was brave and did good. And I was lucky that Jude came too...he always tried to make her appointments. What a sweet daddy.

21 lbs. 30 in.
She is in the 75th percentile for height and 53rd for weight. Not climbing the charts anymore, but, healthy!  You did good little one.

creation shout-out

On our way to Bellingham we followed roads marked 'tulip route', into Mt. Vernon, toward Washington's tulip farms (plural), and  between old farm houses, barns, silos, tractors, vineyards, and muddy driveways covered in fragrant cedar chips, your vision is overwhelmed by colors -  overflowing acres and rows of tulip flowers of all  colors, varieties and variations. Furthermore, dynamic mountains and clouds surround an area geographically perfect for fostering growth of earth's tangible elements cultivated specifically for outward gifts to show love and appreciation. 

and the bigger picture yet,

what a loving God we have... and what a gift a loving wife is... and what a blessing kids are.

A perfect place to be with Dena and Grey Kahle.

Happy 1st Birthday!

A day for me!!

It's been days, and if I'm honest, weeks (fine, months!) that I've been thinking about the day Grey turns 1. I've been stressed and even had a cry session (can I blame that on pregnancy hormones?) about no one coming to her Birthday and that it would be a sad, pathetic day.

 Now I can't help but to stop right there and say, God is GOOD and full of LOVE for us and His little Grey.

 ...He cared that I was worried about being in a new state, without most of the people that have been with Grey since she's been born, all while also missing family across the country.  He cares for things as simple as us to "have a nice day." Why does He care about this with all else that goes on...I'll never know. It just means He is a father too, and knows what it's like to want the best for children and care about all our little worries/stresses/thoughts completely. I love Matthew 7:11 

"If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him?"

Graciously, He gave us the best gift of a house full of friends and family, sunny weather (in the midst of all time low temperatures and heaps of rain) tons of food, and even a good soundtrack. Everyone had fun and I was so proud of my husband and daughter. Love was the theme of her first birthday! I went from running around stressed to absolutely full and overflowing of happiness. I had trouble sleeping. I'll just say that. For a few days! I kept playing the day over in my head...giddy at the thoughts of our awesome family.

   First, helping dad set up

I think she was feeling our excitement as we ran around prepping and getting ready.Okay, Jude stayed cool, I ran around a little frazzled and crazed.

Then, people started showing up. We had more guests than expected show up, which was awesome!

Grey's little buddy, Mae. They are learning to share and play together.
And yes, that is a cupcake wrapper on Grey's head. She is a good sport.

Lots of bubbles, balloons, and balls flying around. Music played and people hung out. We grilled burgers (sunny weather helped with our little spring theme.) and ate treats. There was a "Grey Crossword Puzzle" (created by her pop!) "Grey" games, and a marshmallow toss (random, but we had to have games...) all went over pretty well...

 

 

This was in Grandma and Grandpa's front yard...we got some looks by people passing by. Which was awesome. The twins tied for first place, but I wouldn't be surprised if they cheated.

We set up a photo booth, and made some props. It wasn't used too much. But we had some fun with it.

 Hmmm...notice who Grey wanted to be like in her picture above? Daughter like Father.


Lucky we have such a good man in our life.

Grey and Mae.

 No explanation needed for the rest...

 Jordan Ratliff came by! He was super sweet with Grey, whom he said was the 3rd baby he's ever held. They got along pretty good. Highlight.

 Yeah...the lei didn't last. But at least we got it on her for a quick pic! 

Next was a big moment for us...the cake. I guess it's a big deal for all parents of first birthdayers, but we've been waiting, and waiting for the day we gave Grey sugar. Yes, this was her first taste! My mom and dad tried to convince us to let them give her some, but we held out. The day has come...

Unsure at first, she quickly decided it was good. Proud mommy looks on as she eats the fruit first! 

That's my girl! (Note: I was so busy, I hadn't finished her cake yet...and Jude stepped in and finished it for me. He did a great job! Thanks babe!)

Quick learner, she ditches the time consuming hands and just dives in... And she usually hates food on her face. The smallest amount, in the corner of her mouth, she wipes it off with her wrist. I guess there is always an exception to the rule.

She didn't get into it enough to see that I spent way too long making pretty rainbow layers for her...but that's okay, we all enjoyed our version of the cake.

She did, however, in the middle of all this, say "More" for the first time. She signs it often, but after Uncle Mark gave her the first taste of ice cream, she said "More." Three times she repeated it, till she got a huge scope of orange sherbet from Dad. She should work on the "More please" and see where that gets her.

Next we did gifts. She was, like expected, into the wrapping and packaging...

But once she got to the surprise inside, she was pretty happy. Specially if the surprise had music and lights.

She was happy and smiling all day, but nothing compared to when we sang Happy Birthday to her. She lit up. She looked around the room, all those faces singing just for her...I love that moment. I wish I had it on video to show you. She absolutely loved it.

I think Grey had a good day, I'm sure she was feeling the love around her. But, I think this day - for Jude and I at least, was one of the greatest. I loved it. It was so sweet to see everything and everyone come together. This day was the icing on the cake...

Most of all, we are blessed to have made it through one healthy, happy year.  

Happy 1st Birthday my love!!

Oh....Grey.

She is so sweet!!
Jude and I were lying on the floor watching TV while Grey was playing next to us. Then she crawls over Jude, leans into me, and gives me a smooch. Immediately after, goes for her daddy and gives him a smooch.
Then she goes back to playing.
In a few minutes, she comes back, gives kisses again...then plays.
She did it 3 times! We were melting and laughing over our sweet baby.
Grey, oh Grey...

For the last few weeks she's been doing this new scrunchy smile. Squints up her eyes and shows her teeth. (Um, all two of them.)

She feeds herself some things... But the spoon is new. I put a bean on her spoon, then put the spoon in her hand, the rest she did herself! Then we did it with cheese. Sounds so simple, but these things are a big deal to us to see. She's growing fast.

 

Success!

 

Did you see that?!

 

I'm good. Hee hee.

What else is new...

She loves it when the phone rings. Pretends answering it with a "Gess?!"  which sounds nothing like hello. More like, "Yes?!" 

Talking...She wants to talk so bad! So much gibberish is coming out of this girl. She has the tones, sentence patterns and some hand motions down. That's about it. She does say "Up". I have to get a video, it's the best! And she is just starting to do her signs. I've been signing a few things (hungry, more, all done, sleepy. I think that's all.) since she was a few months old. Now, she is just starting to do them. It's awesome. Bring on communication!

And she loves to make a mess. But that, is nothing new.  

I just looooove picking up after her too. I'm glad she has a few toys. ; )

I guess the only other random things she does is...