A visit from Grandpa Marlin

So, my dad stopped by this morning ...

and mayhem ensued.

Grace's First St. Patty's Day

Who would have guessed that Grace looks good in a bowler?

Well, we had a little shin-dig for St. Patty. I made a lavish spread of Corned Beef and Cabbage, Parsnips, and Irish Cuddle ... in fact enough for a small army. Pete and Amanda, David Lee, Kate and Amanda, the Breys all stopped by for a little chatting and some good noshes.

Grace was more interested in her bib, which she gnawed on for quite some time.

Grace and her Bumbo

What more needs to be said, but that I am caught up with the blog!

Grace and Evie's First Play Date

This past Friday (March 7), Jenn went over to Heather and Pete's for a play date. Their youngest daughter, Evie, was born a month before Grace. They all had a grand old time and Dad(me) got to stay home and rest.

Also, Grace experienced the Bumbo seat for the first time. It helps 3-6 month babies begin to sit up. Well,since Grace is going through this stage were she wants to sit up and cries if she is on her back too long. We just had to have one. So, I was sent out on a mission the next day to locate said chair. (However, Jenn did refer to the chair as 'bimpo', so there was some confusion at good old Toys R Us when I was demanding a bimpo.)

Grace at 3 Months

Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to me!
I am now 3 months old!

Thank you, I'll be here all night

Grace's first visit to Huntington Beach

We already know she is destined to be a surfer.

Grace is visited by 'Uncle' Sam

So, my good friend Sam flew over from a convention he was attending in Las Vegas to see our little baby. As the youngest of three, with several nieces and nephews he was nonplussed by her crying and hollering.

He came in on February 29 and left the morning of March 2. We'll be seeing him and his wife Sara in the summer.

You can visit his blog for more pics (see link on side).

Grace is visited by Cousin Linda

Linda, my cousin and one of our favorite persons, came up on February 28th for a visit.

It was at this time, we realized that my mom, Sherry, can be a little of a baby hog.

Linda slept over our place on Thursday and my parents on Friday. Then the entire family met up at Shannon's for breakfast on the beach Saturday morning. Linda finally got to hold Grace at Shannon's place. Even my dad pulled rank on her(see the pic above) when she was over at our place.

It was great seeing Linda. We look forward to May and June when we are going on our first vacation with Grace to visit Linda and her family. (Evan is graduating from UC Berkley and Nelson is graduating from High School.)

Grandma Joan's Visit in February

Grandma came to visit right after Grace had her two month birthday. Grace really packed on the weight in two months. Also, right before Joan arrived, Grace slept in her crib for the very first time. Hallelujah!

The child sleeps through the night. Of course, we have the handy dandy baby surveillance cam with night vision, so we can keep close tabs on her and jump up whenever she makes a sound. It is permanently stationed on my side (Jayson) of the bed.

Once again, it was wonderful to have Joan with us. Like I said before, a third set of hands works wonders for everyone.

Grace's Good Friends - Pooh and Tigger

We can't remember who gave us this mobile, but thank you. She loves it!

It is part of her morning routine to talk with her friends - Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eor.

Although, Jenn sometimes makes Piglet have a scary voice, Grace will babble with this mobile for long periods in the morning.

Grace's Magical Bouncer/Swing/Music Box contraption

This magical machine saved us. Close to her two month mark, she would no longer sleep more than an hour in her bassinet. So, we started having her go to sleep in this magical contraption....

.... And, she started sleeping 4-5 hours straight!

Grace the Spider-Monkey

Presenting Grace the human Spider-Monkey!

I love this picture. (And boy, someone needs to start working out.)

This was taken in early January.

Grace's First Sooner! Game

This past January my brother and his girlfriend hosted the Fiesta Bowl at their swanky new home.

Sadly, the Sooners lost. Luckily, Grace was out before the game was over.

Also, aunt Kate held Grace for the very first time!

Grace's Friend Cooper

So, our friends Kari and Shawn were pregnant the same time we were, which has provided a mutual support group.

Sadly, they are in Washington, but we get to speak with them on the phone on a regular basis.

Anyway, this is Preston Cooper Bonnett and he is Grace's good buddy.

Grace's First Christmas - Part II

Okay, even though we suggested that if people wanted to give Grace a Chrsitmas present, we would prefer it be money towards her college fund. Because, thanks to the generosity of friends and family (Nalini, Tiffany and RoAne, Andrea, Denise ... just to name a few), we have supplies and clothes for the first year.

But, who really can resist picking up something cute for the baby. Heck, I even have the problem. We were out shopping and came across a dress and I commented on how adorable it is ... that happens when you have a daughter.

Anyway, she made out like a bandit. Beautiful, home made booties from a distant cousin in Texas (Betty Harris) and wonderful knitted hats from my cousin Paula just to name a few.

Everyone had been more the generous, and we thank them all.

Grace's First Christmas - Part I

I can't say enough about the power of grandparents. I love my daughter and she makes me laugh everyday, but ... changing poopie diapers and feeding sometimes gets a little monotonous. But, you have grandparents around ... you got people who LOVE doing that stuff. More power to them!

Do I even have to point out that Grace was the main attraction this past Christmas. On the Young side of the family, she is the youngest brood to join the extended family. Jenn hid out with Grace in my parent's room and people (1 at a time) were allowed to come and visit. But, soon there was a line! At one point, there were 14 ragamuffins (young cousins aging from 2 - 11) knocking at the door requesting to see the baby. Of course, we kebashed that germ festival.

Grace's First Outing

So, after two weeks, we packed Grace up for a visit to the Platek's in Anaheim Hills. When, we look at her chubby face now, it is hard to imagine how tiny she was at two weeks.

Carol Platek was hosting her son and my good friend Greg and his family (Jennifer, Aaron and Brooke). It was enjoyable to get out of the house, but I drove 45 mph all the way down there.

Also, please note the hand knit blanket that grandma Joan made - we receive compliments on it on a daily basis.

Grace and her Grandparents

Luckily, Joan came out early and staid with us. We don't think we would have adjusted as well, if she had not come out. Word of advice to all friends and family contemplating having a child, make sure you have another set of hands when you arrive back home.

Grandmas seem to have a natural soothing power that us normal parents do not have. I would definitely classify it as a superpower.

Bringing Grace Home

Grace KS Young was born in Pasadena on 3 December 2007 at a whopping 5 lbs 10 oz. She was a peanut, but quite long ... 20 inches. Anyway, what a roller coaster of a day, thinking back about it seems like a long time ago.

We look back at these pictures and she seems so tiny!

Introduction

We set up this blog to share Grace with all our friends and family. We'll routinely post pictures, updates, and such regarding Grace. She's just so cute you can't help but stare at her.