GRACE'S WORLD

Breakfast with Karen and Tim before the Reunion

2009-08-17T17:32:00.001-07:00

The two families had breakfast together on Saturday the 15th.

Grandma Joan visits for Jenn's 40th

2009-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Grace becomes a ham

2009-08-17T17:24:00.001-07:00

Grace now likes to play with the camera and have her pictures taken. Of couse, she wants to look in the camera afterwards.

Grace gets a wading pool

2009-08-17T17:20:00.001-07:00

Her favorite thing to do is throw all the toys from her sand-box into the pool. Then, take all the toys from the pool and throw them back in the sand-box. This can go on for hours.

Father's Day

2009-08-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Grace finally had her sand-box filled with sand on father's day.

Grace's New Table

2009-06-20T09:02:00.001-07:00

A gift from her grandparents. After dad put it together, Grace spent a good portion of the afternoon practicing sitting in her chair. She loves it.

Grace visits the La Brea Tar Pits - June 10

2009-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

On a nice overcast day in Los Angeles, we headed to the La Brea Tar Pits. Remember tar is seeping up into the ground. DON'T let you child run around. Grace found a small area in the grass were tar was coming up and nearly walked in it.

So, we moved inside into the Page Museum. Once again she was more interested in the other children. Who I had to tell not to pick her up - small girls always want to lift her up. She eventually found the children's are and plopped down, pulling a book from the stand.

Our Visit to LA Zoo on June 3rd

2009-06-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Grace was far more interested in the other school children and dirt than the animals. However, she did enjoy the large amount of space that she could run around in.

Grandma Joan Visits - A visit to Barnes & Noble

2009-06-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

When Joan was out, one of our excursions was to Barnes and Noble. Grace enjoyed running amok in the children's area. And not being shy of strangers, she visited with a lot of other children and parents.

Her grandmother, also, got her some new books. Currently, Quiet Loud is her favorite.

Mother's Day

2009-06-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

Jenn was not feeling weel, so I took Grace over to my folks for Mother's Day. She helped her great grandmother Esther open her gifts. Of course, she wanted to walk around with the purse for the rest of the day.

Grace at her cousin Cade's birthday in May

2009-06-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Grace came down with a little stomach bug and threw-up all over her dad upon arrival. Luckily, her cousin Matt had an extra Spiderman t-shirt.

Also lucky for dad, the girl cousins took over watching and playing with Grace for awhile.

PS - Grace goes off her bottle!

Easter 2009!

2009-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Grace enjoyed her Easter basket, particularly the grass, which, even now, is still being found through-out the house. Some summer clothes from her aunt and parents, and most importantly her own sunglasses, were left in her basket.

Satruday March 7 - Thurresson's Girls Fancy Nancy Birthday Party

2009-03-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Grace attened the Thurresson's girls Fancy Nancy Birthday Party. Of course she had to be fancy, which required Fairy Wings. She spent most of the party wandering around, chasing after the puppy, and picking up other children's shoes.

We had a wonderful time!

Grace Visits Oklahoma!!

2009-03-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Grace had a wonderful time visiting her grandparents in OK! Bundled up she took to the park across the street from where Joan and Ed live.

Also, she loved helping her mother pack when it was time to leave. Apparently, all she wanted to do was sit inside the luggage.

2009 Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

Teresa visited and Grace was tickled at her friend who first made her laugh months and months ago.

Before Teresa arrived. I attempted to watch the superbowl and watch Grace at the same time. I was under constant baby attack. Until I pulled out Green Frog

Grace's 1st Presidential Innauguration

2009-01-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Grace enjoyed spending Tuesday the 20th watching news all day with her mom & dad.

Grace Cheers OU in BCS bowl

2009-01-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Chrsitmas in Retrospect - 2008

2009-01-14T16:06:00.001-08:00

The Young family had a terrific 2008. And, to make a good year even better, we had plenty of time to see our families in December. We attended Jaylin's birthday party the 2nd week in January, then the Lenninger's Annual Xmas Bash, then Karen and Joan came to visit, then Christmas at both the Young households, and finally dim sum in Chinatown. What a month!

Thursday Dec 4 - The Monrovia Holiday Parade

2008-12-14T22:32:00.001-08:00

Monrovia has an annual Holiday parade. We headed down with our friends from across the street. Grace lasted almost until the parade started. (She wanted down to crawl, but there was simply no space, so she started yelling.) Overall, a wonderful evening. Maybe next year we can actually watch the parade.

December 3, 2008 - Grace turns 1

2008-12-14T22:25:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday December 3, we celebrated Grace's 1st birthday.

She received wonderful gifts from her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Also, her good friend Cooper from Oregon sent her a wonderful package. She of course tasted each present.

Even better, she wanted her dad to taste each present as well.

Grace's 1st Thanksgiving

2008-12-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

The family headed over to Sherry and Marlin's for a Thanksgiving meal. Grace wanted to spend most of her time trying to crawl up the step from the living room and head toward the stairs. So Aunt Lynn acted did guard duty for most of the night.

Yes, I crawled after her dragging her favorite toy.

Grace and the Family visit Nocal

2008-12-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

The family took off for a long weekend in November to visit

our family and friends in Northern California. Linda and Phill put us up. (Thanks Nelson for giving up your room.) Grace got to meet her new cousin Jeremiah David Buck. We all went to the Mandarin Orange festival in Auburn were Grace wanted to continuously crawl down this grassy knoll. Also, we drove on Saturday to Petaluma to watch Roberto ref a college Rugby game and congrats him and Tenysa on their coming child.

We all got sick on Saturday night ... I blame it on swamp gas.

The drive home was almost unbearable.

Grace celebrates Halloween

2008-11-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

The entire family dressed in OU garb and went "trick or treatin" in downtown Monrovia. Of course, Grace could not depart on this spooky day without her lovable Mr. Rat (a $3 IKEA purchase that now goes everywhere with her).

She is too young to be scared by anything, but was amazed at all the costumes. She sat with us while handing out Candy. Her uncle Justin stopped by to partake in the festivities.

All in all a goo day. (Plus mom and dad got to eat all the candy she got from her trick or treatin excursion.)

Grace watches OU play Texas

2008-10-19T22:37:00.001-07:00

Grace wore her OU chearleader outfit, which didn't seem to help OU is the second half.

Also, she is standing and trying to walk. She pulls herself up and then shuffles using some obstacle to balance.

Grace visits her great aunt Sarah

2008-10-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Riding horses, playing with dogs, pretty much a perfect day for our little tike.

Grandma Joan and Granpa Ed come for a visit

2008-10-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

So, before on Sunday Oct 5, we went to eat at Phillipes in downtown Los Angeles ... the creator of the French Dip. (On Monday the 6th, Phillipe's celebrated its 100th anniversary ... all sandwiches would be 10 cents.) Afterwards, we visited the Los Angeles downtown Library.

Grace turns 10 Months

2008-10-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Enough said!

Also, her vitals at 10 months:

She is 70% percentile for height and weight.

She got another booster shot and we'll be back to see Dr. Yim at the end of October.

Grace Celebrates Talk Like A Pirate Day !

2008-10-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

A knit cap and sparkly pirate socks is all you need!

I love my Squash

2008-09-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

In order to assist in feeding, Grace gets to hold her own spoon, while we feed her with another. More often then not, this creates the image you see...

And yes, that is a Christmas bib, hey the holidays have to start sometime.

Grace goes to the LA County Fair - Friday the 5th

2008-09-10T15:42:00.001-07:00

On Friday, we went to the opening of the LA County Fair. Grace was a good sport dealing with the crowds and heat. We remained at the fairgrounds for just under 2 hours, which was too long. I must applaud myself from eating any deep-fried food (snickers, Oreas, pop-tarts, twinkies). We headed over to look at the animals in a large enclosed barn. Grace preferred to look at the ceiling fans. (She loves ceiling fans.) Also, she liked to look at the small children, shadows, and dirt. Animals ... not so much.

Grace at 9 Months

2008-09-10T15:28:00.001-07:00

So, our little bundle of joy turned 9 months old!

What is it like with a 9 month old?
- The biggest thing (to me) is she says 'dada'. Yep! When I walk into the room, she'll turn and say the two beautiful little syllables.

- She scampers about on all fours.

- You have to make sure you keep the front door shut ... or she is high-tailin' it outside.

- You can't leave anything on the floor ... or it is right in the mouth.

- Scratches and bumps and bruises from falling.

- When she cries because of falling, she'll put her arms up for mommy.

- Changing diapers is an immense undertaking all of a sudden, you have to keep her pre-occupied or ...

- She doesn't like to have clothes put on or taken off.

- She plays. She has her favorite toys and books and will sit and play for long periods.

- Constant chattering ... and a new game with daddy, called: "Repeat Screaming." It goes like this, I'll make a loud strange sound, then she'll copy. And then repeat. Sometimes, she'll start the game.

- Loves ... and I mean loves pulling mom and dad's glasses off. She gets so excited.

- Will drink her own bottle. She'll lay in her playpen (although she still prefers the couch or her mom/dad's arms) and drink her own bottle.

- Loves to dance with mommy.

- Like to play, "throw the pacifier out of the crib"

Grace visits Long Beach - Saturday August 23

2008-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Jenn and I are taking a weekly hike with Grace. So far, she has been to the Monrovia waterfall hike and Whittier Narrows.

This past Saturday we drove down to Long Beach to do the beach hike from the Aquarium to Belmont.

For the most part, she enjoyed it. But, there was a point near the end, were Jenn and I took turns carrying her. She just didn't want to be in the stroller.

Please note her bottom chompers.

Our Little POW

2008-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Grace is now sitting up on her knees and reaching for items to pull herself up with.

She has demolished her crib and we had to lower the bed portion down to the very bottom. In addition, we had to remove all toys and push her dresser away from the crib. (She was reaching through the crib and trying to pull her toys in.) Also, she has decided she loves her dad's shoes. Once, she is placed on the ground the makes a b-line right for them. With her new crawling fervor and the fact she enjoys throwing her pacifier around, she is beginning to spend some more time in her play pen.

Her is some POW pictures. Please note, she had decided she liked to lick the mesh netting (mmm good).

Kate and Justin's BBQ - 8-9-08

2008-08-25T11:24:00.001-07:00

Jennifer and I hosted a BBQ the next day for Kate and Justin. It was a mixture of hamburgers/hotdogs and leftovers from the wedding. It was very much an open house with people arriving at 11:30AM and people finally departing at 6:30 PM (with a little help from yours truly).

Once again, we were able to "trick" a friend into feeding Grace. Now, if we can only do the same with her diapers.

Kate and Justin's Wedding - Part 3 - 8-8-08

2008-08-25T11:23:00.001-07:00

Kate and Justin's Wedding - Part 2 - 8-8-08

2008-08-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Kate and Justin's Wedding - Part 1 - 8-8-08

2008-08-21T13:14:00.001-07:00

So, by the time I got back from the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Grace had learned to crawl. I spent the rest of Sunday trying to child proof the house. Out went the playmat and in went the play pen. (She looks like a little POW sitting inside of it.) She has managed to bump her head quite a few times, no matter what we do.

Anyway, the week was spent preparing for the wedding, but now we had a large 8 month year old, who crawled, had two teeth, sat up by herself, and decided she didn't need to sleep much anymore. Also, she kind of got a little bossy.

The wedding was wonderful and we were surrounded by friends and family, who we had not seen for some time. Also, with everyone around, we had extra hands to hand Grace off to (thanks to Jenn P., Tenysa, Sara, Tim, Steven, Aunt Fran, Aunt Lynn, ...) the lists goes on.

Grace is getting her teeth

2008-08-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

So after months of drool, a little white patch appeared on her lower gums in mid-July. (As of Justin and Kate's wedding in August, she has two bottom teeth.)

In addition, she started making her scary face.

Grace visits the Pacific Northwest

2008-08-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Grace visited her aunt and grandparents in Tacoma during Fourth of July. She went up there beginning to role over and came back a tumbling gymnast, who requires constant supervision when placed on the ground. It was out with the bassinet and swing when she came back and in with the Pack n' Play.

Grace starts solid food

2008-06-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

Yeah!
Rice cereal rules!

Grace turns 6 months

2008-06-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

On June 3, Grace was 6 months old!
She is growing like a weed!
She is sporting a cute top sent all the way from the magical country of Australia (thanks Yvette and Henning!)

Grace goes travelling - Part 2

2008-05-28T14:21:00.001-07:00

So, Grace was introduced to the Sierra Nevadas by a visit to Angel's Camp. Murphy's and Columbia. (For those not up on their Mark Twain - wikipedia it.)

We spent one day wine tasting with her in Murphy's ... she loved it. Then, we were off to the historic city of Columbia were we sipped sarsaparilla. Finally, we meandered around the streets of Angels.

As always, it was good to see our friend Jeff, a college roommate, who is a teacher in the area.

Grace goes travelling - Part 1

2008-05-28T14:15:00.001-07:00

(More Pics to come)
So, on Tueday May 20th, Jennifer, Jayson, Shannon, and Grace packed into the Honda Civic and headed to Berkley, California, to see our cousin Evan graduate with his BA in American Media.

It was Grace's first trip and she did awesome. (Although, she did produce quite a smelly diaper in the middle of the ceremony. After first, we were going to wait, but ... no.)

Ceremony was excellent.

Grace is visited by Grandma Joan

2008-05-28T14:06:00.001-07:00

Grandma Joan came to visit!

During the stay, Grace started on rolling to her side and lifting herself up. Now, she is rolling all the way on to her stomach (and then crying). Dad or mom runs over to roll her back, then she rolls right back over to her stomach. It is a never ending battle.

Also, we noticed more hair, the debate is whether it is coming in blond or brown.

Grace and her Swing

2008-05-28T14:01:00.001-07:00

So, right before Grace's 5 month b-day, we pulled out the swing. She started twirling and sliding about. She loved it. So, I decided the next thing to put together was her baby jumper ... to be continued.

Grace goes to Baby Gym

2008-05-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Jenn has signed up Grace for baby gym. She goes Thursday/Friday out to Claremont and meets her friend Heather.

If you want to be an Olympic athlete ... you have to start them early;)

So far she is really taken by it, although some kid tried to put his finger up her nose.

Grace helps her Great Grandma celebrate the big 82

2008-05-13T16:52:00.001-07:00

So, my grandma wanted Red Lobster for her 82nd birthday.

We got in the car and headed down to Brea, which is known for its seafood.

Teresa and Mary come to visit

2008-05-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

Teresa and Mary came out to see us in April. (April ... it is May already ... man Jayson keep up with the pics and posts.) Anyway, although the long weekend became and Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice marathon, Grace got a lot of attention, which meant mom and dad got a little break!

Grace's First Easter

2008-04-05T22:32:00.001-07:00

All I can say is that Grace did not like them ears!

Grace received her first Easter basket, which included a Fancy Nancy book along with some clothes.

As always, she was the center of attention.

I really like the photo of her and her great grandmother Esther.

A visit from Grandpa Marlin

2008-03-18T18:28:00.001-07:00

So, my dad stopped by this morning ...

and mayhem ensued.

Grace's First St. Patty's Day

2008-03-18T18:19:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-11T23:00:00.001-07:00

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

Grace and Evie's First Play Date

2008-03-11T22:54:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-11T22:49:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-11T22:47:00.001-07:00

We already know she is destined to be a surfer.

Grace is visited by 'Uncle' Sam

2008-03-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-11T22:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-08T15:52:00.001-08:00

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

2008-03-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T12:09:00.001-08:00

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

2008-03-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-06T11:11:00.001-08:00

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.