Kylie May had a few firsts today 245

Today it actually felt like fall, Kylie got to wear her cute little sweat suit, we even packed a little hat (which she didn't wear, but we had it just in case). Living in downtown Redlands has its perks, one of them being the historic library. On Thursday mornings at 10:15 the library holds a story time for little ones. I have been wanting to take Kylie and today we finally made it! The story time consists of a songs interspersed between the stories, a chance for the kids to play with colored scarfs, a picture to take home and color and (some kids thought this was the best thing ever) a stamp on your hand at the end! Although it is really directed at 2-3 year olds, Kylie had a great time. She sat on my lap on the floor in the middle of all the other kids and just soaked it in. She listened as the stories where read, as if she understood, she watched as everyone sang songs and did the different arm movements and she even met another little girl named Kylie, but she spelled it Kailey. It was so fun I am already looking forward to next week. It was also fun to see so many kids close to her age, I think it will be a great opportunity to meet some other moms and set up some play dates for Kylie in the future.

Kylie and I then walked downtown to meet up with my good friend Janisha and her 2 year-old Alana. I have not seen Alana in a couple months and it's amazing how much she has grown. We played at the park and enjoyed lunch at Jersey's Pizza. Kylie enjoyed playing with Alana, she would laugh and kick her little legs. Alana was pretty interested in Kylie too, she kept calling her "Ky-wee", she is still working on the "L" sound :o)

Then it was off to grandmas house where Kylie took a little nap, had a little snack and played with grandma. It was reported that Kylie got up on her hands and knees for a brief moment, yeah, she might be crawling sooner then I thought. We walked home and took a nice long nap before starting our eventful evening. Craig had to go to work again tonight :o( so Kylie spent a little time with her daddy before we all headed out, Craig to work and Kylie, Melissa, and I downtown. Thursday is usually market night, but on evening like this (when it sprinkles or rains) market night is cancelled. But tonight we headed downtown for a better reason then market night, my dad's band was playing at a restaurant. It was really fun, we ate good food and listened to good music, Kylie was not really sure about the whole thing at first (I think she thought her good nap was bed time and she was not sure why she was up again much less out watching a band play) but she really enjoyed herself by the end. Another first happened when my grandma Gloria came in to the restaurant and sat down at our table. My grandma always blows Kylie kisses and sometimes we try to take her hand to her mouth and she her how to blow kisses back. But out of the blue Kylie did it all by herself, she looked right at my grandma and brought her hand to her mouth and pulled it away, we all looked at her so surprised. My grandma was so proud "I taught her that" she said. We thought maybe it was a mistake, but she did it a few more times and she sure looked purposeful, oh it was so cute!

Once we got home Kylie was not interested in sleeping so Melissa was holding her while I was putting something away in the kitchen. Out of nowhere Kylie clearly says "Da Da." Melissa and I looked at each other in shock. Did she know what she said? Does she realize how meaningful that sound is? She said it again, very clear. Melissa and I frantically found a photo of Craig and pointed to him and repeated "Da Da". She smiled at us as if to say "Ya guys that's who I was talking about". She said it a handful of times but once we tried to capture it on video she stopped. We don't know how purposful it was, but it's so fun to know she has the sounds to call her daddy, I can't wait for Craig to hear her.

Sorry for the long post, it was just such a fun day!
More to come soon,
Natalie

Out to lunch with Alana and Janisha

Watching dad's band play.

 

Kylie playing with Melissa yesterday, practicing her goalie skills. 

Kylie May's uneventful day 244

Today was another somewhat uneventful day for little Miss May. She enjoyed the beautiful weather (still in the 80's), took a walk downtown to Martha Greens with Grandma and Grandpa, enjoyed playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house, ate an early dinner with Daddy, Mommy and Auntie Melissa and was asleep by 6:35pm. I went to teach my line dance class and my dad came over to help Melissa if Kylie woke up. She did wake, but went right back to sleep once Melissa was holding her, she is asleep now and I can not wait to join her. Despite my every attempt, this little pumpkin is making a morning person out of me, today we were up at 7am, ahhhh, the time change is not helping our attempts at making Kylie a night person like Craig and I :o) She was also a little more clingy today then she usually is, I think those top teeth might be working their way through, either that or her body is uncomfortable from how fast she is growing, it must be hard work to grow and change so much everyday. But whatever the reason, she is still nursing about every 1.5-2 hours and today she wanted to be attached to me all afternoon, good thing we have multiple baby-wearing devices :o)

More to come soon,
Natalie

Kylie May on Election Day 243

One of the disadvantages (or maybe advantages) of our little pumpkin sleeping with us at night, is the need for me to go climb in bed with her to get her to go back to sleep when she wakes early in the evening. Every once in a while that quick trip to the bedroom to put her back to sleep results in me taking a little nap myself. This little nap is then followed by "what? I fell asleep? What time is it? Ahh I forgot to do the blog!" And that is exactly what happened tonight.  Lucky for me there is not much to report today, I will be back in bed with my little cuddle bug in no time at all :o)

Kylie and I spent the first part of today watching the gardeners in the yard and making more baby food. Today we added green beans and pear to the mix. Green beans she likes, pear, not so sure. Our freezer is now home to a variety of frozen vegetable cubes just waiting to be warmed up and devoured. So far I am still enjoying making her food, it's nice to know exactly what is in it. Kylie then spent a little time with grandma while I ran to a dance rehearsal at the studio. We came home in time to make some dinner, take a quick bath (Kylie, not me) say goodbye to Craig and jump in bed.

Melissa and I watched coverage of the election and were happy with the results even though neither of us got out to vote. Craig tried to vote, but he is apparently not registered in this area, oh well, maybe next time.

I have been working on making this blog into a book so we will have a copy of it to save for Kylie when she get older. As I look through our past entries it has become more and more apparent how big a year this has been so far. Besides all the big Kylie related moments, we have already taken multiple vacations, traveled across the country, traveled out of the country (even if it was for only two days) been on planes, trains, boats and automobiles, watched the Giants win a World Series and watched the Summer Olympics and an election. Wow it's been busy!

Time for bed, hope you enjoy the video of Kylie, we don't know if she is cheering for herself as she eats or asking for more with the sign language we have been trying to teach her, either way it's pretty darn cute.

More to come soon,
Natalie

Kylie May Arrives Safely Home Day 242

We traveled two by two this morning (two propellers, two pilots, two flight attendants, two passengers per row), and touched down, in LA, safe and sound.  The beautiful sunshine, traffic, and smog eagerly greeted us (as it always does) as we reentered the orbit of our daily lives.  Even though the circumstances were less than ideal, it is always nice to spend time with family that you see so rarely.  Not Gene, Carol, and Melissa....but you know...the rest of the gang.

The flight home was great. Kylie, once again scared all those "oh no we're sitting next to a baby" fliers in her blast radius by doing some pre-flight squealing.  It must have been the complimentary, Alaskan Airlines, microbrew (or the fact the the flight was at 6:30am), though, that did her in, because from take off to touch down the little sweet pea stayed fast asleep (at least I think she was....I may have dozed off too).  Like clockwork, only as soon as the plane was safely on the ground, the doors were open, and everyone was exiting did our relieved neighbors comment on how "cute" and "great" Kylie was. :-) Still waiting for the day we get those comments mid flight (I'm not holding my breath...really...I'm not...Ok! I can't hold it any longer).

This weekend, as with so many other travel adventures, wore the happy camper out.  She took two long naps (one during the car ride home), and was still rubbing her red little eyes by 6:30.  She loved bath time tonight (until we rinsed her hair....that's the least favorite part these days), got her PJ's on, kissed me goodnight, nursed, and fell fast asleep.  I'm sure tomorrow she will wake up, well rested, and ready for any fun adventures we can throw her way. The big question is, however, will we be as well rested as her?  If I go to bed now, then maybe.

more to come soon,

Craig 

The hair is not our fault...really. It just has a mind of its own

At 5:30 in the morning the delirium sets in. She didn't realize that this was not the flying machine that would be taking her home.

"Maam! You need to get off the toy helicopter, and get to your seat in the real plane. We will leave without you!"

Kylie May and a Downtown Sunday 241

While most of the clan hit the open road, Nat, Kylie, and I had one more day to enjoy the perfect weather here in Ashland.  What did we do today? The best thing to do in this little town. No. We didn't go to the Elizabethan Theater to watch a show.  We ate, walked the town, and played in the park.  If, at this point, you're saying to yourself, "Wait.  That sounds like what they did yesterday." then you're right.  We did do that yesterday, but some things in life are worth repeating (those who flunked a grade know what I'm talking about).

Kylie did spend some one-on-one time this afternoon with grandpa Gene while Nat and I took a "childless" stroll around town.  It was fun to walk and talk. I am ashamed to say (I almost can't admit it) that politics WAS one of our topics of conversation.  I can't believe we had a couple hours alone and some of that time was spent on political affairs.  I guess it's just cause the election is coming up (at least that's what we told ourselves).

Dinner was at Aunt Sue's house again tonight. Kylie played and played until there was no more play left in her.  At that point, Rosie (Sue's dog) went into hiding (Kylie scared her I think), and we decided to make our exit.  4:30am wake up call tomorrow (6:20am flight), so we thought we might let our little stagehand get a few hours of shut eye.  She is a trooper, but even troops need a little time to rest.

More to come soon,

Craig

Brunch with the family...Aunt Sue,  cousin Sandra, Tim (Graham's friend), Jess (Graham's girlfriend), Graham, Melissa, Tim (Melissa's boyfriend) our cousin Cam. Second Row: cousin Pam, Grandpa, Kylie, Grandma, Mommy and Daddy.

Watching a little Sunday football at Louie's in downtown.

Kylie May and Her Great Grandma's Funeral Day 240

Today was the day we all said goodbye.   The overwhelming mood, however, was one of celebration rather than sorrow.  Not celebrating the loss, but rather the life that Nat's grandma lived.  A formal Episcopalian church service, an honor guard playing of "Taps", and then watching Grandma Jo lowered into the ground, alongside her late husband Louis.  It all took place just the way Nat's grandma wanted (except for some minor details), and I am thankful Kylie and I got to be here with Nat as it happened.  There is one thing that we came to appreciate today (not for the first time, but it was accentuated this morning).  The pure and innocent soul of a child. Kylie did her best to quietly sit through the hour long funeral service, but she just has so much to say, do, and explore.  Even in the somber moments of a funeral, though, it is so hard not to smile and laugh at Kylie's concentrated, jabbering, cooing, spitting, screeching, laughing, smiling,  scrapping, and clapping.  And it wasn't just me.  The whole gang found themselves smirking and chuckling at Kylie's genuine, yet ill timed, noises, during the "pin drop" silent moments of the service.  I'm not sure if you can watch your own funeral, but if you can, I would bet that Grandma Jo was smiling right along with the rest of us.  It really is no wonder that God says we should all be more like small children.

Unfortunately, Kylie missed the post grave site reception/lunch.  As usual, she checked formalities at the door, and let us know, loud and clear, that she was ready for a nap. She was thankful we obliged.  After a nice nap, we took a very smiley Kylie, and strolled around Ashland, toured Grandma's old house, visited a favorite shop from Nat's childhood (where we bought Kylie a little treasure to commemorate the occasion), and had some fun playtime in Lithia Park.  I think most of the family realized that there may not be many Ashland visits in the foreseeable future, so we tried to wring out every last drop the town had to offer.  During park time, our teeny traveler, plopped down on an empty pizza box (the grass was wet) and enjoyed all the fall colors (they are absolutely stunning), people watching, and playing frisbee with the big boys (Gene, Graham, Tim, and I).

A nostalgic walk home (our hotel home that is) and one more nap set the stage for a big family dinner at Aunt Sues.  Despite obvious exhaustion, the little party animal loaded herself with smiles, laughs, hugs, and kisses as she was passed from one person to the next.  As all the a"dull"ts sat and ate, visited, and poured over Grandma Jo's old photo albums, Kylie simply played and babbled with whomever happened to scoop her up.  She has such a loving and easy going personality.   

In reflecting on today, I am thankful. Thankful that Grandma Jo led such a long, healthy, productive life.  Thankful that we got to be here today. Thankful that miss Kylie May got to meet and take pictures with her great grandma (not many kids have that opportunity...even if she will never remember).  Thankful that she has two other great grandparents that shower her with love, and thankful for the rest of the affection and support she gets from her aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas.

more to come soon,

Craig

Kylie May Remembers Her Great Grandma Day 239

Grief is hard and sad.  Kylie doesn't understand any of it, but someday she will.  Today, however, she just assumed that everyone was getting together for one of the many parties that her short little life has become accustomed too.  Little did she know that a viewing was held today for grandma Josephine.  It took multiple attempts but, in the end, we got little Mayday dressed for the occasion, and someday, we will reminder that she was here to see her great grandma the day before her funeral. Even though she only looked like a shell of her former self, it was nice to be able to see grandma (and all the pictures) one last time. Until we are able to remind Kylie of this memorable moment, though, we'll just reflect on the time that Kylie got to spend with her great grandma Jo.  Very few kids are lucky enough to meet one of their great grandparents...Kylie has gotten to know three.  She only met grandma Jo once, but from what I understand that meeting was a highlight of grandma Jo's conversations long after our visit.  It's amazing how young children can ignite a spark of interest, enthusiasm, and joy in an individual...no matter their age.  It is also fun to have a four generation picture that Kylie will someday look at and ask "who is that again Dad?" I'll reminder her that it is her great grandma, who was a nurse, a mom, a WWII Navy veteran, and a 90+ year old woman who maintained a healthy independence until the end.

After the memorial viewing we all got together for a family dinner (Kylie entertained with her new skill....clapping).  Despite the circumstances, it was fun to have the whole gang together. Tomorrow is the funeral service, and sad as it may be, we celebrate a grandma/great grandma's many accomplishments, and are extremely grateful that all of us get to be here to participate in the festivities that celebrate Grandma Jo's life.

More to come soon,

Craig

We rented a stroller from the kids second-hand store next door to the hotel, convenient? I'd say so.

Lithia Park

After eating almost half an avocado she devoured the carrot/yellow squash mix like a pro.

Then showed off her clapping...

and spitting.

It took her a little while to calm down, but once she did, she was out.