August. The Sunshine is Out.

August. Such an amazing month. Our little peanut is growing up right before our eyes. We are so proud of her and in awe of the leaps and bounds she is making developmentally. We are learning a lot about each other (Kendall and Gabe) and how we handle parental challenges and a high spirited, energetic, larger then life, and knows what she wants, toddler. Things we would pass on to other parents.... laughing hysterically at inappropriate behavior (like screaming in the middle of a meal) will result in that same behavior occurring outside the house where it is not quite so funny.... Teaching your daughter to "boom boom" yes put her hands up and punch another person is very entertaining for Daddy at home, and not so entertaining when Daddy takes her to the Little Gym....... Last tid bit for now, Toddler's listen to EVERYTHING. We are no longer alone.... It is a crazy life entering this next phase of parenthood but we are ready for it.

Big leaps this month - we are in diapers now only when we sleep! The first day of potty training was very challenging. We went with a naked, stay at home for 3 days, approach. Full on, and get it done. Day 1 was pretty much one accident after another... yikes! But somewhere in the middle of the day she decided she did not want to be standing in her own pee and all of the sudden she was using the potty! We went on a vacation at the end of the month that really set us back, we were down to no accidents at all! Since we have been back from vacation, she is having one accident every day or two. We are hoping she quickly re sinks and we an get back to accident free! I love her backpack now, its filled with changes of clothes and extra undies. :) No more diapers to go!

We have been keeping this girl out and busy. Walks in the neighborhood and trips to the Cary Art Museum. Grace still loves going to the park and swinging. It is so cute to see her on the big girl swing now, although she still prefers I do all the work pushing. hehe. Glad that some things do not change.... at least not yet.

We have been keeping up with our education and providing her with different experiences. One particularly rainy day we decided to have inside/outside time. We brought out the chalk and used black paper.

Blueberry picking was also a big hit in August. We got to see horses, pick blueberries right off the bush, and play with a bunch of our friends.

Uncle Taylor has continued to come by for a special dinner once a week, we see him on other nights too, but once a week is just Taylor with our little family. He does such a great job of making sure Grace feels loved and adored. She is so smitten with her Uncle.

Uncle Taylor also had his big 25th Birthday this month. We went over for dinner and cupcakes before his party started. We actually stayed into the party a little bit, but headed home before it got too wild. :)

Finally our summer vacation happened! We had to wait until the end of August so Gabe could join us for a few days! He had to work at the new job for 6 months before he could take vacation days and we hit 6 months in August. We have been so blessed by his job both financially and he actually LOVES what he is doing. God is doing great things for our family.

Myrtle Beach was gorgeous. We had not ever been before and we loved it. The sand was so soft, the ocean itself was actually calm enough to go out and enjoy in the afternoon AND when the wind would pick up it did not pelt you with tiny molecules of sand. We LOVED it.

The condo we stayed at had several great pools including this submarine in a toddler pool. Grace is climbing in the right hand entrance.

 The dug in the sand, built sand castles, collected shells, flew kites, it was great.

We also hooked up with Mimi's brother James and his wife Ines and son Maka. Grace thought everything Maka did was pretty hysterical. It was fun to watch them interact. One of our day trips included  heading to the Ripleys believe it or not aquarium.

Grace could have stayed in front of the giant fish aquarium for hours. She was so in awe of their beauty and the sheer hugeness of the tank. It was pretty awesome to watch her amazement.

The shark tunnel on the other hand we were a little more nervous about. She was not a huge fan of them going directly overhead. There was no way to really explain to her that it was totally safe so we just tried our best to act amazed and excited and she did pick some of that up.

The mermaid show was fun! Grace continues during bath time to kick her feet together and blow bubbles telling us she is a mermaid. <3

Back to the beach. It was seriously such a fun age to have at the Ocean. She enjoyed everything so much with such enthusiasm but had a healthy respect for the water itself. I was never concerned she was going to run into the waves and yet I did not have to be on top of her like a hawk. She enjoyed her freedom to wonder a bit and do her own thing. She is such an independent little miss.

 One of our times in the water, notice Daddy's grip on this girl. She was not going anywhere!

This little one is so lucky to have all these male role models of what amazing men are like. Above Daddy is building sand castles and below Taylor is taking her for a run down the beach. She is one loved little girl.

Another outing we made was to the Boardwalk. Grace got to ride on lots of little carnival rides. Just a few of them included the tea cup ride, which she LOVED to spin around and around (Daddy was feeling a little sick) and the carousel which Taylor and I rode as well!

Building with Boppy. They are scattered through but Grace and I actually went down on Monday with Mimi and Boppy. They were so helpful the first couple of days before Daddy arrived. I really have a lot of respect for single mothers. It is EXHAUSTING! Just keeping up with all of her energy and making sure she is pottied, fed, clean, and happy. Shew! So thankful for parents who are really there for us. I am one lucky and loved girl too. :)

One of our nights while waiting for dinner to be made, we had spent all day out in the sun. Can you tell this girl is just soaking up the love?

Sweet Grace,
It was another amazing month. I am pretty sure you have grown several inches. You are now able to reach things on the counters... how did that happen? So it has become more and more interesting finding hiding places in our little house. :) Oh you can also open all the doors now.... so shutting them and assuming you can not get in, is out of the window. Your communication is growing by leaps and bounds. You can keep up with our adult conversations and even add your own thoughts (we are starting to have to be really careful what we say!) you also inform me about other people and what they are doing. When you wake up first thing you always ask me, "Daddy home? Daddy working?" I love that you ask questions to find out what you want to know! You even still shock me with some of the things you know. One day you were pretend rubbing lotion into Daddy's legs and when you were done with his leg you looked at him and said "Oder leg Daddy" How in the world do you know what other means? We absolutely love you, your beautiful outside and even more your gorgeous inside. You are sweet, you are kind, you are intelligent, you are important and we love you.
xoxo
Mommy & Daddy