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Monthly Archives: September 2012
Confident and assertive
On September 29, 2012
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We went to Jack's birthday party this morning and the part of it that I loved the most (other than the cake) was an opportunity we had to watch Grace playing. Donné was feeding Eli and I was in the room with her. The room we were in has a window looking into the back yard which gave us a great view of everyone that was playing outside.
Jack, Caleb, and Grace were playing soccer with Doug (Jack's grandpa). Doug was the goalie and the three of them were trying to kick balls past him. Jack and Caleb were quite focussed on the goal, while Grace was kicking, running around, throwing the ball and jut generally having loads of fun. She was totally engaged and loving the playing.
It is just wonderful to see her having so much fun with other adults and children – engaging and enjoying herself without any need for us. She actually did her own thing for most of the party, playing music, playing in the garden and playing with Jack's new train set.
We've said it before, but it is such a joy to us to see her growing in confidence and assertiveness. The assertiveness is a bit of a double edged sword because now we also need to deal with her grabbing things from other children and pushing them away from what she is busy with….but learning how to deal with other children appropriately is just a part of growing up and one which we're happy to teach her.
Friendly reads
On September 28, 2012
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Reading with Caleb. Those books (along with many others that we have) were my grandmother's from her teaching days.
What else is it for?
On September 27, 2012
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Whoo-chop! Kung fu baby!
Story time
Donné was busy feeding Eli and Grace says to her, "What's the other boob for?"
A walk to the dam
On September 26, 2012
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Gathering before the walk, with everyone having their butterfly net and accessories.
There was some bread, a magnifying glass and a bottle of bubbles in each bag, and later they also got a bug catching jar. Grace took out the magnifying glass peered through it and said, “This is a magnifying glass. See tiny things better!”
One of the big hits was Cole’s off-road wheelchair, which also has a remote control so that his dad can move it around if necessary. This meant great fun as the children took turns going for rides.
And then the great merry go round experience.
Followed by the ducks getting LOADS of food
Grace had a lot of fun and it was good to meet some more of the parents.
This afternoon Donné was looking at photos of The Cousin Who Shall Not Be Named with Grace and she says, “Who’s that Grace?” Grace puts her hand to her chin and says, “Let me think…”
Tonight when I was leaving Grace’s room I said (as I say every night), “Good night Grace, see you in the morning,” and Grace says, “See you real soon!” Maybe a bit too much Mickey Mouse Clubhouse…
A first for Grace
On September 25, 2012
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Little brother christened Grace with her first baby spew shortly after our first true experience of a hosepipe nappy change. Now she has added an extra option to her repertoire, especially when holding him, "Think he's going to vomit."
Grace 80-fied herself while dressing this morning
Brother's first visit to the garden
If you need an opinion…
On September 24, 2012
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Catching some flies
Grace has been much calmer around Eli and has been super sweet by helping out how ever she can, fetching nappies, wet wipes, blankets and trying to comfort her brother while he has nappy changes (usually by attempting to force feed him a dummy). She is certainly opinionated whenever he cries – "Think he needs boobie," "Think he needs a dummy," "Think he needs a nappy."
And then there are her classic one-liners which she comes up with regularly:
"He's drinking up all the milk. Drink up baby brother."
She gave him an imaginary chocolate and says, "Wash the chocolate down with some boobie milk!"
Family cuddles
Meet the Aunty
On September 23, 2012
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Saying hello to Aunty Ker
The new Drennan family
Grace the protector
On September 22, 2012
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Grace is all over Eli like a bad rash. She loves him and wants to hug him and hold him as much as possible. Unfortunately between feeding and sleeping there is very little time for general cuddles, and he is not quite big enough to play with Grace which she would love). She is also quite protective of him, chasing away cats whenever they get too close.
This has led to frustration for all of us. So far (for me at least) dealing with Grace has been one of the hardest parts of this all. It would probably help quite a bit if she would at least listen to us,
She was getting up close and personal with Donné and Eli and she was standing on Donné's feet. Donné said to Grace, "Grace, stop standing on my feet, do I stand on your feet?" "No, I do," Grace replies.
Big sister Grace
On September 21, 2012
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Grace was super excited to meet her little brother today and was loving touching, holding and hugging him. She is quite attached to him and got very upset when they took him off to be weighed, and then again later when I took him to see the paediatrician.
She was super bleak when it was time to leave for school after meeting him this morning and cried crocodile tears when I dropped her off, but she settled quickly once I had left and had some fun and ballet lessons.
All she wanted to do today was spend time with her brother.
She has has a couple of classic lines today. We can't remember all of them, but here are a few
While waiting for a photo Grace says, "Say cheese! Eli, say cheese."
Eli was making little moans so Grace says to him, "Don't cry Eli, don't need to worry."