Happy Birthday Kendra

We can’t believe you are already one year old! We have a big road ahead of us. This world can be an ugly place at times and we hope to teach you to see the beauty that we often times just don't take the time to notice. To take a moment to notice the brilliance of colors staining the Pacific Northwest. To walk barefoot through dew covered grass. To play follow-the-leader with a butterfly as it dances from flower to flower. We will teach you to love everyone for who they are. Whether black or white, short or tall, big or small. Find the goodness in them. Extend your arms to them, encircling them in love and kindness. We will teach you to show gratitude, for there is much in life to be thankful for. If we fail to give thanks, then we begin to become apathetic. On the other hand, when we show gratitude we begin to see just how blessed our lives truly are. We will teach you to always continue learning. It is through learning that the world continues to better itself. Lack of education lends hand to poverty, to crime, hate, and violence; all things ugly are a form of ignorance. Likewise, all that is beautiful can only be appreciated when one knows how to appreciate it. We will teach you to love yourself. Always remember who you are. You are of great worth. You, our daughter, have work to do on this earth, work that only you can accomplish. Through knowing who you are you can learn to love yourself. Then you will never want to do anything that would keep you from your potential. We will teach you to search out your talents and gifts and then use these to better the lives of yourself, your family, and your community. Each of us have these gifts. Whether it is the ability to sing well, or having the ability to make another happy, these are all talents. By using our talents we will continue to develop them more fully and increase the joy in our lives. If we don't use them, we will lose them. We will teach you to develop virtuous attributes. Honesty, integrity, diligence, these are all virtues that are not always easy to obtain, but they help us to keep a clear conscience. Above all, we will teach you to seek for truth. Search with not only your mind, but also your heart and when truth is found hold on to it. Never let go. Our greatest hope is that you will have peace and joy in your life. We will teach you that truth will bring you happiness. We are only just beginning our quest through life together. Daddy and I don't know what lies ahead for the three of us. We do know, however, that as a mother and a father we will make mistakes and that as a daughter you will sometimes be angry with us. At times you will be hurt by the things of the world and we may not be able to remove that pain. Sometimes, we may feel as if we have failed you. I suppose this is all part of being parents. Yet, if we can help make your path through this world more joyful, if we can help you find true happiness, even though you may receive some bumps and bruises along the way, then we will know that we have been successful as parents.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl.

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

A Family Affair

We visited with all of Grandma Castellani's Grandchildren today!  I have to tell you, Grandma was in heaven!  Unfortunately we only have pictures  of us wee ones.  Preslie is 2 days younger than me and Danny is 6 days older so we are all pretty close in age.  It has been a while since the last time I saw Danny.  Boy has he grown!  He is thicker and heavier than I am but I am taller.  Preslie is the smallest of our trio but that doesn't mean she can't hang with the big dawgs.  It was really neat to see how similar Danny and I are.  We both have very easy going personalities.  Overall it was a great time and I am very glad we spent the day with everyone.

1 Year Check up + Vaccines

I went to see my pediatrician today for a check up and vaccines.  My height was 31 1/4" (97%) my weight was 21lbs. 14.2oz. (70%) and my head circumference was 18" (70%).  I was goofy and very talkative until the nurse decided it was time for my shots.  I was given two of them in each thigh.  I cried so hard that I that I barely made noise.  Luckily, for Mommy, it only lasted about 30 seconds and I calmed down.  The Pediatrician wanted Mommy to get me tested for led because we live in an older home.  She told us to walk down to the lab and they would just prick my finger, no big deal.  When we got to the lab we realized we were misinformed.  They had to take a full vial from my arm.  Mommy felt horrible but it had to get done.  Just like before I cried very hard but you could actually hear my true cry this time.  It was a long visit and we were happy to get the heck out of there.  After some baby Tylenol I passed right out.

Feeling Sleepy?

Good Night! Don't let the Bed Bugs bite! If they do hit'em with a shoe and watch'em turn black & blue!

My 1st Birthday Party

My real birthday isn't until September 16 but we celebrated early at Hathaway Park in Washougal.  We had a lot of great company and I received a bunch of wonderful presents. I am so spoiled!

Sleepy Head

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you,
sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you...

Beer

Is not for babies!  No no!  Especially not cheap beer!

Grandma Time!

I am such a lucky girl.  I got to stay with Grandma Castellani all day.  It was really nice for Mommy to get a break and to be able to spend time with my Grandma and Grandpa.  I had such a wonderful time and I was obviously on my best behavior.  Look how excited I was to be there!

Mr. Yuck

What do these four things have in common?
You guessed it, Mommy had to call Poison Control today.  Lily must have spit out her 25mg Benedryl this morning because I popped the itty bitty candy colored capsule into my mouth and swallowed.  Mommy caught me in the act and decided to call my doctor who referred us to The Poison Control Center.  In the end there was nothing to worry about.  Apparently, for my weight I could have taken 4 of them before they would want us to head over to the emergency room.  Close call Mom.  Close call.

Bath Time!

George's 60th REDNECK Birthday Party

We had such a blast at George's birthday party.  Do you like our costumes?

Kisses!

I can give kisses!  Better pucker up cause I'll have one waiting for you!

Mowing The Lawn

Daddy took me on the riding lawnmower at Nana and Papa's.  We had to prepare for George's 60th Redneck themed birthday party. 

Milestones

I have learned so many new things recently.  I still prefer to crawl across the floor but I have been making 4 to 5 unaided steps between couches and people now.  I dance, clap, and jump all of the time, even when Mommy asks me to.  I climb on everything including the coffee table and couches.  My favorite toys are cars that I can push across the floor, blocks and riding toys.  I can point to your nose, eyes, and mouth.  I play Peek a boo and Patty cake and initiate both.  I have been completely changed over to whole milk this week and haven't had any problems.  I am working on some sign language and my first sign was "Milk".  I am generally very good about signing for milk when I want it.  I love all table food that I have tried so far and some of my favorites are cantalope, gyros, crackers, hummus and green beans.  I can feed myself with my hands and make a big effort to eat with a spoon but I still need a lot of practice.  I have started saying my own name but it always seems to come out "Denda" or "Duhduh".  I will even say my name and point if I see a picture of myself hanging up or on the computer. I generally sleep all night from around 8pm until 8am give or take a couple hours.  I am very easy to put to sleep as long as it is within my regular tired window.  Overall, my parents are still very lucky to have a baby as great as me!

Kendra The Pooh

We met up with Holly, Lori, and Ahna today at Kohl's for a few birthday items.  Lori was so sweet and bought both of us girls Winnie The Pooh stuffed animals.  Ahna picked out Tigger and I picked Eeyore.  I think we picked them based on our personalities.  Eeyore loves my hugs and kisses and I just can't get enough of him.  Thanks again Lori!

A Gift From The San Juan Islands

 Grandma & Grandpa Castellani vacationed in Friday Harbor and brought me back this cute little T-shirt.  Mom layered it over my other outfit for the picture so I look like a fat man in a little coat.  Pain is beauty.

A Sneak Peak

Mom let me show off a Birthday decoration today.  She has been working really hard trying to finish up everything she will need for my big day.  Pretty cute huh!?

Awkward

 This does not look very comfortable.

diapers

This was after I pulled out 160 diapers and placed them all throughout the house.

Playing In The Dryer

Mommy was trying to get some dishes done today and I wouldn't get out of her hair.  She put me in the dryer and believe it or not it kept me occupied for almost half an hour.  I talked to the dryer and even licked it.  I told it how much I appreciated my soft fluffy clothes and caressed it like it was my new best friend.  Mommy was keeping a close eye on me so that I didn't fall of course.  If you know the layout of our kitchen/laundry room you know it would probably take her half a step to catch me if I bailed.