Moving home to Canada means getting rid of all unnecessary items, and unfortunately, our printed photos didn’t make the cut. At least Gracen got to sift through them before they got tossed!

Gracen is not a cuddly baby, and never has been really. She’d much prefer being on the move rather than sitting still. The only times she’s at all cuddly is right after a nap or when there are strangers around… Therefore, we have to take advantage when we can!

Just hanging out on the diwaniya in Papa’s classroom… All she’s missing is the shisha pipe, but we’ll save that for the next time we live in Kuwait. :)

Gracen begun playing strange at four months old and really isn’t that into being held by people other than her mama and papa. That being said, two of my friends, Amanda and Erin, have put in a solid effort over the course of the year, and it seems to have finally paid off. :)

This afternoon we took Gracen to see Dr. Roland, our pediatrician, one last time before leaving the desert. With an ancient grain bread flute in hand, Grae happily let Dr. Roland and his nurse inspect her. At 9 and a 1/2 months, she weighs 20 pounds (50th percentile), is 75 centimetres tall (95th percentile), and has a head circumference of 46 centimetres (95th percentile). She’s still sitting at 8 teeth and has enough curiosity and motivation for 2 babies. :) She’s crawling like mad and is pulling up on everything. She’s learned how to get down from a standing position and her newest trick involves standing and dancing while only supporting herself with one arm. Our little girl is certainly growing!

Have I mentioned that I have a wonderful little kitchen helper lately? I sure do. I quickly put together breakfast and this little lady takes everything off of the shelves and chucks it into the middle of the floor, providing me with a decently tricky obstacle course. :)

‘Don’t mind me. I’m just browsing through this magazine I found in Mama’s bag.’

Believe it or not, this little lady LOVES curry. And by love, I mean gobbles it up and begs and pants for more.

‘Oh dear. Looks like I’ve got some serious bed head going on this morning…’

My poor little lady… One day she’ll be old enough to look at these memories I’ve kept for her in our little corner of the internet, and I’m sure she’ll be super thrilled that her Mama posted pictures of her poopin’. Mama’s sorry, Grae. You’re just so darn cute – even when you’re taking care of your business. I couldn’t resist. :)

Tonight Gracen experienced her first pillow fight. Of course it was pretend and Bradley wasn’t actually whacking our baby with a cushion, but Gracen thought it was pretty fun none the less! :)

‘I love playing with my Papa. He lets me shove my hands in his face, climb all over him, and tug on his arm hair.’ :)

A few days ago, we were all sitting in our foyer going through bins and bins of my teaching stuff when we came across a wooden train whistle. Both Brad and I gave it a few blows, but Grae didn’t seem to be that interested.

Almost every Friday morning since returning to Kuwait in September, Gracen and I have gone to The Avenues, just the two of us. We never really need anything, but it gives Bradley a little bit of down time on his own and us a chance to get out of the house, even if it’s just to browse and people watch.

Gracen is a little moving machine now! She is constantly pulling herself up and climbing over things while chucking aside whatever may be in her path. Today she pulled herself up so she could check out what was happening in our lovely neighbourhood.