Eden is walking!!!!!

Here is our happy toddler. She has been sallying up to this challenge for at least a couple of weeks. When my friend, Kay, texted me during our stay in Portland last month that her little guy began walking and could now get down from the bed himself, I knew it would not be long until Eden followed suit. Little Kai is about two weeks older than Eden and anything he does...it is almost uncanny that she does it too...with in two weeks. It began on our trip to Montana. My Mom, Linda (aka Momma D), drove out to the Groth cabin and took Eden up in her arms...only for a second though. Then it was all about walk training. All of us Groths watched smilingly as Momma D wrapped Eden with a sling & walked her about the cabin like a puppy on a leash. It was delightful AND I got to enjoy a hot breakfast...my mom is an angel. When we returned to Seattle, Kay & Kai rallied us for a trip to the Children's Museum at Seattle Center. Eden watched as he effortlessly circled all of the obstacles and crossed the Fun Forest on two feet. It was that day that Eden took not one, but her first four steps.

She's been flying ever since. Here she is getting herself down off of the bed. (Omi, please note the extendable wear of the brilliant bamboo pants Eden has worn since she was size 6 weeks).
Yep, here it is again. She does this every morning all by herself and says, "down," to which I used to say, "careful" and watch in amazement. Now I don't say anything....but she usually turns to me with beaming pride at her accomplishment. Below is a picture of the aforementioned walking by leash method. If this method could be patented, the rights would surely go to my mother. She has also used this technique on Cousins Ashton and Fin. I think she's found her stride
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Here is EJ being "productive" in her new-found "uprightness," as Momma D explained.



Eden riding the cars at the Center House food court, Seattle Center.



Here are our buddies, Kay and Kai a few months ago at the Seattle Aquarium. I am amazed by Kay's ability to find grown-up friendly cafes with sweet play areas for kids. I benefit from her sharp mind because, unlike me, she has a special alertness for finding stroller accessibility, good forsight in planning for bus logistics, and she can gamely advise on kid-friendly theatres when considering a matinee (yet to be done since Eden was 2 months old but I adore that I can ask her).


This is surely one of my favorite pictures. Sean is tireless when it comes to throwing and juggling Eden. An activity that makes her squeal in laughter EVERY time. It is so contagious too. I can't help but laugh and get involved even...even when I have been awaiting free hands & I am rapt in something else.

This was taken when Ashley was here Mid-August. What a lovey. We were at the wading pool at the top of Queen Anne hill and although you can't see it....she is sitting in the wading pool up to her waist. This is something she an I relished but noted that none of the other parents were getting in more than up to their ankles. We speculated about how many children were peeing in the water that very minute and laughed. We laughed even harder when we got out because within minutes the parks people drained the pool. We considered that their might have been a poopie accident. As it turns out they change the water in the middle of the day; we just happened to get in on the tail end of the first fill. What a cool dude!

This picture was taken in Portland not long after we left Ashley back in Seattle. Eden demonstrates "the blow" technique that Cousin Ash taught her. It has evolved into an in and out blow which is pretty cute. Today it is a slurpy, syrupy sound that could become a whistle.

These are some of the Aunties, Clarey and Maeve with Eden out of view on the left. During our time in Montana, we took a hike with the Aunties and my Dad in Yellowstone Park. Noelle remained at home spending some quality time with Fiona. We had to cut it short due to a blizzard. Eden experienced snow burn on her cheeks for the first time. Burrrrr...we are clearly accustomed to the mildness of the Pacific Northwest these days. My sisters are such sweet charmers...it was a long lasting memory for all.