Happy Birthday Baby

Yesterday was Gracie's first birthday. I can't believe it! This year has flown by (except in the wee hours of the morning when I was up with a cranky baby). Everyone always tells you that it goes by so fast, but you don't realize just how fast until it happens to you. I have to admit, the first few months were pretty tough and overwhelming. I think lack of sleep was the major factor there. However, Gracie has brought John and me more joy than we ever thought possible.

I have mixed emotions about Gracie's birthday. I am so incredibly thankful to the Lord for blessing us with such a happy, healthy baby. But I am also kinda sad that she isn't an infant anymore. What? She's not ready to be a toddler...at least, I'm not sure if I'm ready for her to be a toddler. Gracie is changing so quickly. She learns so fast and shows some new skill every day. My little baby is starting to grow up! She is such a blessing. The Lord has given me an awesome family!

We are going to the doctor for her one year check-up today. I am anxious to see how much she has grown. On Saturday, we will be having her birthday party. I'm so excited!!!! I'll have more pictures up soon!

It's Good!

John is trying to teach Gracie to raise her hands when he says, "It's good!" She'll be ready for football season in no time.

Rub a Dub Dub, Gracie's in the Tub

Gracie loves bathtime. She's been doing this funny smile with her eyes closed lately. I love her expression.

A Different Playpen

Gracie decided to play in one of my mesh clothes hampers while I was sorting laundry. She loved it (which is funny because she doesn't like being confined in other things). Maybe this is an early indication of her love for doing laundry. Oh, a mother can dream, can't she?

Yoga, Anyone?

Ok, I HAD to post a picture of this as soon as I saw it. I put Gracie down for a nap about 30 minutes ago. (She is sleeping in her Pack n Play right now because her crib has been recalled and we haven't gotten the voucher to get a new one yet.) I heard her in there playing for a little while, but when she got quiet, I snuck back to see if she was asleep. This is what I found. She is in a sitting position bent over her legs asleep. You can see her little foot sticking out of the covers up near her head. Isn't that crazy?! Oh, to be young and flexible again.

As cute as it was, I didn't leave her like that...but not before getting some pictures.

Me, Myself, and I

Well, Gracie is now officially crawling. She's been rolling around and doing this stomach army crawl thing for a while, but she is all over the place now. The other night I was videoing Gracie and I decided to turn the viewfinder around so that Gracie could see herself. She started showing out. It was the funniest thing! She's got such a little personality.

Little Cutie

Isn't she getting so big! Gracie was having a snack before we headed off to church. She's growing up entirely too fast! She will be a year old in a little over a month!!

Gracie tilted her head to the side one day and I thought she looked so cute; I started laughing hysterically. She figured out it was a way to get a response out of me and now Gracie will look at me and tilt her head to the side when she wants some attention. I've got it on video. I'll post that later.