Party Time

Well, we had Gracie's birthday party yesterday. It was so much fun! John, Gracie and I are exhausted. Family joined us for a cookout (John did an excellent job as head chef). The Lord blessed us with some awesome weather, and we got to go outside after lunch and play. Gracie did really good with all of the people and the attention. She lasted for about 3.5 hours and then started to crash, so we gave her some cake to help give her a sugar rush. Gracie liked the cake, although she didn't dive in like we thought she would. I think she was just trying to stay awake. She kept rubbing her eyes because she was tired, and eventually got icing everywhere. The sugar did eventually kick in, and she was good for another couple of hours. It was so much fun having everybody over. Gracie got some great toys and a bunch of really cute outfits.

What Day is It?

I don't know why the previous post is dated on Tuesday. I guess it's because that's when I started it. Anyway, it says that "yesterday" was Gracie's birthday, but it also says that it was posted on Tuesday (even though I posted it on Thursday). Basically, I'm saying that I do know when my own child's birthday is, but blogspot does not. Ok, did you even notice the date? Probably not...and that's a little bit of my OCD coming out.

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.