Hanging with the Cousins

Gracie's cousins, Hunter and Ryalie, came over last Thursday while Aunt Melanie did Jr. Jazzercise classes. Gracie has so much fun with them! Here is a little video of Ryalie entertaining Gracie by running up and down the hall. I love Gracie's laugh and little squeals of joy.

Fresh Air

Gracie and I just got back from a trip to the park. The weather was so nice that I just couldn't resist getting out in the sunshine for a little bit. Gracie is still too small to do a lot of things there, so we spend most of our time in the swing. I wasn't really sure if she was enjoying it because she just sat there like she was "chillin." However, when I tried to take her out of the swing, she pitched a fit. There was another girl there named Gracie, and her mother kept fussing at her. My sweet little one kept looking and giving a perplexed look whenever she heard her name. She did try to speak to some of the other kids, throwing her hands up and saying, "Hey." (But you know, three year olds can be so cliquish. Haha.) We wish Daddy could have been there, but he has a school board meeting tonight.

By the way, last week the doctor informed us that Gracie is in the 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight. She's not walking yet, but she is getting close. We were so excited to be able to finally turn Gracie's carseat around. Now she can see where we are going, and we can interact with her much easier.

Cry Baby

"Oh, she's so cute!" I hear that all of the time, and I completely agree. However, there are times when Gracie gets a little hard-headed. This was the reaction I got when I took something away from her that she wasn't supposed to have. She has definitely become more vocal lately about having things her way.

Stretch Armstrong

Look at her legs. Hmmm, the trip to the circus the other night must have really made an impact. She looks like the contortionist we saw. No, Gracie is not freakishly limber. She was crawling around on the floor and her knee somehow got caught up inside the torso of her suit.

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!