Favorite Foto Friday

Up, Up and Away

I think the balloons Grace had for her birthday were the first ones she has seen. They certainly make nice pictures!

Notice the bee flying in this picture...

It's Fun to Be One - Part 2

I started singing "Happy Birthday" to Grace earlier this week. Several times a day I told her her birthday was coming and that she was going to be one. We even practiced showing "one" with a finger, but a lot of the time it just ended up in her nose! When it came time for her guests to sing the birthday song to her, I am not sure if Grace knew what was going on. I suppose she must have realized everyone was looking at her. As you can see, though, she enjoyed a large piece of cake!

It's Fun to Be One!

It is a little unfair to have to celebrate Grace's 1st birthday so soon after her homecoming. Everyone tells me to enjoy every minute with her because the time goes by so fast. I have been so lucky to have been a part of Grace's life this first year, but I just wasn't ready for her to turn one. However, there was no way I would let this milestone day go by without a celebration. It was important to me that we celebrate on her actual birthday. Even though it was a workday, Friday, May 23rd began the Memorial Day weekend, so Grace's birthday was the perfect start the holiday. Nana and Big Daddy flew in and we shared a light dinner and birthday cake with family and a few close friends. I am certainly no Martha Stewart, but I wanted to bake Grace's first cake. I also baked a "crush" cake (to match the big cake) which didn't make it past the icing stage. It was lopsided, but I could accept that. The problem came when I attempted to cover it. The wrap got stuck on the icing and messed it up. So, I got a taste of the cake before the big day. Pretty good...if I do say so myself.

Look how far we've come

On May 23, 2007 at 7:10 PM a chubby baby girl was born
in Mixco, Guatemala.

One year later she she is an 18 pound, inquisitive little girl
living in Ohio.

It's My Birthday....

I shouldn't have to wear this hat!

You know it is time to return to work when...

Many years of working and accumulated medical leave gave me the opportunity to spend 10 weeks (mostly) away from work with Grace. I have loved every minute of playing with her and watching her adjust and develop. But, you know it is time to return to work when....

• You not only know the names of the characters on the kids' programs but the episodes are starting to be reruns.
• Baby food starts to taste good.
• You find yourself singing children's songs in the shower.
• You reach into your pocket for a lipstick and instead find a half-eaten cookie.
• You put your daughter's bow in your hair just for a minute so you don't lose it. When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror hours later it is still there AND you actually think it looks cute.
• You listen to the kids' CD in your car...when you are alone!
• Getting dressed the morning after one of those nights when the baby didn't sleep much, you mistake diaper rash cream for hair gel.
• You are actually tired of watching the Today show.

I go back to work full time today. I am okay with it since this is our reality - Mommy works. It would be amazing if I could work part time or if I could see Grace in the middle of the day....hmmmm...maybe I need to write a grant to start a daycare in our school district.....

Morning sunshine

Each day, when I go into Grace's room I say, "Good Morning, Sunshine" and usually it is true. She wakes up with a smile on her face and tries her best to play with me to make me smile. Sometimes, especially on rainy afternoons, I sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her. But, Grace has been sick for the last few weeks. It started as a runny nose, cold, and cough which progressed into ear infections and eventually high fevers. As of Monday, Grace started her second round of antibiotics, since the first 10-day supply didn't cure the infection. All this "ick" inside her has made my "sunshine" less bright...but this morning this is the little girl I found when I entered her room:

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Grace's new game when she wakes up....Peek-A-Boo!

Who needs toys?

We had just come home from Babies R Us where I looked at developmental toys recommended by the child psychologist at Grace's assessment on Wednesday - Cabbage Patch Newborn and other realistic baby dolls, push"walkers", a shopping cart, a play kitchen, Magnadoodles, etc. She hasn't been feeling well, so Grace doesn't want me to be far away from her. So, while I looked through some literature on these toys I gave her a basket of plastic lids from the kitchen cabinet. Okay, so she wasn't identifying body parts, perfecting her balance, or learning to write, but she was perfectly happy for more than 30 minutes. And, it is nice to see her smile! We can work on our "skills" tomorrow!

77 and Sunny

What should you do when it is 77 degrees and sunny? Go to the park, of course!

The "I wish I could climb" Series

The "I can't climb yet, so I will swing" Series

Next time I will get video!

Beach baby

Grace had her first beach experience this week on our last morning in Florida and she seemed to love it! There was no hesitation when her little feet touched the sand or when the waves tickled her legs. She also seemed so much happier in the warm weather when she didn't need shoes, socks, jackets, or long sleeves. I know I am happier that way! Did you notice that the hat stayed on her head the whole time? Now, that is progress.