So adorable

There is nothing cuter and more endearing then hearing Michael play with Grace...some of the things that he says and laughs with her about are hilarious. The catch is that he is usually a bit shy when anyone else is around so you almost have to be a creeper and listen in on his conversations. When I do this usually means that I am NOT getting done what I am supposed to be doing, like now for instance.

Top 10 things I've learned from Grace

10. SOCKS....who needs them?
9. Outfit changes are really just another form of a fashion show.
8. Daddy's girls really do exist, I am one and so is Grace.
7. Rattles really are entertaining.
6. Poop...need I say more
5. Hand holding (more like finger holding) is fabulous
4. I'll do anything for a laugh!
3. Messes are fun...especially when it involves #9
2. Shrill high pitched screams CAN be hilarious.
1. A smile or laugh can make your day!

When Dad's away

Michael left Saturday am to go on a two week trip to France. It was a wonderful opportunity as the trip was almost all paid for by Akron University. At the same time...ugh, I get to play single mom while he is gone.

But that is ok, I have decided to make good use of my time while he is gone. Which means I get to do a project! I am working on the basement. It has not been of use since we moved in 2 years ago and soon it will become (think big booming announcer voice) "THE MAN CAVE." A place to send the men (and maybe children) so it can be quiet and serene in the rest of the house! So in two days my father and I have removed tile, demolished some shelves and made a fabulous mess! I can't wait to surprise Michael when he comes home from his trip to find a renovated basement with a fabulous new television and couch to complete his "MAN CAVE." That is if I survive the next few days!

Being your Dad

Gracie oh Gracie how you've changed my life! I sit here thinking about what my life was like a year ago today... rushing around for Prom and Graduation, working on my masters... and how that compares to today.
While I'm still senior class advisor and taking post-grad classes there is nothing that holds a torch to my commitment to you. You are what I think about as I wake, go through my day, and as I drift off to sleep.

You came into our live approximately 90 days ago and how you've changed me. I've never known how much I could love someone who can't even speak, but surely can smile and squeak! There's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for you. You're with me everyday even when I'm away at work. Your my screen saver and all of my students love to see the new pictures of you as you grow.

You also need to know how hard your Mommy works. She's up at all hours of the day working so very hard to feed, bathe, hold, and comfort you. We love you so very much!

90 DAYS

Dear Grace,

Ninety days ago, I was given the most precious joy in the world, YOU. I got to see you and hold you for the first time. I cannot believe how quickly these 3 months have gone by.
You have gotten so big and grown so much in these past months. You can hold your own head up and love to be on your belly so you can show off. When Daddy and I put you on your belly you giggle and coo. You talk in almost any position though. But your belly is a favorite. You like to be independent and get irritated when Daddy holds you too much. You want to be free to kick and throw your arms around.
There is really not anything that I would not do for you, and I enjoy each and every minute of the day that I get to spend with you. I look forward to your smile that spreads across your face when I wake you up or before I pick you up from your crib. And the smile that comes right before you drift off to sleep. It is one of the best parts of my day.
My precious little girl, I love you very much, more than I ever thought I would or even could. I am so very deeply in love with you!

Yours Truly,
Mom

Sleepy BABY!

It has been a quick 10 weeks! Miss Gracie is finally packing on some weight and we are starting to see those adorable baby fat rolls that are ONLY cute on babies! In fact she has gotten so long we had to transition her out of the pack n play and into her crib! I think the transition was more for Mom and Dad rather than her, it didn't seem to phase her one bit.

We are so grateful for her sleeping habits! She is sleeping through the night and takes multiple naps each day. In fact, I just snuck in and took this picture of her! This is usually how she ends up sleeping. But she will sleep anywhere! She slept through Uncle Josh's entire wedding! And most of the reception.

But sometimes the little stinker does not want to sleep and when Mommy goes into check on her, Grace's eyes POP open and the smile instantly shines. . It is amazing how quickly she is growing. The first and last pictures in this post are only 10 days apart!

Growing Big

Grace spent 8 days with Mom and Gi-Gi in Florida. She loved to watch the palm trees sway in the wind and listen to the bird chirp. As a traveler is is fabulous, she likes to watch people and when the plane gets too noisy she shuts her eyes and falls fast asleep.

She has FINALLY begun to grow and at 9 weeks she weighed 9.5 pounds. She put on a pound and a half in one week after we began to give her formula after each feeding. So this means she is finally beginning to grow out of her newborn sized clothes and we can try out lots of other new outfits and looks!