Cherish the Moment

It is so true what is said about not blinking or you will miss much.  One night as I was putting on your pajamas, you got the giggles.  All Daddy and I had to do was look at you and you would burst into a fit of laughter.  I found myself staring at you, burning the image in my mind.  Drinking in the shape of your little mouth spread wide in laughter, the shade of your pink lips, the glisten of your eyes, your little round cheeks shaking, and that sound. It was one of the most joyous sounds I had ever heard - the sound of a happy baby.  One that knows she is loved and secure.  It was then that your daddy made the comment about loving to have the moment captured on dvd.  And yet, even without the dvd, I will always remember holding your hands while you stood on your changing table in your little footie pajamas looking lovingly at us - so proud of yourself, the sound of your beautiful laughter.  Yes, I will remember it more clearly than if it were burned onto a thousand dvd's.  This laughter that was meant for only us is more precious because my memory carries it always, and it is memories like this that are close to my heart.

I find myself more and more often stopping to quietly watch you because time is passing too quickly.  In the 7 months since you were born, you have gone from a tiny helpless newborn to my inquisitive daughter who is funny, charming, and loving.  Every moment is precious, and I am desperately trying to soak it all in.

Grace at 7 months

Spetembert 13, 2007 - October 13, 2007


Well, Sweet Girl, the theme for this month seems to be the mouth.   Your greatest accomplishment for this month is getting your paci in your mouth all by yourself!  Thank you for that, by the way.  It saves you a lot of heart ache, and me as well!  

You have also discovered new sounds which include baba, dada, and gaga.  I love your little voice.  I could listen to it all the time, and if your incessant babbling is any indication, I will certainly get my wish!  

You have also learned to transfer objects from one hand to the other and lunge for things.  You are still trying your best to crawl, but it still resembles the worm.  You get on all fours, rock, and then lunge with all your might until you reach your goal.  Persistence is the key!  Our greatest lesson this month?  We have to stay on our toes to keep up with the uber-curious wiggle worm that you are!

Hush Little Baby

By the time this picture was taken, you had had your fill of the photo shoot.  I love it though, because it's a glimpse into reality.  A reality that does have a lot of smiles and giggles, but also a reality that has struggles and tears.  Sometimes you cry because you are hungry, sometimes because you are tired, sometimes because you want to be held or snuggled, or because you aren't getting exactly what you want, sometimes because you need a diaper change, and a few times because you have been hurt or scared.

These are the easy tears - these tears I can fix.  It is the tears that I know will inevitably come because your feelings are hurt or your heart is broken that I dread.  I wish I could take all your hurts and fears and pains away from you.  I wish you would never have to feel an ounce of disappointment or uncertainty or waivering confidence.  I know it is inevitable though, so my prayer is that you will only have to feel enough pain and cry just enough tears to help you become compassionate and empathetic.  And in those times, just as the one on the day of the photo shoot, I am your mama, and you are my baby.

Grace at 6 months

August 13, 2007 - September 13, 2007
16 pounds. 

6 months... I can't believe we celebrated your half birthday this month.  Right before my very eyes you have exited the infant stage and entered the baby stage. 

This month, you learned to sit up all by yourself which is such a huge accomplishment.  It means that your little back muscles have gotten very strong.  You are trying to crawl and will get up on fours and rock, but get frustrated when you can't get your arms to work, so you've learned how to move like a worm or roll where you want to go! 

You learned that your toes taste pretty yummy along with fruits and veggies. 

The only food you've tried that you don't like is green peas.  Although, I must say that after tasting them, I don't blame you! 

Your second tooth came in, exactly 2 weeks after the first one.  You now have both front bottom teeth and demonstrated just how well they operate when Daddy let you try a Snickers bar! 

Nothing is safe within reaching distance of those little hands.  We learned this when you pulled my salad onto my lap.  I am mesmerized as I watch them maneuver in new ways each day. 

You, my sweet daughter, amaze me each day as I watch you learn and grow.  And, each day I am amazed at how much I love you.

Grace at 5 months

July 13, 2007 - August 13, 2007

Oh Sweet Grace, how time is flying by!  This month, you have learned so much and amaze us every day.  At 4 months, 1 week, you had your first big girl meal of rice cereal.

You began rolling from your back to your tummy, so as soon as you are laid down at night, you flop like a fish to your belly - your favorite sleeping position.  You now spend most nights sleeping in bed with us since we discovered you sleep better that way!

Those little hands of yours are never still!  Plates, eye glasses and jewelry are all fair game.

The constant drooling and hands in your mouth finally paid off.  You got your first tooth at 4 months, 3 weeks.  It's the bottom left one.

Your newest trick of the month is blowing bubbles.  I especially love getting woken up at 4:00 a.m. or being showered by rice cereal.  Ehhh, small price to pay for the advancement of skills. :)

By far the hardest thing I've encountered yet as your mama was returning to work.  After nearly 5 months of just us at home during the day, I had to return to being a teacher.  I spent several nights before, as well as the morning of, and many other times in tears.  It is gut wrenchingly hard, but I know God has a reason and a plan.

It has been a wonderful 5 months.  I am so lucky to be your mama.

Grace at 4 months

June 13, 2007 - July 13, 2007
13 pounds, 5 ounces.  24 3/4 inches.

You turned 4 months old on Friday the 13th!  It seems as if this month you have realized that there is a great big world that you can't wait to discover.  Your nosiness has multiplied as you don't want to lay down because you are afraid you will miss something!  Your little head is in constant motion trying to take it all in.  Your eyes can now focus across the room and we can see you following us with your curious little eyes.  All that they can see is an opportunity to learn.  You have learned that your hands are a great tool, and you are reaching and grabbing at everything you see.  This month we celebrated Father's Day, your first 4th of July, and the birth of your cousin Ava.

You are a joy and a blessing!

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day on June 17 by going to church, then a cookout at Mimi and Papa's house.