Day 34...

Rainy Monday...

and all three of us woke up this morning not feeling well. I'm just hoping the warm sunshine shows itself tomorrow and that my little one feels better. :) Miss Grace did feel slightly better this evening, after a warm bath. Here she is hanging out before bed...

Day 33...

Where did he go?

This evening, while we were walking Bentley, we came across a little brown frog! He hopped right out in front of us, but quickly returned to the safety of the grass when Bentley started showing interest! Gracie kept looking for him long after he was gone, and shrugged her little shoulders, as if to say, "Where did he go?".

Day 32...

Have a Little Faith...

This morning, my little toddling toddler took a real step of faith. Actually, it was more like a run of faith...As we were walking towards the entrance to our apartment building, she decided to walk away, and without much hesitation, tried to run right off the side of the sidewalk, into the road. Now, it's not a big step, but between the momentum she had going and her lack of balance at times, this was not going to go well. Luckily, I stepped in as those little feet were getting lost under her, and swept her up to safer ground before those tender knees and elbows hit the pavement. What struck me, as we carried her up the steps, was her confidence in taking that step over the edge. She completely went for it, and believed that she would be fine on the other end. That little moment, which lasted maybe 3 seconds, got me thinking about my own faith.

I say I have it, yet I worry, wonder, and fret over everything that doesn't seem "safe". At the end of the day, I know I'm in good hands, and I'm thankful for these little reminders that show themselves at moments that seem so simple, so ordinary. Gracie had faith that she was going to be okay, as she tripped over the side of the curb, and she was. I was right there to catch her. In the same way, I know that there are arms to catch me when I fall, and when things look steep and rocky from where I stand, I just need to let go, and let God. This morning was just a gentle reminder that I've got to have a little Faith.

Day 31...

This evening, we had a great group of friends over for dinner! We had a full house, but I am a strong believer in the saying, "the more, the merrier"! Not only did Sean and I get to catch up with some good friends we just don't get to see often enough, but Gracie got to spend some time with some of her baby friends and cousins! I did a horrible job of taking pictures of the babies together...but here is Gracie with her girlfriend, Gigi, and another with her buddy, Kellen. Her cousins, Austin and Chandler, were also there! It was a great way to start our weekend!

Day 30...

15 months old...

Every month, on the 27th, I stop and take a moment. I take a moment to think about how my beautiful baby girl is yet another month old, and while I revel in all that is new and precious about each month, I also wonder how we got here so quickly. I'm not shocked by time's unwillingness to "pause" for just a moment, or to just simply slow down. I knew it would be this way. After all, we all know time flies when you're having fun, or in this case, when you're soaking in the beauty of each day with your greatest blessing, grasping onto moments that quickly become a paragraph in a journal, or a photograph in an album. While the ticking of the clock does frighten me at times, it also keeps me mindful. Our only choice is to really live in each moment. Time is unforgiving, and we can't go back.

Time has, however, also been my friend. The past 15 months have been the best of my life. I am in awe of this little person that is mine, and am proud of all she has accomplished along the way. I love loving her, teaching her, holding her, watching her change and grow from day to day...

At 15 months old, Gracie is carefree, inquisitive, full of spunk. She loves books, music, and is especially delighted by the presence of animals. She loves chatting on the phone and singing her version of the ABC's in front of the bathroom mirror. She has great dance moves and some really funny facial expressions. She bangs her head on the floor when she is angry and hates being stuck in her car seat. She keeps us on our toes and we love every minute! So, here's to 15 months of pure joy and being "graced" by the presence of a little angel! :)

Day 29...

Early Morning Walk...

Today, we took advantage of the beautiful morning. We got out of the house right after breakfast and took a little walk. We stopped to throw the ball with our dog, Bentley, to pick a flower or two, and to take a few pictures!

Okay, Mom! I've had enough! :)

Day 28...

After her bath this evening, my little princess spent some time running around the house in her "Princess" robe! Check out the crown! :)

Storytime with Daddy.

Day 27...

Pictures at the Park...

Day 26...

Sweet Baby Girl...

Day 25...

Day Trip!

This morning we packed the car with all of our "day trip" necessities and headed to Flat Rock, NC. The day was filled with family, the best meatball subs ever, and babies! Gracie had a great time playing with her cousins, Beckam (6 months) and Austin (11 days). It's hard to believe she is now the "big girl" of the group!

Day 24...

When life gives you lemons...

Well, you might as well enjoy them! Gracie actually really loves lemons, and it's rare that she finds one that makes those little lips pucker! When she's done all the damage she can do, off they go, into the floor!

I love this little dress, even if it is just a little big on her. :)

Day 23...

My little one has not been feeling well today. She didn't sleep well last night, has taken only a very short nap today, and is teething multiple teeth at once. This combination makes for a rough day. We did, however, manage to get to the park early this morning with a friend and her little boy. It was a nice overcast morning, and I think Gracie did enjoy getting some fresh air. This evening, Gracie and Daddy took time to rest, this is what she prefers when she's not feeling well. :) I was still able to catch a smile!

Day 22...

Are these two cute, or what?! We have really enjoyed having Madison here to visit. I know Gracie will miss her...Today, we took a trip back to the Natural Science Center since the girls enjoyed it so much on Monday!

Lunch at Pie Works...haven't eaten there in about 5 years! It used to be a favorite of mine when I lived in Greensboro, during my high school years...ah, memories. :)

Day 21...

We had a nice Tuesday, our last full day with Madison. The girls spent the afternoon building airplanes and a "Kitty Town" with Legos. Well, Madison did most of the building, while her little cousin used some of the pieces to make her achy gums feel better...Then, it was pool time!

Madison and Gracie this morning. :)

Fun in the Sun! :)

I can't resist the ruffle bottom...

Day 20...

Having Fun at the Natural Science Center... :)

Both girls had a lot of fun this afternoon checking out all they have to offer at the Natural Science Center! I think one of the highlights was seeing the beautiful tigers! One of them paced back and forth right in front of the fence, and when I called out, "kitty, kitty, kitty", like we do at home to our own Kitty, it made a few low growling sounds!