tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7818377432756359322024-02-18T20:56:53.892-08:00The Sara AdventureSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-48517400190448999822012-01-21T10:28:00.000-08:002012-01-21T10:30:23.610-08:00Dear Grace- 16 monthsDear Grace, you are 16 months old! You are so big! I wanted to document some of the words you know:<br />
<ol>
<li>Momma</li>
<li>Dadda</li>
<li>Hi</li>
<li> Bye</li>
<li>okay</li>
<li>yeah</li>
<li>no </li>
<li>dog (your favorite), and also you say "ruff"</li>
<li>duck </li>
<li>milk</li>
<li>ball</li>
<li>book </li>
<li>fan (well, I think you say it, and I know you do the sign) </li>
<li>all done</li>
<li>moe (which means juice)</li>
<li>nose</li>
<li>eye</li>
<li>ear</li>
<li>bonk (referring to your head)</li>
<li>choo (when someone sneezes)</li>
<li>tickle</li>
</ol>
There are probably more, but there are some of the most popular ones. I love you, Gracie, you are wonderful. <br />
<br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-80113471721894089152011-09-08T12:56:00.000-07:002011-09-08T12:56:19.325-07:00Dear Grace- 1 year!<div style="text-align: right;">
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Dear Grace, you turned one this week! I can't believe it! We had a party for you and lots of our friends came to celebrate. I made you carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and you ate mostly the frosting- smart girl.<br />
<br />
Every time I turn around you are up to something new. Today you stood in the chair and yelled at a lady passing by. She stopped turned around, and looked all over to see where it was coming from. I just laughed and laughed as she walked away confused.<br />
<br />
A couple days ago you crawled right past me and up the steps. You were up 3 of them before I could get to you! I wish you were slightly afraid of hurting yourself. You've been pulling up on everything and climbing whatever you can find.<br />
<br />
<br />
Autumn is such a fantastic season here in Chicago. The breeze blows in your hair and you love it. It's been a bit cool so I got some socks out for you. They are too small. I guess you've grown a lot this summer! I'll have to get you new ones.<br />
<br />
Well, I hear you waking up from your nap. I love you little one! xoxo<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Momma Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-78473844970549695952011-07-28T15:16:00.000-07:002011-07-28T16:00:47.259-07:00When they said time flies...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkYC1_0Fi4tT7rmDcZgDwguLrjoDrY0hfJn7vx9Johgb1X7rSuF4WZ2w3QSVk7xi8jwxkdP0-OVVGa3kTWolAhQFv72NOi0fst0koRp3JP_GOK50AdcMDymJy6quEHdKScH3ScXnnYPE/s1600/grace-37.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkYC1_0Fi4tT7rmDcZgDwguLrjoDrY0hfJn7vx9Johgb1X7rSuF4WZ2w3QSVk7xi8jwxkdP0-OVVGa3kTWolAhQFv72NOi0fst0koRp3JP_GOK50AdcMDymJy6quEHdKScH3ScXnnYPE/s320/grace-37.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634534350310673090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YojhQPhBzIBkJI0D9pv2pdmRh9GzOrH2BI5IEf_kkOPd82BAEnqE6eFVdLZ8h7UeujEcTDpk2vvpdo6hNP52ETaQDdx5E4P5UrY-7l0keSFb5MZIuHgjACsmMaIPkMn07Y_PxDemCYE/s1600/DSCN3330.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YojhQPhBzIBkJI0D9pv2pdmRh9GzOrH2BI5IEf_kkOPd82BAEnqE6eFVdLZ8h7UeujEcTDpk2vvpdo6hNP52ETaQDdx5E4P5UrY-7l0keSFb5MZIuHgjACsmMaIPkMn07Y_PxDemCYE/s320/DSCN3330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634536246152824674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafVArX362aQD2wzIzeF7Y2211Vj3hqBBkEQujas4fPmRTZn7pRsgLWWMhLtrEmgnovmUBsZYUhWr-O7_S7F0FEW8jQ5nZaS5kn0RdxU2N80HkrW-5GL2N98-edJdi-IrKBDPy1ohn3U4/s1600/DSCN3361.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafVArX362aQD2wzIzeF7Y2211Vj3hqBBkEQujas4fPmRTZn7pRsgLWWMhLtrEmgnovmUBsZYUhWr-O7_S7F0FEW8jQ5nZaS5kn0RdxU2N80HkrW-5GL2N98-edJdi-IrKBDPy1ohn3U4/s320/DSCN3361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634535401978046242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... they weren't kidding.<br /><br />Dear Gracie Leigh,<br /><br />It's important for you to know that the reason I have not written you a letter in a few months is not because I don't care or I forgot. It's because you keep me busy. I have been spending my days with you, and nights wiped out on the couch with your daddy. Nothing could have prepared me for how fast you grow and change. I really just can't believe it. You are hardly a baby... you're really more of a little girl.<br /><br />Well, I think May, June, and July have pretty much gone by since I wrote you a letter. So, let's see. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit in May. We went downtown and took the architecture tour. You were able to sport you yellow hat. We went to see Nana and Papaw in June. You stayed with them for two whole days while Daddy and I went camping. Everyone had a great time. You got to swim in a baby pool, and we got you an outdoor swing to keep at their house. It was a nice visit, and we got some pictures taken.<br /><br />You are crawling. Not a little, but a lot! In two months you went from hardly rolling over to taking off crawling across the room! You are pretty fearless and try to eat a lot of things you find on the floor. You like to play peek-a-boo (both as the hider and the peeker). I've started calling you "Little Boo" because of how much you enjoy the game! You also love to go to the park. There are some water fountains at Mayfair Park and we run through them together. You love to reach out and touch the water. You also really like to watch the other kids playing. <br /><br />You pretty much eat what we eat. You like all kinds of things. We've been eating a lot of fruit since summer is the perfect time for that. I think watermelon might be your favorite. You also like strawberries, blueberries, and pears. You can feed yourself, and you've been learning to use your new teeth. I think you have 5 right now. I know you can use them to bite me! We have been trying to teach you that biting isn't good.<br /><br />You say "momma" and "dada." You can do the sign language for "milk" and "fan." You point at things you want and don't hesitate to tell us when you are not getting what you want. You also say "hey" and sometimes you wave. Your mouth rarely stops going. I think when you learn to talk you will do so all the time. You definitely have a lot to say. I can't wait to hear all about it.<br /><br />One of my favorite things to do is get kisses from you. Your smiles are the best, and I'll do anything to make you laugh. In general, if you get enough sleep, and your teeth aren't too painful, you are a happy baby. I very happy little girl.<br /><br />I hum songs as you fall asleep in my arms every night. It's pretty much the best part of my day. I love watching you grow up. It's amazing. It makes me feel so small. It makes me feel like time really does fly. Sometimes I want to freeze you right where you are and keep you a 10 month old forever.<br /><br />I love you, Gracie.<br /><br />Love,<br />MommaSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-70688320434073938162011-05-06T17:04:00.000-07:002011-05-08T17:46:29.483-07:00Dear Grace- 8 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJE_6DK_7TAlbWgRRNfHjjn9i4g3DeWerlK8-3iUtp3m0LWfHR0-gRA4Wa5XsecxAGRQlNFiCNTXuhI9locw7T-_aBeoULPry6XrLLIFin2Z19QAenP6vdpqHgDK2CUiErn60n1w7J2I/s1600/DSCN3247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJE_6DK_7TAlbWgRRNfHjjn9i4g3DeWerlK8-3iUtp3m0LWfHR0-gRA4Wa5XsecxAGRQlNFiCNTXuhI9locw7T-_aBeoULPry6XrLLIFin2Z19QAenP6vdpqHgDK2CUiErn60n1w7J2I/s320/DSCN3247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604509976016573506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzvMJX-BIiPE91iz_qucD3GxIpekBa4bX7lBG8PTpPrtd4sO_2lPpZ8INum920lmrIlKP-3Ir-CgTwDnolu_q1YDE8gU-huPIrJaWBMwtOwANqIkrh280r7cMna8K_IfL168f-pwVqCs/s1600/DSCN3222.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzvMJX-BIiPE91iz_qucD3GxIpekBa4bX7lBG8PTpPrtd4sO_2lPpZ8INum920lmrIlKP-3Ir-CgTwDnolu_q1YDE8gU-huPIrJaWBMwtOwANqIkrh280r7cMna8K_IfL168f-pwVqCs/s200/DSCN3222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604508864709606002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF1CQmcBETWvOJKESEst49fBeUn0xxPCSBeZ2Es185mQKCl61je7O_QPVb7KoOkBAk0CygVnbU_tAhmGwQMCF-dUhhEHG9LSdDDQcSQb8wC_auO7eEBNYq3bovn8JewAxEuABlPS0Bg4/s1600/DSCN3240.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF1CQmcBETWvOJKESEst49fBeUn0xxPCSBeZ2Es185mQKCl61je7O_QPVb7KoOkBAk0CygVnbU_tAhmGwQMCF-dUhhEHG9LSdDDQcSQb8wC_auO7eEBNYq3bovn8JewAxEuABlPS0Bg4/s200/DSCN3240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604508329262834178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgNeTL175ucYJhpkh2mjlPUwBHgW9EWExExvr1t7lhJBa64Ttm0DNGtBm2mpvb0cK6FL-gHpAqgP0b7x4Sk4BvTUUdywP5gtLuc26PB0lnVXqEgcatkm09YsFc6v_hPIX8XSCnhuo140/s1600/DSCN3221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgNeTL175ucYJhpkh2mjlPUwBHgW9EWExExvr1t7lhJBa64Ttm0DNGtBm2mpvb0cK6FL-gHpAqgP0b7x4Sk4BvTUUdywP5gtLuc26PB0lnVXqEgcatkm09YsFc6v_hPIX8XSCnhuo140/s200/DSCN3221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604503864134971282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AugrvrZ3dRyi_Dr0C0AKz-2WAwjafO9BlgDQPhcqsYoRhtHXrXHr_EeIVO7fjBvyak4LtWKATfPTU9DZg4YihsYY7MwX4DOc4gHgWxiHru3qqVQQMD2M-WkonZHv8RJOlRxgJqj-JsE/s1600/DSCN3252.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AugrvrZ3dRyi_Dr0C0AKz-2WAwjafO9BlgDQPhcqsYoRhtHXrXHr_EeIVO7fjBvyak4LtWKATfPTU9DZg4YihsYY7MwX4DOc4gHgWxiHru3qqVQQMD2M-WkonZHv8RJOlRxgJqj-JsE/s200/DSCN3252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604497187378541746" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Grace,<br /><br />You have a mind of your own. I can't believe how often you decide on something and then make sure we know about it. Sometimes you will just scream until I hold you. No one else. You want me. Sometimes you don't want to eat. You push your lips together and growl! You don't say any words, but you have a language of your own.<br /><br />You have been teething. Bad. Your two bottom teeth, first the right then the left, just popped through in the last couple weeks. It's been getting us up in the middle of the night, and making you refuse food. It's been tiring for all involved. I can't believe you have those cute little teethies poking through. You've been trying to chew, so now you actually have some tools!<br /><br />You've started scooting backward. You also have been rolling over one direction or the other about once a day or every other day. You're not really into it, but every now and then you flop over. You, a now expert sitter, have also been going from sitting to on your belly. I'm not so sure you do it on purpose though... I think you might just be testing your boundaries, and then fall forward. ha ha.<br /><br />Your hair keeps getting blonder and blonder. It's beautiful! In the sun it looks like shades of gold. I like to put a little bow in it. It's long and in your eyes again, but I don't want to cut it. I think I will just pin it back.<br /><br />Well, I love you more than you will ever know. You bring delight and entertainment to all of my days. I miss you when you are asleep. I pretty much kiss you and cuddle you all the time... and if I'm not kissin and cuddlin, you can be pretty sure your daddy is.<br /><br />xoxo,<br />MommaSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-25613206752533987332011-04-06T11:22:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:31:11.350-07:00Dear Grace- 7 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIXd-tDdWhQIHsoTqX1cL5idvVucwiFCYm5N6Yea_m6ao-JIOYjxQ2dLeD5CwQxuwS7S5Xg_apWe43oPy2M0CcfLQ2dlefLfdqHJ_W2gMpo144-THJAWLnXbvnFIxSg5NXS1TQEJOmTQ/s1600/DSCN2739-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIXd-tDdWhQIHsoTqX1cL5idvVucwiFCYm5N6Yea_m6ao-JIOYjxQ2dLeD5CwQxuwS7S5Xg_apWe43oPy2M0CcfLQ2dlefLfdqHJ_W2gMpo144-THJAWLnXbvnFIxSg5NXS1TQEJOmTQ/s320/DSCN2739-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592840139889790658" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Gracie poo,<br /><br />I love you. You are a complete person... a very small one... but whole nonetheless. When you look at me and smile it evokes all kinds of emotion. There is the cute factor- the fact that I can't help but smile back. I tell you you are beautiful like 100 times a day. There is love- the kind I choose and the kind I can't help. From the day you were born I loved you. The more I get to know you the more I love you.<br /><br />You started giving me hugs and kisses the last few weeks. The first time you laid your little head on my chest and held on tight, tears swelled in my eyes. It was as if you were telling me "I know I am loved and safe." I can read about attachment theory all day, but I never knew how it felt to be attached until now. I would try to explain it, but I really can't. All I know is we have a bond that can't be broken.<br /><br />Sometimes you open your mouth and slobber all over my face. I call it a kiss. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">C'mon</span>, give me a break, I'll take what I can get. We both love it, and that's all that matters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-bgDb4MELba_zGK-wahccl7yzpaRsQd_5E3K16wL65tqB2nF0Yk_iGa968btKuK8-HHjMGajOBf_myPbY4_1t5PfZgBnCet1YwGppXtGHCO21CYG3N5vIudvOrE9UbpJanKZxRCmUxk/s1600/DSCN2692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-bgDb4MELba_zGK-wahccl7yzpaRsQd_5E3K16wL65tqB2nF0Yk_iGa968btKuK8-HHjMGajOBf_myPbY4_1t5PfZgBnCet1YwGppXtGHCO21CYG3N5vIudvOrE9UbpJanKZxRCmUxk/s320/DSCN2692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592839542088396866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We went to the pediatrician on April 4th and you are one long skinny baby! You were:<br /><br />16lbs 10oz<br />27 and 7/8s inches long<br /><br />You can sit up for long periods of time, but sometimes you get tired and don't know how to lay down. You eat 2-3 meals a day. You love bananas, just like me! We started giving you a little water in a sippie cup, and so far you just think it's a toy. I had to give your bangs a little trim because they were poking you in the eyes. You like for me to hold you a lot, especially when you get sleepy. Sometimes you just want your mommy, and that's okay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1rqoeFxE8GhbCVWAMU1Xvo0uxM5XnBxBDFX3wzLKsNimbWIGaF-UxUWXT8G-NZez3Unztw90TZJ0AIURsYHIEYMhbTae8itI_KTGBQek4QTlxB0p3g2QLI7_AQUlCkSILrnZg47s5uo/s1600/DSCN3208.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1rqoeFxE8GhbCVWAMU1Xvo0uxM5XnBxBDFX3wzLKsNimbWIGaF-UxUWXT8G-NZez3Unztw90TZJ0AIURsYHIEYMhbTae8itI_KTGBQek4QTlxB0p3g2QLI7_AQUlCkSILrnZg47s5uo/s320/DSCN3208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592639485938853954" border="0" /></a><br />You love toys that make noise! You have a train that makes "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">choo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">choo</span>" noises and even a cell phone that talks to you. You love it when I hide and then pop up and say "boo!" We both enjoy sucking on your little toes after your bath. We've been reading lots of books and you think it's funny to watch me read. I've been trying to teach you some words and some sign language. I think you've been trying to say "momma" and "bottle." Every night when I give you a bath I show you the soap and say "bottle." You've started to say "ba" when you get in the tub. Maybe you are trying to say "bath"... I suppose time will tell!<br /><br />We go on long walks every day. Daddy carries you in the carrier and you look around. Sometimes you talk and talk- to the traffic, to the trees, to yourself... who knows. Sometimes you take a little nap. We can't wait until it gets warmer and you don't need so many layers of clothes! When the breeze is warm you kick with excitement, and when it is cold you groan.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now. You are growing so fast, I probably left something out! We love you more than you will ever know. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">xo</span>!<br /><br />Love<br />MommaSarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-42298131673217067932011-03-26T13:05:00.000-07:002011-03-29T16:25:46.834-07:00A Poem: She's My Baby, Grace!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">She's My Baby, Grace!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">By: Sara Boyle</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Who has ticklish toes,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And a little round nose,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Big brown eyes,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And chunky thighs?</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She’s got a smile on her face,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She’s my baby, Grace!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She can babble and coo,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">But what else can she do?</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She can play with a toy,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And laugh for joy.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She can stand up tall,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even though she is small.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She’ll give you a kiss, with her mouth open wide</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And laugh at peek-a-boo, when you try to hide.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She keeps getting stronger, </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And I know before much longer,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She’ll be learning to talk,</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And learning to walk.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She holds my heart in her hand, </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I think you understand.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m so proud every day.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I love her in every way.</span></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-20512393649958899202011-03-25T12:01:00.000-07:002011-03-25T14:26:34.950-07:00Chocolate Chip Oatmeal MuffinsDo you like Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies?<br /><br />Then you are gross. Seriously, I pretty much hate any cookie with "oatmeal" in the name. I don't care what else you put in it or if it is your Grandma's secret recipe. Ick.<br /><br />However, I LOVE oats in my muffins! It was a life changing experience when I started baking with whole wheat flour and oats. This recipe vaguley resembles the original, so I won't bore you with what it looked like before. Here is my version:<br /><br />1/2 C butter<br />3/4 C brown sugar (packed or course)<br />1 egg<br />3/4 C apple sauce<br />a little oil... like maybe 1/8- 1/4 C<br />a little vanilla... maybe 1 teaspoon<br />1/2 C re'glar flour<br />1/2 C whole wheat flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1 C oats<br />1 C or so chocolate chips<br />1 C or so of walnuts (or pecans!)- no need to chop if they are already in halves<br /><br />Preheat to 350 degrees. You know the drill- cream together the sugar and butter. Add the egg, applesauce, oil, and vanilla. Mix the dry ingredients separate- the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oats, chocolate chips, and nuts. A little at a time mix the dry into the wet- it will all be a bit lumpy. Bake in greased cupcake tin or use cups (I like the cups because I freeze them and they seem to maintain their shape better that way) for 25 minutes- use the toothpick test if they don't look quite done.<br /><br />There you have it. I love them and so does Alan.<br /><br />I doubled the recipe and it made about 2 baker's dozen. Fill the cups pretty much to the top- they don't rise much at all.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-90462780362483214352011-03-10T12:23:00.000-08:002011-05-06T17:04:16.389-07:00Dear Grace- 6 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuy3l51enXmXn3-T5AMjK8EAUHhwk_izOF1WQMbS6GprjSP7NqwdPzNX2bil_pM1F-Ar_Wair2f8d_FoPwV2PkWGYs1VMcdp2jEdUH2EvzbbvIVZGkw5Y01rdZ-Wzy97OjcKZdZhX1Rk/s1600/DSCN3190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuy3l51enXmXn3-T5AMjK8EAUHhwk_izOF1WQMbS6GprjSP7NqwdPzNX2bil_pM1F-Ar_Wair2f8d_FoPwV2PkWGYs1VMcdp2jEdUH2EvzbbvIVZGkw5Y01rdZ-Wzy97OjcKZdZhX1Rk/s320/DSCN3190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582579248395596130" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Gracie,<br /><br />I am almost a week late on writing this because we have been busy!<br /><br />You've been learning a lot this month. You're getting very good at sitting up, and we've been practicing a lot. I think you'll like it more as you get stronger. I love the look on your face, because you seem so proud! Here you are on the bed sitting up on your own:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOdZvIiRr1eSjpgtQcOp3quoVO0f1xjTQ4Nhj3hvqqjBmJJZoxW8zwG_nkF_pt0rob924467swGxJw7ovV3v8NKQ314YPuR7i5987MjTuXzObedc0aNB4FGvGxYAETYk7dMkG4lh5XeQ/s1600/DSCN3178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOdZvIiRr1eSjpgtQcOp3quoVO0f1xjTQ4Nhj3hvqqjBmJJZoxW8zwG_nkF_pt0rob924467swGxJw7ovV3v8NKQ314YPuR7i5987MjTuXzObedc0aNB4FGvGxYAETYk7dMkG4lh5XeQ/s320/DSCN3178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582580408047049922" border="0" /></a>A huge first this month was starting solid foods! About a week before you turned 6 months old we offered you a little cereal, and you loved it! Then a few days ago you tried bananas, and today avocado! You don't get much since you are still nursing most of the time, but you like to try new foods. I just got tired of you trying to steal things off my plate! Here you are licking the bowl:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu2flPzOVOgdMH_na9qu3fPw4qK7CUs-XNyt2cHtNdK6U0XNtKZId7Fork4EYN3TOV1MbsCKtQanvO0VGoHPl82x0XSB2zYP3fc1E0F8lfa0h_eS4WvBKwBwhWsBycYXplaxmDV_lA2M/s1600/IMAG0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu2flPzOVOgdMH_na9qu3fPw4qK7CUs-XNyt2cHtNdK6U0XNtKZId7Fork4EYN3TOV1MbsCKtQanvO0VGoHPl82x0XSB2zYP3fc1E0F8lfa0h_eS4WvBKwBwhWsBycYXplaxmDV_lA2M/s320/IMAG0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582580738595257298" border="0" /></a><br />You have been trying to copy me lately. It seems you want to do everything we do! You make chewing motions when you watch me chew, you stick your tongue out when I stick mine out at you, and you even try to mimic words. I swear you almost said banana! You love to play games. You stick your hand out so I will pretend to eat it, or sometimes you stare at me waiting for me to look at you... then you smile : )<br /><br />Nana sent you a walker and you are almost big enough for it. You can make it a couple feet, but it takes you a while because your toes barely touch the ground. You love to sit in it and talk and look around. Most of the time you are just as happy as can be.<br /><br />We haven't been to the Dr yet, but our scale at home says you weigh a little over 16 pounds! Sounds like a lot to me, but you are right on track. I just can't believe how fast you grow! Even though you have made physical strides this month, I think the most impressive is your communication. You reach for things you want, hold your arms out so I'll pick you up, and make chewing motions when you are hungry. You know how to tell me what you need, and it is so much fun.<br /><br />We had a million wonderful memories this month- smiles, laughs, and jabbering. One time you fell over while sitting up, this scared you, and you began to cry. I picked you up, held you close, and kissed your little tears. In no time you were ready to play again. This sounds like a bad memory, but the joy of comforting you makes it a wonderful one.<br /><br />We love you!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-69576956075461039812011-02-21T16:32:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:48:56.215-08:00CerealAs I watched Grace's eyes flutter closed, I smiled and thought back to how itty bitty she was just a few months ago. I cradled her in my arms and watched her lips pucker and her hands twitch. She is the image of comfort and contentment. I kissed her forehead and thought about all the neurons zapping through her brain connecting ideas and words; it must be working overtime to catalog all that she is learning. As I stood over her crib and watched her sleep for just a few moments, I realized that life is short and children grow very quickly. <br /><br />I have spent about the last 15 months nourishing Grace's developing body. I was the only food she needed. Now, as she quickly nears her 6 month birthday, she desires more. I am a bit sad as I mourn the loss of this exclusive relationship, but at the same time over joyed for her health and growth! Today I mixed up a couple tablespoons of baby cereal to see what Grace might think of the idea of eating. She scarfed it down in excitement. I couldn't believe it! After watching me use a spoon for months, and even trying to get food out of my bowl of off of my plate, she knew what it meant to eat. She chewed it up and swallowed it, and now I have to swallow the fact that she is ready for food.<br /><br />So as I turned out the light and closed the door I said a prayer for us both. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have a child, a healthy child, and be able to watch and help her grow. I asked Him to comfort her as she meets challenges- big and small- and to comfort me as she meets them as well.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-14763713873472043112011-02-07T14:45:00.001-08:002011-02-07T15:31:34.414-08:00"When you dream"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7aous21yh8RyWp2zUmwqmBQfycOhNmnERo2MKW_NUgpI-s0-__pTdXJY-lYZQ8K6cWRGFhdNEkTHlOJhcASGu88UxhNPmZQLzFWiZawOuDIgnGsgGbC0fKDOjQXVebvVEpXUvr2Nax4/s1600/DSCN3025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7aous21yh8RyWp2zUmwqmBQfycOhNmnERo2MKW_NUgpI-s0-__pTdXJY-lYZQ8K6cWRGFhdNEkTHlOJhcASGu88UxhNPmZQLzFWiZawOuDIgnGsgGbC0fKDOjQXVebvVEpXUvr2Nax4/s320/DSCN3025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571083309618270498" border="0" /></a><br />These are the lyrics to a song called "when you dream" by the Barenaked Ladies. I love this song, and it's something I think parents of babies ponder. Just wanted to share : )<br /><br />With life just begun, my sleeping new son<br />has eyes that roll back in his head<br />They flutter and dart, he slows down his heart<br />and pictures a world past his bed<br />It's hard to believe<br />As I watch you breathe<br />Your mind drifts and weaves<br /><br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?<br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?<br />Do you dream about<br />music or mathematics<br />or planets too far for the eye?<br />Do you dream about<br />Jesus or quantum mechanics<br />or angels who sing lullabies?<br /><br />His fontanelle pulses with lives that he's lived<br />With memories he'll learn to ignore<br />And when it is closed, he already knows<br />he's forgotten all he knew before<br />But when sleep sets in<br />history begins<br />But the future will win<br /><br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?<br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?<br />Are they colour or black and white,<br />Yiddish or English<br />or languages not yet conceived?<br />Are they silent or boisterous?<br />Do you hear noises just<br />loud enough to be perceived?<br />Do you hear Del Shannon's "Runaway" playing<br />on transistor radio waves?<br />With so little experience,<br />your mind not yet cognizant<br />Are you wise beyond your few days?<br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?<br />When you dream,<br />what do you dream about?Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-90632578474793573252011-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:002011-02-07T11:12:17.905-08:00Dear Grace- 5 monthsI wrote this yesterday, but didn't get around to posting it until today... I'm sure it's because I was too busy playing with my sweet baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtTJxsA9zcvx1GPuTXU_a4abj5OBsPsDX6nux4fxG7AxyNvi3ivt3NgQhyphenhyphenuWx7KzQCyiKw2ei9uElws57AbJyH5_sFH5H3YnUvpRok_2fnO65Jj1aUGjrB_vuN1qedbcCWIwe0hejcyo/s1600/DSCN3037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtTJxsA9zcvx1GPuTXU_a4abj5OBsPsDX6nux4fxG7AxyNvi3ivt3NgQhyphenhyphenuWx7KzQCyiKw2ei9uElws57AbJyH5_sFH5H3YnUvpRok_2fnO65Jj1aUGjrB_vuN1qedbcCWIwe0hejcyo/s320/DSCN3037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570687372035980578" border="0" /></a><br />Dearest Gracie Leigh,<br /><br />You turned 5 months old yesterday! You are 22 weeks today. Every day you amaze me. You learn constantly... it's amazing to watch you discover the world for the first time. You notice everything it seems. You stare at the shadows moving along the wall, jump when I blow my nose, and laugh when I make a funny face. You sure don't miss much. You know when momma and daddy aren't near, and this upsets you. You know that when you are hungry and I walk through the door that your problems are solved. You greet each day (too early- at about 7am) with a smile! You are happy most of the time, but know how to tell us what you want.<br /><br />Your father has taught you how to suck on his nose. It really grosses me out, and now you think it's okay to do it to me as well! I try to bump noses with you or give you eskimo kisses and you chomp and drool all over my nose!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt3WhQ1pFRIoxUnUiRPJiGeJPOOWClo-cR5VFmi3WwkNsBQ__CiDR3yDz1yXbyC4FQ8ygGTNh35Pe3ega7OXZDqZc1pw55_O8_ABbvE-KLWIvI7ZWq-cbaQjpvru5NZl-VuthwyJGYqQ/s1600/DSCN3024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt3WhQ1pFRIoxUnUiRPJiGeJPOOWClo-cR5VFmi3WwkNsBQ__CiDR3yDz1yXbyC4FQ8ygGTNh35Pe3ega7OXZDqZc1pw55_O8_ABbvE-KLWIvI7ZWq-cbaQjpvru5NZl-VuthwyJGYqQ/s200/DSCN3024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570695549599751058" border="0" /></a>You are big enough for your jumperoo now and you're into all the little things you can touch and push. You just discovered how to turn around in it this week. You love to stand, but you're still not interested in rolling over. It's not that you aren't strong enough, because you are. I think you might just decide to crawl first! You like to tell me stories and wait for my response. You laugh a lot, but only when you want to. Sometimes I can't do anything to get you to smile, and sometimes all I have to do is look at you. You have a mind of your own for sure. We often understand each other, and I'm starting to wonder if you know what I'm saying some times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgCrPoHgIxXRP_m2mjyZlI7gk6dpZLmodZKs-jMXyqLO16dVGJLyDqZ-l8xFvq8lKy6IUbA4atGmYGGGuVuFk7qT2tAxksn6ZDhYX5zyV688CGAZvLcYfeEHAzrtrr-ucGu7bP6LDco8/s1600/DSCN3000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgCrPoHgIxXRP_m2mjyZlI7gk6dpZLmodZKs-jMXyqLO16dVGJLyDqZ-l8xFvq8lKy6IUbA4atGmYGGGuVuFk7qT2tAxksn6ZDhYX5zyV688CGAZvLcYfeEHAzrtrr-ucGu7bP6LDco8/s200/DSCN3000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571027198141511666" border="0" /></a>Last week we got a huge snow storm- about 20 inches. I can't wait until you want to play in the snow with me. This year you had to just look from the window. You've made lots of new friends this month, which you find fun. Everyone loves you and you seem to love them, too. I started classes and once a week daddy puts you to bed. You are crazy about your daddy.<br /><br />Well, I guess that's all for now. Time just moves by so fast, it's hard to believe. We have a great life together- the three of us. We are so blessed to have each other, and we're so glad you're our daughter.<br /><br />Love,<br />Momma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJQ2FT7jwwXaERzQ05Dkr39lqg_Yt6SLqy4gNaZR-C-ETZiIfxSb2_b9rnQFAUrNoF57UqUSQ-IQHQXZvqmdGTBmtnFMhSwmX2-e9VvbAZJnh9cDIm0jByHvWhgvcZrFeXK5ku6aWqy8/s1600/DSCN3058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJQ2FT7jwwXaERzQ05Dkr39lqg_Yt6SLqy4gNaZR-C-ETZiIfxSb2_b9rnQFAUrNoF57UqUSQ-IQHQXZvqmdGTBmtnFMhSwmX2-e9VvbAZJnh9cDIm0jByHvWhgvcZrFeXK5ku6aWqy8/s320/DSCN3058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571025584424792882" border="0" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-40415474373524308322011-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:002011-01-05T11:20:22.566-08:00Dear Grace- 4 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-6LsDFMceMVh1n9izxSjRbLWQA4Jjw5WMZ0mZ1yIUrYZcJeP9TQnBixeC3X-xadqqyDlgcqd_16TlsjRRr_RZQKYu_HwiERsr-3xoD76fYvuyGPnHDYrs92EeVZHx_lEwR6rsO-tTTU/s1600/DSCN2970.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-6LsDFMceMVh1n9izxSjRbLWQA4Jjw5WMZ0mZ1yIUrYZcJeP9TQnBixeC3X-xadqqyDlgcqd_16TlsjRRr_RZQKYu_HwiERsr-3xoD76fYvuyGPnHDYrs92EeVZHx_lEwR6rsO-tTTU/s320/DSCN2970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558773639473277058" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Gracie Leigh,<br /><br />Happy 4 month birthday! You are asleep right now. So sweet and so peaceful. I stopped swaddling your legs about a week ago, and you seem to like it. Yesterday you went to the Dr and she said you look very good! You are right on track in every way- it's such a blessing to hear you are healthy.<br /><br />As of January 5th you<br />Weigh 13lbs 11oz<br />Are 24.5 in long<br /><br />You are actually long and slim looking... don't know where you got that from! For Christmas we went to Louisville and to Murfreesboro, and you were able to spend time with all four grandparents. Not many kids get to do that! Everyone loves you so much and it was nice that you got to know your family a little better.<br /><br />Some new skills you've been working on: Standing. Oh boy do you love to stand! Of course we have to hold you under the arms, but you can put weight on your legs for several minutes. You love to look around at everything and are enjoying the new perspective. Instead of rolling over you have improved your balance so that you catch yourself before you tumple over. I'm not sure why, but you are just not interested in rolling over! Lately you have enjoyed bath time. What a great day it was for you when you discovered splashing. Now mommy gets a shower when you get a bath : ) Let's see, what else... you are now sleeping through the night except for waking once. I would say you sleep about 17 hours a day on average.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiXCiCQ4qVtgy90OzPtU3bk9pOaHWEjHWm9qp2nJOaIT3MP-CaLdOjPUklyQB1Z99H8UcoCWdFW67lEDfReJnljgI3OlAEYgKVVrV5xqLXVnyNDHueVD3hbB-H3FP8N7KmkNz_SZHnzo/s1600/DSCN2938.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiXCiCQ4qVtgy90OzPtU3bk9pOaHWEjHWm9qp2nJOaIT3MP-CaLdOjPUklyQB1Z99H8UcoCWdFW67lEDfReJnljgI3OlAEYgKVVrV5xqLXVnyNDHueVD3hbB-H3FP8N7KmkNz_SZHnzo/s320/DSCN2938.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558773035686758882" border="0" /></a><br />You love to squeal and scream and make long "ehhhhhh...." noises. Not so much "ah" and "oo" anymore. You want to make long and loud noises! You grab onto anything you can get near your hands... and much of it you enjoy putting in your mouth. Your hands are an endless source of entertainment, and you are now interested in your feet as well. If only you could get them to your mouth on your own : )<br /><br />Well, that's been our lives together the last month. Lots of sleeping, a good amount of playing and smiling, and plenty of eating. You are a wonderful part of our lives.<br /><br />Love,<br />Momma<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincngWhlEoG2jci568haO8cTWdTwb7Nf6UAHUSFXSfxxzYyxkSPN2hiUd6q4xdGwxUmP6GbKvUz_ynutyk2doS0DXj7POU9gvs-39R6JqjdE4UIE6c4XfqX7HG2MeVMc4k5o0HZbLLcxU/s1600/DSCN2963.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincngWhlEoG2jci568haO8cTWdTwb7Nf6UAHUSFXSfxxzYyxkSPN2hiUd6q4xdGwxUmP6GbKvUz_ynutyk2doS0DXj7POU9gvs-39R6JqjdE4UIE6c4XfqX7HG2MeVMc4k5o0HZbLLcxU/s320/DSCN2963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558776463901152258" border="0" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-46028726218542949502010-12-06T15:51:00.001-08:002010-12-07T15:23:12.125-08:00Dear Grace- 3 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QPnoQOOy99PckqqVCp98sNqm4ozw0tYXJV3eEipRB_-jjfNBPo84VUMa3i81yGszDXpAJinC3x96fYkPhFC6yqpjkzz_ObK7lg3ug6xs8ynihGz2740IZy_WpFbc7theivrr6y-ERaQ/s1600/DSCN2876.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QPnoQOOy99PckqqVCp98sNqm4ozw0tYXJV3eEipRB_-jjfNBPo84VUMa3i81yGszDXpAJinC3x96fYkPhFC6yqpjkzz_ObK7lg3ug6xs8ynihGz2740IZy_WpFbc7theivrr6y-ERaQ/s320/DSCN2876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548082215713381538" border="0" /></a>Dear Gracie Leigh,<br /><br />I feel like I have a lot to tell you this month. You have changed so much! It's a weird thing to say, but you're like a little person now! I know you were always a person, but you are letting your personality come out now. You are so amazing.<br /><br />Some of the highlights of this month:<ul><li>You hitting physical milestones: finding your hands, holding your head up steady, putting weight on your legs, and yesterday you rolled over for the first time. You did it on accident, and you should have seen your face! You were very surprised. You did it again, but I think that one was an accident, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ME5D1Miy0bV-hptYE9eOg9NjBpagGpDO5rVsmKYURQks3yuYoqXUDjzZLoQ0g_O5oAvqHtBamvG5jjDiRraYMLwg1AyndDypOP94KDPpeGYsE4kTKhGXmFHJbjZBAYkQboGbHNA5Yc/s1600/DSCN2886.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ME5D1Miy0bV-hptYE9eOg9NjBpagGpDO5rVsmKYURQks3yuYoqXUDjzZLoQ0g_O5oAvqHtBamvG5jjDiRraYMLwg1AyndDypOP94KDPpeGYsE4kTKhGXmFHJbjZBAYkQboGbHNA5Yc/s320/DSCN2886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548082765656648594" border="0" /></a></li><li>You are now big enough to see out the top of the carrier and you love to look around. Before it got too cold you would smile at the wind in your hair.<br /><br /></li><li>Nursing you in your bedroom while listening to Christmas music and watching it snow<br /><br /></li><li>You smiling in response to either me or Daddy looking at you. Then smiling again when we talk to you... then again when we smile at you...<br /><br /></li><li>You met the Andersons- Aunt Allison, Uncle Brandon, and your cousin, Peyton.<br /><br /></li><li>As always, seeing the delight in everyone's face who meets you. That's what you are, a delight.<br /><br /></li><li>Listening to you babble, coo, and talk to us. I know you have a lot to say already.<br /></li></ul>This month we moved from your first home on Keystone Ave, to our new home on Keeler Ave. It is much bigger and you now have your own bedroom. Surprisingly, I think we both sleep better. I don't hear your every movement, and you don't hear ours. When you get hungry, you don't cry, but instead you call out to me. You say "ooooo, ahhhhh.... ahhhhh...." until I come in to get you.<br /><br />You went through a growth spurt and practically grew out of your 3mo clothes over night! You were cranky and all you wanted to do was eat. I'd be cranky, too, if I was trying to grow as much as you and work on as many skills as you are working on!<br /><br />Love, your Momma<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbzG-HhiV3UK5pdi85349XoF8wdPDAwJ8_0Fb00Uzpg-h70t6-CThptEPmXO5Yndhyphenhyphen1rS6MyIqHUypz_4a2KdIWPfJQrTlDIr9PWMxBoFsgKqkUtLFjunlrEn_Cyw5Ijiqp9kD0l0jEk/s1600/DSCN2909.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbzG-HhiV3UK5pdi85349XoF8wdPDAwJ8_0Fb00Uzpg-h70t6-CThptEPmXO5Yndhyphenhyphen1rS6MyIqHUypz_4a2KdIWPfJQrTlDIr9PWMxBoFsgKqkUtLFjunlrEn_Cyw5Ijiqp9kD0l0jEk/s320/DSCN2909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548083423285989266" border="0" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-83323124636632579882010-11-16T18:30:00.000-08:002010-11-16T18:48:57.907-08:00Monday Five Countdown (on Tuesday)<div><div style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">I got this from my friend Jennifer (<a href="http://jlowesblog.blogspot.com/">This is Who I Am</a>), who got it from her friend Candice (<a href="http://www.bookishpenguin.com/">Bookish Penguin</a>).<br /><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Five Things I'm Grateful For<br /></strong></span></p> <p>1. Alan. Always thankful for him, but he has been packing up all of our belongings while I play with our daughter.</p> <p>2. Gracie. She always turns a frown upside down.<br /></p> <p>3. Heat. It's getting cold in Chicago, and I love when the heat kicks on! The flannel sheets aren't so bad either...<br /></p> <p>4. Staying home. I stay at home with our baby every day. On most days Alan spends a good part of the day at home with us, too. This makes me very happy. <br /></p> <p>5. Jesus. Sorry, man, didn't mean to put you last. Don't know what's up with that... cause you are number one.<br /></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Four Things I Can't Stop Thinking About</strong></span></p> <p>1. Thanksgiving! Alan's family is coming and I'm so excited to see them. I love having family here.<br /></p> <p>2. Grace! She is growing so fast, and I can't stop thinking about it!! For the first time I know what it's like to embrace every day. I never know what she will do or learn.<br /></p> <p>3. Our best friends in Chicago are moving.</p> <p>4. School : ( I start back January 11th, and I am having trouble being positive about it.<br /></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Three Things I Want To Accomplish This Week (err... week and a half)<br /></strong></span></p> <p>1. Move into our new apartment. Obviously.<br /></p> <p>2. Make a center piece for our Thanksgiving dinner table.<br /></p> <p>3. Have at least 5 more people tell me how great my baking is! : P<br /></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Two Things I Am Working To Be Positive About</strong></span></p> <p>1. Losing baby fat<br /></p> <p>2. School... I need to work A LOT harder at this though.<br /></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>One Random Thing</strong></span></p> <p>1. I hate clipping Grace's fingernails, and she hates it, too.<br /></p> <p><br /></p><span><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0"></a></span></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-71633580186153386402010-11-12T19:29:00.000-08:002010-11-12T20:03:47.612-08:00Latest reflectionsThey said to be spontaneous. Do whatever you feel like before the baby comes, because after she's here you won't be able to. Well, that's true, and we did, and I still wish we could go see a movie now... what did that solve? Also, that had me running all over town when I was huge and pregnant and just wanted to be home. Nonsensical advice really.<br /><br />I might be almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I don't look like or feel like my pre-pregnancy self. Like most non-pregnant women, I was thrilled the other day when someone asked me when my baby was due. Bastard. (sorry about my language)(but not really).<br /><br />I want to try the new pumpkin pie pop-tarts. Disgustingly bad for you. Definitely not a breakfast food. Probably delicious.<br /><br />I want all my friends to have babies. Baby girls. and now.<br /><br />I can't get enough of Alan and Grace. I love to be with them, and I love to see them together. It is heaven on earth in my own little home.<br /><br />I decided during pregnancy that going without caffeine wasn't that bad, and that I was going to keep it to a minimum forever. That was before a baby woke me 2-3 times every night. Now the best part of wakin up is foldgers in my cup.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-11865463413187040032010-11-11T16:17:00.000-08:002010-11-11T16:37:22.922-08:00A regular special day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7vpNZuSkt5Cbcys24Qv876Ty_bBrigQTsaUNcyX81M-IzZVYYGsv9QmTxuhalZ_69ca2e7KYsD7WiAEKP8kL_eYCjGP9ZubWJbMYH1TM4SzCEyzYps1adyI83EYnbf3pQ1r5kpfkdDM/s1600/DSCN2832.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7vpNZuSkt5Cbcys24Qv876Ty_bBrigQTsaUNcyX81M-IzZVYYGsv9QmTxuhalZ_69ca2e7KYsD7WiAEKP8kL_eYCjGP9ZubWJbMYH1TM4SzCEyzYps1adyI83EYnbf3pQ1r5kpfkdDM/s320/DSCN2832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538455382585121106" border="0" /></a><br />I am starting to realize that every day with a child is special. Today would seem like a regular day to most- cleaning, feeding the baby, taking a shower... but it's also special. Grace made noises she's never made, spent a little time examining those weird things attached to her arms, took her first bath without the newborn sling, and smiled in excitement at the wind in her little baby hairs! It was such an exciting regular day to me : )<br /><br />It's hard to get any packing done when all I want to do is show her new things. I'm pretty sure I've been wearing her out, because she's been sleeping really well. What a good baby, I love her so much.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-9398888065632338082010-11-04T20:13:00.000-07:002010-12-07T15:29:18.506-08:00Dear Grace- 2 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T2DrxHhrAi-qm7hKX9awJu6k45NRLPdTgx7WAv3p43BQ6GsXwTlzizMBxRxooewPslsz-e52rAA6ACv4V1Kaq-5TZ7znu2KoxL4fLdwEvwnZui_W0PgDffqIIIh2wFNKIpg7TOwDXuE/s1600/DSCN2773.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T2DrxHhrAi-qm7hKX9awJu6k45NRLPdTgx7WAv3p43BQ6GsXwTlzizMBxRxooewPslsz-e52rAA6ACv4V1Kaq-5TZ7znu2KoxL4fLdwEvwnZui_W0PgDffqIIIh2wFNKIpg7TOwDXuE/s320/DSCN2773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535902231460800562" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow you will be 2 months old. We will be headed to Louisville to see Nana and Papaw- they can't wait. It's been a month since they've seen you, which doesn't seem long to me, but you've changed so much! Then we will go to Lexington because your Aunt Alyssa is getting married. You are going to spend Sunday night with Nana and Papaw without us. I am very nervous. I haven't been away from you for more than about 3-4 hours since you came home! I know it will be nice to sleep so long without you waking me up, but I'm so freaked out!<br /><br />You got your first round of vaccines at the doctor the other day. It made you very upset and we both cried. You are very healthy:<br /><br />As of November 2nd:<br />Weight: 11lbs<br />Length: 23 1/8 inches<br />Head: 14 7/8 inches<br /><br />You are getting so strong. You can hold your head up for long periods of time. Even though you don't like being on your belly you can lift your head and shoulders up for a while. You have been talking up a storm. I repeat the noises back to you and you seem to find that funny. I love it when I come to pick you up and you smile at me. It's as though you are saying "I'm so happy to see you!" You are such a delight to be around, Gracie. I love watching you grow- embracing every new moment and cherishing the past- realizing you will never be this way again.<br /><br />The picture on here is already about a week old. You grow so fast, I need to take a picture every day! I can't wait for you to discover your hands... could be any day : )Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-73081780097220463162010-10-25T15:17:00.001-07:002010-10-25T15:47:03.197-07:00I make a mean cookieI can't make a recipe the way it comes. Pretty much ever. I made Apple Spice cookies- dairy and egg free. Someone in our house church is terribly lactose intolerant and so he can be difficult to bake for. However, here is the delicious recipe before and after it got my makeover:<br /><br /><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"> <h3> Original Ingredients</h3> <ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 cup shortening</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 egg</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 cups all-purpose flour</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 cup milk</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup chopped walnuts</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup raisins</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup chopped apples</li></ul><br /><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"> <h3> My Ingredients [recommended : )]<br /></h3> <ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/4 cup shortening</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1/4 cup margarine<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup packed brown sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1 cup all-purpose flour</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1 cup whole wheat flour<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 teaspoon baking soda</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1 tsp cinnamon</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1 tsp ground cloves</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">1 tsp nutmeg<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/3 cup cider<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup chopped walnuts</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap">2 grated apples (I left the peel on, why not?)<br /></li></ul> </div> </div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"><h3>Directions</h3> <ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. </span></li><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Cream shortening, margarine, and sugar.<br /></span></li><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a separate bowl mix dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture slowly. </span></li><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Blend in cider and remaining dry ingredients. </span></li><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Add nuts and apples and mix. </span></li><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> Drop on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (I lean towards 12+ minutes because I like them crispy on the outside).</span></li></ol>I'm aware that my recipe is more involved, so if you are looking for a shortcut use the first recipe, but at LEAST add cinnamon. I love the flavor and texture the whole wheat flour adds. Plus it makes you feel a little better.<br /><br />Mom, I might have to make Dad some version of this some time: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Butterscotch-Apple-Cookies/Detail.aspx<br /> </div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-42128985291507041122010-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:002010-10-17T15:19:20.890-07:00Mommy Milestones<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:applybreakingrules/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <span style="font-size:100%;">Most people are aware that babies and children hit "milestones" that give parents and doctors an idea about how development is going. For example, Grace can track objects with her eyes- that is a milestone she achieved. Well, I found these 6 week milestones for mommy, and they made me laugh out loud!</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br /></span></span><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">You managed to get through the first paragr</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">aph of a news article before you nodded off. No worries, those first few se</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">ntences will give you something other than baby burping to talk about at the next family gathering. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">(Although you'll probably talk non-stop about burping, anyway.)</span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">You discovered a ne</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">w parent truism: It doesn't matter that you're now a swaddling pro—your baby's an even better pro at </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">breaking free from being swaddled! </span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">You've mastered the midnight baby feedin</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">g</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">, changing and re-snapping the pajamas routine. </span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">You've embraced t</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">he fact that some days you don't get out the door until </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">noon</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">... and that ther</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">e's nothing wrong with that! </span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">You remembered that the phrase "getting busy" can mean something othe</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">r than trying to change a diaper, answer the</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> phone and recite "This Little Piggy" at the same</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> time (even if you didn't actually "get busy").</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVWL_UrPvn5ACFzq6710SPg6VY_Sx1ZeRiVF9FJBTklbiC-tOZmfn0i__tpSZ9a74Lq4q1jwHq1-mh0EEVV5e6AdSFkxWwdhAyBjJiYhHXN1Nwuv3IWLXYHtjNcnaGUZS1vzfXrj2ZxE/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVWL_UrPvn5ACFzq6710SPg6VY_Sx1ZeRiVF9FJBTklbiC-tOZmfn0i__tpSZ9a74Lq4q1jwHq1-mh0EEVV5e6AdSFkxWwdhAyBjJiYhHXN1Nwuv3IWLXYHtjNcnaGUZS1vzfXrj2ZxE/s320/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529142445873843042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></span></li></ul>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-44892542935078946972010-10-05T12:17:00.001-07:002010-12-07T15:28:51.601-08:00Dear Grace- 1 month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh-qegardBpDls0tGatyZA8U-i7CMk8GRrvWN4y_MZ25VuWaY5MWhVawvnXXy_CkojXXg4ybm0o5gct7uacT3r2yxBNP4VJmPkCsF2ps0NLJ_m7XJP8QHBVyLXVh8raQ3SbCyqP_x0oY/s1600/DSCN2719.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh-qegardBpDls0tGatyZA8U-i7CMk8GRrvWN4y_MZ25VuWaY5MWhVawvnXXy_CkojXXg4ybm0o5gct7uacT3r2yxBNP4VJmPkCsF2ps0NLJ_m7XJP8QHBVyLXVh8raQ3SbCyqP_x0oY/s320/DSCN2719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524681229511252002" border="0" /></a><br />My friend Jillian writes to her son every month so that some day he can read about his wonderful childhood. She writes about his achievements and all the fun times they spend together. I've decided to do the same thing. I may forget some months, but that will just mean we were having too much fun for writing!<br /><br />Today you are one month old. It may not seem like much, but it's been a life changing month for me- and for you! Life was a little scary for you at first. We had to be away from each other when you spent time in the nursery, and it was hard for me and Daddy. You just had a little trouble adjusting to your new world, and needed some time to rest before coming home. You are so strong though, and you got through it.<br /><br />Speaking of how strong you are, you have been able to push back against me from the day you were born. You can already lift your head and turn it from side to side. You love to kick your legs and wiggle all around. Sometimes you grab at your hair or your nose. You can now keep my gaze and love to look me right in the eyes while you are nursing. When you hear a voice you can loo towards it, and you can find me or Daddy in a crowd.<br /><br />This morning, very very early, you were done eating and I thought you were falling asleep on my lap. I was checking some e-mail before putting you back in your bed and you said "ahhooo" or something to that affect (you know, just a sweet little coo noise). I looked down at you in surprise that you were back awake, so I smiled at you, and you gave me a big smile back! I then told you how beautiful you are and you smiled again. Your Daddy and I love you so much. All the books say not to expect a responsive smile this early, but you are a genius : )<br /><br />At the pediatrician today:<br />22 3/8 inches long<br />9lb 5oz weight<br />14 3/8 head circumference<br /><br />She said you look very good. I was so proud when you smiled at her. She said it was very early for you to be doing that! You are now enjoying sleeping in your swing on this gorgeous fall day. I'm not sure if that is a bad habit or not, but I do it anyway. You have some reflux, so sitting up while sleeping helps you not spit up so much.<br /><br />So, happy one month birthday, Gracie. You are a wonderful blessing to us, and we couldn't ask for a better daughter. I can't believe how fast you are growing. What a miraculous display of God's creation!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-31397781507878721432010-09-28T11:43:00.000-07:002010-09-28T12:23:59.578-07:00Gracie- 23 days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx9FJIIwrz1q_SamsD9iXsbttmIUr7xurc9sOlQ1FjI-dmOHPSfMR2FGqaCYFrsXVL7BOeOpuN52tLa1o1IiRfZ0EqPfBhsn-N06PYMBDXxaF7Y-fBxbLaE6lGjVoxb5YB1o-MIftMDg/s1600/DSCN2674.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx9FJIIwrz1q_SamsD9iXsbttmIUr7xurc9sOlQ1FjI-dmOHPSfMR2FGqaCYFrsXVL7BOeOpuN52tLa1o1IiRfZ0EqPfBhsn-N06PYMBDXxaF7Y-fBxbLaE6lGjVoxb5YB1o-MIftMDg/s320/DSCN2674.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522046756146055954" border="0" /></a><br />Giving birth is a life changing experience. Having a newborn is even more of a life changing experience. For the first week of Grace's life she was something to worry about, and difficult to enjoy. Being in the nursery was hard on us, and by the time she came home I was so emotionally exhausted, that I already needed a break from her. I was overwhelmed. For the first week she was home I cried every day. It seemed like she was trapping me and I had all these thoughts about "why in the world did I want this?!" She puked on me twice and had diarrhea, and I thought for sure she was sick already. She was eating all the time. I mean, often hour after hour and I didn't have enough milk for her. We kept trying but she was so upset. I wanted to quit nursing.<br /><br />But then things changed. After she was two weeks old and past her first growth spurt, we became different people. I started smiling at her and seeing what other people saw. She was so beautiful, and she already loved me so much. I finally looked at her and saw my daughter, not a burden. That's when I realized that bonding isn't immediate for everyone, especially women who have been separated from their babies at the beginning. I want to encourage women with newborns to not feel guilty if it's not love at first sight. Having a new baby IS hard and it IS a burden at first. Don't let anyone tell you how you are supposed to feel.<br /><br />I finally started playing with her, and kissing her. Instead of being anxious when she started to wake up I became excited. I can't wait to hear her little noises and kiss her little cheeks. What a difference a couple weeks can make! It's not always easy... in fact, most of the time it's not. She has a lot of demands, and I often can't figure out what she needs right away. However, she is amazing. She can smile at me, and make little noises. Sometimes she even laughs as she falls asleep! She grows right before my eyes... out of some of her clothes already! She knows my voice and listens close when I start talking.<br /><br />My point is I've always loved my daughter, but now I'm starting to feel like I know her. Hard to imagine life without her already. Some days I wish she could tell me what she wants, but I also realize that some day I will wish she was 3 weeks old again. My job now is to enjoy her as she is, and be amazed at how quickly she is growing.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-84954146195009855662010-09-28T09:38:00.001-07:002010-09-28T09:54:00.699-07:00a blog for me and momSo my mom told me I should start blogging again. She said it's more personal than facebook, which is where she generally sees my daily thoughts. She likes to read what I have to say. Well, of course she does, she is my mom. Now that I'm a mom I know that you care about everything your child does. If Grace gets her diaper changed by someone else, I even want to know in great detail what they found inside. So, my mom wanting to read what I write is not necessarily enough motivation for me to start up my blog again. <br /><br />I decided to just start writing and see where I ended up. I want to see if blogging is enjoyable. Let me think, why would I write a blog? Probably to get things off my chest or out of my mind. You know, that whole idea of once you write it down or tell someone you are free from it. That would make the audience of the blog myself. I could write to inform others of what's going on in my life. That would make my audience my mom, which is why I started writing today anyway. I guess I could write to encourage or inspire people. Tell my thoughts in an effort to make people feel warm and fuzzy.<br /><br />You know, maybe I could write for all 3 of those audiences. I could just write whatever I want and readers should just be aware that you never know what you're going to get! If I warn you, then you can't have expectations. So don't. You are reading my journal, with little to no filter.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-28822906626940072422010-02-12T20:09:00.000-08:002010-02-12T20:46:55.722-08:002.12So a couple weeks ago was Doppelganger week, and I couldn't find one... then I decided it was my mom! I know she's not famous, but check out this old pic of her... I swear it's like we're related ; )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyOFLKSOen7y4uZN7FOsgBHxOFcv2aJKODshX-7RM7YQoxUYWwu58QZcyPaAZ4oy2ww39dIMzQA50oLvZKSzB2CaQBUk03dFvtBtGFpE6e3jWfR9zMqEySunmgANQgAuSmgP1GVvCiTc/s1600-h/n1249910894_30084001_6475403+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyOFLKSOen7y4uZN7FOsgBHxOFcv2aJKODshX-7RM7YQoxUYWwu58QZcyPaAZ4oy2ww39dIMzQA50oLvZKSzB2CaQBUk03dFvtBtGFpE6e3jWfR9zMqEySunmgANQgAuSmgP1GVvCiTc/s320/n1249910894_30084001_6475403+-+Copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437582157944526082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1x8LOwp8TZ3ZFVnwcoapg_3WgB4KNb69JuXZ1dj-hqspf4r3cSp5LHhj3shF60OdEcMBshVwFi2ujgETm7B7IvnKvI-5kzn4LkPQn56-9dj9_y2ua-t8qmSOZIv3hclDOs_BPNb9g6U/s1600-h/DSCN1753.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1x8LOwp8TZ3ZFVnwcoapg_3WgB4KNb69JuXZ1dj-hqspf4r3cSp5LHhj3shF60OdEcMBshVwFi2ujgETm7B7IvnKvI-5kzn4LkPQn56-9dj9_y2ua-t8qmSOZIv3hclDOs_BPNb9g6U/s320/DSCN1753.2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437581972083543842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am in a winter funk! What will it take to get me back to normal? Glad you asked.<br /><br /><ul><li>Flowers- plant them, pick them, all of the above! Peonies please : )</li><li>A little sun tan- I said little, not cancer causing</li><li>Sun Dress- with expandable waist this time... did I mention flip flops?</li><li>Hair dye- waiting another couple weeks until Baby Boyle is more resistant... although I've been given the go ahead by Dr. I dont think I'm going to go back this time- shock!<br /></li><li>More exercise- warm weather will bring lots of walking, but for now there is swimming and prenatal yoga.</li></ul>I have hope that spring is right around the corner. Alan and I bought seeds to start inside, and they will be ready for outdoors in about 8 weeks! Hope the frost is gone by then. I'm so ready to open up the windows and air this place out : ) Guess I will sit by sunny windows for now.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-60252851269569504702009-09-09T11:43:00.000-07:002009-09-09T12:02:58.098-07:00Oh AutumnAlso known as Fall. <br /><br />It's always been my favorite time of year, and I am loving the weather here. It's always been a time of change for me, and this autumn is no exception. <br /><br />Classes have started back, which is something I always looked forward to as a kid- my excitement doesn't match that of my 8 or 14 year old self, but I am glad to be back in the swing of things. I am taking three classes: Individual Counseling Skills, Multicultural Counseling, and Intro to Family Counseling. So good so far. I think the work load will be medium to high.<br /><br />I got myself a job! Don't ask me if I'm excited... just warning you. I will be a Graduate Assistant starting next week. I didn't want the job, but knew I needed it. I hope God surprises me with some awesome reasons to have this job. The pay is not much- two classes per semester plus $275 a month- for 10 hours a week of work. I know it's more than I'm making now (which is nothin), but I think I will be overworked. We'll see. I am thankful for the opportunity... I know it's a privilege. They were especially excited about my research skills and knowledge of SPSS, even though I don't like to do research. ha ha. Maybe I shouldn't have told them I can?!<br /><br />A Church has started in our home, and it's an exciting time. We have four couples right now, and we've just met together twice. Even though it's in our home the leadership is shared, and we'll all take turns with responsibilities. More to come as God blesses our small church family.<br /><br />If you know much about Alan and I you know we love to be outside and we love to go camping. In fact, last fall in Arkansas we went about 5 times in a couple months time! This weekend we are going camping at Chain O Lakes State Park with our friends Jes and Nate. Should be fun!<br /><br />Hope you enjoy your Autumn... Winter will be here soon, and for us that is COLD : )Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-781837743275635932.post-6569469723764479992009-08-18T21:53:00.001-07:002009-08-18T22:28:06.517-07:00Some days I love you...Don't worry, that was just to get your attention...<br /><br />The thing that I sometimes love and sometimes don't is the TRAIN, but today I love it. I was able to go shopping with my friend even though it has been 8 months since I have driven. On my way home I met some interesting people.<br /><br />Matt moved to Chicago about a year ago to study animation at a school I can't remember the name of. He is from Houston and misses the community his church provided. I started talking to him because his shirt boldly said "Mzungu," which means "foreigner/ white person" in Swahili. I knew he must have been to East Africa, or knew someone who had, so I started up a conversation. He said I was the first person to ever say something about it and know what is means. I think we both felt like the world got a little smaller.<br /><br />John is a hispanic young man who wears a cross around his neck. He lives in my neighborhood and knows very little english. I know very little spanish, so our conversation was helped by his english speaking friend. I asked them to teach me some more spanish on our ride home, and so they laughed, practically rolling in their seats, as they taught me "mi amor" which I secretly already knew. It means "my love." We talked back and forth with the little we knew of each other's language. He boldly asked me my name, and told me I was very nice. He and his friend couldn't believe I was married, and told me my husband was a very lucky man. They made me feel like a good person, and made my neighborhood feel a little more like home.<br /><br />Sometimes the long ride home is a good one.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09074782603776218700noreply@blogger.com0