Yummy Fingers

It seems like any day now Grace is going to find a finger to latch on to. I sometimes wish she would, and sometimes hope she doesn't. BUT- I feel it may sooth her better especially before she sleeps. She is a fighter. No matter what I do, she wants to stay awake. Yesterday I think she took a 30 min. nap all day, and then didn't go to sleep until 11:30. Yes, she was tired and grumpy. But she just fussed and fussed until finally she gave in. The night we got home from Winnipeg was the first night she slept in her crib. She did sleep all night, but now she is having a hard time napping in it. That may be the reason she pops awake when I lay her down. Anyway,,,, she has her good and bad days, just like the rest of us! I don't expect perfection from her,,,, well at least not yet:)

Me and my Mommy!!!!

Grace and I had our pj's on and stood in front of the Christmas tree. Mummy (Adeyiza's mom) had a beautiful tree set up. We all enjoyed the pretty lights and decorations. I didn't set up a tree this year, but I will next year when she really notices.

Back it UP!!!!

This was precious. In Nigeria, they "BACK" the babies to continue to cook and do house work. Grace loved it! This was her first time in a new environment, and her first time around lots of people, so it was hard for her to adjust. Adeyiza's mom put her on her back, and she was able to catch up on some sleep.

Christmas in Winnipeg

We just got back last night. WOW,, it's much easier to fly solo than it is with a child. Grace did good though. She slept for most of the flight. She only got cranky a few times. We had a great Christmas. We were able to visit with all of Adeyiza's family. We all rotate the same year so that his brother and two sister are all together. The weather was nice. It wasn't as cold as is was 2 years ago. I had her snow bunny outfit just in case!!!!! She is still sleeping. I guess she is tired from all that traveling.

Merry Christmas

Grace wanted to tell everyone THANK YOU for all her Christmas gifts. From her Aunties, Great Aunties, Grammy, Pappa, Great Grandma, and cousins. I really appreciate the extra time and spending that it takes to ship her presents. She will open them tonight when Adeyiza gets home. This is her first Christmas,,,, how exciting!

Got Milk???

I had to blog about our day today. Grace is the best shopper and errand runner. She will sleep the whole time. I had to go to store and a few other places before our trip tomorrow. On my way back, I picked up our mail/boxes and we headed home. This is how I manage to get it all in one trip. I stuff her stroller, balance everything through the hallway doors, while carrying her one handed. Remember,,,, she is very heavy and so is her car seat. BUT,,, we made it back safe and sound. Until.,,,,,,, I opened my fridge and noticed it wasn't working. I opened the freezer and looked at all my breast milk that I've been working so hard to accumulate and flipped out. I called the "emergency" line,,,, because to me it's definitely an emergency. I told them that my fridge wasn't working and that I had 2 months of breast milk in my freezer. You know how it is,,, breast milk is like GOLD. The guy came and as he was looking at my fridge, our power went out. I almost started crying, but he told me I could use a vacant apartment to store my milk. I know,,,, crying,,,, well it's just so close for me to go back to work and I wanted extra just in case. So Grace and I loaded up 2 coolers full of milk and traveled down the hall. I put them in the freezer, and felt a huge relief. About 10 minutes later, the power came back on. Thank God!!! We went and got all my milk, and lived happily ever after!!!

My Little Snow Bunny

Can't you tell that Grace loves her new coat? I know,,, it's a bit big, but we are about to leave for Canada. I have to make sure she is very snug and warm in that bitter cold weather. I guess this will be a practice for Boston. I almost have everything packed. Packing for the two of us is interesting. I have always over packed for myself, and now I see that I am over packing for her. It's just you never know with her. One day she went through 4 outfits. So to be on the safe side,,,, I will pack for 12 days and not 5. I just hope she is ok on the plane. We have a connecting flight, so that's twice the take off and landing. My doctor said to make sure she is "sucking" during those times. She doesn't take a pacifier and a bottle is a big deal, so the only option I have is to nurse. This should be interesting. We are excited though. Next year we will be able to drive to Michigan. I already have it planned out. We are leaving at night,,, and driving until we get there. It will only be 10-12 hours from Boston, so it's all good!!!

We have a busy day tomorrow getting our last few items we need for the trip. This will probably be my last blog for a week. I will post new pictures as soon as we get back. I am sure I will talk to my family on Christmas, but to everyone else MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Tummy Time

Grace is working hard at her tummy time. She is getting better each day, she just really doesn't like it.

Aunt Krista

This is Aunt Krista. She wanted to come down to visit with Erin and grandma,,, but she had to work. This was actually my 28th birthday. WOW I am spoiled. We went to Americas to eat. VERY good. Oh yes,,, I am counting down the days until I look like that again. I have to say babies do some damage in the beauty department,,,, but it's all SOOOO worth it!

Morning Time

Grace is so happy in the morning. She usually wakes up happy and stretches so big. Sometimes I sneak her in bed with me when daddy leaves. She is starting to smile really big like in the picture above. I almost think a giggle is coming,,,, but not yet. I try to make her laugh, but maybe it's a bit early. Or maybe I'm just not funny to her. Who knows!!!

Busy Day

Grace and I had a busy day today. I guess it wasn't too bad, just different from our normal routine. We left early this morning for a road trip. I wanted to take my kids at school a Christmas treat, and of course make sure they all still remembered me. I arranged Grace to stay with Myra (the sitter) while I ran to school. This was her first time in a different house. I have to say that I wasn't sad or nervous. I thought I would be, but maybe I realized it was only for an hour. So I picked up the cupcakes, dropped Grace off, and surprised my kids. At first I wondered if they remembered me. They all just looked at me. OH YES,,,,,, shortly after the hugs came and once again they all wanted to tell me their life stories. I just love that!!! I couldn't believe how much they changed. It was a nice visit. It was great seeing everyone at school. I do miss adult communication at times. Anyway,,, after a while I went back to get Grace. She was sleeping and looked so sweet. We both headed home. The drive seems even longer when you really want to get home. But I went 90 mph so we made it in no time. (joking) So that was it today. It seems like we got a lot done. She did very well in the car. I hope she continues to like riding. That will be 2.5 hours of her day starting in Jan. Boo hoo!!!

Just GG and ME!!!!!!

Grace had so much fun with Great Grandma and Aunt Erin. I am so glad they were able to spend time with her. The days just flew by. I can't believe they're gone. I just have to say thank you again to my aunts and parents for making this possible. We really did have the BEST time!

2 Months Old

Well I thought I had her feet in this picture,,,, but I guess not. I need to be more careful when I take my shots. I tried getting her to smile,,, but now she stares at my camera. Anyway,,, here she is! 2 months old. I can't believe it. It feels like I was just in the hospital. Wow time goes by so fast.

Birthday Wishes

Thank you Mason, Lance, and Kaitlyn for making me birthday cards. You decorated my kitchen on this special day. You are so sweet! I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for letting your mom visit me. She will be home soon.

Love you lots!

Aunt Anna

2nd Month Check Up

This is Grace after her doctor apt. She had 3 shots, and one oral. She was very sleepy after all the crying. I just thank God for how healthy she is. She gained 4 lbs and 3.5 inches since her last apt. She is now 12 lbs, and 24 inches long. She is doing great!

Arrival

Here they are!!!! The first time meeting Grace. It was so much fun. They flight got in around 9:15, we all picked them up. Grace slept the whole way, but then woke up when we got home. She smiled at them!!!!! I am so excited for them to be able to spend these few days with her.

Great Grandma and Erin

Grace loves her Auntie and Great Grandma!!! We've had so much fun. Erin gave her her daily bottle in this top picture, and Grace woke up smiling to grandma in the other picture. It's been so nice to have family here.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These are the memories you'll never forget!!! THANK YOU to all my aunts for sending grandma here!!!! I just can't believe it! I had to peek in the bedroom this morning to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I am just speechless!! THANK YOU mom and dad for this idea and for getting Erin (my sister) here. THANK you for the extra effort, for the extra spending, and time you took in making this possible. Also, thank you for staying with my nephews and niece while Erin is here. Never in a million years would I guessed that family would be here during this time. How can be sad now on my 30th birthday tomorrow,,,,,, I can't be !!!! This is truly the best surprise! We stayed up late last night with Grace just talking and catching up! Fun times!!!

Again, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU all so much for making this possible!!! I am just so thankful for this.

I love you all and wish you all could come!!!!I know it's hard. I will try to make it home soon.
Anna

Play Time

Being a mother kind of feels like teaching. I create "learning centers" for Grace to do during the day. When she is finished with one, I rotate her to the next. Just like at school. I try to hit all the educational growth requirements for her age range. OK I AM joking!!! But sometimes it really does feel like that. She is starting to like what she likes,,,, and will let me know if she's just not interested. This is her play mat. She loves to look at the animals while she kicks and talks to them.

The B

Here it is! Grace has her very own B. For those of you who are not familiar with the term B, it's short for blanket. My sisters and I all had one growing up. We couldn't say blanket when we were little, so we just said B. One of us still sleeps with it,,, but don't worry Erin and Krista, I'm not telling who.

Look at ME!!!!

Grace got a new toy today. A mirror!!! I was looking through her toys and realized that's one thing she didn't have. She loves it! I am not sure if she gets that the image is her,,,, but she sure does stare at it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREAT AUNT ANGIE

I'm not starting a new tradition or anything, but we had to give a shout out to Great Aunt Angie!! It's her birthday today and she is RUSHING home from work to see Grace on the blog..... We just had to do something special for her.

Have a nice day and eat a piece of cake for me!!

Just Relaxing

Grace loves to sit in Daddy's chair. I can't believe how big she's getting. She is changing every day. I thought the days would go by slow,,,, but they seem to be too fast. She is sleeping in this morning. Last night was her first night in her room. I guess she likes it. I told Adeyiza last night that our room was missing something. I did miss her being next to me (in her crib). However, I did watch her on the monitor from time to time. I didn't leave the video part on all night, just the sound section. The video made our room so bright. I do love it though. Once I heard her, I just pushed a button and was able to see her. At least I don't have to get out of bed each time. Today I thought we would go to Target to get a few items for the house. We will probably go to the park later on after her noon feeding. She loves her jogger stroller. It's nice and sunny so I better take advantage of it. I just had my heat on,,,, I guess I better put the air back on. ONLY in Texas can you do that!

Sad Face

I tried taking this picture so many times. This time I got it!!!! This is her sad face before she starts crying. It just melts my heart. Her lip gets so curled under, she sniffs a couple of times, then CRIES!! It's so cute though.

Two New Friends

Since all of Grace's cousins are so far away, I am slowly introducing her to my old dolls to play with. At first she was a little shy, but then she shortly smiled at them. I make them talk to her in different voices. I was reading something in my What to Expect Book,,,, and that's what it said to do. I've had these dolls since I was a baby. Susie Sound Sound, the one to the left, used to talk and cry. Amy, the one the right, doesn't do much of anything. I just love these dolls! I told you mom that they would come in handy!!! WHO KNEW!!

Grace and I went to the post office today,,,,it was a ZOO,,, I left! 30 people were in line. I am now appreciating all the times I used to be able to run errands solo. I am sure I would have waited if I was by myself. But now,,,, Oh no,,, I try to do it all quick.

I am also trying to get Grace to sleep in her crib at nap time. She just doesn't want to. I will be working on that all week. I will lay her down,,, and BAM she's awake!! So we'll see!

Bath Time

Before Grace takes a bath she likes to relax in her robe. Then she just sits back and enjoys!!!!

Chubby Cheeks

Grace does have some BIG cheeks! Most of you wanted to pinch them. I did it for you!!!!!