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!!!!!

Super Cute!!!

This is my last blog today. She's taking a long nap, so I thought I would spend some time catching up. My friend Jennifer made this shirt for Grace. I just love it!

Do I have to sit here????

I just had to post this,,,, she was looking at me like, " Not another picture mom, I'm tired!"

Giraffe Attack!!!

GET THEM AWAY FROM ME MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So my mom decided to collect animals for each grandchild depending on their name. The animal has to start with the same letter as the child. So for instance, Mason = Monkey , Lance = Lion, Kaitlyn = Koala... so Grace = Giraffe. Funny thing is, I picked a giraffe theme long before we knew she was going to be Grace. So it just worked out that way. Thanks mom for your wonderful ideas!

I had to take this picture for my sisters. They gave her one of these giraffes when she was born. My mom gave her the other one. Too cute!!!!

Thank you Aunt Krista and Aunt Erin!! I can't wait to meet you both.

Grace's Room

Many of you wanted to know what her room looks like. I tried to take some snap shots. I am just not the best at taking pictures. However, you can get a sense of what it looks like by these. The tall giraffe stool was from Adeyiza's boss. (one of them) It was hand painted and fit right in with our theme.

Her room is also the guest room. We had to split it in half. I told her that one day she could have her own room.

Tribute to Myra

Many of you ask me about going back to work and who is going to watch Grace. This is where Myra comes in. See about 4 years ago, I had the privilege in having her daughter in my 2nd grade class. Wonderful child I have to add! Myra was a great parent who would come volunteer in my class. (TREMENDOUS HELP!) Then the following year, I had her son. We hit it off from the start. He always reminded me of my nephew Mason, so we had that special bond. I adore the two of them. Both kids were so much fun! As the years past, I grew close to their family. She joked around one day telling me that if I ever have kids, she would watch them. I was laughing at first thinking I wouldn't have kids while we are in Texas. But then a year passed, and we decided to try for a baby. I found out that I was PG and we were so thrilled. But then it dawned on me that I had to finish the school year. I saw Myra in the hallway at school. I asked her if she was serious about the offer and she said yes. At that point I was filled with relief and I was so happy. Of course I still had to talk to Adeyiza about it, but I knew he would be happy as well.

Now, the time is coming. Of course I would rather stay home. I cry just thinking about it. BUT then I snap out of it and tell myself that I have this amazing person who is giving up her job to watch my child. How can I ever tell her how much this means to me? (Words can't even describe it. ) How can I ever pay her back for what she is going to do? (No amount of money will ever be enough.) I am truly thankful and know that God put her in my life for a reason. I know that we will always be connected and we will always keep in contact no matter where we live. They do like to travel,,,, so I know we will always remain close!

THANK YOU Myra from the bottom of my heart for taking care of my precious baby girl. You will never know how much this means to us!

Sleepy Girl

I just have to show all of you how Grace sleeps. Her hands are always like this. The first time I tried to swaddle her, she fussed and fussed. So I loosened the blanket, and BAM,,, her hands went to this position. We know now that if her hands aren't up like this, she is not in her deep sleep. I just love to watch her sleep!!!

OK so today is Friday. We made it through the week with our practice routine. Adeyiza got up every morning at 4:30, changed her, fed her, and put her back to sleep. I,,,,,,, yes,, I,,,,,, started my morning routine at the gym. WOW!!! I remember those good old days. I still have around 30 lbs to loose, BUT I am doing it one day at a time and thankful that I can work out now. I do kind of kick myself for those PG splurges. Next baby I will have to watch it a bit. It was all worth it though!

Great Grandma is the BEST!!

This is the outift great grandma made for Grace. Too cute! I love it. Thank you again grandma for making all these cute outfits!

God is Good

Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

OK- So I know this is an old picture, I just don't have anything else right now. But I feel like I should have started my blog thanking family and friends for all the support and prayers we've been getting for our lives, and most of all Grace. We thank God for our families and friends. I guess being here away from ALL of our families/ friends, we've had to adjust in many ways. I do want to say that we are so thankful and blessed to have met so many people at our wonderful church. We have been in a couples bible study of some sort since the time we were dating. They change based on dating or marriage, anyway we have met many great people who are very supportive. Also, my work place. I don't know what I would do with out my friends at school. People always ask me how can I drive so far? The truth is that I love my friends and the staff there. I couldn't trade them for a 20 minute drive. NO WAY!!! I will miss them next year. For my friends Carrie and Sally--- I'm so thankful that no matter how far I go, we are all still the best of friends. Thank God for cell phones, Internet, and now the BLOG! Also, I have been in a bible study on Tuesday nights from the time I moved to Houston. All alone and scared, they took me right in. I want to tell them thank you for all the prayers and support. During some difficult times in my life, they've always reminded me of God's love and faithfulness. Of course,,, it's been hard not having my sisters by me. OK- now tears are running down my face. We are all so close,, and I miss them so much. I am not trying to be mushy- it's just as Grace grows, I now wish she had her aunts and cousins around to watch her grow and to play with her. I want her grammy and pappa too. Well ok,,, I want the whole family, but I know we are here for a reason, and soon we will be closer. One last important thing- I thank everyone for your prayers for Grace, before her birth(pregnancy), during, and now! God is good and blessed us with a baby that has changed our hearts in many ways. She is healthy, growing, and continues to be a wonderful addition to our family. Also, I want everyone to know that you are prayed for daily. Oh YES,, I have a long list!


I am done being a bit soft. I just had to get all of that out!

Thank You Grandma!

Grace got her stocking yesterday in the mail. Thank you grandma for knitting it. I am sure Grace will just love it! For those of you who aren't family members, we all have our very own unique stocking. Even my parents and all my cousins parents as well. Grandma also knits outfits,,,(Grace had her sweater outfit on today. I will put those pics up as soon as Adeyiza puts them on the computer.) I am still learning all of that. Like I say,,, one step at a time. Anyway,,,I just had to show everyone her stocking.

I also want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU Grandma!

We love you and miss you! Thank you for all the goodies you send! But please no cookies...I am watching my figure now!!!!!

My New Crib

I am just realizing that she is in this same outfit for most of these pictures. It must have been the same day. Some days I am just camera happy. It's so much fun! Since we've had company for two months, Grace is now getting used to her crib. She doesn't sleep in it yet, just plays. I am not sure if I am ready for that yet. One step at a time. She will start to sleep in it during her nap time, then gradually at night. I did get a monitor, so I will be starting this process soon. She does seem to like it. She kicks, coo's, and smiles. I hope this will be a good transition for her.

Tummy Time

We are working on her tummy time. She is getting better, but she still needs work. Today we went to the doctor. I had my 6 week apt. So ..... I changed her, made sure she was full, and went during her nap time. We get there,,, and what do you know,,,, I am one of those parents who are apologizing for the screaming child. I picked her up and she let out the biggest toot ever. She then pooped, and started sucking her hands. I could not believe it. I thought I had it all down. So they let me back early to feed her. Of course I left the diaper bag in the car. I thought this was a "quick" visit. So they also gave me a diaper. I was pretty embarrassed. They were probably thinking, "Where is her diaper bag?". But soon after, she was fine and we made it back home. My 15 min. apt. turned out to be an hour. But what can you do. I am learning that it's all about her time now,,, not mine!