Where Did My Little Baby Go?

I remember writing in a previous post that I was so happy that Grace was taking her own sweet time in "growing up". I was feeling like I was still cuddling her like she was still our itty bitty 2 month premature delicate little baby! But.... that baby is all grown up now.... but I don't think I grew along with her! All of a sudden I'm amazed at her independence, her communication, personality, etc. It just seems too much like a little girl... and not a baby. And don't even get me started on the fact that she turns one in one more month!!!! So, to prove to me that she's growing up, Grace decided to take her first few steps tonight!! (we're not sure what she thinks she's doing because she's not crawling, she has made no effort in trying to pull herself up, she's not cruising around furniture... I guess this little lady has a mind of her own!!!!) Maybe she thinks that since her first tooth FINALLY came in today, she might as well try walking too!

In the background of this video you will notice that there's a refrigerator and make-shift storage/kitchen area in our front living/dining room!! We're in the middle of a kitchen remodel! Fun times.

Seriously??

It's Spring!!! It's not supposed to be 32 degrees and snowing! Thank goodness we're leaving in 12 days for sunny California!! The desert, a trip out to Disneyland , and some fun times to be had with the Hausam's!!!! Let the countdown begin!

Happy Easter!

Easter Sunday! I'd been looking forward to this day since last year! We received our FDL on Good Friday last year and that was the last piece of paperwork we needed to be on "the list"!! That Easter Sunday at church, I could literally feel Grace , perched on my hip, worshipping our risen Lord, right along with me. Well, this year she WAS perched on my hip throughout the church service!!! What a day of celebration it was.

She's official???

Well, on Monday we re-adopted Grace! Hmmm.... I know that she was legally ours in Ethiopia, but I guess this was the way to legally change her name, obtain a Certificate of Citizenship, apply for a Social Security card as a US citizen, etc.... (gotta love the paper chase!!) And, we did it without a lawyer, so it was a little trickier, but had help from our wonderful Social Worker and Mikelle (another Ethiopia momma!)

The day was special. We did our readopt with two other AGCI families-- the Leasures and Barnetts. We've been having regular playdates since we've all been home with our kiddos, so it was a lot of fun. Plus, Jacob got to be part of it along with my parents. :) (when we told Jake that we were going to readopt Grace, he said, "I don't want to have to give her back; I want to keep her forever!!" Guess we didn't really explain what readopt meant!!)

Here's the group:

Trying a little video

Grace loves giving kisses!! And she loves her baby dolls!


OK, just had to add one more video. We captured Grace's first word tonight... and Mike is quite proud that it's DaDa!!! She was even hitting on Mike's chest while saying it and then showing off her huge smiles. I think she was quite proud of herself! (Grace's babbling has always been very guttural and tonight was the first time she really made sounds in the front of her mouth!!) Next stop-- MaMa!

Spring Has Sprung!

Well, it's not exactly warm.... but at least it's not raining!!!! We took Grace out for her first bike ride and she LOVED it!! She was all smiles and giggled the entire ride! She loves being outside... this spring will be loads of fun!!