12 Weeks Old

Well, 12 Weeks Old...

...And definitely growing; actually think she is going through a little spurt right now because she has been eating more frequently and not sleeping as well.  Some of the sleep has to do with a stuffy nose she has had the last couple days, but even before that, she was waking up at least once for food or with gas in the middle of the night when she finally had started sleeping through the night.  We again have had to prop her bed up and have been putting Vick's on her chest and feet.  I hope she gets through this fast because working all day is not easy when you are not sleeping at night.  It's all worth it though for this beautiful little girl that I love more than words can say.

Despite not feeling well, we genuinely have a very happy girl that puts a smile on my face each and every day.  I continually thank God for the beautiful, HAPPY, baby girl that He has blessed us with.

Loves her Baths, Just like her Mama

Some of her many faces in the morning,
even after a not so good night's sleep

This last week, our sweet Grace Lynn got to go to her 1st Independence Day Parade!!  I was so excited to dress her up in red, white, and blue and to see how she did with all the festivities and noises a parade has to offer.  Well, I must say she did well... actually slept through a lot of it, lol.  It was a lot of fun though and really enjoyed the time with my mom, sister, sister's boyfriend Adam, and with Grace, while Garrett and dad worked at the house.

Some Snapshots from Grace's 1st 4th of July!

After the parade we met up with Grandma, Papa, and Aunt Cookie who was in town for lunch.  It was so great for Aunt Cookie to finally meet her Great Great Niece (literally!).  We had a wonderful time and it was nice for me to see them as well of course.

Grace with her Great Great Aunt Cookie, Great Papa, and Great Granny

Also this week Grace made feet prints in the sand at KinderCare... look at how tiny her feet are compared to the other two in her class :)  She is a little  younger, so it is understandable, but they are still so cute!  Despite not feeling well at home, she's been a trooper and been doing pretty well at daycare.  The staff constantly say what a joy she is and how great she is.  She loves to smile and talk.  One of the babies is colicky, so she is really is a gem to them!  Mom, I have learned to appreciate you even more after seeing some other babies... so sorry for being the terrible colicky baby I was... at least you have a wonderful grandbaby!! :)

Helena, Grace, and Bella's Feet Prints

This weekend we had two of our very good friends Aaron and Jenny over to shoot some guns, go swimming, have a little cookout, and take them out to dinner at Garrett's favorite downtown place, the Frog and Monkey.  After that, Jenny and I got our treat of wonderful frozen custard from Operation Deep Freeze... yummy!  It was such a great day and we look forward to repeating it all over again this weekend.

Currently my family is in South Carolina for Amanda's dance National Finals.  Last night she actually competed her solo for the very last time and ended up taking home the title of National Champion, winning 1st overall.  Her duet partner JP (see below) took the Mr. title as well!  Way to represent Shooting Stars!!  I could not be more proud of who my sister is and the lady she has become.  She's been through a lot and a lot of DANCE... to end her solo competition era with such a bang only shows how much her hard work and dedication has paid off... now on to her next stage in life.  Amanda-Kay, you are absolutely incredible and I know that you are my little sister, but I constantly find myself looking up to you!  Stay yourself and true to who you are, strong in your faith, close to God, and keep family close.  If you remember all these things, you will be good.  Remember, God will guide you on your path of life and your family will always be here for you.  Love you bunches; like alpacas like to spit (right?!)!!!

Emily, Lindsiann, Amanda-Kay, JP, and Cece

Other news; Congratulations Alyssa and Kyle on the addition of your baby boy, Gavin.  He is absolutely precious and fits perfect into your already very cute family.  I can't wait to meet him and watch him grow with the wonderful parents you are and great older siblings he has.