Wednesday, March 20, 2013

48 Weeks Old

Grace Lynn is so very close to that 1 year mark it is scary.  She has finally reached 11 months... I say finally, but it feels like yesterday I was holding her for the first time at the hospital.
Also, big news this week... She is breaking a tooth in... yay!! :)  She is handling it like a trooper too!  She has pretty much been her normal self aside from YES, another ear infection and having to go back on the inhaler.  I swear, it never ends.  I'm just thankful to be blessed with an all-around healthy happy baby girl.  I could not ask for more!
Bottom right tooth just starting to show itself :)
This last weekend, we went to Grandma and Grandpas for their annual pig-pickin' and had a wonderful time! Our time there consisted of some very delicious food, air boat riding, 4-wheeling and yep, mudding.  This was Grace's first (of many, I'm sure) pig pickin's.  She loved it!!  She got food from anyone willing to feed her and she got to go on the rhino again with mommy and daddy.  We took her out to the lake, which is actually the first place that Garrett took me the first time that we went 4-wheelin' together.  Beautiful, right??
Lake Harney
Then Monday, Grace got to leave school early to play hookie with Nana and Aunt Goober.  She spent the day at the parks and just enjoying herself with them.  I don't have many pictures yet, but believe me, her Nana has some and has an adorable video of her laughing on the swing.  She absolutely loves to swing!!!  After her day with them, they came by the house for a little bit to help us out and to drop baby girl off.
Fun, fun, fun!
Aunt Goober earning her boots as Garrett would say, lol;
Helping to unload the boys' hay.
Now, it's back to the grind and back to getting her to her 100% self... so on the antibiotics and inhaler she goes.  For fun, here is a picture of our first baby girl, Cambrie, and Grace Lynn, our little cowgirl; love these two and how they can interact with one another more now :)
And our sweet little sassy thing, Grace Lynn :)
P.S. shout out to my best friend Stephanie that I got to catch up with again this week; a very happy early birthday to YOU as well as to your sweet girls Karley and Amanda!!
Friends Always!!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

47 Weeks Old

47 Weeks Old and have a little walker now! :)  I have seen her take up to 5 steps in a row without hesitation.
She is such a little blessing... our toothless walking wonder!!  Yep, still toothless, but definitely teething.  Amazing that we have a tiny walker before she even has teeth, but that doesn't stop her from eating some of her favorite things: Mashed Potatoes, Chicken, Mac 'N Cheese, along with just about anything else we throw her way.  Check out our girl in action below.  This video is from our time at her Aunt Goober's dance rehearsal.  Saturday while Garrett was helping a friend move, I went with Grace to our mommy and me class and then spent the day with my Mom.  Got pedicures with Cindy, and then surprised my sister at her dance rehearsal.  It was a nice relaxing day... just wish it wouldn't have gone by so fast!!  I am very happy that they got to see her take some of her first steps too!!  For my friends and family that haven't seen her yet or let alone seen her take any steps, this video is for you!  Our really cool little girl doing something really cool!!
She also has the most adorable little cackle of a laugh... her Aunt Goober had her going real good at one point, but later in the practice, she was still able to get a little out of her, even after running around and winding down :)  She also loves to laugh when her daddy rubs her feet on his chin when he isn't clean-shaven.  It makes us chuckle too.  Here she is with Aunt Goober... tired, but still giggly.
Finally to end my week and make it even that much better for me, my wonderful husband sent flowers to me at work and surprised me by planning a date night for the two of us.  I definitely got a keeper and Thank God for him every single day!
Hope you all had a blessed week and here's to a blessed week ahead!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

46 Weeks Old

46 Weeks Old and guess what?!  We saw Grace take one step this weekend!!  I know it doesn't seem like a lot and she isn't walking quite yet, but that one step is a HUGE step (pun intended), this means she could be walking any day now, which is very bitter sweet.  I am soooo excited but also continue to wish that time could just slow down.  These are the best pictures I could get this week... she did not want to sit still.  So, out came the puffs.  They got her to sit long enough to at least get this first one, but her funny face is because she is eating a puff, haha.

This weekend, Grace tried her first mommy and me class and had an absolutely wonderful time (as did mommy!).  We are going to keep this up for a little while until she is at least big enough to decide what she wants to do or can move on to harder skills type things, etc.  This is perfect for her for now though.  It's also a great bonding time for her and I.
Playing in the ball pit, hanging on the uneven bars, climbing the big teeter-
totter, and she loved the swings and I loved her faces on the swings while
holding on for dear life, haha
Also this weekend, Grace got to meet her Great Grandma Gardner, Aunt Cyncy, and cousin Courtney for the first time!  They made it into town and were able to spend an afternoon with us.  We had a wonderful time with them while they were here and I think it is safe to say that Grace loved meeting them too.  She was all smiles and had a great time with them.  Hopefully we will get to see them again sooner than later.
Loving her Great Grandma!!
Meeting Aunt Cyncy and Courtney for the first time!
4 Generations
Grandma, Great Grandma Gardner, Grace, and Daddy
Uncle Co-co with Grace
Finally here are some recent pictures of Grace at church... she loves to watch the music ministry practice.
Eagerly wanting to get onstage, playing the piano with Anna,
singing and dancing along, and playing the guitar with Rachel and Jacki

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

45 Weeks Old

Getting closer and closer every week to that 12 month mark... holy cannoli!!  Even Grace is surprised, LOL.
This week consisted of mostly sickness for our sweet girl.  From Thursday evening through Monday she ran a temperature from between 101 and 103 degrees, was throwing up, lethargic and was just not happy.  She was miserable to say the least I'm sure; but thank goodness for baby Tylenol and children fever cooling gel pads.  Both of those made the world of difference; we were able to get the fever down for sometime and when it came back up, we'd add a new pad and a little more Tylenol if necessary.  After yet another doctor visit, our assumption was confirmed... another ear infection.  She is now on more antibiotics and doing MUCH better!  She is happier and much more playful.  It's incredible how much that little body can handle.  She is also now up to 17.5lbs... wowzers at almost 10.5 months, she's gained just over 10lbs from birth; time please slow down!!
The many sick faces of Grace
Feeling better with her cooling gel pad on :)
Apparently whatever Garrett had to say caught the attention of all the ladies
(Grace, Maggie, and Cambrie)
Playing together :)
Bedtime story with daddy :)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

44 Weeks Old

What a busy week we've had; can't believe this little angel is 10 months old already :)
Thursday Grace got to celebrate her 1st Valentine's Day.  Of course, the day was like any other day for her really, but she got to dress in pink and red like all of the other children at school, to celebrate the day.  She also made some Valentine gifts to bring home to mommy and daddy!  We are certainly blessed by this sweet angel and are blessed that she has such wonderful teachers at school.  She really does look forward to every day... no lie!  She is happy as can be when I drop her off and pick her up... sometimes she doesn't even want to leave :)

Also this Valentine's, our dear friends John and Courtney welcomed their beautiful girl into the world.  Haley Marie is such a doll.  It was so nice for the whole Myers family to finally make it over and see her and to see the proud and happy mommy and daddy.  Grace now has another little girlfriend to look forward to growing up with and playing with.  Congratulations Courtney and John!!
I can't believe Grace was this small at one point; wow how the time flies!
Saturday, we drove down south for Andre's big surprise 30th birthday bash that Lauren successfully pulled off! She did an incredible job planning such a wonderful birthday for him.  We all got to enjoy a Panthers hockey game together followed by a nice evening back at their home.  Mind you, this was also Grace's first hockey game.  There were friends and family of both Andre and Lauren's all there.  His face was priceless when he walked into the suite and saw everyone there to celebrate his big day.  Lauren's face was priceless too when she saw just how surprised and happy he was.  They are two of the best friends Garrett and I could ask for.  I really enjoying seeing them (and their family) when we can and only wish we got to see them more often.
Let the decorating and party hats begin!
Getting our game faces ready
SURPRISE!!!
Game starting to wind-down, and so is our little bit, but she certainly had
a great time with everyone and all the festivities going on!
Sunday, after church Grace had another play-date with her best friend Kendall.  These two just keep getting bigger and bigger and are always such a riot together.  Us moms (Monica and I) always have so much fun just hanging out and playing with our girls together.  I'm sure the boys (Garrett and Justin) enjoyed catching up as well.
Nope, did not plan to dress alike, but great minds think alike I guess :)
Monday, since it was a holiday for Grace's school, mommy got to take off to spend the day with her :)  We started our morning by going out to Nana's work and meeting some of the wonderful friends that blessed us and Grace before she was even born.  This was the first time many of them have met her in person.  After this, Grace and I drove out to have lunch with daddy at his work and meet some of his co-workers.  Finally we ended the day with some errands and play-time at home.  It was a very long and busy, but WONDERFUL day!
Shopping with mama!
And, now here is a start to another fun week (and long week)... but I always try to remember to count my blessings because I sure do know how fortunate and blessed we are.  Each week comes with another challenge and even more happy memories!!  Hope you all have a blessed week!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

43 Weeks Old

Little bit is now 43 weeks old!  And, it's been one fun, busy week for her :)
In her pjs because our sick girl had to stay
home with mama
Friday evening Uncle Wally and Barb were able to come by with Chuck and Sandy to see Grace and spend some time with us.  It was nice to have them visit while they were in town and happy that they finally got to meet Grace!

Also this weekend, Grace actually was able to enjoy her 1st Florida State Fair.  We had a lot of fun as a family.  It was also nice to have Allie and my mom join us, as well as running into Grandma and Grandpa Myers and Joy while there!  Grace's favorite thing I think would have to be the Watusi Bull... she loved it!!  She did not want to let go of it's long horns!  I'd say that it was definitely a successful trip.  Oh, I was even able to buy the diaper bag that I have been wanting to get for Grace and it is nice because once she is out of diapers, it can be used for other things as well.  I love it!!
Love my sweet family!
Definitely Daddy's Girl <3
Checking herself out on the camera, kisses for Nana,
Loving on the Watusi Bull, and walking at the fair like a big girl
Love this Girl!! <3
New diaper bag for Grace :)
Then Sunday our church held it's baby dedication.  For anyone that may be unfamiliar  a baby dedication is a ceremony in which we as Grace's parents make a commitment before the Lord to submit Grace to God's will and to raise her according to God's word and God's ways.  The church also commits to helping/supporting us as a family to raise Grace to God's will and according to His Word.  They prayed over us (and the other babies and families) and presented each child with their first "New Testament" and presented the parents with a certificate.  It was a very nice ceremony.  I believe the cutest part was when Grace decided to take center stage and say "hi" to everyone :)  She was just waving away and was absolutely adorable!  So thankful for our Grace and for the strong support system that she and us as a family have.
Certificate & New Testament, Happy Girl, Elders praying over our family,
Family picture after the dedication, and Singing with Miss. Rachel :)
All in all, we had a very wonderful and blessed week.  Hoping yours was the same and here's to a blessed week ahead for each of you!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

42 Weeks Old

Today our sweet girl is 42 weeks old and feeling much better than this time last week!
This week was pretty normal for the most part.  Garrett's been working A LOT of hours, but thankfully some of that will be cut down this week.  His boss even sent home a box of chocolates for me as a thank you for letting him work so much.  How sweet is that?? :)  Saturday Grace got to spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa Myers while Garrett got some work done and I went to take my concealed weapons course with Allie.  We've been talking about doing it for a while now and finally, we can say that we did!! :)
Playing peek-a-boo with Grandma
Later that evening we met my mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa for a nice dinner out to Outback using our Christmas gift cards.  It was a fun evening and nice to just have an evening with no talk of work and get out with family for a little while.  We had a great time!!
Out to dinner... all bundled on a cold night :)
Holding tight to daddy at church :)
Then, Sunday after church, we as a family finally got to spend some quality time together with just us.  It was so nice to just be home next to a fire, watch the Superbowl game (well first half since it went well past our bedtime), and just be with each other.  I am so very thankful for our many blessings.  This last week has reminded me that work can be tough sometimes for Garrett and I, just in the fact that it does take up a lot of our time and can be stressful, but we do it in order to better our lives and know that it is all worth it.  We are both just very grateful to have work right now.  It can all sometimes be a handful and these long weeks aren't always easy, but picking this girl up from school each day and getting to play with her at home for a little bit makes it all worth while.  We just want to give her the best life we can :)  I think she enjoys coming home to help daddy feed the horses, watch the chickens, talk to Maggie and Cambrie, and play with us.  Here is our little pebbles... her hair is now long enough for a small pony tail... too funny!