The Day After

Grace was tired today. With no nap yesterday and waking up at 7:30 this morning, she was not in the best of moods. She took a nap from 10-12 but then was awake all day until 8. We all hope her mood is lifted tomorrow. Only her big, red ball seemed to make her happy.

She can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan

We visited Explore and More in East Aurora yesterday where Grace fished, cooked, loved the stuffed animals and clearly had a great time. Afterward we ate at McDonalds and she played some more. She was napless for the day and went to bed about 8:00, her usual time.

Eladia Came to Play

Our friends, Jeaveen and her daughter Eladia, are in town from Kansas, and they came by to play. The girls had a great time and played so well together. The are the best of friends.

Pee Poo

Grace has started saying "potty" and "pee poo", so we thought it might be time to buy a potty and start the introduction. She is physically not ready for potty training, but we wanted it to not be scary for her. So we bought the potty and thought we would let her get familiar with it.

When we brought it home, I asked if she wanted to go pee poo in the big girl potty. She said yes, took my finger and we went to the bathroom. We attempted the ritual, and obviously no luck.

Today we came home from the beach, and I thought I would try it again. We pulled up her dress, took off her diaper and she sat down. Immediately, she started to pee. Both she and I were stunned (by the look on her face, she more than me). Then she didn't know what to do. So we wiped, dumped and flushed. Very impressive...but now she seems scared to do it again. Have we ruined it for her?

Day at the Beach

We spent a few hours at the beach today. This was the first time Grace had played in sand other than a little in her friends' sand box. She did not try to eat it. We were very happy.

Visit From "PAPA"?

Grandma Rachel came to town Wednesday for a 2 week visit. I have been working for quiet a while with Grace on saying "Grandma". Well, it has not worked. The child will say hibiscus but not Grandma. She looks at mom everytime and says "Papa". No matter how many times you correct her, she only says "Papa". We may have lots of "Papas" in our family.

A Fluffy Lambie Cute and Cuddly

I wanted this lamb costume for Grace last year for Halloween but waited too late to get it. Yesterday we went to the resale shop, and there it was for a third of the price. We bought it and had to come home and try it on. Hope she doesn't grow out of it in 3 months.

The Giver

Saturday we went to Dan's work party. The party is held outside next to a lake, and of course, Grace had to go in. So we stripped her down to her diaper, and she played in the water and mud for a while. She loved it. About halfway through she had company, and she began to share the mud. Later that day she also swam in a friend's pool.

Her favorite word that day (and since) was "CAKE" which she yelled. So she ate cake in the pool. AHHH...the best of both worlds.

Ever So Busy!

Sweet Smile

Outdoor Bath

We painted our tub and it takes 3 days to dry...and baby really needed a bath. It was windy out so she was cold and didn't want to stay in long. She is a cute wet baby.

Water, Water Everywhere

Yes, again, Grace loves the water. We visited Dan's Aunt for a pool party on Saturday. When she saw the pool, she walked right up to it and tried to walk right in, clothes and all. She played in the pool from 2:00 to 7:30 with only breaks for snacks and dinner. She also loved the hot tub, where she could walk around the inside and the water not be above her neck.

Our big problem was that we couldn't get her out. She also didn't want to be held which is a major problem for a little girl who can't swim. She would play in her boat off and on. But mostly she wanted you to splash her and hold her as far away from you as you could so that she felt like she was swimming. Jumping on the diving board was also a winner

Is there a big pool in our future...yet to be determined.

Visit from "Papa"

17 Months Old and Ready for Potty Training?

For some reason, I guess I filmed this sideways. But it is so cute, I thought I would post it, and hopefully you can still enjoy it.

Grace sometimes likes to help with diaper changes. She will get out the changing pad, lay it out smooth and then lay down on it (usually on her stomach and we have to tell her to roll over. ) Lately she has been trying to figure out how to put the diaper on herself. She mostly tries to put it on like her pajamas, arms first. Luckly she is more interested in trying to put the diapers on than taking them off.

Fourth of July

Yesterday we went to a friend's for a party. We stayed for until 10:00 pm, and Grace stayed awake the whole time. She played with an 18month old and a 5 year old most of the time and ate bread with spinich dip to keep her energy up. She didn't like the noise of the fireworks, so I had to sit with her inside the house. She sat in my lap without moving for the whole show, something she has not done in months. It was a good day!

Towel Happy

Grace can't wait to get outside in the mornings. Usually she starts "CAR, CAR" before breakfast. Now that we have been putting her wading pool out, she goes to the bathroom and gets her towel ("powel") and goes to the door to wait for her hat and sunscreen. I say "wait" very loosely... I have a very limited time to meet her at the door before the fit starts.

No More Monkeys

We constantly have to stop Grace from bouncing on the furniture. This time I encouraged it because she was so cute. I have regretted it ever since.