I Think Blue Is Her Color...

Just look at those eyes!

Brother and Sister

You can see who was feeling very affectionate this time around.

Peas

Quotes from Jonathan

"Daddy, here's something fun that you'd enjoy! Here's the company that we're going to build out of Legos: The Rust-eze Medicated Bumper Company."

"Mommy, do you see that road grader over there?" (Yes, I do! What's it doing?) "Making the road great?"

"Did Daddy have to get trained to do his job?...How?"

"How did you get teached to be a mommy?"

"What would happen if none of the things in the world were heavy?"

Eight Months

Can you believe it?! She doesn't visit the doctor this month, so I don't know how tall she is, but she's just shy of 19 lbs.

This picture is for my sister, who is still concerned that Gracie does not own or wear enough hairbows.

This shirt was a Christmas present to Grace last year from one of Jeff's coworkers.

Jonathan read it this morning, and this is what he said to Grace: "Perfect...just like my dad. And, perfect, just like my big brother!"

Splish, Splash!

Some More Not-Brand-New Pictures

Here are Jonathan and Jeff bonding over race cars after Jeff returned from a business trip.

I had wanted to get a picture of this and finally did. Not her legs, but the way she sleeps with her hands. She usually sucks her left thumb and puts her right hand behind her neck, even when she's sleeping on her tummy. Jonathan sucked his right fingers and rubbed the front of his neck with his left hand. I guess they've both needed comforting places for their hands!

I took this one because of her legs.

Snuggles after Grace's bath time.

And, hanging out with her grandma.

Random Cuteness

I've been meaning to post these random pictures, but hadn't gotten around to it! this first one is from a few weeks ago.

"The Big shiP" drawing and words by Jonathan. You have probably noticed the geometric theme in his art...he still doesn't draw very often. I loved that he labeled this one himself.

I let him give Grace her first try at drinking water from a cup. He thought it was great. She wasn't so sure.

After-bath handsomeness

Practicing sitting. She's much better at it now and doesn't have to hang onto the basket, but she still prefers her tummy. She is rolling and rotating on her tummy quite well, and started scooting backwards on her belly last night. She can push forwards with her legs, but only if her face is on the ground. Crawling is just around the corner, I'm afraid!

Avocados. She wasn't so sure on the first bite, but loved them after that. Avocados are my new favorite baby food. They're already soft, they come in their own bowl, they're very portable, and have lots of healthy fats and calories. They've also been very cheap and great quality lately. The perfect baby food!

Family Day

Jeff had the day off today, and we took advantage of the family time to do some exploring and sightseeing in some little towns and lesser-known places that are not too far away from here.

Two very content people.

Jeff with the kids. Jonathan is displaying his favorite leaf.

Jonathan loved these teepees. That's not the correct name for them here, but you know what I mean. J. kept forgetting the right name for them, so he substituted other letters for "TP" which was pretty cute. I fed Grace while the boys explored the area, and when we joined them a little later, Jonathan decided to be a tour guide. Or docent. Actually, docent might be a good role for him when he's older.

I first heard about these in fourth grade social studies. It's been a long time, but it's still so cool to picture the Indian women grinding acorns in these mortars.

A pine cone as big as his head.

Swinging Pictures

Yesterday, I took Jonathan and Grace to the "Thomas Store" so that he could play at their train table. He hadn't been there in months, and I needed some paper that was just right for him to practice his printing, so off we went. I'm sure he'll be too old for the train table soon, but not yet! When I returned home, I had a message from Jen about meeting at the park. We hurried to the park as fast as we could, and were afraid we might have missed her and the girls, but they were still there! Yay!

Yesterday's post showed how much fun Gracie had, and Jonathan and I enjoyed it, too. I hadn't seen Jen in a long time, and it was great to catch up. I must say, though, it's much harder to get a word in edgewise now compared to how it was when we just had Jonathan and Ella!

Delia was such a good sport to share her swing with Grace, and has always been tender toward her. When Jonathan and Ella were little, they used to swing together like this. Now they're on to bigger and better things. I'm thankful to have known Jen and the girls for nearly three years now. They have been such special friends to us in our new town. (Jen was expecting Delia when I met her.)