I Haven't Been Blogging Because...

I've been sewing. I made myself wait on a few sewing projects until after Grace's birthday party. Now that her party has come and gone, I've been doing crafty things. I will still post about her birthday party, but in the meantime, I wanted to let you know what I had been up to while the kids were sleeping. I hope this fits Grace!

Gifts

A hug for Jeff...

and some help dusting for me.

The Bike Helmet

We got Gracie a bike helmet for her birthday so that we could take family bike rides. The old bike trailer that I found at a yard sale in our old town is still serving us well! Jonathan wanted to ride in the trailer with Grace for this first ride. He was feeling very affectionate, so I imagine she was feeling very smooshed.

She didn't complain, though.

We have been having perfect weather, so it was a great evening for a family ride. Lots of other people were out enjoying it, too. Jeff commented that he wished the weather was like this every day of the year. I told him that, if it was, we'd be living in San Diego. Grace loved her first ride. She cried when it had to be over!

Grace's Real Birthday

First thing in the morning

Good morning kisses

Time to open her gifts from Jonathan. I loved this picture! They are both concentrating so hard!

She was delighted with her rattle...

and her book.

One Year Photos

We took Grace's one-year pics today. Here's one of my favorites. I may post more later. She wouldn't stand up, and she wouldn't sit up...we had to work hard to capture her before she scooted away!

By the way, she used her pink walking toy/cart thingy to climb up on the couch yesterday. Will she be my climber? I hope not. :)

What Jonathan Typed...the Day Before Grace's Party

Grandma and grandpa are here.

“Today I’m going to be busy!”

Gracei’s birthday party:

A party to…celebrate

That grace is 1.

I love grace.”then I am going to be done.”

Punjammies Get Famous!

I just got the great news that The Pioneer Woman blogged about IPP and Punjammies...you can read the post here. This is great news, as the blog traffic has created lots of sales of Punjammies, and that means women who have escaped from sexual slavery in India have the funds to stay off the street and make a new life with new skills. Click and see Cherissa's post about it, too. Woo-hoo!

The Kids' Checkup

I have some really cute pictures of Grace and Jonathan on her birthday...maybe I'll share them in a few days. Jeff's parents arrive today to celebrate with the birthday girl.

Both kids had a checkup yesterday- Grace because she is one and Jonathan for kindergarten. Grace weighs 21 lbs., 13 oz. (clothed) and is about 30" tall. She checked out fine, healthy, big for her age, etc., and the doc is not worried about her physical development. She has made a lot of progress in the past few days, which has been really fun. She learned how to climb up the stairs in sequence (not just the first two.) I've had some file boxes out in the playroom to pack away outgrown clothes, and she was able to get up on them and use them to climb onto the coffee table. She wants to try the same table food we're eating...as long as it is served to her on a fork and not as finger food! Silly girl.

Jonathan is doing fine, too, but has some fluid on his right ear and is not hearing well on that side. It's nothing to worry about and should clear up on its own, but we have to go back in a couple of weeks to test his hearing in that ear again. So, his inability to hear me clearly from the other room lately is not (or not only) the fact that he's five and has other plans in mind, but he really can't hear me well. So, for now, I'm being careful to speak to him when he's near me, and we are both less frustrated by communication barriers!

What Jonathan Typed

Mom,dad,jonathan and gracie are

Happy today. What I know:

I know I like legos. I know I like cars.

Gracie: my sister who I love.

When I was 4 I new typing was

Fun. My family:I’v got a family of 4.

It’s fun having a family of 4.

Legos: little teeny weeny duplos.

\Great job!/

One Year Ago

Here I was a year ago, 41 week pregnant. Jeff was taking my picture, and we were ready to drive to the hospital to welcome our baby boy or girl into the world. Jonathan was going to stay with my wonderful brother. Jen and other friends were ready to take care of him, too, if needed, which made me happy.

The midwife broke my water around 9:10 a.m., and I felt less uncomfortable almost immediately. Our 10-pound miracle made her appearance less than four hours later. The details are a bit fuzzy, but I do remember saying, "Cry, baby, cry!" and after the longest moment ever, she did. I can't begin to express how grateful we were and are for this incredible blessing.

Happy first birthday, sweet baby Grace. We love you with all our hearts.