To Gracie From Mommy

My Teeny Tiny Peanut,

 

I remember the first time I learned that we were expecting a baby girl. I was honestly a little shaken because I only had experience with boys. I wondered how different things would be when you came along. I have to tell you that as I look back on the past two years I see that God knew EXACTLY what He was doing… especially now that you are sandwiched between two brothers. I thank God every day that I have the privilege of raising a little girl and experiencing everything that goes along with that. I love the softness that you bring to our rough and tumble set. I love your sweet tiny voice. I love your sense of style. You are smart and beautiful and sassy. You are a little crazy… a little bit “devil may care”. You give great hugs and big smiles. You are thrilled to be involved in everything that is going on around you and you are also fiercely independent. I so look forward to knowing the adult that you grow into. I love the relationship that we have now and the special place you hold in my heart as my one and only little girl. I pray that we are close forever and ever.

 

I feel like your “baby years” have just flown by. Perhaps it is because you were such an easy baby. Seriously, you were a breeze (compared to BOTH of your brothers). You just eased yourself right into our little family without much struggle. We were too busy just relaxing, loving on you, and getting to know you to realize that you were growing up right before our eyes. Maybe the time flew because Noah came along so quickly after you were born. You were still a bambino yourself when we brought our new guy home. It makes me a little sad that you had to stop being the baby so soon, but I couldn’t be more proud of you for how easily you’ve taken to your new role. You are such a great BIG sister and a great LITTLE sister. Remember to always keep your brothers close. They will treasure you and look out for you if you let them.

 

Gracie Girl, I want you to always remember just how special you are. Lately, you are so excited to play dress up and princess. You put on your party gowns, high heels, jewels and crowns and you waltz around here like you own the place. I pray that you have that same confident spirit when you venture out into the world on your own. I want you to realize that your worth, to us and to Jesus, is far more than jewels (pretend ones AND real ones). I pray that you continue to be the joyful person that we’ve come to know and love, and that you learn at an early age to delight in the Lord! You truly are a princess… the King of the Universe calls you his daughter. Never forget who you are, sweet girl. I love you BIG like the sky!

 

Love, Mommy 

Grace is Two!

 

Oh, sweet Gracie Belle ~ you are TWO years old! You are growing up and acting so big!

You are a great playmate. You work really hard at keeping up with your big brother.

 

 

You are very, very silly. You know how to play to a crowd. You like to be the center of attention. You are a very happy go lucky little girl. You have the cutest voice. You are saying lots of words and sentences, but sometimes only Bubba and I can understand you. We call you “Beaker” because to most people, you sound like a little muppet! :)

 

 

You just love being a big sister to Noah. You ask to hold him all the time. If you had your way, he would sleep with you in your bed, and you’d push him around in your baby doll stroller all day long. I have to keep a close eye on you because you might just try to run off with him.

 

 

You have definitely been clueing us in to your likes and dislikes. You love to be outside. You like to check on Army, and you also like to take your inside toys outside to play. Sometimes they spend the night out there… mommy needs to be more careful! You like to watch cartoons with Bubba and Diego is your favorite. You sing along, “Daaay-go! Doh! Doh! Doh!” It’s too cute. You LOVE music and you sing and hum along with the radio or cartoons. You pick up the tune quickly, even when you can’t say all of the words. You often make up your own words! You do NOT like eggs or bananas or chocolate milk. You also do not like the “basketball mask” or loud noises. Ben has this small toy gorilla that makes noise and sucks on a little baby bottle. You dislike that thing so much that I’ve had to put it away. You scream hysterically when it comes out! Poor Gracie.

 

 

You may be a tiny little thing (you seem to be taking after your Mommy in that department) but your big personality makes up for it. You are so fun and I love watching you grow! I am excited for what this next year has in store for us! Happy Birthday, Gracie Belle!

 

A Puppy Party!





Grace's party theme was a no-brainer, because she LOVES puppies! Most of the family was able to be here with us and we had a great weekend! Gracie Belle was a wonderful party hostess and she seemed to really enjoy spending time with all of the guests that were here to celebrate with her!

The Cake Table

Complete with "Puppy Chow" party favors

and Paw Print Cupcakes

and a Puppy Cake, of course!

We had a puppy obstacle course with
tubes, hurdles, and balls.

Grace's new water table was a big hit!

It was nice enough to have lunch on the deck!
We had hot DOGS! Hee hee.

We played pin the parts on the puppy.

The birthday girl blew out her candles like a rock star!

Good friends!

Sweetie teaching her how to play with her new princess gear!

When I grow up…

I want to be a Mommy (that pumps milk),

 

or a (naked) professional shopper,

 

or Spiderman,

 

or a pirate.

Puppy Birthday Outfit

I decided to make Gracie a birthday outfit for her puppy party. I started with a plain white t-shirt and then I added an applique.
 

I ironed some wonder under onto the polka dot & blue fabric. Then I traced the outline of the puppy (I used a plastic cookie cutter) and the #2 and the balloon (printed from the computer).

Once I had all of my pieces cut out, I ironed them onto the t-shirt according to the instructions.

Finally, I used matching thread and ran a straight stitch right along the edge of the applique.
 

I also made her tutu. It was really simple. I just tied strips of tulle around a wide piece of elastic that I had measured around Gracie’s waist and sewed shut.
 

I think the end result was pretty cute. I need to find some litte shorts or bloomers for her to wear under it. I can’t wait to see it on her at her party!
 

Mother’s Day Weekend

Grammy & Grandad came to stay with us to celebrate Mother’s Day & Grace’s birthday. Gracie was excited to see them and to begin her birthday festivities.

 

 

She opened a couple presents and was anxious to take them out and try them on.

 

 

She took to her new heels quite well.

 

 

We went to church and took advantage of the sweet photographers who were taking pictures of all the moms and their families.

 

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Cascarones

Anyone up for smashing confetti filled eggs on each other’s heads?

 

Poor Army! He had to take it, but he couldn’t give it!

 

 

We can eat them, right?

 

 

Gracie is a warrior.