Gracie Girl

Summer Update * Numero Uno

2010-07-25T17:16:00.011-04:00

Summer started out a little differently this year. We didn't make it to Lakeside, but we did get to enjoy being in our new home for a few weeks before heading to the beach with Mama and Papa O. I loved the ocean and can't wait to go back. This trip was the end of June, so we've done a LOT since then, but here's a sampling of our start to summer 2010.

I had lots and lots of fun on Sandbridge Beach with my Mama and Papa O, cousins Luke and Kyle, Aunt Kurt, Uncle Sara, and Mommy and Daddy!

Luke went into the water and I wanted to follow too! I settled for always getting my feet wet!

I learned to scoop up lots of water and carry it in my bucket. It was fun!

Mama O threw us a half birthday party at the beach.
She and Papa picked out a cake and let us blow out the candles and everything!

A snuggle before bedtime with Mama O and Kyle

I was exhausted, but mommy didn't have to get on an airplane and leave so she and daddy wanted to try to get one last evening walk and photo on the beach.

Since mommy didn't have to fly home we took ALL day to get back to Ohio. We drove through the battlefields at Yorktown to humor daddy's Revolutionary War fetish, then we stopped off at Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello. I didn't quite make it through the house tour, but daddy did. Mommy and I took advantage of a walk in the gardens. It was hot, but we had some good girl time.

Smelling the flowers at Monticello

One of only a few family pics from the trip. It was SO HOT that day,
but thankfully there was some shade :0)

I am such a big girl - I loved riding the bus at Monticello!

For more summer pics you can visit our Shutterfly site: http://olingers23.shutterfly.com/ Mommy said it takes TOO long to load all of them on here, so enjoy whatever you have time to look at!

Five months really?!

2010-07-22T08:32:00.002-04:00

Well, I have to admit my mommy has had her hands full with me and until about a week ago, her school work. Not to mention Daddy's track schedule this past spring made things a little crazy. She spent a whole day uploading photos onto our computer and helping Daddy hang pictures in our house, so she keeps promising that she's going to get to the blog soon. I sure hope she does, because there are so many adventures you've missed in our life these past few months. I'll keep reminding mommy and maybe by Monday you'll have a long overdue update!

xoxo,
Gracie Reneee

Future Buckeye?!

2010-02-07T13:42:00.005-05:00

This past Wednesday night Mommy and Daddy took me to my first Ohio State Basketball game. I had no idea what they were talking about, but after a few minutes in the arena taking in the sights and sounds, I realized I LOVE BASKETBALL GAMES! I don't really like to sit still, but I love the band, the cheerleaders, the boys on the court, and the sound of the sneakers and the bBall on the floor. Daddy was just as excited as I was to be at the game with his girls! He even taught me to do O-H-I-O . . . but I still need his help to get it just right! I LOVE listening to Cie Grant sing "Carmen Ohio" on YouTube and I loved listening to the marching band on iTunes, so I was definitely in love with all the music and noise at the game. At halftime Daddy and Mommy took me for a walk and showed me the hall of fame and the rest of the Schottenstein Center. We even found a football field where I could march with the band. I was so proud of myself, I marched all over that field and clapped my hands and squealed with delight! I think it was my favorite part of the night!

Until next time . . . O-H . . .

xoxo, Gracie

It's been too long . . . but I'm back!

2010-01-17T16:37:00.012-05:00

Hey friends! I am so sorry that I haven't made time to post anything since August! It was a crazy fall and once mommy and daddy went back to school, I just couldn't seem to find the time to get on the computer AND play with them at night. I had a very busy fall and hopefully I can catch you up on the past few months, but for now I'm just going to focus on December . . . my BIRTHDAY MONTH!

I celebrated my first birthday and my dedication at Heritage Christian Church the first weekend in December with LOTS of family and friends. It was so fun to have everyone visit my new house. It was packed, but we had fun. I loved eating birthday cake and opening presents and playing with all my friends. Marley Grace, my new cousin, was a pretty special guest, I can't wait until we can

celebrate her first birthday next year!

A few weeks later we celebrated Christmas with all my grandparents, great-grands, aunties and uncles, cousins and a few friends. I got lots of great presents, I am so blessed, and then I got to the beach . . . my first, of hopefully many, beach parties!

It was rough driving there all night long in Uncle Jerry's Escalade, especially

through the mountains. It really hurt my ears and mouth when we came out of them, Mommy said it was because I was teething. Whatever, it HURT! I felt pretty yucky the first few days at the beach, but by day three I was feeling better and I was able to play a little in the sand. By the end of the week, though, I was loving the ocean, the seagulls, the sand, and just being able to hang out with my family. Here are a few of my favorite photos, there will be more posted to mommy and daddy's shutterfly page once mommy gets a few extra minutes . . . ha ha!

I felt yucky my first moment on the beach . . .

but by day three, I liked it a lot!

Sunset at Lely Barefoot Beach Preserve

Playing with Daddy

Playing on a boat with mommy

The whole Peddicord/Olinger gang!

We made lots of wonderful memories, which I'll write try to write more about later, but I am so thankful for all the Christmas love I experienced in 2009.

Mommy and daddy can't believe I'm one year old, but I am! I love getting into the tupperware drawer, giving mommy and daddy "advice" on everything, reading books, having dance parties in my new living room after school, and playing with anyone and everyone who comes to visit. I'll post more later, but I love and have missed many of you! Hope to see you soon!

xoxo,

Gracie

August Adventures * Volume 2

2009-08-22T08:23:00.007-04:00

August is now more than half over and we have had so much fun! Two weekends ago I got to go on my first airplane ride! Aunt Ann, Uncle Larry, Logan and Landon flew me to Texas to visit them. Mommy and I said goodbye to Daddy on a Friday evening and spent the rest of the long weekend with my Texas family. We had SO MUCH FUN! Aunt Ann got me my own special bed, complete with homemade sheets and blankies. She even found me some toys to play with and books to read. Auntie Kelsey was there, my cousin Jennifer, and one of my new favorites, Auntie Lisa. We got to play, swim in the pool, eat some yummy food and spend time together. Auntie Kelsey, Lisa, and mommy took me for my first college visit to Texas Christian University. We had so much fun! It was so hot, but we survived the sunshine and took a few pictures. Mommy says she loves to visit Texas, and we're so blessed to have so many people who love us. I think so too! You can check out more of the pictures on our shutterfly page, but here's a sampling from our trip.

Not sure what to think about this airplane thing, but mommy said I did great!

Cousin Jennifer - a true Buckeye even though she's in Texas now!

I love my mommy!

Frog Fountain and the new quad at TCU with mommy and Auntie K

It was so hot, I was so tired.

Cousins Logan and Landon liked to read with me :0)

I got to meet Mimi and Papa - Uncle Larry's parents

I love Auntie Lisa . . .

I love Aunt Ann . . .

and I love Auntie K, but not saying Goodbye at DFW

August Adventures * Volume 1

2009-08-07T08:57:00.006-04:00

On Sunday we went to play and have lunch at Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia. Mamaw, Papaw, Aunt Sara, Uncle Kurt, Luke, Kyle and Uncle Joe were all there with me. I rode the train with Luke and Mamaw and Daddy. Then Mommy and Daddy took me on the merry-go-round, I cried the whole time. I was so tired! Kyle and I decided to take naps while Luke finished riding. We had a great day in Dover/New Philadelphia :0) Check out our fun at http://olingers23.shutterfly.com/

This week mommy and daddy have been playing with me lots, I even went to visit daddy at cross country camp two different days this week. Yesterday Gma came to visit. We all loaded up in the car and headed to the State Fair. I still don't know exactly what a fair is, but I had fun. I got to take a long ride in my stroller, I got to hear the All Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and meet some of Mommy and Auntie K's high school choir friends, and I got to see some animals. We had so much fun even though it was very hot!

watching the choir at ODNR park

Singing with mommy at ODNR * I LOVED the end of "Battle Hymn"

This is mommy and daddy's friend Bladen. He played piano

at their wedding.I liked his beard :0)

Beth, Bladen, Mommy, and Chad * this one's for Auntie K

Exhausted . . .

Tomorrow Mommy says our adventures will continue. I get to go to Texas to see my family and some of Auntie K's friends. I can't wait!

xoxo, Gracie

A busy end to July and start of August

2009-08-04T20:24:00.017-04:00

Last week and weekend were very fun, but very busy! Mommy says she can see me changing and growing SO MUCH! I've been climbing up on mommy and daddy whenever I can and I just don't like to sit and play as much by myself anymore. I also am starting to figure out this new thing called a sippy cup. Mommy and daddy gave me a few different ones to try over a month ago, but this past week mommy brought me home two new ones! I love them! One is pink and purple (my

favorite) and the other is green and pink (my Al pha Zeta Aunties' favorite) Even though I still get very wet, I love to drink water! I also tried

toast for the first time last week.

It is yummy! I had it everywhere!

On Friday we got together with Gma and Gpa, Nana and Papa, Aunt Ha and Uncle Ryan to celebrate Gma's birthday. She was trying to keep my toes out of the cake, she said that my birthday was in four more months, so I had to wait for cake. I didn't listen . . . I put my toes in twice! We had fun playing and eating cake . . . well everyone but me.

On Saturday we got all dressed up and went to my cousin Ashlee's wedding. Everyone looked so pretty and we had lots of fun with daddy, Mamaw O, , cousin Luke, uncle Kurt, and all the rest of the Olinger family. I even got to meet Grace Taylor, one of daddy's and gpa's teachers, for the first time. I loved her glasses!

Read the next page for the rest of my weekend adventures . . .

A Weekend Visit to Coshocton

2009-07-17T22:52:00.006-04:00

Last weekend I got to visit all of my grandparents in Coshocton. I went swimming at Nana Donna's again, ate a yummy dinner with Gma and Gpa before heading to bed. On Saturday morning I got to play with my friend Avington! We have been waiting a long time to get together, but she came over to play and have breakfast with Gma, Mommy and me. Here are a few of photos from our playtime. You can find the rest at our shutterfly site :0)

Avie shares so well

I fell asleep and Avie got to play piano :0)

I do not like my tummy time, so Avie tried to comfort me

Avie eventually realized I didn't care, I wanted off my belly!

On Saturday evening I went to visit Mamaw and Papaw O where I got to see Mamaw and Papaw Joe, Mamaw and Papaw Lee, Uncle Kurt, Aunt Sara, Luke, Kyle, Uncle Joe and his new friend Brooke. We had lots of fun eating, laughing, and eventually sleeping!

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-06T08:37:00.004-04:00

When I woke up last Saturday morning Mommy and Daddy told me it was the 4th of July. I had heard them talking about red, white, and blue, flags, fireworks and lots of other things. When they got home from Washington, D.C., Mommy and Daddy even brought me a book that tells the story of America's birthday. After my breakfast Mommy and Daddy told me we were going to a parade. I had never been to a parade before so I didn't know what they were talking about, but I soon figured it out. I loved watching the cars, tractors, kids, and band! The drums were my favorite! We went home and took a nap and then I got to play with Auntie Jaim and Uncle Brian before watching fireworks in my pjs with Molly and Dan. I had a great first Fourth of July!

Watching the Parade was so fun!

I love my daddy! We had fun at the parade!

What's Been Going On this Summer * Volume 1

2009-07-01T18:43:00.000-04:00

I ate my first bites of cereal just before the end of the school year. Then I got to try vegetables. Dinner time makes me happy - I get so excited!

My first taste of vegetables and cereal together - I love the sweet potatoes!

It may not look like it, but I really do love them!

I slowly learned to sit up all by myself

I also reach for my taggie ball now that I can sit up a bit

hangin' with cousin Melissa at her bridal shower :0) Can't wait until September!

Swimming with Mommy and Landon

playing with Nana Donna at the pool

lounging around . . . so tired!

worn out from swimming

Gpa couldn't wait to push me in my swing! I love it!

playing with cousin Kyle on Father's Day

Summer is here! Yay!

2009-07-01T16:14:00.004-04:00

Oh my goodness! I thought my mommy was never going to let me leave a new post! She said she got so busy with school, but that's been over for nearly a month now! We have had lots of fun and lots of adventures so far this summer and I can only hope there will be many more! I am also growing up and becoming a big girl :0) I have two teeth, I eat fruits and veggies and love them, I try to use a sippy cup, and I can finally sit up all by myself!

Mommy and Daddy finished school up the first few weeks of June. Then I had my six month doctor's appointment. I love going to visit Dr. Tansky! She is having a baby soon, so I have to wait until September to see her again, but that's okay, she's worth our wait. This time when she measured me and pushed and pulled on me she said I looked perfect. Mommy was concerned that I wasn't rolling over yet, but Dr. Tansky said to just keep working on it. I told her I could do it, but I just don't like to do it. Mommy just rolled her eyes, why does she do that? I had to get some shots, that hurts like crazy, but usually I just sleep it off. Mommy says I'm a tough girl, which I think was a good thing. Daddy says after this check up I'm movin' up in the world . . . not sure what that means either, but sounds kind of fun :0)

My 6 Month Stats:

* 15 lbs. 15 oz. = 50th %tile

* 26.5 inches = 75th %tile

* i forget the measurement, but I'm now in the 97th %tile

(and they wonder why I hate to lay on my belly and hold my head up?!)

After a visit to Dr. Tansky I slept a lot and the next morning I got to visit the airport before heading to Lakeside. The airport was very noisy, but I liked watching the people and the planes. We were there to pick up my cousin Landon who lives in Texas. I had never met him before, I was so excited to see him though! He gave me lots of hugs and kisses. Once we got his suitcase of this moving circle thing we loaded up the car and took a long ride to someplace called Lakeside. Mommy and Daddy have been talking about Lakeside ever since I can remember, but I had no idea what they were talking about. Landon told me all about it since he rode with me in the back seat the whole way there. Well, once we got there, I began to understand why Daddy and Mommy love to visit there so much!

Lakeside was awesome! I loved the water and I loved the boats and I loved spending the week with all my friends and family. Auntie Kelsey hadn't seen me since Easter, so she was SO EXCITED to play with me, and I was overjoyed to see her! I got to meet g*ma's college friends, Auntie Mame, Uncle Bill, their son silly Chasen, Aunt Cindy, and Aunt Marty. Auntie Mame and Uncle Bill were so kind to let me stay at their house and to take me out on their boat. I loved the boat and all the adventures we had at our ports. One night we went out to an island called Rattle Snake and I was so tired from our adventures that day on Put-In-Bay that I slept while everyone else ate a wonderful dinner and talked. We stayed out so late that it was almost dark when it was time to come home. Auntie Mame said that riding on the boat would be a bit rough, so we had to hurry. Daddy, Mommy, and Auntie Mame seemed a little concerned, but I liked all the bumps. Mommy said it was the roughest ride she'd ever had on the boat, it just put me to sleep!

During our week at Lakeside I also got to meet the Geryczs. Mommy and Daddy had told me lots about them and I looked at their picture often, but that week I got to meet them! They all gave me hugs and kisses and we played several different times. Miss Sally also came over to play with her camera. Mommy said something about being a good girl and smiling pretty, but I just wanted to play. Miss Sally took some great pictures . . . if I do say so myself :0)

After we got back from Lakeside we had a cookout at Gma and Gpa's house with Landon, Nana Bev, Aunt Sue, Lauren, my great Aunt Joan, and, of course Auntie Kelsey. It was fun, but I was so tired, I was thankful when Gpa took me down to relax in my swing. I got to swim in Nana Donna's pool for the first time ever and then, the next day, I swam in Mamaw and Papaw O's pool for the first time ever. We had a very memorable first Father's Day! I'll share more about swimming next time and I'll ask Mommy to put up some photos :0)

After a few days at home with just Mommy and Daddy, Landon stopped by to say goodbye. He had to go home to his mommy and daddy, but he said he wished he could stay here with me. I will miss him, we had fun! That night Auntie Kelsey showed up after a long day of work at some clinic, she said it was a really good hospital, in Cleveland I think she said. All I know is I liked seeing her and her scrubs looked comfy - maybe she'll have to get some for me someday!? We played and then the next morning, Wednesday, Mommy was running around like a crazy bird and crying every other minute. She kept talking about packing things and forgetting stuff, all I know is mommy cried some more, said she and Daddy would see me in a few sleeps, and I went out the door with Gma. In the car Gma reminded me that Daddy and Mommy loved me very much and that they were visiting Washington D.C. with some friends from their school, and that they would be back very soon. I had SO MUCH fun with Gma and Gpa and Auntie Kelsey in Coshocton, I didn't even miss Mommy and Daddy all that much. I went for walks and I went to the pool and I wrote a story. Nana and Papa came to visit and Papa sung me to sleep Thursday night. On Friday I got to go stay with Mamaw and Papaw O. I played with them and with my cousins, Luke and Kyle, my Aunt Sara and Uncle Kurt, and I even swung on the porch swing with Mamaw and Papaw Joe.

Mommy and Daddy got back on Saturday evening, I was excited to see them and they were very ready to see me! We played for a little bit, then I went to bed. I had a very busy week! Now that Mommy and Daddy are home, they say we are playing "catch up." I'm not sure what that means, but Daddy spends quite a bit of time on the computer working and Mommy has been doing lots of laundry. Thankfully, they went to the grocery store and got me more fruits and veggies! Mommy keeps saying she's going to make her own baby food, but that hasn't happened yet, so we'll see about all that! I will try to do better about updating you all now that I'm home. We are off to help Auntie Jaim and Uncle Brian (okay they're really Daddy's cousins, but I like to call them Auntie and Uncle instead) register for Kid O. I can't wait to meet my new cousin and friend in November. I will show Auntie Jaim everything she needs to make Kid O happy . . . he he he (it's not stuff that usually makes me happy, but they'll all learn) :0)

xoxo,

Gracie

P.S. Mommy will post pictures tomorrow - she said there's not enough room and we're out of time!

My first Jesse Owens HS Track Meet

2009-05-10T11:38:00.006-04:00

It was SO WINDY yesterday, but as you can see I didn't mind too much. Daddy had a track meet at Ohio State and mommy, Gma, Gpa, Mamaw O, and Papaw O and I went to watch. I wore my pink hoodie and sunglasses from Auntie K so I would be warm and the wind and sun would stay out of my eyes. I had fun, but I hope it's not as windy next weekend!

When we first got to the track meet

I was a little cranky . . .

I really just wanted to take a nap.

After my nap though, I was good to go!

Check me out - I have glasses like

Gma, Mommy, and gPa

Mamaw O was there to hold me when I woke up :)

Gpa got to feed me while everyone

else watched - I guess they

weren't really there for the track

meet after all :) he he he!

A visit with the doctor . . . and my first time to eat rice cereal :)

2009-05-10T11:24:00.008-04:00

Last Wednesday I went to see Dr. Tansky for my four month shots and a well-check. The nurse measured me, weighed me, and pushed around on my belly. mommy and daddy couldn't believe I had grown so much! Here are the 4 month stats (well 4 and half month stats really) . . .

Weight - 13lbs 10oz (40th %tile)

Length - 25.5 inches (80th %tile)

Head - 95th %tile (I wonder where I got the head genes?!)

When Dr. Tansky came in to see me, I was so happy I just started talking. No one was really getting what I was saying, so I decided to talk louder. Mommy and daddy laughed, and Dr Tansky made her voice louder too. She said that I looked "perfect" which made mommy and daddy really happy! The doctor finally said I could start my cereal :) Mommy kept telling me it was coming, but I got tired of hearing about it, I just wanted to try it!

So, Thursday evening when daddy got home from track practice, I got to try my cereal!

I ate almost a tablespoon, which mommy thought was good for my first time. After a week and a few days of trying to get the hang of it, I was ready for more!

Daddy accidentally made my cereal backwards (a lot of formula and then even more cereal), so needless to say I had more than two tablespoons. Mommy came home while daddy was feeding me and she was shocked when I ate almost the whole bowl. I sure do love that cereal :)

Daddy feeding me my first few bites of cereal

Giving mommy and daddy cereal faces :)

I found my voice

2009-04-26T21:00:00.005-04:00

After a week of not feeling so good and having a very runny nose, mommy and daddy were wondering if I had lost my voice. Nope! Today I found it :) I just wish they understood what I was trying to say!

My First Easter

2009-04-19T08:46:00.008-04:00

So it's been a little while, but mommy, daddy, and I have been exceptionally busy the past few weeks. Last week Auntie Kelsey came home for Easter and we got to play, play, play all day on Thursday while mommy and daddy were at work. On Good Friday we all went back to Coshocton for the weekend. I got to celebrate Easter with Grandma and Grandpa Olinger and all my great aunts, uncles, and cousins that night. On Saturday I went to meet my cousin Lilly from California and her mommy Sarah Beth at a baby shower. On Sunday we went to church at Roscoe, had brunch with Gma, Gpa, and Kelsey, and then we went to see Mamaw and Papaw O, Mamaw and Papaw Joe, Uncle Kurt, Aunt Sara, Kyle, Luke and Auntie Jo. We did lots of playing, talking, and visiting. By the time we got home around 9:30 on Sunday night, mommy, daddy, and I were all exhausted. I woke up long enough to open the Easter basket the Easter Bunny brought to my house. I had three Easter baskets and got lots of fun things from my family last weekend. I had so much fun, but I was so tired I slept all day Monday! I hope you all had a very Happy Easter too!

xoxo, Gracie

Gma and Gpa and me :)

Cuddling with Auntie Kelsey - I wore her first Easter dress today :)

My Easter basket from Gma and Gpa

The Longaberger basket came from Nana Bev, Tom Kitten was in mommy's

first Easter basket, and the the other treats are all for me ;)

Papaw Joe had a birthday coming up, so we all took a picture with him to celebrate!

Papaw Joe and his great-grandkiddos

The Easter Bunny found me at home too!

Something in there felt soft . . .

Another big day . . . another first

2009-03-26T11:30:00.008-04:00

I had another big day yesterday! I went with Mommy to visit Great Auntie Pat Peddicord and then we had lunch in Granville with Aunt Ha and Nana Donna. Before lunch Nana, Ha and Mommy took me to Green Velvet and let me pick out some fabric for my Easter basket. Nana Donna is going to make a liner for mommy's old basket and give it to me this year. I'm excited to show you, but that will have to wait a few more weeks.

After lunch mommy drove me back to Dublin because she had a haircut appointment. Well, little did I know that today was going to be my first haircut! I was tired because I hadn't slept and mommy kept saying that we were going to see Lacy, but I didn't understand why that was such a big deal. When we got there Lacy held me and told me she couldn't believe how long my hair was getting! Mommy told her it was time to think about cutting the mullet. Auntie Jess called me Joe Dirt and I don't know what that means, but mommy and daddy laughed so it must be kinda funny!? Lacy laughed too and told mommy that Miss Amber thinks it's bad luck to cut a baby's hair before one year old. I heard mommy and Lacy saying that most kids don't get hair cuts until their one, two, and sometimes three years old. I guess mommy doesn't believe in bad luck because after she got her hair cut, Lacy trimmed up mine!

Mommy said it seemed like a lot but Lacy only cut a little bit of my mullet in the back and she trimmed my bangs so I can see everyone that's always talking to me. I didn't mind getting my hair cut and mommy said we made a memory! I can't wait to do it again . . . mommy hopes it will be at least three more months, but we'll have to see :0)

xoxo, Gracie

Happy Girl

2009-03-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

I am a happy girl today. I love playing with Mommy :)

We had a big weekend :)

2009-03-24T07:25:00.007-04:00

This weekend was great! Mommy and Daddy had a really hectic week, but they found time to tell me all about March Madness. I love it! Daddy even helped me fill out my first bracket for his pool at school I know I'm not supposed to watch T.V. but I love to watch bBall with Daddy and Mommy. We watched a lot of games between Thursday and Sunday. I am getting stronger so I sat on the couch to watch for a little while.

On Friday I got to watch bBall with Aunt Ha. She came to play with me while Mommy and Daddy were at work. I love playing with her. After my morning nap and some lunch we watched more basketball, but Aunt Ha said this was high school basketball. The girls team at Mommy's old high school were playing in a tournament. Nana Donna, Great Aunt Carolyn, Great Aunt Sharon, and Cousin Renee stopped to see me on their way to the game. It was fun meeting more of my family. A little while later, Gma and Gpa stopped by and brought me a shirt to wear. It was Mommy's and I looked pretty cute in her old Black Bears shirt - at least that's what they told me!

On Saturday I went to visit Gma and Gpa at their house. We watched

more basketball and they played with me lots. Someone is always talking to me and trying to get me to talk to them. I try, but sometimes what I want to say just won't come out the way I want it to. I smile a lot and I gurgle, squeal, and jibber-jabber trying to tell them how much I love playing and spending time with them. I got to see Mamaw and Papaw O too, I tried to talk and play with them, but I was a little tired by the time I got to their house. We ate pizza there too and had lots of fun before I came home to go to bed.

Sunday afternoon we celebrated Papa Herb's 75th birthday. We went to church at Roscoe UMC where Joel Mason delivered a great message about being brave and standing up for Jesus even when it seems scary. He did a good job!

I got to meet Uncle Rick and my cousins Stephanie, Callie, and Renata. I didn't get to see them at Christmas, but I'm glad I met them on Sunday. Nana Donna made a yummy lunch, I can't wait to eat her food, and Gma made Papa a German Chocolate cake, which they said is his favorite, but that nana won't let him

have it very often. I snuggled with Papa for a little bit before lunch and then Nana Donna wanted a turn after she got the kitchen all cleaned up. I am so thankful that I have such a loving family. I am so blessed.

I get to stay home with mommy this week so I will probably be posting again soon. Have a great week everyone!

xoxo, Gracie

my first week with my babysitters

2009-03-14T10:45:00.002-04:00

This Wednesday Mommy went back to work which made me sad, but I got to make some new friends and spend time with my new babysitter, Miss Amy. There are lots of nice kids at Miss Amy's house. Maddie, Bryce, Gabe and Evelyn were there my first day and they were really nice to me. Miss Amy's daughter Kylie plays with me before she goes to school since I'm one of the first kids there in the morning. On Wednesday when mommy came to pick me up Miss Amy's son Tyler was holding me and I had a grin on my face. It's probably a good thing mommy picked me up and not daddy!

On Friday, Auntie Ha came to stay with me at my house, so I got to sleep in a little bit and then we got to play at home all day. I love staying home with Ha! Mommy was tired when she got home from school and so was I, but we survived our first week. We are so thankful to have two days together with daddy before they go to work again :0( Today we're going to watch the Buckeyes play basketball and tomorrow I get to go to church. On Monday Mamaw O is coming to stay with me Mommy said, so I'm excited about that. I have it pretty good they tell me . . .

I'm a lil' Buckeye . . . well, I'm trying to be

2009-03-03T17:09:00.008-05:00

This week daddy has been singing "Hang On Sloopy" to me and teaching me to do O-H-I-O with my arms. I don't really get it, but he says that I will need to know how to do this by late August. Anyway, we have fun and I usually give him BIG smiles when he does this. He thinks it's because I like the song, but really I just think he has a silly singing voice! Today I was sitting in my Bumbo and playing with daddy and mommy wanted to join the fun . . .

a post from Mommy O

2009-03-02T08:33:00.003-05:00

Friday evening I checked my email and after sifting through the random ads and forwards I was delighted to see an email from my good friend Molly. Molly always has something funny, encouraging, or insightful to say and Friday was no different. But before I share, let me share a little bit about my friend Molly.

Molly and I met when she was hired as a full time language arts teacher at New Albany nearly three years ago. She and Chad worked together and we met because they decided that Molly and her husband Dan and the two of us would probably have fun together. We hung out off and on for the two years that followed as time allowed. Molly was very encouraging and rather instrumental in helping me find the courage and practical pieces for quitting my job at the radio station and going back to school at Ashland to earn my teaching licensure. She was a huge help in pointing me in the right direction. She was also responsible for encouraging my new-found need/love for coffee, especially a good Starbucks every now and then. Our favorit thing about Starbucks was always the cool mugs you could purchase and the "Way I See It's" on the cups the coffee was served in.

Soon after I started my first year of substitute teaching, Dan's dad passed away from a brain tumor and several months later Molly and Dan found out they were expecting a little boy who they would name Hayden. Although many things have changed for all of us these past few years, we're all better off in many ways for what we've faced, even the hard stuff. As I prepare to head back to school next Wednesday, I've undoubtedly been stressing, crying, stressing and crying some more. I know it will all be okay, but I've always been challenged to manage my thoughts and not let anxiety consume me. Now that Gracie's in the picture, I've relaxed in some ways, but have miles to go to relax in others. The most overwhelming thought/emotion lately has been how will I find time to do everything I need to do and still fit in the things I want to do, especially when it comes to Gracie.

All that being said, Molly's Friday email couldn't have come at a better time . . .

In my attemt to happily say goodbye to February and warmly welcome March, I decided to stop at Starbucks (before school) toay. As most of you know, this automatically makes for a great day ;) The message on my cup was perfect so I wanted to share.

The Way I See It #198

You can shower a child with presents or money, but waht do they really mean, compared to the most valuable gift of all - your time? Vacations and special events are nice, but so often the best moments are spontaneous ones. Being there. Every moment you spend with your child could be the one that really matters.

~ Tim Russert

Sometimes I feel like my "to do" list needs its own "to do list" :) Hayden will soon be one (next month) and I can't help but wonder where the past year has gone. I had a strong realization, one that my own parents say about the past 29 years with me,so I know that I will probably feel it with Hayden as well. I have things to do that must be accomplished, but I think that I will actually read that extra book to Hayden today. I may even play on the floor with him a little longer than usual. Who knows I may even rock him far past the time that he fell sound asleep in my arms.

Thanks Molly. Thanks for sharing your heart and for encouraging all of us to realize that it's okay to have plans and to work hard to get things done, but not to get too caught up in all of it that we miss the spontaneous wonders that life holds, especially with our kids!

my first Saturday with Gma and Gpa

2009-03-01T18:12:00.016-05:00

Yesterday Chad and I had a chance to attend a Focus on the Family simulcast conference, Focus on Your Marriage, at Centenary UMC in Granville. Our college friends Kyle and Michelle Martin were able to go with us, so the four of us had some much needed, quality "adult time." The grandparents kept all the kiddos at our respective homes so that we could go out for the day. We all had a great time and from the sounds of things so did the kids! Just as Chad and I were heading to bed last night we received an email from Gracie . . .

Hi Dad and Mom!

I just want to thank you for asking Gpa and Gma to keep me today. We had so much fun together. So . . . if I seem a little tired tonight, I want to explain why. Here's how my first official day of staying with Gma and Gpa all by myself went. I hope you enjoy my story!

After you, Kyle and Michelle left, Gma gave me a bottle to get my day started. I

was a little fussy because my tummy hurt, but she understood. Of course Gpa kept trying to come rescue me. They gave me so much attention! I thought you and dad were bad about that, but seriously, Gma and Gpa are unbelievable. I think they really love me! After my bottle I played on the floor with them. We had a big

time with the elephant on my play mat.Gpa seemed to like that animal the best! I belly laughed and had fun. I also got to sit in my Bumbo and play with the rattle Gma made me for Christmas. I love that rattle. The bell makes me smile. It reminds me of Christmas Eve and the Polar Express.

After playing a little while I laid in my pack and play with my head up on the Boppy. It made my b

elly feel a little better. Gpa eventually took me upstair

s and rocked me because I was having a tough time with air in my

belly. After Gma got out of the shower she dressed me in my pink bibs and striped sweater. I looked so cute. At least that's what they told me!

After I got dressed I laid in my crib and Gma and I played with my giraffe.

I love that giraffe. I just smiled and cooed.It felt good to take a little rest in my crib and have fun with my favorite stuffed animal. Of course I listened to music which helped me relax even more. Gma and Gpa also sang to me, danced with me and read to me.

My favorite book today was Peek-A-Boo I Love You. Gma also told me Hickory Dickory Dock and Mary Had a Little Lamb. Those nursery rhymes sure do make me smile. Gma said I will be reading before I know it. I am so excited.

Gma and Gpa then put me in my car seat so we could go for a ride to pick up Gma's car at the Lexus dealership. I fel asleep in the car. Gpa is a good driver and kept me very safe. After we got Gma's car Gma and Gpa finally got to get some lunch at Panera Bread. I let them get started with their lunch and then I decided I really needed Gma to hold me. So, Gma quit eating and got me out of my car seat. For some reason she told me not to tell Daddy and Mommy! She said something about me being too spoiled?!?! After lunch we drove around to look at houses in the neighborhood for a little while. Sorry to say, Gma and Gpa didn't find a house . . . I sure do wish they lived closer. They are so much fun!

After our car ride in Howard Honda we came home.I was very hungry so Gma mad me a bottle while I helped Gpa work on some legal document. Boy, Gpa is so smart!

Gma then took me into the living room and the big rocking chair to feed me. Of course she gave me my Zantac like mommy and daddy

before I had my bottle. I kind of spit it back out a little, it didn't taste that good. I did pretty well with my bottle but still had some pain about thirty minutes after I ate. Gma and Gpa walked with me, sang to me, and of course swaddled and cuddled me. That is what I liked best. I sure did have fun with Gma and Gpa! I'm glad that you and daddy feel good about leaving me with them. They sure smile lots when they are with me. Gma thinks I might need to get some sunglasses very soon, something about the glow that comes off the two of them when they are with me :0)

All my love, Gracie

It's tough bein' a little girl in a big world

2009-02-24T13:13:00.004-05:00

Well, another week has gone by and I'm almost 12 weeks old. I had a rough week last week, I just didn't feel good. My belly hurt, really bad, and all I could do was cry and scream in pain to tell mommy and daddy that something was going on. I didn't eat very well and I was really cranky when we went to visit Gma and Gpa in Coshocton this past weekend. Everybody kept saying something was wrong, but nobody knew what to do. I tried to tell them, as best I could, that the Maalox was not helping, but it took them a few days to figure it out.

Mommy called the doctor yesterday morning and we got right in. Doctor Tanksy pushed around on my chest and belly and asked mommy lots of questions. She decided that I probably have some acid reflux going on. She prescribed some baby Zantac to help me out. She said I should feel really good in about a week, but mommy said she noticed a difference in me already. I have only been on my medicine for 24 hours, but I took good bottle

s last night and this morning and I have been a happy girl.

Last night mommy was really tired because I had a rough night the night before. Daddy fed my around 11:00 pm and I fell asleep at the end of my bottle. I slept from 11:30 pm until 6:00 this morning. Mommy still woke up at 4:00 am because she is used to me gettin

g up at that time, she really needs to learn to sleep when I'm sleeping! When I woke up I was so happy to see daddy before he went to work and get some breakfast. I took a nap after daddy went to work and then woke up for another bottle and so

me play time. Mommy and I played a little this morning. I even tried my Bumbo seat and sat there happily for about 5 minutes. It was a good morning.

Just before lunch time my reflux was acting up,

but once mommy gave me my Zantac and I got some food I went right to sleep in my swing, which my friend Hayden let me borrow and I'm so glad he did! I'm out (literally sleeping in my swing ) for now, but I'll write again soon. Auntie Kelsey is staying with me tonight before she goes back to Arizona tomorrow, so I'm sure I'll have more stories to tell :0)

xoxo, Gracie

my first play date with Claire

2009-02-18T19:31:00.010-05:00

Today daddy's teaching partner Erin and her daughter Claire came to play at our house. We had SO MUCH FUN! :0) For those of you who don't know, Erin and Mommy were due pretty close to each other December 15th and December 27th respectively, but Claire and I couldn't wait to meet the world. Mommy was induced on the morning of December 9 and that evening daddy and Gpa were leaving to eat dinner when they literally ran into Erin and her husband Mike. Mommy was still not dialated very much when Claire arrived after only a few hours of labor. Mommy had to wait one more whole day until I arrived.

We were all in the hospital at the same time . . .

and today was the first time we got to hang out since December 11th.

We both had lots of hair and loved being swaddled in the hospital blankies. Claire and I are growing and starting to coo and say O so we're lots of fun. Mommy was glad to have some company today and so was I!

Check us out :0)

It was lots of fun to have company today for me (and for mommy). I can't wait to play again next week!

xoxo, Gracie

happy valentine's day

2009-02-14T11:09:00.005-05:00

I was very happy before I went to the doctor . . .

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my 2 month appointment with Dr. Tansky. She is so nice to me, but the nurse had to give me my first immunizations. It hurt when she stuck my leg, but after that I just got sleepy. I am growing slowly and steadily.

Here's the latest stats:

weight: 9 lbs 11.5 oz

height: 22 in

and my head is just big: 85 %tile

Today I am off to the OU Basketball game with Jill and Aaron. I will tell you all about it tomorrow and hopefully mommy will take a few pictures. I must get going but I wanted to wish you all a very

happy Valentine's day!

xoxo, Gracie

welcome to our world

2009-02-06T10:19:00.009-05:00

Since I didn't do the best job updating all of you, I thought it wouldn't hurt to put up some info about the night Gracie was born . . . you can also find more photos at the website Auntie Kels created by clicking here.

Grace Renee

December 10

5:34 pm

6 lbs 10 oz * 20 inches

What a blessing and what a MIRACLE! It was a pretty challenging pregnancy with nearly 8 weeks of bed rest and apprehensions about possible preeclampsia setting in, but after 29.5 hours of labor Gracie Renee arrived safe and healthy. Daddy is totally in love with this little girl, he even wears pink now! Gracie is truly the best gift we could have received this holiday season and we are so thankful that so many already love and adore her almost as much as we do. I would like to thank all of you who have so freely given your love, support, gifts, cards and other encouragement as we prepared for and as we welcomed precious baby O.

I'm breaking into the blogging world

2009-02-05T16:51:00.002-05:00

So it's taken nearly two weeks and some patience from my bloggin' bud Avie, but mommy is finally getting some pictures (if she can figure out how) and random thoughts posted. She stays home with me all day right now and, if I'm being honest, she doesn't have a lot of time to get things done because I love to be held. Especially today :0) I am growing up, but Daddy still thinks I'm a little peanut. I go to the doctor next week for my two month check-up and rumor has it I have to get some shots. I don't know what those are, but mommy says I'm going to be a big girl and that it will all be just fine. I'm feelin' a little tired now that I've had a bath, so I'm going to go for now, but mommy and I will be back sometime soon.

xoxo, Gracie