Also, Gracie is now scooching along and getting around the living room with relative ease. We expect it won't be long before she will be crawling and shortly thereafter, walking! She loves to clap her hands and smile. Just today, she started saying "dog" after a long time coaching from Daddy and Mommy in honor of Chelsea. Lately, she's been saying "cat" and "cake" and, of course, "mama" and "dada." She loves to play and particularly likes to "read" her books. She'll often begin a game of peek-a-boo with us by hiding her face behind something then peeking out resulting in giggles. Since we arrived home, she has had a second top tooth cut and currently has one bottom tooth cutting.
The weekend after we arrived from China, Grace's Grandma Hartman came for a visit. It was pretty exciting. Grandma Hartman had sent a welcome gift that had arrived before she did. We also went shopping at Babies R Us for an activity play center.
Here's Grace opening her very first wrapped gift. Actually she had a little help from Daddy. She hadn't learned to tear paper yet. Something that she's well acquainted with now.
Grace's first time in her new Activity Center. This one is a little different than the usual ones with the seat in the center. This seat revolves around the table. She really gives her legs a good workout. When she's outgrows the seat and can stand on her own, it detaches leaving just the table. It's a gift from Grandma.
She really likes it as you can see.
Gracie posing for the camera in her pretty dress.
Our 2 kids posing. Grace is wearing her patriotic outfit on the 4th of July.
On the 4th, Grace also got her very first swimming pool. She loves playing in the water. Mommy got in it with her later, but under pain of death, I'm not allowed to show them to another soul.
Now, Grace's First Birthday!
Grace turned 1 on July 10. Several of our friends have small children and came over for the happy day.
Mmmm. Chocolate cake with butter cream frosting.
Mommy stripped her down to the diaper and shoes.
"Can somebody toss me another piece of cake?"
"What do you mean we're out of cake!?"
Just kidding. There was lots to go around.
"Now that all those presents are out of the way, it's time to get down to the real fun: tissue paper!"
Now this next picture here was of Grace when Daddy woke her from a nap. I've have never seen her with bed head this bad before or since. She had been sleeping on her stomach and when I walked into her room, she popped her head up and turned to see who it was. I couldn't stop laughing. I had Mommy snap a few of these for blackmail later.
"Man that was a wild party!"
Here are some of her other pictures for your viewing pleasure.
