The past month...

sure has been busy! I would love to blog about all of the fun events we have enjoyed but it would take forever. Let's just face it...life never slows down! Here are some pictures that highlight the past month.

Gracyn is really exploring her environment. She studies everything right now- especially her feet!

She loves spending time in her exersaucer. I thought this shot was hilarious!

She also has two teeth now so that means time for "real" food! I am actually trying something new- making her babyfood! The first try was a true success. I made carrots and even Carter wanted some on his plate! I plan on making some more this week to freeze and have on hand.


Here is a picture of my first batch of carrots! That was Carter's first food too. So far Gracyn as tried carrots, bananas, sweet potatoes, and pears. Of course I am waiting the 4 days between! She seems to like everything so far, but my food always seems to look more tempting to her! Did any of you make baby food for your little ones? Any tips to share? What foods did you introduce first and in what order? It is always nice to hear what has worked well for other moms!

Carter always wants to help out, but Gracyn is not so sure! Another funny face, this little girl is expressive!

Last week we went to the beach with Matt's family. What a blast! I will have to devote an entire post (or two) to that but here are a few shots to share for now.

Getting ready to go to the beach for the first time.

A family picture! What a rare thing! I think we took around a hundred pics in this one setting. I love so many of them! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

Has it been two months already?

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby is already two months old. How did that happen...I know I didn't sleep through it! Then again, it is amazing to think of what we have done in two months. We have been to both my hometown (Chattanooga) and Matt's hometown (Bristol), we spent some time in Nashville, and made a trip to visit Mamaw Carter (yes- if you didn't know, that's where our precious boy got his name!). So at two months old Gracyn has been to Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia. She might grow up to be a big traveler some day!

Taking Gracyn to the doctor for her two month check-up today was not fun. I am sure most of you can relate. She was screaming from the moment the doctor walked in the door. Believe it or not, she did better with the shots then she did with his evaluation! After the nurse gave her the shots she left the room and i went ahead and gave her tylenol. I knew she was going to have at least some soreness so why not try to prevent the pain before it bothered her. That plan seemed to work well, until I decided to go to the store while she was sleeping. When she woke up she started crying. It was a whimper at first but it got louder and louder very quickly. I knew I wouldn't be able to get everything that needed. I had barely gotten started! I rushed to put the few things back and got to car as fast as I could. I headed home and as quickly as the crying started it stopped! Maybe I should just drive around let her rest a little. Eventually I had to go home to change her and feed her but when we headed back out to pick Carter up from school, she was calmed by the ride again. Tonight is my night to fly solo while Matt is in Bristol for school. It was not easy trying to keep her settled down, give Carter a bath, and all of those bedtime rituals. I just don't see how so many mothers do it on their own. I have such admiration for single mothers. I can be relieved by the fact that Matt will be here tomorrow night and if I get very little sleep tonight, I can probably with his help, catch up tomorrow. So for all of those parents who have greater challenges than mine- children who are sick, multiples, etc. Wow, may god bless you! For now, I am celebrating our healthy girl- 11 pounds 10.5 ounces (69%) and length 22.5 inches (53%. It is amazing how different she and Carter are. I don't think he has ever been above the 30% for anything! One thing that they have in common is the ability to be soothed by the vibrations of this bouncy chair.


Next on our list- going to our church. We have been to church when we were out of town, but I look forward to being at our home congregation. This season has been a little rough with sickness and I haven't wanted to take any chances. Hopefully, Gracyn and I will get a good night of sleep and our whole family will be there on Sunday!

HELP!

I love this picture but don't know how to flip it! It is not upside down on my computer but when I upload it, it turns upside down! Anyone technically savvy enough to tell me how I can fix it? I love that she has such a big smile and that she waskicking and moving her arms so much that they are blurry. Hope you can appreciate it, even though it is upside down!

What I miss about being pregnant

My friend Jenny has had several "Ten Things Tuesday" blog entries. I have thought about doing one for a while but haven't gotten around to it until now.

The things I miss about being pregnant:
1. the big round TIGHT belly that looked cute in most clothes
2. the anticipation of finding out if we were having a boy or girl
3. feeling every move
4. not really worrying about exercise even when the waist was quickly expanding
5. being the only one who knew when Gracyn had the hiccups
(which she continues to have about 4 times daily!)
6. not feeling too guilty when I pigged out on ice cream while watching The Biggest Loser.
7. having the excuse of not being able to reach your toes = pedicure!
8. being tired after working all week, going home to all the work a mother must also do at home, and being pregnant = manicure to go with pedicure!
9. the nesting phase- I sure did get a lot of things organized and cleaned up! Wish I were motivated like that more often!
10. Carrying with me, at all times, a constant reminder of the miracle that was growing inside of me. Thank you God for allowing me to have the honor of being Gracyn's mommy.