Prayer 101

This morning I asked Gracie to say the blessing for our breakfast. After three attempts (due to television interference) I finally told her that we need to pay attention and not watch t.v. when we talk to Jesus. She started again with the standard "Lord Jesus, thank you for my food, please keep my Daddy safe." When she was finished, I told her how nice that was and she replied, "But I am REALLY thankful for my t.v.!" I guess we need to review Prayer 101 ~ I think we missed something. . .

Translation. . .

When I say "boo-la-la-laaaa", you say "ah"! O.k., it has taken a few days, but I have finally figured it out. . .Last week Daddy jumped out and scared Gracie and she thought it was the funniest thing ever. They continued doing the routine throughout the evening, but it that was it. Early this week she started saying "boo-la-la-laaaa" all of the time. I assumed it was something she picked up from a friend, until she added the "you say, AH!" (with a really funny, fake scared look:)). So, come to find out, she is actually saying is "Boogie, Boogie, Boogie" and then responding to herself with a loud "AHHHH!" I should have to pay for entertainment this good ~ oh, let's be honest, I do pay. . .(and pay and pay)!

The Big Girl Bed. . .

So, the big girl bed is actually going really well. She has enjoyed the extra space, and more so the independence. Brey and I have found ourselves laughing a lot lately:) The first morning we heard a knock on our door followed by "I awake!" That little ritual has continued, however, last night it came at 4:00a.m. So now we have a new "first" to add to the list ~ she crawled into our bed, snuggled up tight and slept soundly until 6:30a.m. When Daddy came to tell us good-bye she was sprawled out across my stomach ~ oh how it reminded me of her first days when she would only sleep if I was holding her:) Last night Brey and I had a late dinner. After she was tucked into bed, we sat down to eat. Even before we could pray she shouted "Are you eating steak?" (She is definitely our child:)) After several questions I finally told her we were trying to pray so we could eat. A moment later we heard her shouting the dinner prayer from her bedroom. I know this blog will never do that moment justice, but it was absolutely priceless. Another funny thing she has started to do is to get up a few minutes after I leave the room, turn on the light, pile a huge stack of books into her bed and read to her "guys". It is classic listening to her make up stories (quite similar to the originals) and explain what is going on to different stuffed animals. Last night this went on for over 20 minutes and only came to an end because of an intervention. She understands the freedom, but fortunately not taking advantage of it. We have both just stood over her bed in amazement ~ it is really surreal to look at her and see a big girl, not a baby. Seriously. . .when did this happen?

So far so good. . .

HUGE MILESTONE ~ Gracie is actually asleep in her Big Girl Bed! Last night she asked if she could sleep in her twin size bed, so today we bought a "fence" for the edge and got it all set up after Daddy arrived home from drill. She lined up her "guys" along the edge and tucked snow lepy and "the LaLas" under the covers. She read them books and sang songs and then we practiced turning out the lights (which did not go well). Then Daddy asked if SHE wanted to sleep there tonight. . .So, we did the usual routine (except with the light on:)) and then I left the room ~ no crying, no fighting, no fear! We bantered back and forth with "I love you" 's and a few questions about what I was doing, followed by a "thank you for my new bed" and "thank you for leaving the light on" (yes, I feel like a Motel 6) and then silence. . .I am so proud of her for making this transition. She actually asked me to take these pictures. . .what have I done to this poor child? Doesn't she looks like such a big girl ?

Final thought ~ the crib stays, for now. I can barely stomach the thought of taking it down, at least without tears welling up. I loved planning the nursery. Every detail was a labor of love which allowed us to bond before her arrival. I remember bringing her home from the hospital and sitting in the the rocking chair while Brey got us settled in. I slept in the nursery with her for months to "make things easier for Daddy" (yeah, right!) and now it is the place WE go for "private time". I guess my fear is that it will soon be the place SHE goes for private time. I am painfully aware the clock is ticking, so I pray that I will cherish each minute of this season and not take one moment of being her "best friend" for granted. I love you dearly, Amazing Grace!

Baby Ballerina. . .

How thankful I am for a day of rest! This has been a really busy week. . .

Gracie's best friends, Amber and Trinity, were with us this week. The girls have had a ball (and I am still standing:)). The first thing Gracie says each morning is "when are MY girls getting here?" It is so sweet to see her forming relationships at such a young age. She has learned a ton from them, too. Interestingly enough, I have seen a totally different side of my child. I think she has a bit of "Class Clown" in her. She loves to make the girls laugh. I will admit a few of her tricks have made me worry about how she will be in school, but hopefully pulling her pants down won't be funny then!!!

Saturday brought more excitement, as she spent the day with Amma and Poppy. Amma took her to her first Craft Sale. Of course, she came home with a stack of loot, but one thing has really captured her heart. Amma got her a hot pink tutu! If it were me, we would have worn it with a tee-shirt, but because it was Amma, they also got a leotard, pair of tights and "ballet" slippers. She has only taken them off to sleep and go to church! It is really amazing to watch her dance. She only knows the first three positions, how to do a pirouette, plié, and an arabesque, but hey, she is only two! So here is the first of many photos of my baby ballerina. . .



Gracie and her new best friend (Poppy's Bear). . .


By the way, great news ~ the doctor called early last week to let us know all of her test results came back totally normal! Brey told her the doctor said she was all better and guess what? No more complaints!!! It has been 5 peaceful nights! Praise God! I hate to think it was just manipulation, but on the other hand, I am so glad it was JUST manipulation! Thanks for your prayers. . .

China?

We were all playing store tonight before bath and bedtime. Gracie was being very silly and animated when Daddy asked her "Where do you get your facial expressions?" In the most serious way, she replied "From China." We both fell out laughing which made her want to re-inact the scene at least 20 more times. She would say "now you say from China" and then have a fake laughing fit while she threw her head back and covered her mouth with her hands. Ofcourse this would make Brey and I start laughing all over again! Oh, the simple joy of this precious child. . .thanks for some much needed laughter, little one!