Amazing Gracie

So, this is it. . .the last day. . .the last day that Gracie and I will hang out around the house together, just the two of us, before school begins. It struck me that we have something planned everyday from now until August 31st, which is the first day of school. Then I realized that after 3 1/2 years of being together, all day ~ everyday, that things are about to change. . .forever. Am I being a bit mellow dramatic? Maybe, but maybe not. It is so much fun to just sit and watch. She has started to enjoy playing alone. . .she takes care of her baby (Hannah), plays Barbies, and of course reads (and reads and reads. . .). She spends hours dancing and making up songs and is always so pleased when one rhymes. The look on her face is priceless when she catches you watching! She has changed so much this summer. She is much more adventurous (and less fearful). I am still amazed to watch her at the swimming pool considering last summer she would not go in past her ankles! She has become much more sensitive towards others, especially our Lab, Denver. I am thrilled to report that she likes to share now. It is still on her terms but we've made significant progress! Her vocabulary is better than most "middle-schoolers". . . if we could just master the "R" sound:) It is always entertaining to watch her dance. Any time she hears music she'll "bust a move". . .regardless of location (living room, grocery store, church). She really is a natural! She also LOVES to help! She tries so hard. . .she'll sweep the floor or dust daddy's office, help "fold" laundry and do the dishes. We can only hopes this continues! Being potty trained has changed the entire dynamic of our household. It's almost like when she decided to do it we all decided she was a big girl and needed to behave / be treated like one. . .and we've never looked back! It is amazing to think back to the first few weeks with her as I tried to imagine who she would be and what she would be like. I can honestly say I never dreamt she would be this amazing. She has changed my life in every possible way and made me a better person. So after I mourn this first season of our life together, I will begin to dream again about who and what she will become. Will I get it right this time? Probably not, but I know that she will not disappoint! Whoever she decides to be will be perfect. . .because that is how God created my sweet Amazing Gracie! Now, I'm off to get a box of tissues because I can barely look at her with out "welling" up:)