May Flowers

Happy May! I can't believe we are finally to "mostly" sunshine and happy outside days! I am going to try and give an overview of the "big moments" that happened last month and what we are looking forward to in the month of May. I hope this lets you peak into our families happenings. If you want a more "day to day" view feel free to check out our new blog at learningoakfarm.blogspot.com The new blog gets updated whenever I feel like it, sometimes a couple times a day and sometimes quite a few days with nothing. This blog I try to capture the moments that we will smile and look back on when we realize how fast our angel is growing, and boy we sure do realize it!

Big Moment #1 - our girl had her first tea party! One of our friends is a fantastic photographer and we were blessed with some amazing pictures of our peanut at 18 months. She had a great time being a little lady and chatting with the other girls around the table, which sounded mostly like "ya ya badu, cookie, ya ya, NO NO, ya" haha I love when these little guys chat using mostly random garble thrown in with a few words they know.

 

Big Moment #2 - Mommy and Daddy ran the tarheel 10 miler! This was the furthest race Mommy has ever run but YAY it felt so great to train for it and then actually do it! Our time was 1:43. Not too shabby for this lady! :)

 Big Moment #3 - Family trip to the zoo! This was Grace's first time seeing real lions, gorillas, seals and much more. It was so fun to watch her excitement as we saw real animals.

 

 Big Moment #4 - We celebrated earth day by planting flowers and playing with our friends!

Big Moment #5 - We spend quite a bit of time at the local parks, we explore, notice things, go on walks, swing, climb. You name it, as long as its outdoors this girl loves it!

 Big Moment #6 - Swimming! We have started swimming at an indoor pool and Grace is going under the water! A friend had a water camera and we were able to capture this girl with her head fully under. It has taken a lot for Mommy to not have a complete panic attack, but Grace LOVES it :)

 

 

 

 Big Moment #7 - Hanging out with Uncle Tay Tay. We continue to see him once a week at least and Grace is totally in love with her Uncle. The second we say his name she just wants to be in his arms playing around.

 

 

 

 Big Moment #8 - Mimi and Boppy MOVED HERE!!! Yup thats right, they officially will never visit again and we could not be happier! Now they live about 7 minutes from our house and it is wonderful. One morning Mommy even ran to their house and then ran back. :) Mimi went with us to explore Durham's Museum of Life and Science. Grace loved the butterfly house best of all.

That wraps up the BIG moments in April. There were many more special moments, but there isn't enough time to write it all down in one big post. :) In May we are excited about:

1. Mother's Day

2. Our first family camping trip - just the three of us! Sorry dogs.

3. Memorial Day

4. More time outside!

Sweet Grace,

You have always been fiercely independent but lately you have become my little cuddle bug. I'm not sure if its the teeth or the rainy days we have had but you love to snuggle up in my lap and read books and sing songs and I love it. I cherish these moments where you can still curl up so small. I fall more in love with you every day. Lately you have been imitating everything I do which of course is adorable, but also is turning me into a better person, that is right... when I see you yell at the dogs it makes me rethink my behavior. Thanks for teaching me, there is no child I would rather have for our first baby girl. :) We love you.

xoxo

Mommy and Daddy

April

Grace is by far an outside girl. From the moment she wakes up until the moment she goes back to sleep she wants to be "out out out" She loves if we are in the stroller, or at the park, or even just in our own backyard. This girl loves the sunshine. We have been able to create a really cool space outside for Grace to play in. It has Grace, side walk, a table, her garden, outside toys and gates so she can't get up the stairs! It makes spending time outside enjoyable for Mommy and Grace!

 We even take our friends outside when they come over to play! Grace and Caleb are hanging out in the chairs, but then the wagon looked fun so we had to take them for a ride!

 

 By far Grace's favorite activity at a park has become swinging. She will literally stay in a swing for 20+ minutes if I let her. She just wants someone to continually be pushing her. I try to let her swing for the first bit at a park so she can watch everything and everyone, but then its off we go. This girl has energy to spare so she needs to be getting it out, not just wearing out Mommy's arms! :)

 Little Miss Independent no longer wants help up the stairs. She can do it all by herself! It takes some work being patient while she explores, but we try! We also start most of our naps like the pictures below. Thank goodness my child transfers well into her bed from the car. We are usually out and about, pack a lunch and crash in the car!

 Still loving out meet up group and all the great activities they plan! Especially the ones outside!

 Grace turned 18 months on the 11th! I can't believe she is now closer to 2 then 1. I feel like we were just celebrating her birthday. In order to celebrate the big 1-8. hehe, I took Grace to see real farm animals. It was a hit! She could not believe it was a real "moo" and a real "neigh" I loved watching her excitement as we saw the different animals.

 18 month check up. Grace weighed a little over 21 lbs! She is now 31 inches tall. The doctor was very pleased because her height/weight ratio was perfect :) She is just our tiny peanut... Our tiny exploring, into everything, very curious, peanut.

 And had to put in this cool pictures of owls up in the tree above our house. Grace listens and goes "hoo hoo owwwweeeelll" She is a keeper. For even more pictures and updates on our lives you can check out learningoakfarm.blogspot.com I try to keep that site more up to date with daily activities. :)

Grace,
You are growing into this amazing child. You are so curious and excited about life and I hope you keep that joy always. I want you to know that even though sometimes lately you get frustrated and I can't help you, or my answer is still no, that I love you. It breaks my heart when you are angry but I know its a part of life, you are breaking off and becoming your own little person and for that I am truly thankful.
All my love,
Mommy & Daddy