Wednesday, May 12, 2010
One year old
Twelve months old!!! One year! Happy Birthday, Miss Grace! Instead of being woken up by our traditional, “Good Morning to You”, Grace woke to “Happy Birthday to You”! It was a mixture of both surreal and joyous feelings to be seeing her as a 1 year old. This past year has been full of joy and learning, not to mention thankfulness for family, support, and Grace herself. From the shaky starts to the child who darts, it has been an amazing year!
We celebrated Grace’s birthday this past weekend (in addition to our anniversary and Mother’s Day) with loads of family and friends here at the house. She had no qualms about playing in her cake (her Mom is a lovin’-messy-hands OT, after all) and had it in shambles in no time. When her Father leaned over from behind to steal a nibble, she got him in the hair and forehead with a hand full of gummy cake and frosting. Looks like our table will someday seat 3 who will all fight mercilessly for their equal share of dessert!
Grace also had her baptism this past weekend. Our beloved relative, Fr. Dennis, was able to come and perform the rites and it seemed as it so many things had come full circle. Fr. Dennis celebrated our wedding and blessed Grace in utero when no one else in the family knew of her. His presence was a gift to all of us.
This month Grace “welcomed“ her first 2 teeth. She handled them well with a bit of Tylenol and seems to be working on more. She is eating more soft foods (peas, carrots, breads, mango, but still hates pureed liver) and most recently came to be great friends with the sippy juice cup. As for her other developmental skills, she is doing beautifully. Crawling everywhere with objects in hand, climbing the stairs, learning to descend feet first, and cruising everywhere. As for walking, we’re not in a big rush and she seems to be content with briefly taking two hands off the furniture. I know, I know…. It won’t be long. She loves to watch Mom and Dad pick things up off the floor repeatedly after she declares the start of the “uh-oh” game and laughs while playing Peek-a-boo with her Father and chase with both parents.
A few more additions have come onto the Lake household as well as a few omissions. Outlet covers, cabinet locks, and gates are all around. With the onslaught of birthday gifts, Grace has dozens of new toys, bangs, and sounds. As far as things departing, Grace has firmly given up the pacifier and throws it across the room when attempted to use it in calming her. And sadly, our wonderful Truman has left us to live permanently in Kansas with the Rome clan. Grace pulled his fur one day and he growled and snapped at her. She’s too young to train to stay away from him, and he’s too old to train to move away; so while hard, the change is no doubt for the better. I’m sure Truman is relieved to be with my parents and Sophie. He gets lots of lovin’ there!
Thank you to all who have been a support in the past year. There are so many of you and we couldn’t have done it without you!
We celebrated Grace’s birthday this past weekend (in addition to our anniversary and Mother’s Day) with loads of family and friends here at the house. She had no qualms about playing in her cake (her Mom is a lovin’-messy-hands OT, after all) and had it in shambles in no time. When her Father leaned over from behind to steal a nibble, she got him in the hair and forehead with a hand full of gummy cake and frosting. Looks like our table will someday seat 3 who will all fight mercilessly for their equal share of dessert!
Grace also had her baptism this past weekend. Our beloved relative, Fr. Dennis, was able to come and perform the rites and it seemed as it so many things had come full circle. Fr. Dennis celebrated our wedding and blessed Grace in utero when no one else in the family knew of her. His presence was a gift to all of us.
This month Grace “welcomed“ her first 2 teeth. She handled them well with a bit of Tylenol and seems to be working on more. She is eating more soft foods (peas, carrots, breads, mango, but still hates pureed liver) and most recently came to be great friends with the sippy juice cup. As for her other developmental skills, she is doing beautifully. Crawling everywhere with objects in hand, climbing the stairs, learning to descend feet first, and cruising everywhere. As for walking, we’re not in a big rush and she seems to be content with briefly taking two hands off the furniture. I know, I know…. It won’t be long. She loves to watch Mom and Dad pick things up off the floor repeatedly after she declares the start of the “uh-oh” game and laughs while playing Peek-a-boo with her Father and chase with both parents.
A few more additions have come onto the Lake household as well as a few omissions. Outlet covers, cabinet locks, and gates are all around. With the onslaught of birthday gifts, Grace has dozens of new toys, bangs, and sounds. As far as things departing, Grace has firmly given up the pacifier and throws it across the room when attempted to use it in calming her. And sadly, our wonderful Truman has left us to live permanently in Kansas with the Rome clan. Grace pulled his fur one day and he growled and snapped at her. She’s too young to train to stay away from him, and he’s too old to train to move away; so while hard, the change is no doubt for the better. I’m sure Truman is relieved to be with my parents and Sophie. He gets lots of lovin’ there!
Thank you to all who have been a support in the past year. There are so many of you and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Monday, April 12, 2010
11 months
This month has been amazing…. Grace learned to crawl on her own (or do a 4 point creep as we OT’s know it to be) and speeds around everywhere. She now pulls up on everything and is getting to be a little dare devil by transitioning from one standing object to another. She crawls into cabinets, stands in them, and even crawled up 3 stairs yesterday (with her mother spotting her of course). We are on red alert around the house and have corrals up for playtime and barricades in several of the doorways. She nearly climbed into the shower with me the other day, pulling the suitcase over that I used to block her. Dora the Explorer has nothing on Grace!
Not only has she learned to travel around the house, but she’s also travelled to the West Coast too! Doug worked a week at Stanford and so Grace and I ventured out for a few days. She played with the girls at the clinic in the fun sensory equipment and loved it. She also got to touch and taste grass for the first time (lots of green out there)! We ventured over to the Pacific Ocean, the Palace of Fine Arts, the San Francisco marina, Sausalito, the park by our old place, downtown Palo Alto, and surprise, surprise… Napa! She had a ball the entire trip and was a super plane traveler once again.
I also now believe that there isn't a conspiracy out there against Grace looking like her mother, rather it is highly likely that Grace looks a great deal like her Daddy. Upon arriving at the clinic, the girls immediately stated she looked like Doug. Even the Chinese gentleman who drove us from the car rental to the terminal looked at me, then Grace, and back at me before saying, "She look like Daddy."
But she is getting some curls in the back......
Grace also entertained lots of visitors this month as my friends Buffi and Ann visited with their children. She was so happy to play with other kids and laughed at them quite often. It was fun to see her silly side come out (who knew she’d have a silly side with her parents?).
Her first Easter was wonderful with a satiny pastel dress (doesn’t that feel great in the mouth) and a smock bonnet. Mom and Dad took care of the chocolate while she hugged on the stuffed bunny.
The past 2 weeks we have really focused on getting Grace outside. She adores the swings and has learned to slide backward on her belly on the slide. While not crazy about teeter totters, rocking horses, or glider swings yet, we know this will soon change. She loves to have the wind blow through her hair (plenty of that here in Nebraska); while riding in the car with the windows down in Napa, she got so excited she yanked her pacifier from her mouth, exclaimed out, and tossed it in the air. It appears she’s going to be a convertible girl when she gets older. Like father like daughter once again.
Not only has she learned to travel around the house, but she’s also travelled to the West Coast too! Doug worked a week at Stanford and so Grace and I ventured out for a few days. She played with the girls at the clinic in the fun sensory equipment and loved it. She also got to touch and taste grass for the first time (lots of green out there)! We ventured over to the Pacific Ocean, the Palace of Fine Arts, the San Francisco marina, Sausalito, the park by our old place, downtown Palo Alto, and surprise, surprise… Napa! She had a ball the entire trip and was a super plane traveler once again.
I also now believe that there isn't a conspiracy out there against Grace looking like her mother, rather it is highly likely that Grace looks a great deal like her Daddy. Upon arriving at the clinic, the girls immediately stated she looked like Doug. Even the Chinese gentleman who drove us from the car rental to the terminal looked at me, then Grace, and back at me before saying, "She look like Daddy."
But she is getting some curls in the back......
Grace also entertained lots of visitors this month as my friends Buffi and Ann visited with their children. She was so happy to play with other kids and laughed at them quite often. It was fun to see her silly side come out (who knew she’d have a silly side with her parents?).
Her first Easter was wonderful with a satiny pastel dress (doesn’t that feel great in the mouth) and a smock bonnet. Mom and Dad took care of the chocolate while she hugged on the stuffed bunny.
The past 2 weeks we have really focused on getting Grace outside. She adores the swings and has learned to slide backward on her belly on the slide. While not crazy about teeter totters, rocking horses, or glider swings yet, we know this will soon change. She loves to have the wind blow through her hair (plenty of that here in Nebraska); while riding in the car with the windows down in Napa, she got so excited she yanked her pacifier from her mouth, exclaimed out, and tossed it in the air. It appears she’s going to be a convertible girl when she gets older. Like father like daughter once again.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ten months......
Ten months have come and gone… And what a month this last one was!! So many things happened and changes have occurred. Grace was 16 pounds 12 ounces at her 9 month check up and in the 13th percentile for weight. We couldn’t be happier, and she looks very healthy! It is getting harder to tell that she was premature as she is closing in on the range for normal for babies who are her age. She is doing what she is supposed to and more!
She is now able to crawl a few steps forward, although she doesn’t do it without some help to start. She much prefers moving in circles and backwards. And she is getting quick! Over the next month, we’re going to have to look at cabinet locks and install electrical outlet covers. Life is going to change again really soon!
Grace had her first illness this past month as well. She had a bit of the GI bug and despite feeling awful, smiled through it quite a bit. I was amazed at how many things could get dirty with just one launch! One time she had only 5 ½ oz. from her bottle and threw it up 30 minutes later. She hit the bedspread, her sleeper, sleep sack, blankie, my shirt, pants, and carpet all in one instance!
But probably the biggest change this month is the decision we have made for me to stay home. We have had ongoing difficulty with consistency with Grace’s baby-sitter, forcing me to call in to work quite often. Knowing Grace’s support needs for napping (although getting much better), we’re pretty sure that she’d have a very difficult time at a home or community daycare; unless we find someone who is willing to come into the home, is an excellent match for Grace, and is super-consistent, I am going to be with her. I am excited and relieved to be at home with her. I’ll still be on the Saturday rotation at the clinic, working one out of every four Saturdays. But I am sure that home is where I need to be right now. Stay tuned!!!
She is now able to crawl a few steps forward, although she doesn’t do it without some help to start. She much prefers moving in circles and backwards. And she is getting quick! Over the next month, we’re going to have to look at cabinet locks and install electrical outlet covers. Life is going to change again really soon!
Grace had her first illness this past month as well. She had a bit of the GI bug and despite feeling awful, smiled through it quite a bit. I was amazed at how many things could get dirty with just one launch! One time she had only 5 ½ oz. from her bottle and threw it up 30 minutes later. She hit the bedspread, her sleeper, sleep sack, blankie, my shirt, pants, and carpet all in one instance!
But probably the biggest change this month is the decision we have made for me to stay home. We have had ongoing difficulty with consistency with Grace’s baby-sitter, forcing me to call in to work quite often. Knowing Grace’s support needs for napping (although getting much better), we’re pretty sure that she’d have a very difficult time at a home or community daycare; unless we find someone who is willing to come into the home, is an excellent match for Grace, and is super-consistent, I am going to be with her. I am excited and relieved to be at home with her. I’ll still be on the Saturday rotation at the clinic, working one out of every four Saturdays. But I am sure that home is where I need to be right now. Stay tuned!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Winter Olympics Omaha 2010
We had our own Winter Olympics of sorts here this morning! Grace and I blew through a few feet of soft powder on the driveway to land on packed snow on the road. We dodged a few moguls and did a beautiful side twist when we turned the corner. We fared well through the 5-6 foot snow and ice luge that used to be the round a bout and entry into the subdivision. We kept our skis straight the rest of the slick, icy roads until we arrived at Dr. Byrne's. There were numerous other contestants on the side of the road that didn't fare so well earlier in the day.
It has been 9 hard months of work for Grace, but she brought home the gold yesterday as she surged past the single digit percentiles for height and weight. Her performance stats are as follows:
Height: 26 1/4 inches (17 3/4 at birth); 10th percentile
Weight: 16 lb. 12 oz. (4 lb. 8 oz. at birth) 13th percentile
Head Circumference: 44.4 cm; 60th percentile.
Considering that just 6 months ago she was less than the 1st percentile for height and weight, her training and coaching regiment has proven effective. And what can we say about her head circumference? She gets her big head from her mother and her brain from her father. That's pure genetics. Yeah, Grace!
It has been 9 hard months of work for Grace, but she brought home the gold yesterday as she surged past the single digit percentiles for height and weight. Her performance stats are as follows:
Height: 26 1/4 inches (17 3/4 at birth); 10th percentile
Weight: 16 lb. 12 oz. (4 lb. 8 oz. at birth) 13th percentile
Head Circumference: 44.4 cm; 60th percentile.
Considering that just 6 months ago she was less than the 1st percentile for height and weight, her training and coaching regiment has proven effective. And what can we say about her head circumference? She gets her big head from her mother and her brain from her father. That's pure genetics. Yeah, Grace!
Nine Months... Whew!!!
Nine months old. Unbelievable! Grace is definitely getting bigger and bolder! Most recently she has rejected the bottle several times wanting to eat purees instead. And then other times she wants nothing to do with food. I have read that babies’ eating patterns can change when they’re teething. Perhaps she’s getting a tooth in... Or perhaps she’s showing her assertiveness in being her own person. Either way is good!
Grace sits up nice and tall with the most beautiful ladylike posture now and rarely loses her balance. She still explores things in her mouth quite a bit, but has begun to play with toys in other ways such as banging, spinning, and visually inspecting. She now studies books more and works hard to turn the pages. Whether she’s KU bound or Loyola bound, there’s still a lot of books between now and then! Keep reading, Miss Grace!
Grace is also proficient at scooting backward and rocking on all fours now. Instead of putting up baby gates, we have bought a wonderful play yard. It can take on many shapes according to the space available and is now a fixture in the living room. She AND Truman both enjoy being inside their special space.
She continues to say, “mamamamama, dadada, papapa and baba.” This past week with Doug’s being gone, I’ve heard her start to say “mama” more than anything else. I’m sure when returns “dada” will be up and running again!
Today I placed Grace in the shopping cart seat for the first time ever. I had my coat wrapped all around her and the belt snug of course; she looked like such a big girl sitting in the cart and I think she rather enjoyed it. I couldn’t take my eyes of her in that seat!
Grace sits up nice and tall with the most beautiful ladylike posture now and rarely loses her balance. She still explores things in her mouth quite a bit, but has begun to play with toys in other ways such as banging, spinning, and visually inspecting. She now studies books more and works hard to turn the pages. Whether she’s KU bound or Loyola bound, there’s still a lot of books between now and then! Keep reading, Miss Grace!
Grace is also proficient at scooting backward and rocking on all fours now. Instead of putting up baby gates, we have bought a wonderful play yard. It can take on many shapes according to the space available and is now a fixture in the living room. She AND Truman both enjoy being inside their special space.
She continues to say, “mamamamama, dadada, papapa and baba.” This past week with Doug’s being gone, I’ve heard her start to say “mama” more than anything else. I’m sure when returns “dada” will be up and running again!
Today I placed Grace in the shopping cart seat for the first time ever. I had my coat wrapped all around her and the belt snug of course; she looked like such a big girl sitting in the cart and I think she rather enjoyed it. I couldn’t take my eyes of her in that seat!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
8 months
Eight months, what a beautiful time! Grace is nearly independent with sitting up and looks so tall and official when she does. Quite the beautiful posture she has! She adores her cousin Braden’s Exersaucer (we now call it her sit ‘n’ spin) and she entertains herself with her toys for quite a while now. She loves being swung in our arms and giggles, giggles, giggles. She has yet to laugh with belly zerberts, but she religiously pulls those feet to her mouth at the changing table (sound familiar, Aunt Mindy?). On her play quilt she will rotate around on her belly and scoots herself backwards. It is fun (and anxiety provoking) to see her start to move around. I’m afraid we’re going to have to look for baby gates here pretty soon! We are now working on saying “mama”, “dada”, and “baba”. “Rock Chalk Jayhawk “ will come after that!
Christmas was a most wonderful time. It is amazing that Christmas takes on even more meaning with a new one around. We decorated the house fully (for Grace’s enjoyment) but also because we were celebrating her first. Grace had her 4 grandparents around to spoil her during the 5 days of being snowed in over Christmas. It was a wonderful gift for all of us. She also had visits from her Uncle Jed and Aunt Tammy before Christmas (another round of spoiling) and went to Colorado to visit Aunt Mary and the Gang (an additional round of spoiling). She and I flew from Omaha to Denver, where her Daddy picked us up curbside and whisked us away in his big truck. She enjoyed watching the skiers at Beaver Creek, but we did our best to shelter her from those unruly snowboarders.
Grace continues to love food, especially homemade baby food. Blueberries, pears, carrots…. Bring them on! The verdict is still out on bananas and avocados, but that’s ok! We did a trial with rice cereal, but she developed a rash up her backside, expressed the grumpies and had loose stools. We stopped that pretty fast and all cleared up within a day! Whew!
We are starting to make plans for her 1 year birthday and baptism. They’re already approaching! Other parents tell me how quickly things go by, but this is a bit ridiculous! Oh well, what can one do besides enjoy those moments while they’re here? Happy 2/3 of a year, Miss Grace!
Christmas was a most wonderful time. It is amazing that Christmas takes on even more meaning with a new one around. We decorated the house fully (for Grace’s enjoyment) but also because we were celebrating her first. Grace had her 4 grandparents around to spoil her during the 5 days of being snowed in over Christmas. It was a wonderful gift for all of us. She also had visits from her Uncle Jed and Aunt Tammy before Christmas (another round of spoiling) and went to Colorado to visit Aunt Mary and the Gang (an additional round of spoiling). She and I flew from Omaha to Denver, where her Daddy picked us up curbside and whisked us away in his big truck. She enjoyed watching the skiers at Beaver Creek, but we did our best to shelter her from those unruly snowboarders.
Grace continues to love food, especially homemade baby food. Blueberries, pears, carrots…. Bring them on! The verdict is still out on bananas and avocados, but that’s ok! We did a trial with rice cereal, but she developed a rash up her backside, expressed the grumpies and had loose stools. We stopped that pretty fast and all cleared up within a day! Whew!
We are starting to make plans for her 1 year birthday and baptism. They’re already approaching! Other parents tell me how quickly things go by, but this is a bit ridiculous! Oh well, what can one do besides enjoy those moments while they’re here? Happy 2/3 of a year, Miss Grace!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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