16 Months

Dear Gracie,

You make me so tired, but you are so stinkin' worth it. Let's see, you do so much now, that it's hard to remember what you were doing before and what you are doing now. First of all, you are talking, talking, talking. I love it. Mommy got a new schedule this month, and now gets to spend Wednesdays with you. This past Wednesday, we went to the pool at Aunt Bino's house. You didn't like it at all. You swim all the time at Heather's, but I suppose it's different because it is a kiddie pool. We'll try agina and see if you'll get used to it. There was a little girl there that was a few months older than you, and she was a little fish. She loved the water and jumped in...you, not so much.

So far, we have survived the plethora of summer activities. Your cousin Britiny graduated. We attended the English family reunion. You saw fireworkd (and loved them). You have been great throughout. Next week we head out for our family vacation. We are going to Pittsburgh to ensure the car ride is not too long for you to handle. In case you are wondering, it is difficult to find activities that suit you AND your 12 year old sister. However, I think Daddy and I did ok.

Some words you are saying....gramma, papa, apple juice, cookie, banana. There are many many more, but these are some good ones. One day, I bought a package of fruit snacks that were smiley faces. When I took one out of the package, I made it say hello to you. You now refer to the fruit snacks as hellos. It is seriously the cutest thing I have ever heard. You were standing in the kitchen one day pointing to the container saying "hello". Priceless.

Also, when anyone asks you, "who's mommy's (or gramma's or daddy's or anyone else's) baby, you point to yourself and say, "me". Also super cute.

The doc also said that we should be brushing your teeth. I looked at him like he was crazy when he said it, but surprisingly, you love it. You remind me about it most nights. Good job...you don't want to be the girl with dog breath.

You also like to kiss everyone and you love your cousin Abby. You said her name all the way (and I mean all the way) to Geneva-on-the-Lake Wednesday. You both really love each other as you can see by the pic.

You are offering a whole new set of challenges and developing your own personality every day. I usually can't believe your mine. I just can't imagine how I ever lived my life without having you be a part of it. There is nothing like coming home from work and seeing your face and have you yell, "mommy!!!!" and right to my arms. I love you.

Love,

Mommy