Mother's Day 2007

Gracie and I woke mom up early on Mother's Day cards in hand and bagels and juice to follow. Gracie's card was sweet. I helped her a bit with the handwriting, but she was the inspiration. Her card included the top 10 reason's why she's thankful for mom. Some of her list included... #1- For birthing me, which I know really hurt, but I hope was worth it, and #9- For marrying dad because he is the coolest, most awesome dad in the world (her words not mine!). Anyhow, we had a beautiful, sunny day, enjoyed a neat church service, then had lunch with Great Grandma Aldrich down in Irvine. Abigail amazes Gracie and I with her nuture and care. I'm so glad she's Gracie's mom!

There's Just Somethin' About Grace...

Each day she does something new that completely amazes me. I'm sure every parent feels this way about their children, especially when they're so new, but it's true! She just has this way about her... It's captivating!
Today was a hot day in SoCal. I couldn't help but think back to last summer; braving the triple digits pregnant. I remember the hours I spent sitting in her room, rocking in her rocking chair, staring at her lavendar walls, just waiting for her to come. I would dream and hope and long for the moment when I would finally get to hold her. And now, every night I sit in that same chair with her in my arms and I rock her to sleep. I smell her hair, I kiss her cheeks, I sing to her, and I pray over her life. And within a matter of minutes she drifts off to sleep. I cherish these moments knowing that they won't be forever. She's such a blessing. I'm so glad she's here!

Gracie Finds Her Voice

Tonight at dinner, Gracie went into one of her screaming routines that have become the norm ever since she got an audience on a recent trip to Michigan. Believe it or not, this is happy screaming. We spiced it up a bit to make it kind of "scary!"

In other news, at her 6th month check-up, Gracie weighed in at 16 lbs, 4 oz (54th percentile) and was 28" long (98th percentile). A healthy and tall baby girl!

Grace's Frist Trip to Michigan!

Grace made her first plane trip to Michigan for Spring Break! On the way there we graded her a B, but on the flight home she earned and A+! We had a wonderful time visiting Nana and Papa Gaines and her Great Gramie even flew out from Missouri to see her. Also, she met her cousin Cash for the first time! We had a terrific time hanging out with some of our closest friends and their children. Grace soaked up all of the attention and I think was a little depressed on her first day home. We couldn't have had a better time and already miss Nana and Papa!!

Jacob and Grace with good friends Ben and Brooklyn, Jeff and EdenMary and I with our girls! Grace and Cousin Cash
Grace with her Great Gramie
Adoring her Uncle Wes!

Easter Pics... A Little Late

Grace was absolutely adorable on her first Easter in her little blue dress! We spent the day first at church (where she is gaining a reputation for singing during worship... Well, it's more like yelling!). Then, we had Easter brunch at Grandma and Grandpa Aldrich's. She's sitting up all on her own now and daily does something new and amazing!

Cwazy Gwacie

Last week I was changing Gracie's diaper on her changing table, when the following unexpected game began that we now call, "Cwazy Gwacie." The things you'll do to make them laugh!

Gracie van Gogh

Gracie made her parents proud today at Ms. Ruth's as she completed her first masterpiece. I can definitely see the influence of her mom in her artistic expression, and know that this piece will fit nicely next to some of Abigail's finest. If you can't read the Spanish on top, the translation is, "Thank you God for my hands and my feet. They are for You" May this be prophetic in her life. Amen. Gloria Dios!!

She "Graces" Homework House Fundraiser

Nana Gaines caught this photo just minutes before Gracie's big debut at the HH Fundraiser. She donned Baby Versace, white tights and sparkly shoes, and wowed onlookers on the red carpet as she made her entrance carried by one starstruck dad. She and her dad were so proud of her mom who dazzled on stage, and showed off some of the HH's finest. The weekend with Nana and Papa from MI was a great time, and we couldn't get over how funny Gracie thought it was when Nana asked her, "Who's your daddy?" or said, "Buca di Beppo?" She thought this was knee-slapping funny everytime (except as we entered Laguna Beach and she had a slight meltdown). Big news... Grace has started rolling over, and is looking forward to making a Midwest curtain call over Spring Break as she flys cross country for the first time. Look forward to seeing all in MI and IN. See you in early April!

Gracie Meets Her Great-Grandpa and the Beach

This weekend the Gaines family traveled to Coronado to spend a night visiting Gracie's great-grandpa and getting her first introduction to the Pacific Ocean. We stayed at the Hotel del Coronado and though her mom got a touch of the stomach flu, it was a magnificent trip and as you can see below, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset with Point Loma in the distance.

Lots to report!

Grace had her first taste of solid food and LOVED every bite. She feasted on rice cereal, peas, bananas, and carrots. When the first bite of cereal was put in her mouth she got a huge grin on her face. She showed obvious delight for her new found palate of flavors.













First B-Day with a daughter in tow... What more is there to wish for?






















Grace attended her first APU vs. Biola basketball game- A very heated rivalry here in So. Cal. It got a little loud for her liking, but we figured it was time for her to become a cougar fan!














Last weekend the family enjoyed a little get-a-way up at Lake Arrowhead. We stayed in a beautiful 3000 sq. ft. house overlooking the Lake and snow capped pines. Grace was enamored with the Ducks!

Sick Days...

Poor Grace has come down with something over the past few days. She's had an ongoing fever accompanied by a stuffy nose and cough. She's been wanting to sleep a lot, but still remains smiley and generally content throughout. Pray for her!!
P.S. I've been amazed by how many people say they keep track of our blog. E-mail me and let me know so I can sign you up to make comments!

The Latest

Grace is soooo close to rolling over. She rocks back and forth, but just can't seem to make it all the way over. Any day now! At her 4 month appt. this week we found out that she is in the 96th percentile for height, measuring in at 26 in., but is in the 41st percentile for weight, a light 13.5 lbs. Welcome to the family, Grace!! Thanks Nana Lena for this adorable outfit!


Grace and Harley are beginning to bond these days, also. She's becoming more and more aware of his presence and likes to touch his soft fur and smiles if he licks her hands, or feet. He likes to nuzzle her and seems pleased that she's becoming more interactive with him. After all, he's just waiting for the day that she can actually throw him a ball, or rub his tummy... He's sick of this baby stuff!

Gracie's First Valentine's Day

We had lots of fun with Gracie on Valentine's Day. She certainly has stolen our hearts and looked adorable adorned in her jumper of hearts from Grandma Aldrich. Here's some shots of our Valentine's sweetheart!

Baby Blue's

Grace has turned out to have some of the most captivating blue eyes. They're now the thing that people probably comment on the most (up there with "she's so alert"). Grace has made a few developmental milestones this week: Taking out her pacifier and putting it back in, picking up her toys by herself and putting them in her mouth, and laughing at funny faces (not just when being tickled). Here's also a pic of Grace in her first pair of pink boots that her Grandma Aldrich brought back for her from Texas. Stylin'! She has become such a consistently happy baby (unless she doesn't get her naps) and will give a big grin to to just about anyone! We're such the proud parents!!

Hitting the Books

One of the things that my daughter already loves is to read. Her mom and dad read to her daily from all sorts of books, including her Baby Bible that we've read through at least 20 times to date. She's even learned how turn pages, and will turn them before you even finish the page. The last photo we thought was too cute not to post after an evening walk and dinner in the Village.

Gracie's Sweet 16th

Tomorrow Grace will officially be 16 weeks old and continues to amaze us with the amount of joy someone so small can bring. Each day brings new surprises with the most recent being quite a funny little laugh. We found her ticklish spot and now have tons of fun just listening to her laugh, while not being able to fend us off. A big thanks to Aunt Becky and Uncle Ben for watching her last night so mom and dad could have a date night at the Griffith Observatory in LA. It was out of this world!

Gracie gets caught off guard rolling around on the couch


Mom and daughter hit the sack for a Sunday afternoon nap


Gracie checks out the cute babe in the mirror!

Gracie's Class Reunion

This afternoon, Gracie got the chance to hang with some old friends at our birthing class reunion. It was amazing to see all the little ones after seeing all the women so pregnant for 10 weeks this fall. All the babies were beautiful and as you can see in the photos, quite photogenic as well. The fella on Gracie's left kind of leaned in for a snuggle, and dad started getting kind of protective. He was eyeing her all day and moved in when they all went to the couch for the group photo. Waaattch it! We also got a kick out of the little Asian boy on the far right who couldn't quite make it through the photo shoot!

Bumbo seat is a must!

For all of you out there who have a baby 3-14 mos. I highly recommend the Bumbo Seat. Grace loves hers and you can take it around with you anywhere!

Nana and Papa give Gracie something to smile about!

Grace was all smiles (minus a few melt downs) when Nana and Papa Gaines made a visit to Glendora for the New Year. The weather was perfect for them and we were able to enjoy a morning along the parade lines of the Rose Parade with Aunt Becky and Uncle Ben. Afterwards the boys hit the Rose Bowl (maybe next year Michigan). Grace already misses them and can't wait to see them again in the spring!