Month 12

So much changes the first year of life... going from a tiny squashy baby to doing and learning new things everyday... breast milk to formula to cow's milk... keeping your head up, sitting up then walking... pureed baby food to finger foods then table food. What a journey it has been and how much we have all learned. This is my first baby and I am so proud of how well I have documented her growth - as well as mine. Life completely changes when you become a mom... I am so proud of the mother I have become and the choices I have made.

Jared has been mine since he was 18 months old. He has taught me so much too, if you think being a mom is hard... try being a step-mom! Life never gives you too much, and I am thankful for all the bad times just as I am of all the good times. I couldn't be more pleased with my son, he is so smart and understanding... I sometimes forget he will only be turning four, I expect so much out of him because of the things he says and does. He is a very good little boy and adjusts well with his situation. God gave him two sisters within months of each other and he went from only child (on both sides of his family) to big brother. I have the best kids!

Here are Gracee's 12 month lessons:

1. Gracee stands up in the middle of the room... doesn't have to hold on to anything, she goes for sitting up, to the squatting position, then all the way up standing like a big lady!

2. Gracee has her one year molars 3-27-08... she was eating lunch one day and I noticed she had something in the back of her mouth, I tried to get it out, thinking it may be paper and realized... those are teeth! I was so excited... she didn't really cry or anything, her nose was runny but I just assumed it was a head cold!

3. Gracee loves her 'baba'... we have been working on using a sippy cup during the day and only having a bottle at nap time and before bed, but I don't know that we will make that one year goal of no bottle after the birthday! Its alright, once she starts eating more solid food she wont want that bottle!

4. Gracee loves blocks... she has always played by herself very well, but when she gets the blocks out she can play forever! She still loves to play with all of her brother toys but sometimes he would rather her play with her "baby toys"

5. Gracee gives kisses... we have been working on blowing kisses for a while now... she waves bye-bye and smiles really big... sometimes she will say bye-bye and other times she will blow a kiss (if she don't decide to chew on her hand when it gets to her mouth)

6. Gracee doesn't do bows anymore... she doesn't really like anything on her head, hats, bows, ponytails... hehehehe she just likes her long locks to blow in the wind!

7. Gracee took 10 steps... I was soooo excited! Jessy had just stepped out so he missed it but how cool? I was there to see my baby girl walk across the room for the first time! 4-10-08 I love being a mommy!

8. Gracee goes to bed at 9:30 and is up by 5am! Its funny to think that she was such a sleepy baby when she was tiny and now she is up at 5am... she don't stay up long (cause mommy is still tired) I change her wet diaper and give her a 6oz bottle and she goes back to bed til 8ish. when bubba wakes up.

9. Gracee plays so well by herself. I love that she doesn't need me to be by her side all the time. When she gets sleepy she does get clingy and if I were to leave the room to get her bottle she may start to scream, but it is fake, and not all the time.

10. Gracee is a daddy's girl! She loves Jessy... she can be playing having a great time... and then Jessy walks in the room and whatever she has in her hands she drops it and 'turbo' crawls to her daddy... he swoops her up and they both laugh and are so happy!

11. Gracee loves to pick up her toys... it is so cute, her favorite thing to do while her brother is building with the blocks -- is take them and put them back in the container! She puts the cars and other toys in the toy box! It is soooo cute! When she eats in her high chair and she is done but still has food on her tray, she puts it in the cup older, to let me know she is done! She loves to be clean and organized!

All of her firsts are now her all the times... She is the best thing I have ever done! It's hard to believe that she is already one year old. Congrats to all of her accomplishments and remember to always take note but don't compare to other babies... everyone is different and everyone is special! My kids are at different ages and stages in their lives but have such a great bond. We are truly blessed. Thank you for reading and learning with us.