Business as usual...

It's 'business' as usual at the Gore house. We've finally fallen into more of a pattern and have a nap schedule. It took forever because Grace wasn't sleeping till the same time every morning, so it made it so hard to put her on a schedule and predict our days. I'm sure as soon as I finish this blog, something will change and my nap schedule will go out the window...but for now, it's wonderful.

It is amazing how something like a 30 minute swim lesson can take up a majority of the day. We have been swimming twice a week for lessons and sometimes I take her to the 'open swim' one day a week as well. She LOVES the water and it totally tires her out for her nap. A win-win for me! She had a special treat this Monday at swim lessons. Since Aaron was home, he got in the water with her and I watched from the side. She thought that was very special and Aaron really enjoyed it. It was also "dunk your kid under the water" day. I was so nervous when I found out and was wishing I was the one in there with her instead of Aaron - for no other reason than the fact that I'm a total control freak. So, I watched helpless from the side as Aaron was dunking our kid in the pool. And to my surprise, Grace did really well! I was so proud and Aaron was feeling quite accomplished. It was a tear free, dunk-filled lesson :-)

Grace has become so much more playful lately. She has really started to show an interest in her toys, especially soft, cuddly ones. She loves "Fred the Ted(dy)" from her Uncle Brian. Fred is actually bigger than Grace is and she loves it. I think the fact that he is black and white like our cat makes her feel even more excited. She loves to lay on him, I swear she's going to fall asleep on him one of these days. She also loves to sit across from him and talk to him. Totally cute. Fred has turned out to be a wonderful babysitter while I do exciting things like empty the dishwasher.

A few more random shots.....

All pooped out from visiting Daddy for lunch on Saturday.

I'm tired! Quit taking my picture and get me to bed STAT!

I love this picture because it actually looks like she has hair :-)

I took this pic this morning right before swim lessons. She is wearing her "I heart my Auntie" PJ's, compliments of her Aunt Jana. This is a 9 month outfit, but since she is so long, she can actually wear it now. Not sure if I mentioned in my blog, but this is one long, skinny girl. When I took her for her 6 month check up, she came in at 27 1/2 inches long and a little under 15 pounds. That is 97th percentile for height and only 10th for weight. Let's just say that her high waters are total capri's now and are on their way to becoming bahama shorts. She is so skinny that she wears 0-3 months in pants so they actually stay up, and 9 months in length. Dressing this girl is a little difficult at times.

She also loves her 'baby' compliments of Aunt Jana's mom Sherry. Now that Grace is going into her crib awake and putting herself to sleep (a recent accomplishment) she hugs her baby till she falls asleep. It's so cute!

My sister is coming up this weekend, and Aaron and I are looking forward to a little date! I think we'll probably end up doing brunch on Sunday morning, but we may try to do an outing on Saturday. I can't wait! We've had one date since she has been born....not enough! My sister is great with her and I have total faith in leaving her with Marcie. Marcie should be thankful Grace doesn't take a bottle or I may be gone all day!

Speaking of which, any mom's out there have advice on how to get her to take a bottle? She was taking a bottle a day until about christmas time and now totally refuses it. In fact, she won't drink anything from a bottle and will only drink water or juice from a sippy cup but no milk. It's driving me nuts because I just can't get away now. We've tried the "she'll eat when she gets hungry" method and she doesn't. She'd rather starve and wait for me to come home than eat from a bottle. Let me know if you have any advice!!