Mommy and Me

Grace has been in need of some special attention since school has started (or maybe I just miss spending so much time with my girls?), and she has also been requesting to go to the beach. I decided to combine the two and took her to the beach on Sunday morning, just me and her. When we arrived at the beach I realized that I left the bag with sunscreen and towels at the house, so we had to make a quick trip to the store before we could start our fun. Grace and I had a great time playing in the sand and jumping in the waves. It's always nice to have a couple hours to give all my attention to one of the girls.

Before we headed home, we played on the playground at the beach.

There were lots of other kids there because someone was having a birthday party.

The sweet mom that was throwing the party offered Grace a cupcake, and since mommy forgot the bag that also had the healthy snacks in it she was pretty hungry. She ate the entire BLUE cupcake and I think it was her favorite part of our morning together!

Poor Lily is getting her two front teeth (they are both going to

break through any day!), so she was pretty unhappy all weekend.

She stayed at home and got some special attention from daddy.

We promised her we would take her to the beach next time we go.

Playing Dress-Up

Grace has recently found all the old Halloween costumes my sister handed down to us....

Dora

Sleeping Beauty

Cinderella

Big Girl Bed

We kissed Grace's crib bye-bye on Tuesday (sniff, sniff) and she started sleeping in a bed. I've been talking to her about it for a while and she was excited to get a Dora pillowcase for her big girl bed. She is doing really well, I can't believe how big she is getting! I will post more pictures once I finish decorating her room...

I painted circles just like in her first room,

now we have to hang her name...

Lily (8 months) & Grace (2 1/2)

I am really enjoying all the time I get to spend with my two sweet girls this summer. They are growing and changing way too fast!

Lily is crawling and getting into everything! If she sees something she wants, she doesn't give up until she gets it. She usually goes for things she shouldn't play with (pine cones, spoons and hair brushes seem to be her favorite). Lily also likes to play with lots of Grace's favorite toys. I've taught Grace how to gently take back her toy while handing Lily one of her own (this works most of the time...).

Lily is also pulling up on things and Grace just loves to see her little sister stand up (she thinks it is so funny!). She also cut her first tooth a few nights ago (tried to get a picture, but it was unsuccessful). She's been waking up at night because of the teething, but still naps pretty good during the day.

Grace is pretty much potty trained now (we are still working on #2 in the potty). She loves to wear underwear and of course get an M&M for being successful. She loves to play with baby dolls, sing songs, and pretend. I'm so proud of her for being such a great big sister!
Thanks again Mary for the adorable tutu!

Grace's First Haircut

I finally took Grace to get her hair trimmed today. I found this cute little salon, Bangs and Bows, that has airplanes and trucks that the kids can sit in while they get their haircut. Grace picked the pink plane when it was her turn.

Not too sure if this is going to be fun...

I love driving the plane!

The girl was really good with her and gave her a book to read when she wanted her to put her head down. She also told her when to stay still and when to drive by playing red light, green light.

What did she do to my hair?

Time to cut off some of that baby hair

(which we now have in a small little bag for a keepsake).

Pretty Princess

Time to blow dry...

The girl asked Grace if she wanted a braid and she said yes. I'm not sure if she knew what a braid was, but she wanted it.

The finished product...

I think Grace really enjoyed her first haircut experience. It ended with a lollipop and prize from the treasure box. Then we walked over to the pet store to look at some animals. When we got home she played with her baby and took her to get a haircut.

The 3 B's

After a long day of playing it was time for...

A Bath (and a little nibble of my toes!)


A Book (Goodnight Moon is one of my favorites!)


and finally Bedtime.

I love to sleep with my "silkie" that
Stacey and Dave gave me.

Beep, Beep!

Grace has been having lots of fun driving around in her new car!

Thanks for the wheels nana and papa.

Fourth of July

Grace's first 4th of July was special because her nana and papa arrived for a vist from New York. She spent the weekend with them at their townhouse while Brooks and I took the boat out for the first time this summer. Grace had a great week and was so glad that nana and papa brought the dogs. She also had fun on her first trip to the waterpark- she was a big fan of the lazy river. Grace gave her nana a great birthday present by saying dada for the first time on July 8th!