Words Now, Pictures Soon

So much to say...I have gone over this post in my head multiple times but the trick will be to remember all that I wanted to document now that I have a chance to sit down and write it.

Gracelyn's stats at her last appointment on August 12th (almost a whole month ago!)
Weight: 12 lbs 15 oz 50%
Height: 24 inches (that's two feet long people!) 85%

Biggest accomplishment since my last post: Rolling over! On August 17th, we witnessed her first time rolling from her belly to her back. She was so controlled and smooth that I almost didn't realize what happened. To this date, she hasn't completely rolled onto her tummy but she is close and it's fun to watch her waller (is that really a word?) around. And one of the benefits to her rolling from side to side is that I have discovered the total cuteness of her tush! When I'm changing her diaper on the changing table, she almost always rolls away from me to play with the back panel, giving me the full moon look. She is such a doll from her top side to her bottom side!

Finding her voice: Her sounds have become more varied in the past few weeks. Lots of "ahh-ahh-ahh" and every now and then a "ma-ah" which is fun to think she is calling for me. One of my absolute favorite sounds to hear is her laughter! She has developed tickle spots on her ribs and under her chin. Although I love to make her laugh, it is priceless to sit back and watch her and her daddy bust out in giggles. One of my least favorite noises is the classic whine that she has grown fond of. It's a lovely close-mouthed hum that she sings on the same pitch. It can make Trent and I just a bit crazy sometimes. But I'm grateful to hear the sounds of a baby in our home. What a gift!

Hands on: I am amazed at how Gracelyn is becoming more proficient with the use of her hands each day. She holds her pacifier with her thumb and fingers, trades it back and forth between hands and tries to put it in her mouth, sometimes successfully. She loves her orange monkey teether, chewing on its every piece. I am a bit surprised that she hasn't discovered her feet yet. Every now and then she will notice her socks but she doesn't realize her feet are connected and always ready to play.

Eating time: So I believe that breastfeeding is one of the most amazing inventions of God. I love the convenience and bonding time with baby Gracelyn. She rarely goes more than two hours without eating during the day and usually wakes once in the night. It won't be long before she will get to eat from a spoon instead of the woobie only. I hope to make rice cereal for her as it would be much cheaper and supposedly more nutritious...we'll see how it goes. I have given her the tiniest pieces of banana to try and I may or may not have seen her Piggy slide in a taste of ice cream last week. Her faces have already been quite entertaining with the new flavors.

Bathing: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday are bath days and we both look forward to it. While giving her a bath the other day, I started telling her about Jesus washing her cleaner than the soap and water. I decided that at every bath time I would share the gospel story with her. What a perfect time to talk about the filth of our sin being cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I have done it several times now and I realize I need plenty of practice before she really begins to understand my words. How many times have I verbally shared the Good News of Jesus in just a few sentences? Unfortunately, not enough because I have found it more difficult than I want to admit. So I am praying for the grace and wisdom I need to teach my daughter about the precious gift of salvation. What a privilege!

Singing songs: My mom came to visit last weekend and I was reminded why I sing to Gracelyn so often. My mama sang to me! And it's great to hear her sweet voice sing to my baby. "Cy and I", "Five Little Ducks", "Gobble, Gobble song" and "Climb Up the Mountain" are some of the new favorites. I also love to hear Trent make up songs for her. My favorite...You're my baby Grace, with a lovely face, I love your crazy hair, when it goes everywhere.

Kisses: We ask for kisses from her all the time and she is catching on quickly. Most of the time, she lunges with mouth wide open for a wet one. But every now and then, when she gets an onry bone, she will turn her little face away and pretend to be interested elsewhere. She seriously appears to know that it makes us crazy, especially her Daddy, who will keep asking for a kiss until she finally gives in ;)

That's all I can remember for now and the bed is calling my name. I promise to post pictures soon!