Sunday, June 22, 2008

It was a pool day

Today we decided to try out the local aquatic center for some pool time fun. Grace seemed to like the pool when we were in China and she enjoys her bath time so much, we felt that she would love the pool here as well.

The aquatic center here is great. They have 3 pools. One for lap swimming, one for diving and deep swimming, and one that caters more to families and kids with a water slide, shallow end and water splash toys. Phuong decided not to go in today but when she saw the water, she kind of wished she did. When I took Grace in, I did not get the same reaction that we got in China. She cried a bit and whined.

I was determined for her to get over it a bit which she eventually did. Grace enjoyed watching the other kids and people splashing around in the pool. I even sat her on the step in the water where she could just splash around for a while. She even did well when I dunked her under. She did not cry at all. It was a good time.

On the way home, she fell a sleep. When Phuong placed her in the crib, Grace did not move for an hour...she was out. I don't know why she was so tired, I was the one moving her :)

So it appears that Grace still likes the water. We plan on going back more often during the summer. There is a closer pool so me might try that one next weekend.

We took a disposable water proof camera, so I will post pictures when we get them developed.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

1st Birthday Party!

Today Grace had her 1st birthday party.
We spent 98% of the time indoors because it was almost 110 degrees outside!

Everybody we invited came. It really was a good feeling having a full house. I was not sure what to expect with all those kids (around 15...all but one were girls) but I must say that it really was a lot of fun. I hope everyone had a good time.

Grace is starting to warm up to people and she loves other kids. She had so much fun that by 4:00 she passed out in her bed. She has not opened her gifts yet but I am sure she will love them all. We really appreciate every one's kindness and generosity. Thank you all for making Grace's first birthday party so much fun. You truly are great friends and family. We love you all!

Here are some photos from her special day:

This was Grace in the morning before her party. I got her to laugh by tickling her chin and snapped a few quick photos






We just found out today that Grace likes to do impressions:


We rented a blow-up castle for everyone to play in. A few of us made it in there but only for a few minutes because it was so very hot out side...almost 110 degrees!





Grace right before the cake just chill'in waiting for everyone to get settled:



We had two cakes because so many people came but ended up only needing one. This is the second cake. Good thing we had two because Daddy forgot to take a photo of the first one :(



At the end of the day, Grace had a great time...but ready for bed...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY GRACE

It's your 1st birthday today Grace!

We have been blessed now for over 2 months with our amazing Grace. She has grown so much since that first day we saw her photo in our email in March and brought her home in April.

Grace now has 4 teeth, can sit up on her own, crawls, can stand and walk with help, and is mumbling a lot. Her first words are right around the corner.

She is making so much progress everyday. Just today, on her 1st birthday, she hit another amazing mile stone...she discovered that she can stick her finger in her nose...now that's progress! :)

Here are some photos from her first cup cake encounter:







In case you are wondering...the cupcake lost :)

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Father's Day Morning Photos

Grace wanted to play on her parent's bed this morning before going to China Town





Grace loves her treats!

Every time we give Grace a Cheerio or Banana Graduates treat she makes a "yummy" sound:

Monday, June 2, 2008

Sharing

This weekend, Grace has hit a milestone.

She has now learned how to share. That's right, she is that smart. She shared her cold with Daddy this weekend, now I don't feel so left out. What thoughtful child!

Grace is doing a little better though. The doctor said that it could take about a week for her to get better. I am told that this is just the first of many. It's what being a parent is all about.

I take it all with a big tired grin :)