Fun with the Fam

Today we went to brunch with the Toretta clan, and then Aunt Katie, Grandma and Great Grandma came over to hang out with Grace. Gracie had so much fun, she wouldn't nap.

Grace's First Swing

Today Grace put on her outfit from the Meyers because we knew we were going to meet up with Nikki & George and Chrissie & Max. We had a very special surprise this afternoon: Gracie met her 4th cousin, Grace. (We didn't know about big Grace's name when our Grace was born! Good taste in names must run in the family.) It was so much fun to hang out with her and her mommy. The other big news: Grace went in a swing for the first time. There are a lot of great photos so be sure to check out Week 25's album.

Bloomie's Baby

Grace put on her adorable outfit from Carla Cohn and her matching shoes from Mom-mom. We went to Bloomie's today, and Grace was so good - I picked out a ton of outfits for her, and she let me try them all on her. In fact, she didn't just let me, she loved it! Below is a picture of her on her "fitting table." In the afternoon, we stopped and looked at puppies and took a stroll with Caroline and Lauren in Central Park.

Rocking, Rock 'n Rollin, Then Strolling

Grace put on her special outfit from the Van Hoys and tested out her awesome rocking chair from the Formans. In the afternoon, we went to Little Maestros. Gracie had a blast and particularly enjoyed her time on the parachute. Afterwards we went for a walk with Lauren & Caroline and ran into Chrissie & Max, Hallie & Ethan and Ali & Jackson...one after the other. It was a popular day to be out!

Baby Beluga's Niece

Gracie put on her "My First Key West T-Shirt" from Jana and Jenn and donned her new Pumas from the Van Hoys. Grace is holding her bottle well these days, and what's cute is that just as she's about to finish, she drives it like a steering wheel. Today, we had Rockin with Andy. Here is Grace rocking out to "Baby Beluga" - her Aunt Katie's anthem.

Waving

Mom-mom and Grandpa have so much wisdom. Gracie was thrilled to learn everything they were willing to teach her, including how to wave hello. We came home from SF tonight and were thrilled to see Grace! Special thanks to Mom-mom and Grandpa for documenting the days we were away.

Puppies & The Park

Today was awesome - Mom-mom and Grandpa took care of Gracie and Aunt Meredith came to visit. Mom-mom and Grandpa walked Grace to the park, took her to watch puppies at the pet store window (which she loved) and started teaching her some new tricks. A new thing Grace has been doing lately is touching the face of the person feeding her; here she is doing that to Mom-mom. It's definitely a sign of affection! Week 24 Album.

Mom-mom & Grandpa Time!

Mom-mom & Grandpa arrived last night to take care of Grace for the weekend. It was SO nice of them to come hang out with Gracie in NYC for their holiday, and it meant a lot to us - especially since we could go to California without worrying.

Just like Daddy

Alex came home early tonight to get some quality time with Grace before we leave for Blaire and Mike's wedding in the Bay Area. Daddy and daughter look so much alike!

Play Day

Grace played with Jake Sussberg and was totally amazed by all that he could do. She couldn't take her eyes off of him and even ran her fingers through his hair at one point. Adorable. In the afternoon, Grace hung out with Grandma and then spent some time with her new toy from Disney World, courtesy of Aunt Dina and Uncle Teddy.

Fun at Kidville

After an awesome afternoon nap, we went to Little Maestros. During the class, Grace paid close attention to the singers, band, musical instruments, puppet show, book and bubbles. Lauren took so many great photos! Click to zoom.

Rockin, Rainy Tuesday

Grace and I went to the market this morning and then hung out inside until Rockin with Andy. Today Andy brought egg shaped shakers, and Grace loved them. Her hand-eye coordination amazes me more every day. This afternoon she was swooping in with precise, definitive motions to snatch the eggs away from me and hoard them! Here she below - in matching socks - with Caroline and Haley. And here she is with Charlie Winter. Charlie and Gracie sitting in a tree. Just sitting. That is all she's allowed to do. I've got my eye on him!

Princess Babies

Today we went to Lauren and Caroline's house. Here is a picture of Princess Caroline and Princess Grace. They've known each other since they were 10 weeks old! In developmental news, Grace is sitting up now. She is also passing things from one hand to the other and back again; she's been doing this for about a week now. Our friend Hallie, who is a pediatric physical therapist, pointed out that this skill is usually something that happens around 7 months old - so Grace is a month and a half ahead of the curve. Go, Gracie!

Sunday Brunch at Sarabeth's

We were invited to celebrate with our friends - the new Mr. & Mrs. Phillips, at their post-wedding brunch today. Gracie loved seeing them again and was honored to be included. Kate looked stunning all weekend; here she is with Grace. And here is Grace hugging her new friend Ian, who Mommy and Daddy know from San Francisco.

Aunt D & Uncle T Spoil Gracie

Today we went to the park and enjoyed the beautiful weather. In the afternoon, Aunt Dina, Uncle Teddy and Judy came over to watch Grace so Mommy and Daddy could go to Kate and Scott's beautiful wedding. Here is the album for Week 23.

Penn Mommy Play Date

Today was rainy so we spent most of our time inside. In the afternoon, we had a play date at the Lean's awesome, new apartment. Grace loved hanging out with Ali & Jackson and Danielle & Penelope. Good times.

Kissing Videos

Earlier this week, Grace smacked a few kisses back at Alex before he went for work. After he left, I practiced with her a little. Here are two videos of Grace kissing back. In the first clip, it happens about 18 seconds in, and in the second about 6 seconds in (and a half attempt at 53 seconds that turns into a yawn).

Playing All Day

Today Grace and I went for a walk and shopped at Baby Gap. She loves to play with her rattle in the stroller these days. She shakes it furiously, and she has just started grunting when she loses it...and stops when I give it to her. It's very cute that she's expressing herself so much now. Another thing she likes to play with is is the springy bird on top of her bouncey chair. Grace stands and lunges at it, as you'll see in this clip.

Little Maestro

In the morning, Grace wore her new outfit from Grandma but got too hot and changed in her new outfit from Aunt Meredith. Both were so cute on her! Grace has officially hit a groove where she's developing really fast. It's pretty incredible to watch her grow. Today we went to Little Maestros, which is a very popular class in NYC. There is live music, a letter of the day, a "what's in the box" part where a musical instrument is revealed, a puppet show, a musical book reading, bubbles and more. (Check out the bubble resting on her head.) I was worried she wouldn't get it or would be scared, but she LOVED it. She was glued to every move the performers made.

SMMMACK

Alex was smacking a kiss in Grace's direction this morning when she all of a sudden did it right back at him. We couldn't believe it! They went back and forth and she mimicked him at least 3 times. It was AMAZING. Today we went on a walking tour of the Upper West Side and then did Rockin with Andy.