Grace Reads

Grace went to Parkbench today and really enjoyed herself. The class format is: free play, clean up, table time (hand tapping, hand washing, table wiping, snacking on graham crackers/water from a cup and storytime), an art project and then songs. Today's art project was awesome: sand! Grace was totally fascinated - she was more into scooping the sand with a cup than touching it with her hands, but she loved it. After class we went to lunch with Grace's buddy Max, who kept offering Gracie his food. She gratefully accepted his chicken fingers and half-eaten french fries. Yum. We made it to Grace's Free to Be Under Three class in time too!

This afternoon Grace napped and then ran some errands with me. We had some shopping to do before Uncle Z-man came over for dinner. Speaking of Uncle Z-man, he's called us out on the lack of video posts recently. This video is for you - and for everyone who has read these books countless times to Gracie.

Like Spring

Here is Grace in one of her sweet outfits from Shimmy. Grace went to Diller-Quaile for music this morning and then visited the pet store. It was so nice outside that we took a walk before lunch and ran some errands. We also hit the park for a quick swing ride after her nap. This afternoon the Monday playgroup came here.

14 Months Old

This morning we went over to the Lean's place for a brunch playdate and had a blast. It's amazing to see the kids grow together; check out this picture from last May. Ali taught Grace how to color, Jackson shared his toys like a true gentleman and Penelope and Mark Halpern played the drums after Danielle outplayed Mark in some 1-on-1 baby-sized basketball. Grace conked out when we got home. A short nap later, we went to the Park to walk and swing and stopped to say hi to Alex T on our way home. Grace continues to learn letters of the alphabet and picked up R and Q today, thanks to Daddy.

Grandma and Parties and Puppies, Oh My!

Grandma came in to play and hang out this morning, and Gracie was thrilled to see her! Right now Grace addresses her as "Ma" and will hopefully learn the "Grand" part soon. This afternoon we celebrated Sloane's 1st birthday at My Gym, where Grace explored tunnels, ate her heart out (pizza and cake) and then took a ride on the zipline swing. This afternoon we took her to the Penn's new place to say hi and meet Ricky, their new puppy. In walking news, Grace can take 3-4 steps solo, as long as we set her up well on flat feet to start. Week 61 Album.

Freezing Cold Fun

This morning was freezing cold, and Grace and I snuggled up in the living room to watch some Sesame Street before going out to lunch with Gillian. This afternoon Grace went to Charlie's for Music with Brett and was happy to see all her buddies.

On & Off

Grace is now saying the word "on" and loves to use it with one of her favorite words, "off." What's cool is that she understands the on/off light concept, but she also knows that on/off can pertain to clothing - for ex, daddy's glasses - and to her toys that have on and off switches. She has us running around in circles here!

We love you too, Gracie!

This morning was a busy one - we went up to the Y for our Parkbench class, grabbed lunch at Burger Heaven with Brody after and then made it to Free to Be Under Three. Fortunately Grace passed out at 1pm on the walk home and napped for a couple of hours. She woke up happy and refreshed, and we played inside, watched some Sesame Street and took a quick trip to the market before coming home to hang with Daddy.

New Words and A New Friend

A few new words to report: outside (when we ask if she wants to go outside, she bum rushes the front door), pear and moon (she looks for it day or night and gets really excited to see moons in books). She's really funny about saying no, too. She says "no, no, no" and wags her finger in coordination. Another new word she knows: danger. I've been using it to explain to her why I don't want her to do something like climb on a table or pull a plug from an outlet. Not sure she really gets it yet, but she can say it. This afternoon we went to Olivia's for playgroup and then went to see Jill (Rothkopf) and meet Edie Steinberg (10 days old). Gracie was so excited about the baby and was on her tippy toes to check on how cute Edie is. Grace kept shhing us because Edie was sleeping.

XLIII: Super Bowl, Super Day

Aunt Meredith came over the morning and hung out for most of the day. What a treat for Gracie! This afternoon Grace went to a couple of Super Bowl parties and was in heaven - food, TV and friends. What could be better? She was in such a great mood and made herself comfortable at Ryan Miller's and at the Goldstein's.

Brunch, Family & Friends

Today we went to brunch with Sarah and Dave at - big surprise - Three Guys. We are there at least once a weekend; it's so good and very Grace-friendly. This afternoon Grace hung out with Andrew Immerman, Grandma and Uncle Zachary. Right before dinner, we headed over the the Winter's house so Grace could get some QT with best bud Charlie. Week 60 Album.

Tickle, Tickle

Grace had a good day and a great nap. This afternoon Noah and Andrew came over to play before bedtime. What fun!

Road Trip

Gracie and I hit the road early with Aunt Enid to visit GG Bess and Grandma. Grace made herself right at home at Grandma's house and had a blast with all the toys, light switches, Sammy Joe Bob (the 17th year old Gleser family parakeet), a cut out/caricature of Uncle Teddy, climbing the stairs and more. She was having so much fun, she didn't ask to eat once. We went to lunch at Mom's and then came home. This afternoon Gracie enjoyed Music with Brett. The tunes were so inspirational, they literally moved Grace to stand up from sitting on my knees/laps and take 3 steps. Then it was back to crawling for the rest of the day.

Shhhh & The Shimmy Bear

Today Grace showed how much she understands - every time we talk about naps, sleep or quiet, she puts her finger to her lips and says "shhh". It's hilarious. She does it if we're reading a book that shows someone sleeping and when she puts her dolls in their beds. Maybe that's what inspired her 3 hour nap from 2-5pm? Additionally, Grace has mastered the words "more" and "no" and gesticulates what each means by signing as she speaks. Here are a few more shots with the dancing, singing Shimmy bear. Tonight Henley hung out before bedtime, and later on Gillian and Alan came by for dinner.

Busy, Busy

Gracie went to her first Parkbench at the Y class today and had fun - there was playtime, snack and more for an hour and a half. Afterwards we went to lunch with Max and Brody, who are also in the class, at Fetch. Then we rushed to Free to Be. We're definitely overbooked for Tuesday and will have to see how next week goes. Might have to make a switch if it's too much. In other news, Gracie is totally obsessed with the singing bear Shimmy gave her. She feeds it, snuggles it, kisses it and even offers it a turn on the phone. Tonight Andrew and Linda came by for dinner.

Cat & Matt

This afternoon Grace went to her buddy Andrew's house to play. She knows him and his mom and dad so well, she made herself right at home. She even said "Matt" - Andrew's Dad's name - tonight. Something that made the visit very special was meeting the Hershey's cats; Grace chased them around and said "cat," tried to eat their food and doused herself in their water dish. She didn't want to leave.

Family Funday

Grace spent the afternoon with Mom-mom, Grandpa, Aunt Meredith and Great Uncle Jeff and Great Aunt Dolores. Later in the afternoon, she spent time with Shimmy, Ralph, Susie, Fred and Brett. Grace now says nose and mouth when she points each.

Talking and Taxis

Grace went to Alex's business school reunion brunch, and this afternoon she celebrated Miller's 1st birthday. We don't have any more solo walking to report since Thursday. She's definitely capable of taking steps, but she's not really interested yet. She is, however, interested in hailing taxis and knows the drill when we go out and carry her to the corner. She raises her hand with us and says "ta"; Alex didn't believe me until he saw it for himself tonight. Yes, talking is much more exciting than walking. Grace can also identify a bunch of letters when we show her cards. Favorites include - F, H, S, T, D, C and B. I have video to upload from yesterday so stay tuned. Week 59 Album.

Girly Girl

Gracie went to Paloma's pink poodle themed birthday party today and came home with a pink poodle puppy bag and necklace. It's confirmed: she loves jewelry and handbags. (She actually loves all accesories - check her out in my headband below.) She toted the dog gear around with her for the rest of the day, cuddling and kissing them. Then we trekked to the West Side for Rockin with Andy. When we got home, she cuddled the puppy bag some more and then decided to bring it into the kitchen, open the pot/pan cabinet and either a) hide her new favorite treasure or b) make puppy soup. The jury is still out. Andrew Immerman came by to play with Gracie before bedtime.

First Solo Steps

Grace took her first steps tonight - three in a row from the couch to me! She hasn't repeated the performance yet, but she can do it. This afternoon Grace enjoyed Music with Brett at our place. She also practiced playing the piano with her feet.

Little Faker

Grace has a new face that she makes when she wants to fake being upset...in order to get her way. Here is what I'm talking about - Exhibit A" Grace waving her finger no at me, implying she knows that I don't want her to open the doors. Exhibit B - Grace making her frustrated face to try to get what she wants. This afternoon Max and George came by to play, and she had a blast with the boys.