Go Bears!

Grace has been having lots of fun watching playoff football with us. She is ready and excited for tomorrow's game. Here's hoping the Bears make the Superbowl.

Go Bears!

18 Month Stats

Yesterday we had Grace's 18 month check-up. She weighed in at 24.4 pounds (50th percentile) and is 31.75 inches tall (also 50th percentile). So it appears I have a perfect average girl on my hands, but with a big head measuring 48cm which is the 85th percentile.

The doctor said she looked good and is on track developmentally. The doctor did though refer us to an ENT to get her ears checked by an expert. Just when I thought we got a break from doctors for a while we have a new one we get to visit. We have been plagued lately with a number ear infections and the doctor said with the way her ears looked yesterday there will likely be another on the horizon. Here's hoping the ear infections go away and we don't have to deal with anything new, but if we do, we do. I can't get Grace into the ENT until March, but with any luck she will stay healthy until then - knock on wood!

This past weekend we had Grace's 18 month photo shoot with Ann over at Ann Goldenberg Photography. Here is the photo we got in our sneak peak. All I have to say is Grace looks so grown up now! Where did my little baby go? And I think Grace has a future in modeling - look at that pose and smile! Enjoy this preview as we will have more photos to come of her once we get them from Ann.

Iowa 2010

The day after Christmas we flew to Iowa to visit the Olson side of the family. We hadn't been back since September 2009, so it was a long over due visit to see many people. This was Grace's first plane ride. Needless to say I was stressing over how she would do. We got all checked in pretty quick and got through security and headed to the gate, but first we stopped to get a snack. I had the bright idea to get TCBY frozen yogurt...big mistake. Grace of course wanted some which was fine, but then she kept stealing the spoon and yelling mine - her new favorite word. She chowed down and was a giant mess when we were done...good thing I packed tons of wipes!

We made it through the flight with only one meltdown that lasted about ten minutes and then Grace slept the rest of the way to Iowa.

Grace was beyond spoiled by her Nana, Papa Charlie, Grandma Barb, Grandpa Steve, her great-grandparents and her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Bob. She got lots more practice opening gifts and seemed to start to get the hang of it.

Showing her cousin Aidan what she got.

Grace also got lots of play time with her cousins. Here she is with her cousin Aubrey.

Showing off her face after trying Grandma Barb's fudge - she loved it!

Checking out cousin Ellie.

Playing with Aunt Rachel and her cousin Aidan.

We had a great time visiting everyone in Iowa and had a fun time. We headed home and on the flight home Grace did great. The plane was pretty empty so Grace got to hang out in her own seat for a bit. She was a happy clam as she ate a banana and her weight in chex mix. The landing in Denver was a bit rough as while we were in Iowa, Grace was diagnosed with a double ear infection so I am sure her ears were bothering her.

Overall Grace was a great traveler. While it was nice to go out for a visit it has been nice being home and getting back to our normal routine. Grace seems to crave routine and today while she was mad I left her at daycare, I could tell this afternoon she recovered quickly and was happy to be back with her friends.

Here's hoping we get to have many more family trips in the future.

Christmas 2010

We got to celebrate Christmas a few times as a family. We started Christmas Eve morning before Brian headed to work for a bit and before we headed to Grandma G's house. Grace wasn't really into opening her presents, but she had fun checking out some of the toys Santa brought her a bit early once they were open. Grace got a couple of books, a tea set and some blocks this year. As well as a magna doodle to use on our upcoming trip to Iowa. 

That afternoon we went to Grandma G's house for some fun. Santa visited again at GG's house and brought Grace even more presents. When we opened gifts on Christmas day, Grace was a little more into ripping the wrapping paper. She got some puzzles and a little play piggy bank as well as some new dishes just for her. As a family Santa brought us a Wii, which we have been having fun playing. GG made Grace's favorite meal of spaghetti and meatballs on Christmas and some chocolate pudding pie which Grace loved as well. We had a great time as always at GG's house and it was a great Christmas together as a family.

Merry Christmas!