He's a Baby magnet

I'd like to put a shout out to Paul Ford. He came to Seattle for the Holidays and it was great to see him. Grace took to him from the minute he walked in the door. At one point she reached up and asked him to pick her up. Then as they sat together in a chair she proceeded to fall asleep. I have never seen Grace do this before and it was priceless. Paul- you are such a baby magnet!

Christmas 2007

Grace had a great Christmas. She has learned how to open up gifts- one piece at a time. I swear she takes after my Dad as the world's slowest gift opener! He always did it just to get a rise out of us. Among the many toys- all but one makes noise (thanks guys) and clothes, she is again set on fun, learning and fashion for a long time.

I am sure as the years go on she will enjoy opening gifts and actually understanding what she got. For now, paper and boxes are just so much fun.

Scott's family all got together at Shaun and Karianne's. There was a lot of food and Grace again was drawn to potatoes and cranberry Jezebel sauce. Take a look at the pictures- she really has taken to everyone.

Grace's First Holiday Party

Each year my local branch manager Tom and I plan and put on our annual holiday party and it was this past saturday night. I think everyone had a great time and those who had not met Grace finally got to see her. The outfit I had her in was one I had purchased about a year and half ago- yes that long ago. I guess I somehow knew we had to have a little girl someday to put this on. Thankfully it fit. Cashmere is definately her yarn of choice!

Scott was able to get a picture of her in her carseat right before they left. She looks excited to be all dressed up. Yes, you do see a furry leopard print coat in the picture. She looks adorable in it. Every little girl needs a leopard print coat.

Grace's First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a great day. Grace's first of many. We have so much to be thankful for- especially for our journey of bringing Grace home coming to completion. Thankful she is healthy and a happy, happy little girl.

Grace tried many differant things on Thanksgiving- potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and her new favorite, pumpkin pie. It hasn't been too difficult trying new foods with her. She likes just about everything.

This girl is very fond of the camera and having her picture taken. Not the slightest bit camera shy. I think we have found a new baby sitter for Grace- Sherry, you better watch out- Cal is up for the job!

Walk Baby Walk!!

Grace is well on her way to walking. Somehow I think running is not too far behind. She is also getting more sensative as her teeth are trying their darndest to come in. Our little angel turns into baby-zilla very easily. Come on teeth- I want my baby back!

Maggie and Grace are friends. Especially when Grace is throwing Cheerios.

Our Little Flamingo

Grace was a flamingo for halloween and she was just adorable. Scott said she cried when he tried the costume on her- because of the hood she wore. But as soon as she looked at herself in the mirror she smiled a big smile and all was well. Grace went to some of the neighbors to show off her duds. They all though she was the best costumed child. Somehow she even came home with candy. I am not sure how she is going to eat it- she has no teeth. I guess I will ask Scott (the chocoholic) about it. Hmmm...... Grace also visited Cindy and Chelsea at work to see the animals and show her costume to everyone.

Daily life

Things are going great around here at the Morse/Stafford home. The dogs, Alex, Ralph and Maggie have adjusted to having a 2 legged sister. She really likes them. Ralph is her best friend. Each morning he goes in and sticks his nose up to her crib to say good morning. She hold her hand and he kisses it. She giggles and he wags. It is so sweet.

Grace is still working on getting in those teeth! They are coming, we know it! Walking has also become something of interest. Sometimes she forgets she can't walk on her own yet and takes off across the rom. She gets about 6 steps and boom- she falls. But I think she is pretty happy with herself.

Books are something she really likes. She studies them as though sh knows what they say. For all we know she does and my child will be in Medical School by the age of 12. She isa very smart child. Now I know people say that ther children are just SO smart. But, I really think mine is a little smarter than the average 13 month old.

Stuffed animals were not her favorite thing when we first came home. But now she loves to hug and cuddle with them. Boynton, the pink Pig my sister Crystal sent is at the top of the list. She hold him when she has her bottle at night time. Yes, if you must know- all of her stuffed animals have names. Hmmm..... maybe a budding veterinarian.....

he words Dada and Mama are very common now. I am trying to teach her "Moooo" for my mothers husband Don. (He is a livestock guy.)

Grace's First Birthday

Grace's Birthday was a lot of fun for us and I think for her. We were so happy to be able to have her home before she turned one. That was a hope for us. We found that she is not crazy about getting dirty. After putting her hand in the frosting from her cake I recvd a look from her to say "oh- oh-oh, PLEASE wipe it off, icky!" She prefers to just put a finger on the frosting and taste from there. But this girl loves cake and ice cream- just not the frosting. Hmm, sounds like her mom.

My mother was able to fly in for the weekend so she could finally meet her grand daughter. Something I know she has been waiting for- They got along very well and I swear she tried to mutter the word Grammy. Ask my mother, I think she heard it too!

She got quite a few gifts and plays with them all. Grace will never be without clothes. She is becoming quite the fashionista thanks to her Aunt Casey and Chelsea.

China

Our trip to China was good. It was really hot and humid. Picture getting dressed, and then going and standing in the shower. Yes, that hot. Man did I sweat in places that I didn't know a human being could sweat in!

Now I know what it feel like to wet ones self and then sit down- squish. The only comfort I had was knowing that everyone else was experiencing the very same thing. So that wet butt of mine was in a sea of wet butted poeple. Thank goodness it dried fast.

Gotcha day was a flurry of emotions for both Scott and myself. We flew in the wee hours of Sunday August 5th to Chongqing China. When we arrived, our guide told us that our babies were on their way to our hotel and we should be seeing them in a few short hours. So off to the hotel to unpack, wrap gifts, and get prepared for Grace. We sat in our hotel room waiting and trying to remain calm. The call came an hour after we expected. We were the first family sown in the lobby and had the fist glimps of those 8 little angels. All of them were sitting on couches in the lobby. Grace was just hanging out watching everyone go by. We were afraid we wouldn't know which baby she was- but those cheeks and lips gave her away! None of the babies cried when they were handed to their parents. It was perfect.

Here we go!

It has been requested or dare I say demanded by a few people that I start a blog so that those family and friends across the country and globe can check in and see the latest pictures and happenings of miss Grace. So here we go.

I will probably start by posting a few pictures of our trip to China- just to set the mood. Then just move on to home life and the silly things my little girl does. She is pure joy to have in our lives. Even when she is screaming because she does not want to get dressed, or be put down for 2 minutes so I can get a glass of water. Other than that- just perfect. Sleeping through the night since we got her, eating everything we give her ( except for a piece of canned pear in China which she choked on and then proceeded to vomit up with her formla in the restaurant)

So check back every once in a while to see the latest. I will do my very best to log on every few days to do updates!!