Happy Two Month Birthday Gracie!

To celebrate her two month birthday, I thought I'd share a video of Gracie using her voice a bit. I took this video this morning when she was enjoying her favorite actvity...her Butterfly Mobile. She absolutely loves to "talk" to it.

Dad and Annie come to visit

We spent the weekend with Robert, Theresia, my (Ryan's) Dad and Annie. Gracie loved hanging out with everybody. She's become accustomed to being around lots of people and even let us watch the Penn State and Steelers games! Here she is with Grandpa.

The Pumpkin Patch

Here are a few pictures of our early morning trip to the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday. Grace really didn't like the cold or the wind, so it was a quick trip this year. Oh well, next year she'll be interested and we'll try to go on a warmer day.

A Smile!...and the Bunny Slippers

Grace is so sweet when she's asleep...and when she's not.

But I love how cuddly and peaceful she looks asleep.

There's a Gracie smile!
While this is not a very good picture,
it's the best I've been able to do in catching her smile...
I'll keep trying.

And check out the adorable bunny slippers GGma Rice bought her.
They are one of our favorites right now, fit perfect and are so warm and cute!
They aren't as big as they look in this picture :-)

Grace's Faces

Yeah, I'll stop with the rhymes...but "Grace's Faces" is very appropriate!  Gracie has been more alert and animated over the past week or two.  Here is a series of pictures I took today...of many of the faces Grace makes.  I still can't catch the smile...but I'm trying.

Our First Family Vacation

We took Gracie to PA for a week to meet some relatives and take a few days as a family to just relax. Since there were so many pictures, I'll post a few from each day....

Friday-Sunday, October 10-12

This weekend the three of us went to Seven Springs to hang out as a family and enjoy the activities at AutumnFest.  Here are a few pictures...

Thursday, October 9

On Thursday, we left Tanya and Nicks and hit the outlets in Grove City before heading back to Uniontown.  That evening, Tim and LeeAnn's Rice's joined us for some picture fun! 

Wednesday, October 8

On Wednesday we drove to Erie, PA so that Gracie could meet her Great Grandma Gibbens and Great Nana Alyce.  That evening, Gracie's Godmama Tanya and Nick were kind enough to let us stay with them in Mercer so we didn't have to drive the whole way back to Uniontown.

Grandma Gibbens

Nana Alyce

Monday and Tuesday, October 6-7

Monday and Tuesday were relaxing days for us. We visited a bit, but mostly just tried to stay put to avoid overwhelming Grace every day of our trip. So here are some pictures of Gracie throughout the week...

Sunday, October 5

Gracie had a very busy day meeting more of her aunts, uncles and cousins on Sunday...

My brothers and sisters, niece and nephew

Gracie and her cousin Becca

Cousins: Christian and Grace

Another cute nickname for Grace:
When Ryan and I got married, Tara asked Christian what he would call my Ryan since he has another "Uncle" Ryan (who is about his age). Christian said "Uncle Big Mac," which is now what they call Ryan. Christian was ready with Grace's nickname on Sunday... "Small Fry"

Aunt Andie and her girl

Grace loving Aunt Tara


Uncle Charlie and Baby Grace


Gracie's Uncle Ryan...he said he "isn't really a baby person"

Great Uncle Todd and Gracie


More cousins, Gabbi (above) and Maddi (below), meet Gracie.

Saturday, October 4

We headed for PA after Gracie's 4am breakfast. We stopped at Sidling Hill for her early morning snack and happened to catch this beautiful sunrise. What a great way to start our vacation!

Great-Pap-Pap Rice finally gets to meet our Gracie girl. He was smitten!


Logan (left) gave Gracie her first nickname when he met her on Saturday.
His mama (my cousin Terah) said "say Baby Grace" and Logan said "Baby Grapes"
It has already stuck....Baby Grapes it is! (quite appropriate I must say)

Gracie and her Pappy Dowdell...she missed him and his songs.

Gracie Pix

Gracie had a very busy weekend.  She is staying awake a lot more and is very busy learning all about the world.  On Saturday she decided to display three new skills:

1. When laying on her belly she pushes herself up with her hands and holds herself there. She's been lifting her head since she was born, but her neck is really getting strong now. It's still a little wobbly, but amazingly steady for a not even six week old.
2. She began cooing and babbling, conversation style...we talk, then she "talks" back
3. My favorite...she smiles in response to some things we say or do.  It's not yet a consistent response, but it is on purpose.  I tested it to see if it was a fluke or due to gas, but I don't think so.

Grace also rolls from her tummy to her back.  I can't believe how strong she is.  She did this a few times when she was about 2 weeks old, but now she does it often and on purpose when she's done with tummy time.

Here are a few new pictures...she's getting so big already.  She weighs about 12 pounds and is already wearing 3-6 month clothes...she's not even 6 weeks!  Can't I keep her a baby forever?  It is exciting to watch her grow and learn all these new skills though.  I just hope she stays as cuddly as she is now.  Ryan and I both love our cuddle time with her.