Random Grace pics

Grace finally got to meet Hanzhu and Lauren's baby, Rachel. Aren't they sweet?

Hanging out with Daddy:
I was going to give her a bath the other day and I got a little distracted making pictures...(Don't worry. She eventually got clean.)

Archie goes to the park!

I love photographing my boy! He wasn't too thrilled about sitting still when he knew the slide was just ahead, but this is what I was able to capture before he would start bolting toward the playground! (Yes, he was rewarded with the slide afterward.)

Leslie's never ending quest

My never ending quest is to master Photoshop (and I just have Elements - not the real deal). After receiving it for Christmas last year, it took me several weeks to work up the courage to order the Missing Manual series guide to it (love it!). Then, it took me much longer to work up the never to use the book. (I don't know why I was so scared. I used Photoshop for my job in high school all the time.) It's not that learning it is that hard, it's that there is SO SO much to learn. It also takes practice to acquire the skills of the art...I went back and doctored up some two week shots we took of Grace. Still not completely satisfied but much better...

Re-do

Original
Re-do

Original
Now for the funny one! Hunter says nobody could Photoshop Grace, Archie and me (and an extra hand) into that picture without it looking fake, but there has to be a way.) I originally just wanted a pic of my friend Christina holding Grace since I forgot to take one of her when she came over. Then, there was the problem of needing a hand to support Grace. Then, there was the problem of what to do with Christina's original hand. So, I moved Archie and me over from another part of the pic...Advice anyone?

Happy Two Months!

Grace turned 2 months about a week ago! Among her new accomplishments is thumb sucking. Yes, she can now reliably maneuver the much wanted digit into her mouth with remarkable accuracy. Good-bye pacifier! The new skill is serving her well. I heard a little peep from her room around 3 a.m. the other night. I thought "oh, no" but then there was silence. My guess is the thumb served as the great comforter. Speaking of sleep, she's doing great! Nine hours seems to be the average. I am LOVING it! Her other favorite hobby is smiling. (Fun for everyone.) She likes to be held. A lot. But, as long as she can sleep independently, I'm ok with that. I like holding her, too. If you're not holding her, she wants you to put her infant seat in the room with you just to be near you. Awwww.

Showing off her new skill:

Caught! (Once she knew I was taking pictures, she quickly stopped the thumb sucking.)

A day in the life of Archie! (Just a pic)

Birth day and Birthday presents

They FINALLY arrived. The long awaited Grace "birth day" and Archie "birthday" presents from my parents and the Grandparents DeJs. Oh, and Archie finally got his b'day present from Mommy and Daddy, too - a praise Baby DVD we had ordered from the States! A big thank you to our friends who carried everything over for us.

Archie opening his Leapfrog alphabet toy from my parents. Way cool! It teaches both letter names and sounds. Archie and I started having "school" a few weeks ago. We sit at the kitchen table and color, play Play-doh and learn. (Although, we take frequent field trips because it's easier to learn colors when wallowing in a colored ball pit than sitting at the table.) Archie identifies colors and simple shapes now. He had just gotten to the letter C before the toy arrived. I am eager to see how it helps him progress.

Grace got clothes, clothes and more clothes! Cute stuff. Thanks!

Family fun with Daddy!

I walked into a room full of laughter and this heartwarming scene the other day! Archie is surprisingly gentle with Grace. He will softly touch her face or stroke her body. I am so proud of what a good big brother he is. He also enjoys holding Grace, but this requires a lot of adult help.

Special father-daughter time: (Her jammies say, "I love Daddy")