Grandma Joanie and a Bunch of FIRSTS for Macie!!!

I have been having an incredible time with my Grandma Joanie; since she flew in it has been non-stop FUN!

Mom has been busy sewing tutu's to get ready for a party, so Grandma and I have had lots of time to play around the house together and catch up on the last 6 months. I showed her how well I can pump on the swings and made sure that she watched all my seat-to-doggie-to-tummy drops on the trampoline. One afternoon Mom actually took us on a trip across town to Target for some tutu material and I got to sit on the big read Target ball for a picture (it is sort of a tradition to sit on the ball every time we go- I have been fascinated by them since I was a baby.)


I was really excited that Grandma Joanie got to watch me at gymnastics. Not only did she get to sit in for my weekly class, but she got to go to Open Gym to watch me perform my gymnast skills all over the studio.

While Grandma and I were keeping each other occupied Macie and Dad spent some quality time together.

After watching in Dad's arms she got antsy and he let her sit down and join in the fun!

Since we were sort of confined to the house this week (aside from our trips to gymnastics) Macie, Grandma, and I had to find ways to be creative. We took some boxes left over from our last trip to Costco and made forts out of them. The fort was nothing compared to the one Mom made me back in Huntington Beach, but it was still a lot more fun than it looks.





Macie is becoming more and more involved in our daily tasks, and even helps out with our household chores. In the garage one afternoon after she tired of watching Mom clean, she entertained herself by playing her own version of Peek-a-boo. She can't quite figure out how to cover her eyes, yet the allure of the game is not lost in her version (she covers her ears).

Grandma is amazed by how far Macie and I have come over the last 6 months. Macie is doing new things everyday, and I am becoming more and more self sufficient. One morning Grandma Joanie and I played beauty shop and I made her hair look really pretty. I am getting really good with curlers and Mom is wondering if it could be my calling (I think that she is secretly hoping I will become a hair stylist so that she saves the money on coloring...)



When the weather was nice, and Mom's tutu party was over, we took Grandma Joanie on a trip to the Zoo. Macie was awake the whole time and really enjoyed seeing the animals in the aquarium.




The Columbus Zoo recently added a polar bear exhibit and it is really neat. After seeing the animals and playing in the new play place we posed for a photo op next to the new polar bear statues.




Macie has been really working hard on moving across the room. At the beginning of this week she could only roll, pivot, flip, and turn her way to her destination, but now she has developed a new determination to move towards crawling. Listen to her grunt as she struggles to pull her body across the floor.

Mom and Grandma are really trying to help encourage Macie to move (Mom wants Macie to crawl before Grandma goes back to Wisconsin), but I keep trying to tell them that Macie will move once the "carrot" they use to entice her is good enough. For now, I am happy having her rather sedentary since it allows for me to have more control.

Speaking of control- I loved having Grandma Joanie around to play with me since she is very patient and willing to play ANYTHING I want- she lets me be the boss and I LOVE it!!!

Macie has begun to get interested in playing with toys, especially the ones with buttons and sound. She loves pounding on the piano keys and making LOTS of noise.

Outside in the sun Grandma and I made use of our big back yard. We played on the swings, jumped on the trampoline, and road my school bus to and from the sandbox. Every now and again the crazy driver (me) took a turn a little too sharply and we would crash...

Towards the end of Grandma Joanie's trip the temperature outdoors was SO warm that Mom thought it was time to break out the swimsuits for some backyard fun. Macie had a problem with her bikini top as her chest hasn't quite filled out, so Mom helped her take care of the problem. As you can imagine Dad was a little mortified when he came around the corner...

One of the best things about hot, humid weather is eating all the yummy summer time fruit. Mom and I shared some watermelon together,



while Grandma Joanie helped Macie try some for the first time.



As you can tell by the look on Macie's face she sure enjoyed it, although that isn't saying much considering we haven't found much aside from bananas that Macie doesn't enjoy eating.



Grandma and I sure enjoyed spending time together; swinging on the swings, playing games, being neighbors, etc. I am sure lucky to have such an amazing family!!



The night before she left we sat out on the back porch with Grant and Reed and relaxed in the new chairs Mom and Dad had brought home for us.

Grandma left early on Sunday morning, and I spent the day missing my neighbor. Mom tried to entice me with the promise of a parade and a barbecue at my friends the next day, but it didn't seem to make me any happier. When we woke up the morning of Memorial Day it was raining so bad that going to a parade did not seem likely to happen. When arrived at the Grzelaks at 930 the rain was still coming down so only the big boys went to the parade. Ashyln, Macie, and I spent the time playing indoors until, to our surprise, the sun came out!!! By then the boys had come back from the parade and all of us were ready for some outdoor fun in the sun!!!

Dave threw some meat on the barbecue and we all loaded our plates for an outdoor picnic.



Macie ate bits of "big people food" and then watched



as the big kids tore off running threw the sprinklers in the backyard.




I had so much fun getting wet that before long I was soaked and had to downsize my wardrobe.



We had a TON of fun on Memorial Day with our friends, and the whole family crashed out early that evening tuckered out from the LONG day full of eating and relaxing.

By the middle of the week Dad had left for Indianapolis to work and Aunt Hayley was working at an out-of-town Vet Hospital so Mom, Macie, and I were alone at home. After I had gone to bed one night Macie decided it was time to move like a big girl...

Mom couldn't believe her eyes as Macie pulled herself across the room military style right to a plate of food Mom had sitting on the floor. I guess I was right about finding the right "carrot"- apparently, and quite fitting, for Macie it turned out to be food. After the "big move" mom used other items to entice Macie...




Mom was so excited that she called everyone she knew and bragged about Macie's big accomplishment.

The following night she was even more surprised when Macie crawled on her hands and knees across the deck...

Macie may have been slow to get moving, but once she started it was full speed ahead. In only two days she managed to go from sitting to crawling quickly and efficiently throughout the house.

By the weekend she was working on pulling herself up on her knees- Mom can't believe how quickly she has progressed, and is now wondering why she wanted Macie to start moving. Now we have to watch everything she does!!!

To celebrate Macie's new accomplishments we went to the pool at the Country Club with the Grzelaks the following day. Macie looked SO cute in her bathing suit, but DID NOT like to sit in the cold water.




I didn't have that problem-Riley Thomas (formerly known as "boy Riley") and I ran in and out of the water as we couldn't get enough!



I even used a BIG GIRL inner tube for the first time,



and swam across the pool without hesitation! Mom was so inspired that she promised to buy me my very own if it helped me get over my fear of the cold water.



The pool left both Macie and I exhausted, but after a very long nap we had energy for more fun and went to the Big Red Barn.

I showed off by going on all the climbers and slides without any help at all.



Mom wasn't awed by my independence on the climbers as much as she was by the bravery I exhibited on the roller coaster. Watch as I blast off all by myself...





After our outing at the Big Red Barn we stopped to say Hi to Bugs, but Macie had fallen asleep in the car, so Mom let me stay a little longer and play with the barn cats whom are in dire need of some attention (most cats run from me, so this was AWESOME).


When the weekend rolled around again it was time for swim lessons, so Mom dressed me in my tutu bathing suit and let me bring Ariel for moral support.

Thanks to Ariel I swam 10 minutes longer than the previous week and even went under the water without too much shrieking. To celebrate my under water accomplishment we had a princess party that night, and I was the guest of honor.

Macie enjoyed the party, but enjoyed the food much more.

The family jokes that Macie eats like a line backer, but she really, really, really, does enjoy eating food. At her 9 month doctor appt. her affinity for food showed on her growth chart as she is now 27.5 inches long, and weighs 17 lbs 7 oz. The doctor is thrilled by her development, and can't wait to hear about all the new things she will begin to do.

Right now Macie is working through some tooth pain as her top right tooth is threatening to break through the gum, so sleep is hard to come by. I am lucky that I have the ability to sleep through an atomic bomb cause Mom and Dad are up all hours of the night trying to comfort her- it doesn't help that Mom and Dad have stopped swaddling her and she is still getting used to sleeping on her tummy.

Mom says that we are taking it easy for the next couple of weeks to get ready for our big trip to California. She promises that we will be ready ON TIME (and on the right day) for our scheduled departure. We will see...

Spring FUN in Ohio!

Through the humid summer, rainy fall, and cold winter Ohio natives assured us that the upcoming spring was something to look forward to. They raved about the climate, the scenery, and all the outdoor activities that we had yet to experience since we hadn't settled in until late July of last year.

As promised Spring has turned out to be beautiful- the grass is green, the flowers are in bloom, and the sun has been shining giving us daily temperatures in the comfortable 70's. The birth and renewal of life that Spring symbolizes has made Mom a little sad as it reminds her that Macie is already 8 months old. The mood brought on by reality of how quickly time has gone by is only lightened by the promise of things to come as Macie will soon be moving, interacting, talking, etc.

For the last few months the family has continued to "baby" Macie, but now that she is no longer an infant it is time for her to take on more "responsibility." The first step in helping Macie to move forward was getting rid of her infant bathtub. She got to sit in the big girl bath for the first time and really enjoyed it!

Since Macie's bath time takes place long after I am asleep I had to hear about it rather than witness it and decided I was a little envious that I was left out. The next night I suggested that it was time Macie and I got to take a bath together.

Our sister bath time was a huge success! We had a great time laughing and playing together, and I made sure to be extra careful (I toned down my usual activities and kept my flailing to a minimum.)

Our friends and neighbors were right about all the FUN activities that come along with spring time in Ohio. Aside from the Zoo and parks, there are a LOT of community activities going on in each week. My favorite so far has been our most recent excursion to "touch a truck" with the Grezlaks. It was amazing- there were fire trucks, school buses, cop cars, book mobiles; you name it- if it was mobile it was there. The city puts on this great activity for free, and there are all sorts of food, toys, stickers, and "junk" given away. There was so much to do and see that it could keep a crazy kid like me occupied for hours.

Not only did we get to see the different vehicles, but we got to touch and explore them as well. "Boy" Riley, Ashlyn, Aidan, and I had a great time laughing and chasing one another.

Even Macie enjoyed the exciting surroundings, but her favorite part was all the attention from our friends. Ashlyn made sure Macie was never left out and Mom was really grateful!

Browsing through the fire truck was lots of fun, and since everyone in the crowd was watching I made sure to stop and pose with a picture perfect smile before jumping out (Mom has tried for years to get me to smile like that in front of the camera, but I have made sure to save the good smiles for my future fans in the crowd.)

Our next stop was at the law enforcement vehicles. Seeing me a police car made Mom a little nervous, but I promised her that if I ever rode in a cop car in the future it would only be in the front seat....

One of the coolest things I got to do was sit inside a school bus. For the last year I have begged Mom to let me take a ride on one, but have yet to succeed so this was an amazing experience.

Miss Elizabeth bravely volunteered to take Aidan, "Boy" Riley, Ashlyn, and I on the bus while Mom watched with Macie from the curb. We all waved to them through the bus windows and even posed for a picture.

It was tough to talk me off the bus as I was having SO much fun! I can't wait until I am old enough to ride one to school all by myself (Mom has warned me that riding the bus isn't nearly as adventurous in reality as it is in my head, but I think I will be the judge of that.)

After the school bus we made a pit stop at the big pink limo, and boy was it neat inside. I could get used to riding in style like that.

After stopping by the digger, tractor, ranger mobile and ice cream truck we were all getting a little restless. Miss Elizabeth and Mom decided we would wait in line to sit on the antique fire truck and then would all head out for a special lunch at Mc Donalds!

The line was longer than we would have liked, so we had to find ways to occupy our time. "Boy" Riley and I danced around together

while Ashlyn helped give Macie her bottle.

When we finally made it to the front of the line we all jumped in. I used my strength and will power to push my way to the driver's seat (surprise, surprise.)

Even Macie "sucked it up" and sat in the front seat for a ride. Mom laughs that with her pose she looks a little gangsta.

Before leaving for lunch Miss Elizabeth took a picture of Mom, Macie and I (one of the few pictures we have together.)

We had a great time at lunch with the little Grzelaks: Aidan, Riley, and Ashlyn (Miss Elizabeth and her husband Dave have 2 older sons as well for a total of 5!)

The following morning I woke up to an amazing surprise- Grandpa Jerry and Cindy had driven all the way out from Wisconsin to come visit our family! I ran straight for him and didn't want to leave his side.

It was the first time they had met Macie, and she took to him right away. The look exactly like one another, so in a way it was like Macie was looking at the male version of herself.

We spent the morning catching up with Grandpa and Cindy, and I made sure to put on a show for them!

Since ALL of our toys were strewn throughout the family room I decided to show Macie how to use some of them. One of her favorites were the drums.

After she showed interest, and got everyone's attention, I decided I needed to dominate the crowd once again. I got a little obnoxious, but Macie and I had fun!

After our much needed naps the whole family was rejuvenated and ready for some more fun. We met up with Grandpa Jerry and Cindy, and everyone (even Aunt Hayley) went out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse (Mom's favorite thanks to the extremely healthy white bread rolls with honey butter.) This was Macie's first time in a high chair at a restaurant and she did exceptionally well!!!

Throughout the whole dinner both Macie and I were on our best behavior. I ate until my little tummy ached, and Macie surveyed the new surroundings and was fascinated by all the people and action around her. Although I did flash my smile to a few people in the crowd and kept most of my attention focused on Grandpa Jerry.

After dinner the family "rolled" home and slept off our food comas. We woke early in the morning eager to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day. I made sure to give her lots of extra love. We helped Aunt Hayley pack her car with luggage and animals (yes, Holly, Kahlua, and Jack all went with her), and we waved at her as we watched her drive away to Wisconsin (Mom says she will be gone for 2 weeks on an externship for school). The rest of the day was spent lounging with Grandpa Jerry and Cindy, and both Macie and I made sure to pullout all the stops. The family enjoyed an afternoon BBQ and time around the house together, and we were sad when Grandpa Jerry and Cindy had to leave to drive back home.

After our busy weekend Mom had lots of errand to run, and a messy house to clean so we spent a lot of time at home. We played a lot of dress up, and Mom even did her very first french braid ever on my hair- I think she did pretty well for her first time.

Macie and I made the most of our time indoors by playing with one another- I have realized that having a sister is lots of fun and we feed off of each others energy. I feel sorry for Mom once Macie can really move because we will be a force to reckon with...

The week was rather uneventful; Dad was working in Indianapolis and with Hayley and all the animals gone as well the house felt empty. Mom took advantage of the empty seats at the kitchen table so our meals consisted of re-heated leftovers or packaged dinners.

By the weekend Dad was back home and we were ready to make up for the previous week's lack of excitement. To do this we went BIG and went to the circus with the whole Grezlak family! It was awesome being together with everyone and I was exploding with anticipation. Once we got inside the arena my attitude took a drastic turn for the worse- the lack of lighting paired with the loud and creepy noises coming from the ring master out me in a state of panic. I begged Dad to take me back home. It took lots of coercing from Dad, but before long he managed to calm me down and re-focus my attention on the beautiful girls dressed like princesses. At that moment my fears subsided (or were forgotten) and I stared at awe as the danced across the stage. The acrobatics and antics of the performers did little to pique my attention, but the animals and dancing girls kept me wanting more. When us younger kids got antsy Dad and Dave went to the concession stand and returned as heroes (they brought back cotton candy)! We immediately settled back down in our seats with our treats and it bought another half an hour of contentment.
I had never eaten cotton candy before and was appalled at Mom for not exposing me to this palate pleasing cuisine sooner.

Macie was the antsiest of all, but thanks to Dad's magic touch she turned out to have an amazing time!

By the second half he had managed to cradle her in her arms, forcing her to relax. He must have done an exceptional job because she didn't last long before she fell into a deep sleep.

Our first family trip to the circus was a BIG success and we had an incredible time with the Grezlak family.

The following week had its up and downs; fevers, colds, coughs- you name the illness and it's likely to have passed through one of our family members. Macie was the only one who had to see a doctor (where we discovered that she weighed 17.5lbs and measured 27.25 inches long) and take medication- I was sure relieved to have been spared from the debilitating act of taking medication (yes, I am a drama queen.) Our ailing health and the torrential downpours lasting throughout the week kept us confined to the house. Mom used the time rather wisely and worked on developing Macie's hand to mouth skills, which by the end of the week would finally pass for sufficient.

Along with learning to feed herself Macie has also added some new words to her repitiore: Up-down (which sounds like one word) and Momma! Coupled with her use of dada and uh-oh she is up to 4 words!!!! Looking back at the past week indoors it is obvious that Macie benefited from time at home. Check out this video of her trying to crawl:

Now that we discovered Macie is old enough, big enough, and capable enough, she gets to sit in her high chair at the dinner table and eat with the family. So far broccoli is her favorite "big people" food, but she has also shown some interest in cous cous and salmon. I think her food preferences are a little odd considering she prefers veggies and proteins over bananas and strawberries.

Macie is loving this new ability of hers, and Mom and Dad are both loving the fact that it buys them some extra needed time to finish tasks around the house.

With Macie at the table I have to work a little harder for attention; sometimes, when I'm super cute, it works in my favor:

The week came to an end on a good note as Miss Elizabeth, "boy" Riley, and Ashlyn came over to play. Not only did we get to romp around the house, but they brought special cupcakes for our family. After I had eaten my dinner that night I sat down and dove face first into my very own princess cupcake and didn't take a breath until it was finished.

Life is great, and I am more than thankful for my family and friends.

My Grandma Joanie flies in from Wisconsin this Saturday and I can't wait to see her!!! I plan on showing her all the new things I am able to do, so this upcoming weeks promises to be full of fun and excitement!!