Happy 8 months (and 6 days) Grace!

First and foremost - don't panic! Grace is actually happy, healthy and (almost) forehead-bump free today. Her sadness is merely a result of Mom removing the very fun and exciting whiffle ball from her little hands for an attempt at a photo tonight :) We took some semi-decent eight month shots on the 14th, but I unfortunately discovered that my camera cord is still in Wheaton and was therefore unable to upload any quality pictures for the time being. My i-phone camera will have to suffice!

I also felt this photo was only appropriate given the rough few days Mom and baby girl have had together. On Friday I had my worst moment in mommy life yet. After our first session with an Invisible Fence dog trainer for Kingston, I was strictly advised to ALWAYS lift our pup over the outside electric fence before taking him for a walk from this point forward to keep from confusing him of his limits. Meaning he should learn that the only way he's allowed beyond our driveway is either in a car or being picked up. The outdoor training had yet to begin (so the fence wasn't even on), but given the lack of love King had received lately with our move I wanted to take him on a quick walk and try the training out myself. After strapping Grace in the baby bjorn and getting my extremely eager and excited pup leashed up and ready to go, we walked out the side door. I scooped up King, took a step to the driveway, and BAM - tripped face first off our patio step into the cement with Grace attached to my chest. The next 10 minutes are a bit of a blur as I have never been so scared in my entire life. Kingston went flying, Grace screamed and I felt like my heart might explode. God must have been watching over me at that moment as Grace managed to only bump her forehead and I walked away with a beat-up knee. Head injuries, no matter how small, are something I will never take lightly for the rest of my life. Despite her smiling face only minutes after the mishap and acting happy as ever, we made an appointment with our new doctor immediately. Zach was in Chicago for the night and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully without reassurance that my baby's noggin was perfectly fine, and confirmation from a professional that I wasn't officially the worst (and clumsiest) Mother in the world. As I tearfully explained my story to the nurse, I was instantly calmed with her numerous stories of other Mothers experiencing similar scenarios. Phew - I might be clumsy but at least I'm normal. Doc sent us home with the okay to proceed with the evening as normal, and I was finally able to look at Grace's little forehead without bawling.

My tough babe and her first boo boo.

Lesson learned - breathe, slow down and never get too confident. Over confidence is usually followed by a humbling event in my experience, and this was no different. Just when I was starting to feel at ease with this whole "parenting thing", I attempted something I wouldn't have normally done. You better believe thats the last time I multitask while carrying one of my kids! 

In other more positive news, Grace is learning new things left and right and finally sitting on her own occasionally. Her creeping and rolling are making me a nervous wreck, but exciting nonetheless watching her explore our new place. I finally buckled down on baby proofing after our little tumble. Next accident I will at least have peace of mind that I've done everything in my power to prevent it (as I am no longer in denial that I can keep her safe 100% of the time - there will be more stumbles). Grace's favorite saying is still "da da da da" and an attempt at "uh oh" after it being repeated multiple times by Mom or Dad. I have to give Grandma Jenny credit on that one as it was started in Wheaton with her help! She also officially understands clapping and will do so whenever we play Patty Cake or sing "If you're happy and you know it". High fives are her newest thing, and oh so cute to watch! 

Making progress slowly but surely!