Everyone loves a naked baby

She may disown me as her mother one day for posting, but I couldn't contain myself. Bath time is too much fun these days. From pretend play, to practicing the alphabet, to drinking faucet water and practicing her Goldfish swim skills (bubbles, kicking, splashing and pulling), we have trouble prying Grace from the tub nearly every bath experience. This morning she literally laid on her back for a solid 10 minutes refusing to get up despite the water totally drained. She even continued to attempt her bubble blowing and splashing in the empty tub. Cuteness at its finest.

Cutest tushy around.

Who doesn't play the piano naked?

My heart. 

The perfect spring day

After a brutally long and cold winter, we finally experienced our first real spring day! High 70's and sunshine from morning till night - we just had to keep our Ugg boots out till May 1st to get it. Ahhh the wonderfulness of Michigan...

My favorite part about Birmingham is how everyone flocks to the outdoors once the weather turns a corner. Bike riders, walkers, runners, dog walkers, tennis players and kids ecstatic to finally toss a ball around in the front yard are every which way. Today we thoroughly enjoyed yard-hopping after nap time from friend to friend to friend in the neighborhood. Our first summer with a "walking Gracie" is sure to be a treat!

Playdate at Nottinghams! This is Grace's bud, Brady. What a squish!

Popsicles were a huge hit! Perfect toddler treat on a hot and steamy day.

These photos were too cute - couldn't pick just one to post.
Cam, Grace and Brady.

"Water Mooooooom!"

Cruising with our girlfriends across the street (Lexi and Lauren).
And a ride down the block wouldn't be complete without a hot pink mini escalade, now would it?! 

So the escalade doesn't ride quite as smooth (and motor-free) as our normal "bop bop".
Time to move on with our day...

Water table fun with gal pal Ella at the O'Lynnger's house!

Our beautiful little host for the afternoon, and Grace's BFF, Harper!

LOVING the water tables. We have way too many outdoor toys on our "to buy" list...

The gang at Harper's house.
Harper, Jake, Ella and Gracie. 

Walkin' and Talkin' at 18 months

Better late than never! Gracie took her first steps in mid December (15 months), and by February was cruising around like she'd been doing it forever. Our rehabilitation specialist suggested we order Sure Steps orthotics for her shoes, which finally arrived in January. Within days of wearing them, she took off! Today she even found joy in walking around in circles until she dizzily fell down laughing. Ahh the little things in life :)

Thought you'd all enjoy this video we took of her first steps! As you can tell, we were obviously overjoyed. Pretty sure a few tears were even shed.

Now here's our big girl at 18 months rockin' and rollin'... and PHYSICAL THERAPY FREE! We got the go ahead last week from our physical therapist, Miss Holly, that Grace is cleared to graduate. After nearly a year and a half of therapy, this was majorly exciting news! We couldn't be more proud. We'll be checking in every month or so to make sure she's still progressing, as well as to check her foot alignment for her orthotics (and decide a timeline for how long Grace will be needing them). She's getting faster by the day and loves attempting a "step" on the stairs (in her words - holding our hand of course).

Time... please slow down.

The few perks of Ann Arbor

Obviously these words are from the mouth of a die hard Buckeye! Since moving to "that state up North", we've come to find a few positives in being near my largest enemy..

1. Ohio State Women's Gymnastics (and all Ohio State sports) compete there on occasion.

2 . It is a fabulous meeting point for the McKenney's (now in the Toledo area after moving back home from Cali).

3. There is an adorable children's museum downtown and some fab places for food.

Like I said, the FEW perks :)

We had a blast checking out the children's museum and meeting Kirk, Lindsay and Baby M. (to-be) a few weeks ago for my birthday celebration lunch. With the exception of a rather dramatic meltdown pre-lunch from a tired toddler, our day was fabulous. Thanks again for putting it together Linds!

We obviously need a water table outside this summer - Grace was in Heaven!

Oh, just shoving bigger kids out of the fire engine.

This so-called carpet slide stinks Mom...

She loves to build towers these days.

My beautiful expecting friend, Lindsay!
We can't wait to meet your little squish so soon now!

All the girls.

Apples are the best.

Dashing through the snow...

What a weekend! Lady Gaga (aka Grandma Jenny - new name compliments of Grace) and Papi came to visit Birmingham only to find us nearly snowed in the entire 72 hours. We made the most of our winter wonderland with Grace's first sledding adventure Saturday afternoon. Simply amazing! Easily one of the best days we've shared with Grace since first meeting her, while realizing the fun has only just begun.

Not to mention our photos turned out incredible! Such a special memory shared with my Mom and Dad, and thrilled we have evidence of it for years and years to come.

Slow down Papi!  

My heart.

Dad is in Heaven...

Beautiful snowy day!

My favorite picture of the day.
Love you both to the moon and back! 

Mom and squish.

The men and their dog :)

Papi trying to nail Gaga! Haha.

Fortunately he missed!

Grace finally warming up to the chilly stuff.
She LOVED sledding!

Thanks again for another special weekend.
Love you both, and miss you already!
Come visit again soon.
xoxo