First Post of 2015! Gracie is Turning Seven!

I believe this is the longest I have ever gone without any updates to my blog, this precious space on the Internet that I adore. I have recently been looking back at years past and I hope with all my heart that I can pick up where I left off and make this space a priority once again.

My Gracie-girl is turning 7-years-old. I have been re-reading some of the posts that I wrote back when I first began blogging, when she had just turned a year old. One of the hardest parts of looking back has been the realization that it's difficult for me to actually remember her so small. So much has taken place between then and now, including the addition of a baby brother to the family. I just remember her as such a sweet baby, shy and cautious, observant and curious. Raising her thus far (even on our toughest days) has been just the most wonderful experience and journey. We have watched her personality bloom year by year, as she begins to figure out who she is and what she likes/dislikes.

Field Trip to the Greensboro Science Center

I don't like to call Gracie "shy", because when she's around the people she feels most comfortable with, she is outspoken and confident. She is, however, reserved in many settings and often requires a warm-up period when interacting with people she doesn't know as well. At school, she's proven to be a wonderful student and friend. Sean and I have been so proud as she's received the Servant's Heart Award and many others throughout her 1st grade year. As her mother, the awards that praise her character mean much more to me than those based solely on academics, although she's impressed us with her improvements in reading and math over the course of this school year!

This year, both Gracie and Ethan started taking swimming lessons. It has been so fun watching Gracie get more and more comfortable in the water. She can now jump into the deep end and swim all the way to the shallow end. She's come such a long way in a short time! She actually stopped taking gymnastics so she can take a swimming class twice per week. It's been a lot of fun for me to watch her in dance, then in gymnastics, and now in swimming. I love that she isn't afraid to try new activities and she's honest about what she does or does not enjoy.

Lake life suits her!

Gracie,

You, my little darling girl, are more than I could have ever hoped for. You have the ability to drive me insane, which is impressive, but we are a tight duo, you and I. I know that we will always be close, you've always been my littlest best friend. 

My newborn Grace.

I'm so proud of you and the little girl you've grown to be. I love watching you and your brother together. He adores you and there's nothing sweeter than catching you two in an embrace or seeing you both curled up together on the couch watching a movie. You're an awesome big sister. I always knew you would be.

Easter 2015

You have changed so much over this past year, it blows me away. You've gone from refusing to put your face under water to doing crazy jumps into 11 feet of water. You are becoming more confident and more mature. You still have loads of sass and attitude, but these are two of the ingredients that make you YOU. You have a kind, compassionate heart and we feel so blessed to have you as our daughter! You are one special little girl and we love you more than words can say! Happy 7th Birthday, Grace Ashlyn!

Love, Mommy

(Ages 1 year to 6 years)

My 7-year-old!!!