How long do you wanna be loved?

Is forever enough, cause I'm never never giving you up.
(I'm listening to that song right now by the Dixie Chicks, and it's just how I feel.)

Scott is 30 today!

He is the most amazing man I know. Grace is completely taken with him. I am, too. Sometimes when I examine my life I can't believe how lucky I am to have him by my side. He is ever thoughtful, helpful, strong, funny and handsome. He works hard and is brilliant. He has been floored by the raving reviews he's been getting from the Doctors he's been working with, but it doesn't surprise me. I'm just grateful that those doctors are able to see, as I do, how intuitive, bright and personable he is. But I'm also secretly pleased that he's surprised by their feedback. That he doesn't realize how awesome he is is part of the charm.

I love you, Scott, today and always. Happy Birthday!

All about Grace: 18 month installment

I love this girl!

18 m stats
Weight: 22 lbs (almost) - 16%
Height: 31" - 45%

She says about 200 words. Her favorite movie (for the past few days) is Jack Jack Attack. At just under 5 minutes long, we've watched it a LOT lately... over and over and over. She understands a lot and is surprisingly obedient when I ask her to do (or not do) things. However she does have a mind of her own, too.

When she's happy and walking fast she swings her arms and swags her hips dramatically. She still loves to dance and will dance and applaud during the hymns at church. When I mix broccoli into her mac-n-cheese she will pick out the broccoli and eat it and leave the mac-n-cheese behind. She loves ketchup. She loves shredded parmesan cheese. Her current favorite book is any "Llama Llama" book. She loves tents. She loves soft blankets. She gets mad at the camera when I try to take her picture. Either I get her back, or I get this:

She is amazing. It is amazing to see her learn new things and see her body develop coordination and more refined motor skills. She can climb to the top of the piano in 12 seconds (or less, that's just how long I was out of the room). I'm so happy to be a stay-at-home mom. It is so much more satisfying than I ever imagined.