Updates

Gracie playing in the Bath:





Gracie's New Headband. I saw some when I was out on Whyte Ave that were cute, but cost $27, so I made her this one with some scraps I had here:









"No, Gracie, no. No. Gracie? No." This is the chorus at our house. Miss Magoo is very snoopy.....

Early Morning Playtime

It's been so great having Brad home this past month. We go for family walks, we eat meals together, and hang out together, plus he's getting to see her grow and change so much.

While we get to spend more time together, we've also worked out a balance that lets us both enjoy Gracie time and a little leisurely sleep in.... We just alternate days of getting up with Gracie. Since she thinks sleeping in past 7 am is a waste of day, and neither of us would turn away a few extra minutes in bed, it works out well.

These are some pictures I took on one of my mornings with Gracie.







And a video of her playing, problem is, she loves the camera. She kind of stops playing and just wants to figure out what I'm doing when it comes out now. If you're paying attention, you'll see all four teeth:

Splashing in the Pool

Unfortunately, we got rained out a few times, but we did enjoy some time splashing in Gracie's little pool, yesterday.







Can't even trust the +31 C days to pass without rain, this summer.

Updates

Gracie is loving the bike Great Grandma and Grandpa Sackett gave her. If only we had a longer runway for her.....



She's taking a few steps between Brad and I by herself, but mostly just likes to crawl or walk with us or the bike.

She can also crawl up a whole flight of stairs by herself.... super....

She's eating really good by herself, but insists on eating only foods that she can feed herself. A little messy, but she's independant and that's all right with me.



And, her new best friend, Giraffe. They're finally about the same size, so she can wrestle with him and dog pile and play peak, it's a very fun toy! Thanks Auntie Brandi and Uncle Curtis for this guy.

Ten months old

Actually, last monday she was ten months old, but we took her to the doctor this morning (for a cough that just won't go away) and got her weight for all of you keeping track.

She is 19 pounds 4 ounces. She only gained two and a half ounces last month, but she's stretching out and changing so much now, it seems like it would've been more.

I really found nine months to be a turning point. Suddenly she is learning things faster than you can imagine and watching you so close. She really picks up on things now.

Brad just got back from the 24 hours of adrenaline, a mountain bike race in Canmore. His team did really good, even though they formed their team four days before the race and only had three riders instead of the usual five.

Brad got four laps of the 17.4 km track in, including two laps between midnight and 3 am. Yuck! A few spills on these late night laps sidelined him, but their team ended up with 15 laps in 24 hours. Sounds like punishment, but he loved it.

Great work, guys!

Movies, anyone?

I know, you're wondering why I'm not out enjoying the sunshine. How come you have so much time for books, and now movies?

Well, Gracie goes to bed at 8 pm and we're pretty much tethered to the house or the yard, and since we've been getting big dumps of rain in the evenings here all spring/summer, I have lots of housebound time.

Anyway, if you're a shut-in like me, you might enjoy this deal from Blockbuster. For $10 a month, you can rent as many movies as you want, within thirty days. There's no return-by dates, either, if you want, you could keep one movie all month. They can't be 'new release', but we hardly saw any movies when we were in Lake Louise, so we haven't seen any of these older ones, anyway.

It's nice for us, because there's a blockbuster nearby, so we've gotten to see a few good shows for cheap.

Anyway, just thought I'd share. This might be nice for the winter months, too, when you actually want to be inside in the evening.

A New Look

Like the changes? I thought it was time to freshen things up a bit around here. Since we've had such a wet summer so far, I thought a wet blog background was appropriate.

I tried not to change any of the navigational aspects of the blog, so hopefully, you can still find your way around.

A quick plea for votes, if you have a few minutes, check this out:

A few people from the community where I grew up nominated one of our neighbours, Day Lenfesty, in a UFA/Paul Brandt contest as a "small town hero" because of his unending work for the HandHill Community.

If you would like to vote for him go to www.smalltownheroes.ca and click on search by name - Day Lenfesty. You can then read his story and vote. Please spread the word. Day is really is a hero for our community. Thanks.

And, because you've been patient, here's another little movie of Miss Gracie. Brad taught her a new noise and she's been stuck on repeat a little the past few days.

This is just before bed, when she's debating falling asleep on the floor, but still refuses to stop with the noise... even though she's almost too tired to make it anymore. The noise usually sounds like 'la-dal-la-dal-la-dal-la.' :)

As I'm writing this, I'm wondering whether anyone besides the grandparents will be reading this anymore.... This is probably not interesting to anyone else....

More Book Ideas

Are you all members of your local library? This may sound cheesy, but I love the library! I look up books on this site and then order them from the edmonton public library site and they show up at the library just down the street from me in no time. I keep a constant stream of books on my nightstand, and it costs $10 a year. What a deal.

If you're looking for some ideas, here are a few I've read recently:

For the scrapbooker:

52 More Scrapbooking Challenges
By Kartchner, Elizabeth

I really am enjoying this book. It's full of ideas to challenge you and open you up to new creative outlets, plus the layouts are up-to-date and feature interesting techniques. A good book for a scrapbooker.


Sharing your Story
Recording Life's Details with Mini Books

This one was all right. There were a few interesting mini-books, but I found it to be a little dated (it's an older book, so that makes sense), but usually, even in an older book there's something that pops out at me. There weren't any ideas in here that made me run for a pen and paper to sketch them out.

If you like a little more soul-searching while you read:


The Walking People
By Keane, Mary Beth

Interesting read, it reminded me of Angela's Ashes, with similar references to growing up in impoverished Ireland. I was disappointed with the ending, though... I won't say more, in case you're reading it.


The Crying Tree
By Rakha, Naseem

It was a good read, eye-opening and heart-breaking.

Quick and easy reads:



When the Nines Roll over (and Other Stories)
By Benioff, David

I find that lately, I'm reading a lot of books or stories that don't seem to have an ending. Everything I've read of his seems to end right when things get interesting. I actually didn't make it through all of the stories in this collection, because of this.



Seven Year Switch
By Cook, Claire

This was a good, quick read with lots of travel references that made me want to go surfing in Costa Rica. Mmmm... wouldn't that be nice. A little escapism, plus a decent story make this a quick and easy read for the beach, or a rainy day, which is maybe more likely if you're in Alberta this summer.

Good ol' suspense:



The Empty Chair
By Deaver, Jeffery

I always enjoy Jeffrey Deaver's books. This is one of the Lincoln Rhymes series. Forensics, backwoods moonshine country, corrupt police..... a good suspense to keep you guessing. Did you watch the Bone Collector?? He wrote that, as well. Denzel Washington played the part of Lincoln Rhymes.

Ready for a little bit of the supernatural?


Her Fearful Symmetry
By Niffenegger, Audrey

Did I turn you off by mentioning supernatural?? It's a very tamed down twist on supernatural. Sort of an intriguing look at the possibility of life after death. Niffenegger wrote The Time Traveller's Wife, which was pretty successful 5-6 years ago, and was turned into a movie. If you liked that, you'll probably enjoy this.

I'd love to hear of good books you've read recently.... A good review goes a long way with me and as you can tell, I like to read all different kinds of books.

Clapping and Sharing Cheerios

If you can't tell from all of my posts, Brad and I are both ridiculously proud of Gracie and really do think she may be a genius. Obviously, we clap for her a little too often... Here's a video of her clapping for herself after she eats a cheerio. This are actually some older videos, from a few weeks ago. It's taking me more time than usual to get things up here.



And a video of her sharing...kind of....

Just a quick video of Gracie playing in the bath:

First Camping Trip

We took Gracie on her first camping trip last weekend and she did pretty good. The first night was a little rough. It was really cold and she couldn't sleep, but after a car ride, she did all right. The second night, she did much better.

It was a great weekend full of friends, family, food and fun. I think we'll definitely be out camping again. This was my brother's 30th birthday celebration and I think he enjoyed it, too. He seemed to be feeling pretty good, which was good. Brandi did an excellent job of arranging things and the campground was great for a group campout.

Fun fun fun!!

Birthday boy and Jada blowing out the candles:



Cutting the Cake:



Opening Presents:



Grams and Papa with Jada and Curtis:



The Dixie Chicks:



One of many wagon rides. This time, Gracie and Ella were the riders and Katelyn was the 'puller':



The campsite:



Some of the campers:

Gracie's Growing Up

First off, she finally got two more teeth! She got her top two teeth last weekend, without much fuss, really. A bit crankier than usual, and a more sensitive gag reflex, but not too bad. She was a trooper!

Gracie is learning things so fast, now! I swear, at 9 months, she just started to comprehend everything. She can do something new each day. It's so fun to watch.

She's been able to clap, bump heads, and give high fives for quite awhile, but now, she can suddenly give low fives, pound it, and make it 'explode', and wave, plus she's learning new words daily and can drink from a juice box. Such a smartie!

And to prove how smart she is, here are some pictures of her squishing her face up against the gate. It cracks her up, and it looks hilarious.







She also plays peak-a-boo really well now. She doesn't even need a blankie or anything to cover her eyes. she just looks at the floor for a minute and then whips her head around to look at you and starts killing herself laughing.

Still no walking solo, but she's so close, it won't be long at all. I may need to invest in one of those little leashes...

We're home for about 5 minutes and then we're gone again, but I will post more when we get back. Sorry Grandparents, I know I've been bad at updating....

Here's a Helicopter Ride from Papa. It's blurry, but she just loves this game:



Here's a quick video of Gracie and Grams playing:

Settling into a Routine

We're back from yet another trip to Lethbridge! Too much travelling!! Oh well, home for a few days and we had such a good visit with everyone and went to such a lovely wedding, the drive was worth it.

Brad has just started paternity leave, so we're settling into a bit of a routine, but have started out lazy... hopefully that picks up soon. We keep adding to our 'to-do' list, and have yet to check anything off.

That wouldn't have been a problem, because our summer was pretty wide open, until about four days ago. In that time, it has filled up immensely. Must leave time for work and a little 'nothing.' That never seems to happen in our household. One day we'll learn to say no and not fill up every weekend.... until then, we'll cram in as much as possible.

That's all I've got for today, I didn't take a single picture this past weekend, which is too bad. I'll have to get some copies. Hope you're all enjoying the weather.

Happy Canada Day!!

Hope you are all enjoying Canada Day.

We celebrated both Canada Day and Brad's first day of paternity leave! It's going to be a fun summer at the Malacko's!

Here's a video of Gracie looking for that cute, little baby in the mirror:

Sickie Learning to Walk

Just in case you didn't feel sorry for Gracie when you heard she was sick, here are a few pictures to tug at your heartstrings:







The worst is when she coughs in her sleep, it sounds so pitiful, it makes me want to run in and rock her all night.

Even though she's sick, she's still pretty happy. We really lucked out and got such a happy little girl. She loves to pull herself up on everything, couches, toys, Brad and I, anything she can.





Now, a clip (very bouncy and poor) of Gracie venturing out for a few first steps all by herself. She's basically just falling forward and taking a few steps while she does, but she's so close to walking on her own..... Any day.....

Suggestions for Summer Reading

Just thought I'd share a few good books I've read recently.



The Story of Edgar Sawtelle was a great read that will make you look at your dog with a little more appreciation and keep you thinking long after you've finished. You don't have to be a dog person to enjoy this page turner.



David Benioff wrote the 25th Hour, which was well written and his format is a little bit of a change from the norm. Refreshingly different, well written and quick and easy to read.



Dan Brown can tell a great adventure story and raises some interesting questions on the capacity of the human mind in The Lost Symbol. Very interesting.... if you liked the DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, or any of his other novels, you'll love this.



Jodi Picoult is an author that I read often. Her books make you think, are very emotional and usually have a bit of a twist. House Rules wasn't my favourite of her books, but I still really enjoyed it.

Hope you get a chance to lay in the sun and enjoy a few hours with a good book this summer.

Sick Girl, Summer and A Recipe

Gracie Girl is a sick little puppy today. Poor girl has a super runny nose, which is making my house all slimy and disgusting and very, very germy. She's sleeping right now, so hopefully that makes her feel a little better and gives me some time to run around and bleach EVERYTHING.

I decided to stay home from strollercise because it falls during her nap time and she doesn't sleep as well in her stroller so we went for a run this morning instead. (Must get back into the routine after a week of chocolate pie and fresh baked bread and haystacks and who remembers what else at the farm.... It's all a carbohydrate haze, to tell the truth). It's so beautiful out, I actually don't even mind running. The grass is green, there was a bit of a breeze, no bugs and the sun was out. Ahhhh, summer is here at last.

Just thought I'd share a simple, summery recipe I tried last night that was delicious.

Fettucine with Charred Grape Tomato-Basil Marinara

Toss a pint (one of those small, square plastic containers) of grape tomatoes onto a cookie sheet with 3 shallots sliced thin, a tbsp. of minced garlic and a drizzling of olive oil. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook 1/2 lb. of fettucine to al dente. Once done, divide it into three bowls, top with the tomato mixture, a sprinkling of fresh, finely chopped basil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. It's yummy, simple, and fast, three things I love in a meal. Even better, I can get a lot of the ingredients right of my deck! Another reason to love summer: fresh, homegrown produce.

Hope you like!

Sleep Standing??

I mentioned before that Gracie was falling asleep folded in half.... There was a new development at the farm. She actually fell asleep standing up.

I kid you not.

I walked into her room and she was standing at the edge of the crib, with her hands crossed on the top railing and her head on her hands, asleep. Standing up. Don't ask me how her legs didn't give out, but they hadn't yet. I picked her up and layed her down and she sort of startled awake when she got parallel to the mattress, but then closed her eyes and went right back to sleep when I lay her down.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.

If only I'd taken a picture....

Home Again!

Seriously, we travel too much!

We're home from another fantastic week at the farm. Always so much fun and so relaxing. Sigh.

Unfortunately, Brad had to be away for his first father's day, so we celebrated a little early with him. These are some pictures of how we spent father's day with my dad, grandpa and my brother.



Gracie storing up energy for the fun about to commence.



Jada raiding the beer.... That girl! Going after Papa's gift.



A candid shot of the three fathers.



Grams and Gracie and Papa in the background.



Cutie.

A beautiful day in Drumheller by the river. Good food, good people, great wether and no mosquitos!


We came home for Gracie's paediatrician's appointment this afternoon and she did great! We have a dr.'s diagnosis... she's a genius! :)

She weighed in at 18 pounds and 15 ounces, so she has really slowed down in the last month, only gaining a half pound. She's perfectly average though, which is right where we want her. She's in the 50th percentile for weight, the 75th percentile for height and the 80th percentile for head circumference. She also checked off all of the milestones for a 12 month old, hence the genius moniker.

As if we didn't know that all ready :)

Anyhow, doing good. Just getting back into the routine. Hoping to plant some flowers since we'll finally be home for a few days to keep them alive. Hope the weather stays nice.

June Has Been Busy!

We've been ridiculously busy this month, and it's not letting up anytime soon.

We were in Lethbridge on the My long weekend, came home, spent the first week of June in Hanna, at my parents farm, then we were home for three days, and then off again to Lethbridge last week. Brad stayed there for the weekend and looked after Gracie (for the first time- all by himself and he did great) and I headed to Great Falls with some girlfriends. We got home Sunday night, had company Monday and are packing up to head out again. Yikes!

So, here's a fast catch up in photos, videos and stories (unfortunately, I seem to continually put my camera down, so these are so poor, it's a little funny):

During one of our stints at home, we brought out a car that Great Grandma and Grandpa Sackett gave her. It was her first time playing with it, because it was little big for her before, but she loves all of the lights and buttons.



Did she yell, "Attack!" at the end, or was that my imagination?

In May, we went to Lethbridge for a wedding and a visit. Here's the majority of Brad's brothers, sisters, spouses and kids. Just try to get a photo where everyone is looking at the same camera, smiling. Ha! Gracie's trying to leap out of my arms and Tara's directing the photo shoot...



Gracie and Kale got to hang out. Kale was a little more interested in her eyes and her hair on our first visit, (resulting in a bit of a swollen eye that we're still trying to heal), but she was ready for him when we returned two weeks later. The first time they saw each other, Kale came crawling over to say hi and before he could get settled, Gracie two hand shoved him. Apparently, she's toughened up these past weeks.

Here they are, getting along, going for a walk:



Gracie's been sleeping through the night again (hallelujah!) for about a month, which I'm hoping will help my baby brain. Unfortunately, she has been falling asleep sitting up. She pulls herself up to sitting after I lay her down, and then slowly falls asleep. She just lets her head drop right between her knees onto the mattress. We keep having to go in and unfold her, because this can't be comffortable:



Even more recently, she has started pulling herself up on the edge of the crib. Soon, she'll have a tin can to drag along the bars.

For our entire week in Hanna, I didn't take a single photo... My mom took some, so maybe I can steal some from her later. Gracie and Jada played a lot, we went to a waterpark, met up with my aunt and grandparents, got to visit my friend Kylee and her new baby girl, we visited with Curtis and Brandi and mom and dad, and we took Gracie to the Handhills Stampede. Very fun week!

This is one of the only photos I took of our girl's weekend:



Some may wonder why the driver is not looking at the road.... I'm a little curious myself, but Sam's square was very yummy. We had a blast and I can't wait for next year to go again.

We hit fantastic sales, spent all of our money, stayed in a hotel for the sick and dying, went out dancing, played rock paper scissors with a mermaid, got cheered for by a pirate, locked Lacey in the truck, ate supremely salty popcorn made by Jesus, and introduced a lot of people to flip cup and the wave game. Good times.

Okay, now to clean up and pack for our next adventures!

Home again!

We just got home Sunday from a trip out to the farm. It was a great week away, but I've got so much to catch up on I need to get back to housework and laundry before I can post anything other than a few updates for the Grandparents and Gracie followers out there:

Gracie is clapping, walking back and forth between people (with a hand to hold) and sleeping great. She had a good visit with her cousin Jada, her aunt Brandi, uncle Curtis, grams and papa.

Sorry, but that's all I've got for now. I have some cute videos and photos I'll try and post soon.