World Down Syndrome Day

That's right...it is March 21st...3/21...which means it is World Down Syndrome Day.  The date represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome which is unique to people with Down Syndrome.  So today, do something fun, spread awareness about Down Syndrome, and enjoy looking at our angel who has designer genes.   We love you baby girl!

Trickery

Those tricky leprechauns have been up to no good at our house...

Grant decorated a box and left it out "under the moon" to see if the leprechauns would take the bait.
We got this cute idea from our friend, Tiff's, blog.  She is SO creative and talented!  It looks like they did indeed leave gold, jewels, and gifts for the kids to find.  Those silly leprechauns were even nice enough to leave the treasure in a pretty easy hiding spot. 

Those blasted leprechauns!

At least they left a yummy snack...
mmmmm, popcorn covered in white chocolate and sprinkles with m&m's.

Let's just hope their footprints (aka washable paint) disappear easily.  Adam is skeptical and I am hopeful.  Very, very hopeful.

You Are My Sunshine

You are my sunshine 

Amelia Jane helping mom in PTA office

 My only sunshine

 You make me happy

Grant lost his 1st tooth 2/20/12

When skies are gray

Grace before her dance class

 You'll never know dear,

 How much I love you

 Please don't take my sunshine away.

Giggling, Dancing & More

Grant went to a little self defense class at our rec center today.  He did a great job.  When I asked him what he thought about the class he said, "Well, it was okay but I prefer not to go back." He then stated, "I just feel like soccer fits me best."  Whatever you say sir!  It is funny that soccer "fits" him best since he hasn't really ever played it.  Kicking the ball around the playroom doesn't count.  Anyway, he did enjoy busting out some "ninja" moves he learned and was kind enough to demonstrate them on video.

Grace went to a little dance class today.  It took me 35 minutes to get to the studio--and they mostly just stretched and sat on the floor.  It was cute and she seemed to have fun but I don't think we will be going back.  We will just have to find her a place closer to home.  She has been "saying" her prayers with help lately.  It is just babbles for the most part but she melts my heart when she "repeats" the beginning of the prayer.  I will say, "Dear Heavenly Father" and pause for her to say it and without fail she says, "Ah daddy."  I love it!  Speaking of saying daddy, last week we were telling her that she was going to talk about her daddy at church and so I said to her, "Grace, say 'I love'..." I paused and she said, "Ma dad!" Here is a little video of her doing a little booty shake.  She was more interested in crackers and touching Amelia's nose than she was in dancing.  

Amelia loves to giggle and squeal .  It is music to our ears. These videos are a small taste of her cuteness.

 

Cloud Dough

 Yesterday when the kids got home from school we decided to try our hand at making cloud dough.  Grant quickly found a container, helped measure the 8 cups of flour and 1 cup of baby oil and viola...SUCCESS!  We all sat there and played with it for almost an hour.  It feels like flour when you run your hand through it but you can mold it.  We played with cups, spoons, GI Joes, you name it.  The fun and games ended when our  sweet, little princess decided to start a cloud dough fight.  I must admit I was impressed with myself--I HATE messes but yesterday when there was cloud dough all over my kids, the rug, the hardwood floor, the couch, under the couch, EVERYWHERE...I didn't have a mini anxiety attack or freak out session.  I smiled.  I realized in that moment that one day I will miss the mess.  I know I won't be able to feel that way all the time but it was a start.  Grace better watch out, cuz mommy might be the one to start the cloud dough fight next time.  :-)

Amelia loved watching 

Is it just me or does Amelia look like such a big girl?!?!

Amelia even liked how the dough felt and Grant
was so cute to build things for her and then try to help
her knock it down.  He is the best!

This was right before Miss Mischief decided to start throwing the dough.
 I wish the picture was clearer so you could see the smirk on her face.
I could see the wheels a turnin'!

Tomorrow Grant tracks back in.  I feel like it is the first day of school all over again.  I am going to miss playing with him, doing science projects, reading, and just hanging out.  He is feeling a bit nervous about going back to school but I know that he will do great.  The week after Christmas we decided to potty train Grace...it went much better than I anticipated.  She is doing great with it!  She still wears a diaper during naps and at night and I am guessing it will be that way for a while.  However, she is at the point now that I don't have to ask her every hour if she needs to go potty.  She will come to me and sign that she needs to go.  We are so proud of her.   Amelia Jane is growing like a weed.  Tomorrow is her 4 month check up and I am guessing she weighs around 17 lbs.  On Friday, I noticed that she has a tooth on the bottom that has poked through!  I was shocked!  She is the recipient of many hugs and kisses as well as some aggression from Gracie but she takes it all with a smile!  With these three around, there is never a dull moment...we LOVE it!  Oh, and to all of you who voted for Grace's school... THANK YOU!!!  We Won!

Resemblance?

This morning while I was getting Amelia dressed, I had a flashback of Gracie wearing the same outfit with the same bow.  However, Grace was 6 months old and Amelia is 3 months old!  At one point during the day, I took a few quick pictures to compare the girls.  

 Grace @ 6 months

Amelia Jane @ 3 months

Pardon Grace's hair...she had just ripped her bow out.

And we are looking for a smile coach for Grant.  Any takers?  :-)