Making a Family

Grace has been amazingly resilient. On our first day back she woke up with a smile and climbed right into bed with Mommy and Daddy. She was certainly more rested than we were. She knows the names of each of the boys and gives them all kisses, except for fuzzy-faced, Vince. She will lean over to give him a kiss and then turn her cheek at the last minute. She just doesn't want to be near all of those whiskers. (She is really smart.) She really likes Mommy, but isn't as sure about Daddy. She wants him to cheer every time she goes to the bathroom and wants him nearby, but she wants me to carry her everywhere. This is probably healthy and understandable since she is used to female care-givers. We read that children can only bond with one person at a time, so hopeful Daddy will get his turn soon.

Aunt Terri, Aunt Sara, Uncle Larry, and Rachelle visited today. Grace immediately put her hands up to have Rachelle pick her up. We really hated to tell them that they couldn't hold her, but she needs to attach to us, first. Larry had fun playing "Where's Gracie" with her and she kept covering her face with her hands and laughing. I was really surprised at how quickly she warmed up to everyone. At first she seemed shy and wanted me to hold her, but soon, she started talking and looking around. She really likes to look at the cars in the driveway, and wants us to pull the mini-blinds back so that she can wave and say "bye-bye" as people drive away.

We took long naps today and are recovering from jet-lag. It really has not been as bad this time. Taking an evening flight was much easier than taking the morning flight on the first trip. We all slept better.

It is really hard for me to watch Grace rock herself to sleep...I know that she learned to comfort herself, but I want to show her that we will provide that comfort. I sat by her bed and gently rocked her back and forth to get her to sleep tonight. I hope that this old behavior will disappear. We also figured out why her hair is thin on the top of her head. As she thrashes back and forth, she wiggles her way to the corner of her bed and rubs her head on the headboard. We are going to try to put a bumper pad on the toddler bed to protect her. This is on the list for tomorrow.