The last 8 months of 2008...

Gracie,

The last 8 months of 2008 have been the most life changing but life giving. I have become a whole new person because of you.

I spent the last day of 2007 planning a party for about 30 of my friends. I furiously shopped, baked yummy appetizers and desserts, cleaned, and sent texts to everyone I knew. The house was full of a bunch of twenty-somethings and we rang in the new year with music, laughter, drinks, and fun.

I spent the last day of 2008 planning a day of fun for one little girl. I shopped for bottle liners, baby vicks, and batteries for your swing. I fed you appetizing dishes such as; cereal, vegetables, and bananas. I cleaned your nose and tickled your tummy. The house was full of your new toys, baby bottles, and the sound of your sweet laughter.

Oh, how life has changed for me and I know it won't last long! I feel like I will just blink and you will be a twenty-something ringing in the new year with all your friends. But today you were all mine, and I savored every moment of being your favorite person in the world. I am the most blessed to ring in the new year with you. The best is yet to come.

Love you,
Mama

The Sweetest Seven

GA, (As Papa Dale calls you)

*I am so late on your monthly update...our world has been very busy!*

It feels so good to laugh uncontrollably with you. The kind of laugh that makes you stop breathing a little, or the kind of laugh that brings tears to your eyes. That is the way we laugh together now. When we play peek-a-boo every evening or when I squirt you with your suction thingy in the bathtub. You laugh so hard and it is so contagious. You keep me young at heart.

My sweet girl, one thing that has not made us laugh lately are those stinky old teeth! You have two bottom teeth that just popped up and those little things have kind of consumed our life the last few weeks. Through a few rough weeks, sinus infection, and fever; I hope we have made it through the worst.You do look really cute with that toothy smile, and you love to cuddle with mama when you are sick. :)

You love to talk, talk, talk!! (I think you take after your mama.) Rolling around under the Christmas tree is another favorite of yours. You have found a whole new world under there! You are so much fun!! I pray for your little heart to grow strong and courageous everyday. You are beautiful Gracie Ann Bullard!

Love you,
Mama