Growing and Growing

Grace is learning all sorts of things and growing in every way. She has gained 11 ounces and counting since the 21st of May which puts her at 16 lbs 4 ounces, and she is about 27" high. She is one, tiny little peeplette. Don't be fooled by her size though, she's a mighty little warrior who loves to be doing "big girl" things. Such as...

Feeding herself

Why yes, sometimes she uses a spoon in each hand. It's messy but it's worth it. 

We are teaching her about good dental hygiene. Flossing with Daddy was painless.

One of the things that has been tough since we have been home is the Libby factor. Libby is our almost 9 year old, 75 lb black lab. The problem with Libby is that she missed the memo that once you are passed the age of 2 or 3, maybe 4 if you're a lab - puppy behavior is no longer appropriate. She still acts like a puppy most of the time. She wouldn't harm a flea out of anger - but she would accidentally trample a small child in excitement. You see the problem...

When we introduced Grace to her "doggie" - Grace was terrified. The sheer look of horror on her face was instant, the tears were gigantic, and she literally trembled with fear. We proceeded to model day after day how much we loved Libby, petting her repeatedly, saying "Good girl" and nice doggie. We smiles and giggled while we played with Libby so Grace would see us feeling safe and happy with the dog. To try and keep Grace calm as much as possible, Libby spent time in the basement with Robert periodically during the work day, or with Jake while he was home. She came upstairs here and there throughout the day when Grace was napping and little by little we let Libby in the mix with Grace more and more. Each time Grace would point at her, wave her tiny finger at her, shrink into my arms and bury her head while shaking her head and anxiously grunt and cry because Libby was breathing, barking and snorting in her general vicinity. We didn't want to force their friendship, we didn't want to push it, and we figured after she decided the bath was fun - perhaps she would decide Libby was not a threat. 

Grace loves praise. She loves approval. She notices when we are happy with something she has done and eagerly repeats for more praise and then claps for herself. One day, after three a little less than three weeks with Libby as something to fear, Grace reached out to touch Libby and we clapped and cheered. Grace smiled, clapped for herself, and then she reached out to Libby again. 

Grace is still scared of Libby, but there has been great progress. I don't know if it's because Libby is unpredictable, or noisy, or just huge compared to Grace. Libby has been very patient and gentle and really quite remarkable with Grace. The boundaries are blurred while Grace is in her high chair dropping food left and right, but we usually try to put Libby elsewhere so that Grace eats and isn't distracted or accosted while she's trying to eat. This little tiny girl needs to eat for crying out loud. 

Today on a walk Grace was very brave. Nothing makes me prouder of her than her bravery and her strength against all odds..

Nice doggy...

She *is* kinda soft...

You have her tight right Daddy?

Just keep her head over there and I'll pet her as far away from her mouth as I can.

Hmmm this isn't as scary as I thought!

Maybe we can be friends...

Look Mama!

I did it!!

Gimme the leash - I'm ready.

Grace is growing in every way. Watching her progress with Libby is just one way we can tell that she's growing. There are dozens of things going on in her head and her heart that are making her feel more and more at home with us. 

It's a beautiful thing to watch