Virus

I have a couple of blogs I want to put up but my computer got a virus. I was really excited to watch Top Chef the other day and couldn't find the latest episodes on Hulu. I guess Bravo has some weird rules about how much can go on Hulu. So, I had the genius idea of searching the internet for full episodes. What I came across was a website that wanted me to take quizzes and give my info before I could watch the full episode. I immediately knew that my idea was a bust and got out of there. Too bad for my computer it was too late. So things started going crazy and Matt has been working on it for the last few days. I don't like postings from our other computer because it is a Mac and I haven't figured out how to use it. Like when I load pictures off the camera I'm not sure where or even how to save them. Once my computer is fixed hopefully I'll have a few interesting blogs. Enjoy the last couple of days of July!

15 Months Old

Yesterday Grace turned 15 months old. She is doing great and growing tons. We went to the doctor and she weighed 22 lbs and was 30.5 inches tall. She impressed her pediatrician with some of her words and was quite charming. She had to get a couple shots and hopefully her last round of shots will be at her next appointment (at least until she goes to school). In other growth news she seems to have finally cut her last 2 molars.

This month it seems like Grace's language skills have really been developing quickly. She has picked up tons of new words and even more almost words. I thought I'd be able to keep up a list for a while but I just can't remember what she is saying and have a hard time deciding when to officially count it as a word. So, I'm already done with making the list.

We just started working on eating with a spoon and a plate on her own. The plate doesn't really work because Grace just dumps it upside down. She really likes eating with a spoon and does the best when I fill it and hand it to her. She is still having a hard time filling it on her own.

Grace has also taken a liking to Elmo this month. I made the mistake of showing her some Elmo videos online and now anytime I have the computer on she runs over to me and starts saying "Elm". Of course I think that is so cute that I often give in and show her come clips. The other TV she likes is "Sid the Science Kid". I actually don't know how much she likes it but we like to watch it with her in the mornings. Grace is also very interested in reading. I hope she becomes a true bookworm like her Mama. But, she would sit on my lap and let me read books to her all day long. I love that I can get cuddle time with her by reading. I just don't love the meltdowns that she has when I ask her to go play. I think that is all I have to report.

Baby Sitting Corner

My friend Teresa has an awesome couch with a perfect corner for babies to sit in. Last fall we visited her and her husband and Grace got to sit in the corner (see below).


Today we visited them again and this time Grace sat in the corner holding Teresa's little girl (who is only a couple weeks younger than Grace was in the above picture). It was so cute to see. I can tell they are going to be good friends. I'm going to ignore the fact that Grace was trying to push the baby off of her lap (see below).

Children's Museum

This weekend we got to visit the Children's Discovery Museum in a nearby town. There were several exhibits that Grace will probably enjoy when she is a little older but there were still tons of fun things to do now. She played in the tots' play area, went grocery shopping, took care of babies at the doctor's office, sat in a dentist chair, knocked over blocks, drove a tractor, pet cows, played with Legos, and much more. We were only there for a couple of hours but she loved it! I can't wait to go back.

Grace in the Case IH tractor with Grandpa.

That's Grace!

Learning all about teeth:)

Meaty Cornbread Casserole

Here is a great recipe I found in my Taste of Home cookbook (also stole the picture from Taste of Home) if you're looking for some yummy comfort food. I left a couple of things out and this is the simplified (awesome) version.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
• 1-3/4 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup water
• 1 envelope brown gravy mix
• 1 package (8-1/2 ounces) corn bread/muffin mix
• 1 envelope country gravy mix

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the corn, water and brown gravy mix. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Spoon into a greased 8-in. square baking dish.
• Prepare corn bread batter according to package directions. Spread over meat mixture.
• Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into corn bread layer comes out clean.
  
• Meanwhile, prepare country gravy mix according to package directions; serve with casserole. (This step is what makes this meal go from good to great!)
  

4th of July

We hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th. We celebrated by dressing in patriotic clothes, going to church and then an all church cookout after the service. The cookout was great! Yummy food, good music, and fun games. My only complaint was that it was really hot outside. Then Grace blessed us by taking a 3-hour nap. Then a few people from our church small group came over for pizza and hanging out. We didn't take Grace to the fireworks because I don't think she'd be able to stay up that late. Maybe next year.

Summer Fun 1

I can't believe it is already July! After kicking off the summer with the wedding and vacation we've spent the last few weeks around here. But we have been having tons of fun and playing hard. Playing at the park, picnics, swimming, playing with friends, visiting the farmer's market, and watching soccer are some of our favorite activities. We've been having a great summer though so I thought I'd post a few picture highlights.