Happy 18 months Gracie!!!

Today was Gracie's 18 month birthday. I can't believe she is 18 months old, this is such a big and miraculous milestone for her. Though in many ways she is still much like an infant, she is very much like a toddler in other ways.

Grace is truly my inspiration and hope for the future. I hope to be as strong and determined as she is in all that I do. I love you baby!!

The following is just a list of things Gracie is doing now that I want to remember.

Physically

--rolls around nonstop, tangling herself in her oxygen

--she's an inch worm, while on her belly she stretches out and uses her feet to push herself the extra 5 inches she needs to get the book or toy she wants

--when in her exersaucer or walker, she will stand straight up and put weight in her legs, she even lets us help her stand up straight.

--she claps all the time, especially when she has done something that she knows is an accomplishment

--while in the tub she thinks it is hilarious to splash the water with her feet. Gracie literally gets us so wet, you'd think we got into the tub.

Verbally

--Gracie says dada, nana, mama

--when we sing Old McDonald Gracie quacks through the entire song

--when she can't get to what she wants, she screams until she either finally reaches the desired object or I give in and give it to her

--while eating, Gracie has this guttural sound that she likes to do

--her laugh is still quite soft and is a rarity to hear

--she squeals in delight, when she gets to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Cognitively

--Gracie understands when we tell her to put her oxygen back in her nose. And will even get a mischievous look in her eyes and proceed to pull it out again

--when asked if she wants to watch Mickey she shakes her head yes

--she knows how to maneuver her body to get over obstacles in her way

--she now talks to baby dolls

Favorites

--Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

--Singing

--playing the dropping game

--playing peek-a-boo

--books

--mama

--being rocked to sleep

--playing with your mouth while you rock her

--her swing

--riding in shopping carts

--being outside

--sucking on purple onions, broccoli, and graham crackers

Stats

--17 lbs 1 oz

--30 inches long

--size 3 shoe

--78-81 sats

Medically

--heart is doing ok, less decreased function

--no scoliosis

--may need eye surgery, we're playing the waiting game

--arterial pressures in her lungs are borderline high, we're working on lowering them

--currently on 7 meds, plus ear drops for an ear infection

--1/2 liter of oxygen continuously