Celebrating Nine

On Gracie's birthday, she was slow to get moving in the morning... still recovering... so we let her dictate the pace of her special day.  We gave Pearl the day off and spent time hanging out as a family.  In the afternoon, instead of going to therapy, all five of us went to the park - - for the first time ever!  (And, it was Gavin's first time not sleeping through an entire park outing!)

We had lunch first, Gracie and Preston had cupcakes and then it was playtime! And, I think it's safe to say that Miss Gracie got plenty of therapy in during her park play!

Outside, enjoying the beautiful day... happy girl

Gavin - two months exactly
Looking a ton like my mom and grandfather in this picture
(I like my mom's theory that babies go through phases of resembling many relatives so that we remember all the people involved in making that baby!  That being said, Gavin has, in many pictures since birth, looked a lot like my grandpa.  I need to do a post just on various resemblances!)

How to Eat Destroy a Cupcake

Heading to the swings... super happy!

Though she requires support for balance, Gracie's motor planning while walking on a balance beam is excellent.
(This is an IEP goal... check!)
For someone who is monocular, has a field deficit and asytgmatism in her sighted eye, Gracie compensates remarkably well.

Loving the zip line!
She only gets to do this when Daddy goes to the park... Mommy is too short!

Hold on and twirl!!!
(Another one that only Daddy can help her with.)

So much JOY!

See John's face...?  He is saying "Whoa!"
Gracie lightly bonked her head on the metal wheel... and I said, "Oops... be careful."
John replied, "That wasn't me... she pulled herself up and hit her head!"
It just shows how strong Gracie is - - though she couldn't hang there independently, of course, with John's support, she was able to pull herself up higher. 

Working on the stairs...
Again, motor planning isn't Gracie's issue - - she knows exactly what she needs to do.

Almost there!
Balance and use of her strength (and muscle mass) are some of Gracie's biggest challenge when trying to walk or climb stairs.

While Gracie had "park therapy," Preston was playing monkey and climbing trees.

Mommy with her birthday girl
John took this after we got home so that there would be some proof that I was actually present!

That night: more cupcakes, mint chip ice cream (because it's tradition!) and presents.
Miss Gracie loved everything she received, but went crazy over the Polly Pocket dolls!