Thanks filled Monday (a day or so late)

- I'm so excited that Grace is developing an appreciation for classical music (or as she calls it, violin songs)!  This week while in the car, we were listening to classical music.  An upbeat piece came on.  When it ended Grace yelled, "Yeah," then clapped and said, "Good violin song!".  The piece was Franz Benda's 2nd Symphony.
- I'm thankful that our nephew Jacob (son to Steve & Casey) was born February 28th at 2:34pm, 9 pounds 12 ounces, 22 inches.  He and his mom are both healthy and doing well.

- I love how kids repeat things they've learned.  Grace learned abour clinking glasses and saying cheers this summer.  She decided it was an appropriate occasion to say "Cheers" before dinner when Mema was over last Sunday.  It definitely set a fun tone for dinner.

- We still have a few balloons left over from Valentines day hanging around the kitchen.  When the air conditioner moved a balloon, Grace said, "Balloon wake up."  And later when it drifted ove to where Grace was sitting and the string brushed her cheek she said, "Balloon hit Grace."

- We had our first music class this week.  Grace was a bit fearful that I was going to leave her there and thus clingy, but as the class progressed she relaxed and enjoyed the class.  Matthew was actually awake and in my arms the whole class.  It promises to be lots of fun!

- As I've noted before, Grace's long term memory is getting better all the time.  This week she told me about books that we read at Dr. Sara's office over a month ago!  - On Friday, I asked Grace if she wanted to walk to school instead of riding in the stroller and she said yes.  We made it all the way to school holding hands (basically a 2 block walk) without any tantrums or melt downs.  She also walked home without problems.  I think this will be a great way for her to get more wiggles out!

- It was so fun to have the weekend start off with a game of "I love you" played between Grace & Jeff.  It goes like this: Jeff sits on the floor with his arms extended out and Grace stands about 10 feet away facing Jeff.  They do hand motions as they say, "I love YOU!"  Then Grace runs into Jeff's arms and gives him a hug.  Jeff couldn't ask for a better gift than that after a tough work week.

- I'm very thankful that Matthew slept 10 hours Friday night (and only needed his paci to be reinstalled twice).

- I'm thankful for date nights.  Jeff and I went on a date Saturday night (I can't remember when we last went on one) at a favorite restaurant.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) the highlight of the evening was when Grace saw me dressed up in my fancy dress and gold heels and said, "Mommy a angel!".  I can't think of a more flattering compliment!  The next day Jeff asked what daddy was if mommy was an angel and Grace said, "Mommy a angel, Daddy a boy!"