Grace's Birthday and Baptism

We have been so busy around here lately. I'm finally finding some time to get caught up and have several posts with all our happenings. The biggest of them all was Grace's Baptism (FINALLY). We had some issues when we first got home since we never got the baptismal certificate from Russia. Well, we now have one.... from the U.S. I can't even believe how good Grace was the WHOLE DAY! No tears, tantrums, naughtiness! She was surely a huge fidget in my arms during the ceremony, but she did remarkably well considering a strange man (Father Brownholtz) kept touching her on the neck, forehead, and head. He even asked to hold her! He got a very strong "No" out of Grace on that one. But she was awesome! We then came home to celebrate her upcoming birthday. We had balloons, cake and presents! She will be 2 this coming weekend!

I learned something over the past few days. I spent so much time shopping, cleaning, and cooking to make this day special for Grace. When all she really wanted was my attention and time. She didn't care if she had a party and for several days I had very little time to give her. With Grace's upcoming birthday weekend, we are going to stay low key as a family of five and just be together. We will go to the zoo, since she LOVES animals. The day will be about Grace!

Grace is such a little lady! She just doesn't get why we all don't want to see her chewed up apple.

It's a Baptismal Miracle! Looking at the camera AND smiling!

Ryan and Emma.



The priest was so nice and let the boys participate and help.

Grace wasn't crazy about being leaned back, but didn't mind the water. It looks more traumatic that it was :)

Todd lighting the baptismal candle.

Uncle Todd and Aunt Denise are Grace's Godparents


Dora (Da Da Da) and Diego (Go Go Go) are very popular in our house these days!

Blowing out the candles! I swear!!! Those cheeks aren't from the cream puffs :)

Eating her cake and looking so pretty (even without a smile:)