Roll Tide...

Here are a few pictures of Graci in her new Alabama dress. She decided that she would chase me around, climb up in her dad's lap and finally just strike a pose for the camera. Sadly, these were shot the morning we lost to FSU. Roll Tide.

I know...I am a terrible blogger.

Okay, so my deepest apologies. We have been a little busy here in the McLaughlin house since the spring. We finally moved into our new house back in June and then I had to have surgery in July - we are finally getting somewhat back to normal. Anyway, here are just a few pictures of Graci to catch back up on how she is growing.

Miss Graci hanging out with her dad at about 9 months.

This is at 7 months. We used this photo for several ads for my client, Gulf Reflections Studios in Fort Walton Beach, FL. You can check out the website we did for her at www.gulfreflections.com.

Easter 2007 - As you can see little Miss Thing was not happy about sitting through church and then having to come and be the center of attention at Mema Daisy's. She was about 5 1/2 months at this point and DID NOT sit still that morning in church.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Well, the McLaughlin's had their first outing to the Gulf Breeze Zoo this afternoon. Miss Graci enjoyed being out of the house and mommy & daddy enjoyed watching her observe all of the animals. Below are a few snapshots from our visit...

The mommy and baby orangutan...no, not us...behind us.

We thought it safer to sit her on this lion, instead of the real one.

Graci and Papa chillin' with the gators.

No, it is not too early to start promoting elephants...Roll Tide!

My little bug.

She was more interested in posing for the camera, then looking at the bears.

Adventures in Rice Cereal...

Okay, so as optimistic as my post earlier today was I have recently learned that rice cereal is good for a variety of things...throwing at mommy, pouring on the table and flinging it at Bailey (our little dog)...how interesting. Below are my attempts to capture the fun and joy of Graci's first time with something other than formula. At one point she started laughing so hard it came out of her nose. As you can see my one-handed camera skills have much to be desired.

Her first official bite!

Mommy is so funny! Taken just before it shot out of her nose.

Yum...that's good...now where's my bottle!

4 Month Check Up Report

Graci went for her 4 month check up (in style as you can see from the pics below) and here are her new stats: 13 lbs 8 oz (a little more than double her birth weight) and 24 inches long (6 inches longer than when she was born). The doctor said she she is in perfect health and we can start her on cereal twice a day. Yippee...less bottles.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped before we left the house. As you can see she is in high style with her Mudpie outfit that my friend Heather gave her. Please note the FABULOUS shoes and mathcing shirt - they both read "If The Tiara Fits."

Bath Time In the Big Tub

I had to post her first "Billy Idol" pic. She and I got in the BIG tub for a "swim." She didn't know what to think at first because our tub is a far cry from the little tub she has been getting a bath in for the last three months. Thank goodness she didn't poop on me!

It's Time for a Walker...

Well, it is already time for Graci to get movin'. Her bouncy has become like prison, as she has recently decided that she needs to be up where she can see what is going on. So, last night Allen and I took her to WalMart to purchase her Winnie The Pooh walker. What you can't see from the picture is that the little Princess legs are too short to reach the ground, so we have to put a pillow under her feet. Just as Allen and I suspected, she is going to be short like us. Oh well, with a face that cute who cares.

Graci Has A Fabulous Friend

I've posted Addison and Graci's pictures previously, but this one is from Friday. The girls giggled and chatted while Amber and I enjoyed lunch. As you can see they are becoming very good friends. Addison likes to hold Graci hand...it is too cute.

And The Winner Is...

Well, Graci didn't win photogenic in her pageant this afternoon. However, she did bring home a 5 ft. trophy, a crown that was almost bigger than she is, a plaque and a medallion. She was given the Sponsor Award, Prettiest Eyes, Best Fashion & 2nd Place Overall in the 23rd Annual Fort Walton Beach Cover Miss preliminary today! Graci had a captive audience as she took the stage...her GiGi Shirley, Aunt Betty, Mema Daisy, Grammy Carolyn, Aunt Tina and of course her Daddy. I was privileged enough to escort baby girl on stage. Here are a few shots from her big day!

Go Graci...Mommy & Daddy are so proud. We love you slobber monkey!

Graci Gets Her 3 Month Photos Taken...Mommy Has Other Plans!

Okay, so I know I am going to catch heck from most of my friends for this, but I had another motive when I took Graci to my friend and resident photographer/genius Marcia WrightReynolds at Gulf Reflections Studios for her 3 Month Photos....she needed photogenic pictures for her first pageant. Yes, that's right Graci is going to be a beauty queen. Here are a few shots we had to choose from.

Bath Time Is Funny Time...

I just couldn't resist posting a few bath time photos. No matter how fussy she gets (which is not often), bath time is always fun time.

My friend Cathy gave her this towel with the bunny ears which makes the whole thing even cuter!

Graci's First Professional Pictures...

These pictures were taken of Graci at 3 weeks by my good friend, client and Professional Photographer Marcia WrightReynolds of Gulf Reflections Studios in Fort Walton Beach. I have had several friends and family ask about posting them, so they could order prints. In addition, I just had to show them off! :)

The 2 Month Checkup & Lunch With A New Friend

Graci had her two month checkup yesterday and everything is wonderful. She is up to 10 lbs. 9 oz. and 22 in. long. She had several shots, but did really well - I cried hysterically. Thank goodness Allen came along otherwise it might not have gone so well.

Graci also has a new playmate (see pic below)...my friend Amber's little girl Addison. The four of us went to lunch last week and snapped this photo for our mutual friend Kelly who moved away... We miss you Kelly. Can't wait to see you this summer!

A Few New Pics...

I thought I would share a couple of pictures I snapped before we left the house last week. Allen and I are in full swing picking out things for the new house, so Graci and I ran around a lot last week. It's been crazy at the McLaughlin house, but when you have something this cute to look at it's too much fun!

She Sleeps Like Her Daddy...

Finally, I have proof that she sleeps like Allen...with her hands above her head. I had a picture of the two of them sleeping next to each other just like this, but I think I accidentally deleted it. Isn't she adorable...

For My Friend & Mentor...Jerry!

Recently my friend, mentor (an advertising legend really) Jerry Hunnicutt was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He has asked his friends and colleagues to wear the "LIVESTRONG" bracelets to support him in his battle - he is calling us his "Aloha Warriors."

I would like to introduce to you the littlest "Aloha Warrior" - Graci Lynn... she is proudly sporting her bracelet. To order one of your own in support of Jerry or someone you know battling cancer (or who is a survivor) visit www.store-laf.org/wristbands.html.

We love you Jerry!! Remember...not all battles are fought with a sword.

Christmas with the New Family...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As you can see from the photo we were very blessed this holiday season. Graci is our little angel. We can't wait to celebrate the years to come with her.

As you can see, Graci was not to into the Christmas thing this year. However, we anticipate that will change next year as she will be a year old and running around everywhere.

Our first official family Christmas Photo. Everyone said that Allen looks scared to death in this photo, but I have to say that he is doing WONDERFULLY with fatherhood. Graci and I are lucky girls. He is SUPER DAD!

A Couple of Friends Came By...

We had a couple of friends stop by the week of December 8th..

My friend Susan stopped by for a visit and to take pictures of the baby for the announcements.

My good friend Holly came by for a visit. Hopefully Graci and Pearson (her little boy) will get to meet soon. We anticipate that they will be going to prom with each other, if Holly and I have anything to say about it. As you can see Bailey is on the couch next to them. He is not doing so well with the new addition to the family, but we are hoping that he will adjust soon.

Our friend Justin holding Miss Graci. He brought his little guy (Troy) over the following week so he could meet her.