Our Fabulous Little Bundle of Joy...

First Day of Pre School...

2008-11-30T13:38:00.003-06:00

I actually meant to post these a few days ago when I started back blogging, but totally spaced. Anyway, these were shot back in August on her first week of pre-school - which she loves. She has made so many new friends.

This was taken the third day of school.

The second day.

This is the official first day photo.

This is the official first day pre-photo opp. We had a great breakfast with no pants on.

Graci's Birthday - Part II

2008-11-30T13:23:00.004-06:00

I know... everyone is probably in shock that I posted three days in a row! However, this has been a FABULOUS week. This morning Graci woke up and officially turned 2. Allen and I were up last night (he was up until 3 am putting the kitchen together and I was up until Midnight with the tent and other things) getting her room ready. I brought in the balloons from her party last night and hid in there so I could capture her face as she came through the door. She was so excited she didn't know where to go first.

She and her daddy colored for a little while. They were both very excited about all of the new art supplied. Thanks to CiCi, bug has a new table and chairs to sit at as she works on her masterpieces. Thanks to Aunt Tina and Uncle Wes for the art supplies.

This is the kitchen we ended up with. We started out with the Pottery Barn version and it was so big and didn't fit in her room. This is a really nice small retro-style from Target that she has already fallen in love with. Her daddy spent all night and have the morning putting it together. I think he was VERY thankful we didn't get the other one - it was 3 times this big.

Her new butterfly tent. She actually ended up with three "tents". The other one is a Disney Princess Tent that her Granny and Paw gave her and the other one is a very cool "playhouse" that has a porch that Aunt KK, Uncle Dave, Sommy and Tate gave her. Both now reside in the game room.

She decided to bake us cupcakes and fry eggs in her new kitchen. It was delicious.

Her new Hello Kitty traveling doll house from Aunt BB and Uncle Rit. She packed everything up in it, put on her shoes, told me bye bye and said she was going to CiCi's house.

Graci's 2nd Birthday

2008-11-29T20:52:00.004-06:00

I told you I was going to get better about posting...

We had Graci's 2nd Birthday Party (or Hobby Dobby as she calls it) this evening at the house. We had a "Bama" theme because the Tide played Auburn and beat them 36-0. ROLL TIDE!

A few pictures below for you to enjoy. Our little bug is really growing up fast. We are so blessed!

Bug's First Visit to T-Town...

2008-11-25T21:14:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that I am a HUGE football fan and love my Tide. It was only natural that we bring Graci to a game early on. Below are a few shots we took of her on the Quad before kickoff. Mom (now known as CiCi - somehow that came from GiGi) came with us - we all had a great time.

Allen took the middle picture of us. It was really special to me because I have a picture of me as a freshman at Bama standing in front of Denny Chimes in that very same spot. So very cool.

Halloween...

2008-11-25T20:59:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I admit that I didn't dress her up for Halloween. We put her in the car and drove to Tuscaloosa on Halloween night to make it to Alabama's Homecoming game the following day. I figure that I could only get away with not doing the trick-or-treat thing one last year. We tried a costume and that DID NOT go well. I ran around Party City like I was trying to kill her, so I didn't push the issue. I did, however, take her to her preschool's fall festival in her pumpkin dress. It was the best I could do.

Below we strike a pose before we leave for the festival. The last picture is of Graci that morning before school. Note her shirt...my magical power is being cute. How true!

From the summer....

2008-11-25T20:51:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of random pictures from the summer. I love the one of her in the pink outfit. At this point she really started loving the camera. You can get one out and she is all smiles. She totally "hams" it up. The other pic shows her in a Metallica shirt - gotta love it.

I am the world's worst blogger...

2008-11-25T20:37:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I am officially the world's worst blogger. The sad thing is that we set these up for clients all of the time, so when it comes to doing it for my personal life I am less than excited. However, my goal is to get back on track with it. Maybe that will be my New Year's resolution...

While I don't have photos for every month (for the last year) that I have missed blogging, I do have a few snapshots for you to look at... We are so blessed Graci is growing up so fast.

These were shot at the beach over the summer. We would go to this area that you can only get to by boat and she would run and run up and down the beach. She would be asleep before we could get the boat out of the water.

Roll Tide...

2007-10-10T22:18:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-10-10T22:00:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-03-31T16:51:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-03-30T18:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-15T22:17:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-03-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-03-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-03-03T21:45:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-03-03T21:35:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-02-13T20:45:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-02-13T17:13:00.000-06:00

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

2007-01-31T22:23:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-01-22T14:50:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-01-14T21:14:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-01-14T13:17:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-01-05T12:37:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-01-05T12:24:00.000-06:00

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.

Graci's Two Week Checkup...

2007-01-05T12:13:00.000-06:00

First of all...my apologies for the delay in posting. We have been a little busy in the McLaughlin household as of late.

Graci went on December 14th for her two week checkup. GiGi (pronounced "G G") (that's what my mom wants Graci to call her) and I took her. We had to take a moment to capture her in the outfit my friend Sally gave her before we left. Graci Lynn weighed in at 8 1/2 pounds. My mom, Allen and I had a bet going to see what she weighed - Allen won, guessing exactly right.

Graci's First Day Out...

2006-12-08T04:54:00.000-06:00

I am happy to report that Graci is almost back to her birth weight according to the doctor on Wednesday. She was born at 6 lbs, 12 oz and left the hospital at 6 lbs. 4 oz – the scales read 6 lbs. 11 oz. now. Yippee.

We had a fabulous afternoon out to the doctor’s office. She even left him a little present on his scales and then peed on her dad when he tried to clean her up. We also stopped for pizza afterwards and she didn't make a sound the whole time we were there…although there is a lot to be said about an empty restaurant at 2:30 in the afternoon on a week day when you have not had real social interaction in weeks. A couple of pics are attached from our day out… The last pic is my favorite...

Just before we left for the doctor Graci's PawPaw came over to get kisses. He was going hunting and couldn't stand to leave without seeing her. (Grammy said he was coming home early because he missed her.)

Daddy holding her in the doctor's office after being weighed and cleaned up again.

I put her in one of the only outfits that came close to fitting her. As you can see, we had to roll her pants up - she has no legs like her mamma.

Like I said, my favorite picture. She is a little doll! I was so upset the matching shoes didn't fit her. I even tried putting on two pair of socks to get them to fit...bad idea. She was NOT happy with me after that.

Visitors & Going Home...

2006-12-08T04:36:00.000-06:00

Just a few of our many visitors (we kept forgetting we had the camera) and a couple of shots of going home...

Mom, Dad and Graci on the way out of the hospital. Although the stay was wonderful at Baptist, we were so ready to get home and start our new life as a family. As you can see Graci is in LOVE with her daddy.

Like I said, in LOVE with her daddy. If Allen walks into the room and she hears him, you can bet she is going to look around until she finds him.

MawMaw Shirley holding baby Graci (she hasn't decided what Graci is going to call her yet, so we are sticking with MawMaw for now) and MeMe Kathryn holding her little one Bradon (Travis' little one - he is almost 16 months old and in visiting from Hawaii).

Cousin Sam holding baby Graci with Cousin Travis, Sheila and Baby B (Bradon).

Papa holding Graci with Jeremy (a family friend/distant cousin and RN at the hospital). He and his wife Katrina have an adorable toddler at home.

Our Hospital Stay...

2006-12-08T04:04:00.000-06:00

Not me at my finest, but Allen and I couldn't be happier. Graci is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and the morphine had kicked in, so I was feeling much better than I looked.

After she arrived in the nursery, she was a big hit (the most popular newborn that day, to be precise). As you can see from the pictures below we had all kinds of visitors while we were at the hospital. We are so lucky to have wonderful friends and family. Graci enjoyed meeting everyone!

Baby Graci Has Arrived!

2006-12-08T03:52:00.000-06:00

Our bundle of joy, Graci Lynn McLaughlin, arrived on November 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL.

She weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 18 inches long. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.