Grace is 9!

My first baby turned 9 in January! It doesn't seem possible. It doesn't seem possible that I am not a young mom with toddlers and preschoolers anymore. She is big. She can wear a woman's size 6 shoe! She'll be wearing my shoes in another year or 2. But, she's growing into a sweet, beautiful, caring young lady. She has the sweetest spirit and heart for everyone in her life. She truly cares about you and your feelings. She is still a very serious thinker. She analyzes things and worries about things. I try to teach her healthy ways to deal with her worries and she listens and tries her best. But, as much as she thinks about things, she also likes to be silly and have fun. She can be very girly and then go outside and be adventurous and explore the river. She is a good eater that is willing to try new things. But, she loves her sweets!

Here is my interview with her. I typed her exact words. My words are in bold letters.

Favorite food: ice cream
Favorite thing to do on Saturdays: explore on Papoo's farm and go to the river with Dad
Favorite show to watch: Good Luck Charlie, Spongebob and Hannah Montana
What do you want to be when you grow up? a babysitter when I can, a teacher when I get older
Why do you want to be a teacher? Because it would be fun to teach kids stuff.
What is your favorite animal? dog
How do you feel about your sister? Slightly annoying sometimes but very sweet and nice.
How can we make the world a better a place? Use less machines so it doesn't pollute.
What is important to you? My family, Jingle Bell, my life, my friends, my school
What do you like to do for fun? During the summer, probably swim and go to the beach. If it's normal outside, like springtime, I like to jump on the trampoline and go exploring.
What is your favorite toy? My American Girl dolls
How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as playful. Funny. Kind. Adventurous.
Why do you like to sleep with Lyla? I can sleep by myself too but sleeping with Lyla, it just makes me feel really close to her, which I am.
Is there anything about yourself you would like to change? I wish I would never worry. I wish I had the longest hair in the world.
Where is your favorite place to go? Somewhere on a vacation or Mimi and Papoo's house and the mall. The mall? Mom, there is Build a Bear Workshop, there's the play area, there's cookies. And I do like looking for clothes. It's a happy place. Only when you have money to spend. Yeah, true.

At her check-up she weighed 67 pounds and was 55 inches tall. She no longer has to ride in a booster seat!!!