We are providing a link to a new video that we have produced using the song "Merry Christmas" by Third Day.  This song has meant a lot to us through the years as each Christmas since 2005 came and went without Grace in our arms. 

KLEENEX ALERT!  This video makes me cry every time I watch it...but it's a good cry :-)

CLICK HERE to see the video

Grace has said her first English word of Mamamam - for Mama.  After a few days of "mamamam" she is now occasionally looking at me and saying "Mama".  It isn't in plentiful supply but it's a beautiful thing to hear!  Ryan and Sean tell me this is not a real word and they haven't really seen her say it. But Pat and Ethan have heard her when she is leaning toward me with longing in their arms or on the floor reaching for me.  I guess the context she wants to use my name right now is out of desperation.  So when Sean and Ryan say, "Where's Mama?" real happy, she is not at all interested in saying "Mama!" ......yet!

Besides Mama, she also said another word this week. When we asked "How old is Grace?" she replied with outstretched pointer finger  and said-- "Uh!"  Now this, say Ryan and Sean, is a REAL word and thus must be her first word. 

Note: She did say a few Chinese words that we could understand, namely "Mama" and "Baba" (for Daddy) while in China in reference to her Foster parents. Grace only spoke these words during the first 3 days we had her. Alas, we didn't  get it on video to prove it but we both attest that she did indeed say these words when she was sad.  And then at her first Dr. appointment while getting all of her shots she said "Boo!  ah - Boo!!" over and over again and Boo (spelling questionable) means "No" in Chinese.

Grace is now crawling and cruising with a new delight and excitement about exploring her world.  Within just a few short days she went from taking just 2 crude hand & knee moves to fluidity in motion.  The move was born out of desperation - "Must get to Mommy" who was always within just 5 - 10 feet either getting dressed, cleaning the high chair, picking up toys, etc.  I'd hear some fussing, then quietness, then suddenly look and there at my feet was the face of a little angel with arms outstretched imploringly to be held.  It took her about a week to discover that not only is it wonderful to be able to reach your mother wherever she may be, but be able to have a new found freedom.
Yesterday, all of a sudden Grace was everywhere! We'd put her down and within a few minutes say, "Hey! Where'd she go?!" Inevitably, the dog dishes were the favorite draw as were all the trashcans (now elevated out of her reach).  I spent this morning vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping to keep my little one safe and clean in her new explorations.  After all, it only took one little apple stem this AM and a choking fit to motivate me to get moving on this task of a higher level of baby proofing. I know that this stage comes with greater challenges but it also comes with more contentedness because our Grace is a mover. Look out world -- here comes Grace Lu Fitzpatrick!