The Adventures of Grace!

Where has OVER a year gone?

2010-08-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am mortified that I have let this blog essentially die. This past year has taken us through many ups, and some downs. Grace has clearly kept us very, very busy - too busy to write!

Rather than try to spew out all that has happened since I last posted, why don't I just share what is coming....

The Torok's are about to face BIG changes! Our house is on the market, and we will be (hopefully soon) moving to Rochester. I took a job as senior communications specialist at St. John Fisher College, which I start on August 9th. I am very excited...the timing was right, and the opportunity sweet. Nonetheless, it was a really hard decision, and saying goodbye to the 40+ people who have been my family here in Buffalo last week was really, really hard. But, I know deep down it was the right decision and a good investment for my little family. And, at the root of the reasons, we will be closer to home. Which makes me very happy.

The house selling process is.....not for someone like me (antsy, nervous, worrier, zero patience.) So, it has not been fun. We are waiting until we get an offer before we make one, but have had our eyes on a few houses in the Fairport and Penfield areas. Hopefully, they will still be available when we are ready to make an offer! Until then, I will commute and rely on T more than ever. Again, it will be a very tough few months, but in the end it will all be worth it.

We are hoping that T's company will be able to find some room for him in their Rochester office. He loves where he is, and they love him, so if the stars could align, then all would be right in the world.

In other news, Grace turns TWO YEARS OLD in two weeks. I can hardly believe that she has grown SO fast, and SO big. It's incredible, and we are the lucky ones to have watched it all.

She is doing everything a normal two-year-old does. We even had a time-out session today for 30 seconds, and it was a success! (I could only hear the word "no" so many times.) All in all, she is a wonderful and happy little person. And we feel truly blessed.

Stay tuned for birthday party posts and pictures. We expect about 40 friends and family and one certain, loveable red guy. ;-)

Pumpkins and Just Goofing Around

2009-10-14T03:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, we went back to the Great Pumpkin Farm, and last year's visit came flooding back into my memory. We even had Aunt Meghan with us! We tried to take the same pictures, and this year, Grace was awake for them all! How fast a year goes by.....she was taking in all the sights (and the cold), and was passed out by the time we actually picked out our pumpkins.

Grace stays home with me on Mondays, and this is what happened when I had to take a work call and couldn't stop her from her tissue attack :-)

And daddy is DYING to build a fort with her so they can play. Here is his first attempt!

Hope everyone is having a beautiful fall! More pictures to come after Halloween....

Where has the time gone?

2009-10-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

To our loyal blog followers, I'm sorry that I've let over a month go by with no updates! September came and went in a wink, and here we are starting our favorite time of the year - Fall and the holidays!

Grace officially started REALLY crawling about three weeks ago, and just this past Monday, stood herself up. We think she'll be walking in time for trick or treating!

She's doing well at school. Moved up into the next room and has more playtime, a little less naptime. She's with her friends, and is thriving.

She started music class two weeks ago. For 45 minutes on Saturday mornings, Grace joins 13 other little people and bangs on stuff, yells and wiggles. We sing songs, shake things and high five...a lot. She loves it! Her teacher, Miss Cheryl, is really great with the kids.

We've got a busy October. Tonight, daddy has a bachelor party and Sabres game, and mommy and Grace are having some ladies over for dinner including one of her friends, Izzy! Hopefully, Grace and Izzy can keep eachother entertained so the adults can enjoy some vino and good food!

Happy Fall to all!

GEORGE!

2009-08-25T03:24:00.001-07:00

Grace had her first trip to the Buffalo Zoo this past weekend - thanks to the year-long membership birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa Lewis!

She LOVED it. She now points to our nose and her nose when we say - "Where's your nose?" And so when we got to the elephants, she was in awe of THOSE noses. They were eating at the time too, so it was pretty cool to watch her eyes as big as they were.

She liked the tigers, and the polar bears. She did NOT like the gorilla, but neither did mommy, so we moved on. ;-)

The Zoo has a new rainforest exhibit, which was very cool. She recognized the monkeys, pointed, and said, "GEORGE!" in that very gruff voice of hers. It was amazing. She definitely recognized Curious George's relatives!

We plan to get back in the coming weeks for Grandparent's Day, so she can show Grandma and Grandpa Lewis the Zoo herself.

Tomorrow is Daddy's 31st birthday, so Grace gets a sitter tonight! We'll see how she does!

Look Who's ONE!

2009-08-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

I am embarrassed that I have not posted since June....where has the summer gone??? So much has happened since then, probably too much to write here. The BIGGEST news of all is that Grace turned ONE this past week! We had a GREAT party at Grandma and Grandpa Lewis' house, with all of our family (even some THIRD cousins!) and friends who celebrated with us.

Grace loved the Curious George theme. Every time she saw him she pointed and said what sounded like "George!" She demolished her cake (with a little help from her daddy), and got great new toys, books and clothes.

She has been a true blessing to us this past year, and we have loved every second of every new thing she has discovered or done herself.

I'll post again after her 1-year check-up (next week), so for now, enjoy the pictures!

Outer Banks and 10 Months Old!

2009-06-23T03:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus from updates...

We took our first family vacation and went away for a week - it's been crazy ever since coming back!

We rented a house in the Outer Banks for a week with T's family including his parents, aunt, uncle, cousins, sister, brother-in-law and our niece and nephew. It was a great vacation....lots of relaxing, swimming, beaching, eating, drinking. And Grace really enjoyed herself! The drive was a little long for someone so little - she cries now when she sees her carseat ;-) But all in all, she did great. And we even stopped in Durham on the way home to spend time with our good friends Kim and Dan. A great trip!

Grace also turned 10 months old last Wednesday - a point I never thought we'd get to. And we're here! This is her on that day...playing peek-a-boo, kinda.

And we celebrated T's first Father's Day! We went for a nice lunch, and Grace was so well-behaved in the restaurant. She waves at EVERYONE, so we made a lot of friends on Father's Day :-)

Tickle, Tickle, Tickle

2009-05-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Grace had a great 9-month check-up yesterday, taking the final hepatitis shot like a WOMAN! She now weighs 20 pounds, 4 ounces - putting her in the 75th percentile for her age. I had her pegged at 25 pounds, so I must be getting weaker....

Enjoy some photos, and a list of all of the things we love about Grace:

-Her two teeth

-Her smile (her real one, and the way she smiles with her eyes)

-Her recent obsession with Curious George - she LOVES him

-Her giggle

-The way she says "Momma," "Dadda," and we think she now says, "Tickle, Tickle, Tickle" (or we just tell ourselves that)

-Her thighs and cheeks and how they battle to be chubbier

-The way she loves bathtime

-How she sleeps (on her side)

-When she bounces to the beat of music in her chair (specifically to "All The Single Ladies")

-How smart she is

-How observant she is

-Her smell

-Her toes

-Her fun way of Skyping (she flirts with the computer and whoever is on it)

-And just....her

Nine Months In, Nine Months Out!

2009-05-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

(Thanks to my mom for giving me the idea for a title)

Grace Meredith is nine months old! It was official this past Sunday, May 17. We can't believe that in three short months, we will be celebrating her 1st birthday...

She is doing great, learning new sounds. She recently started using the "g" sound (which is great because she will be able to say her name!) and we SWEAR last night she finally said "Mama!"

She's eating more and more foods, and has been feeding herself with small bits of things. She loves her Gerber puffs! She even stands at her toys for a little bit - although no walking just yet.

Her swim lessons are going well. Grandma and Grandpa Lewis came this past weekend to watch - and she definitely entertained! She did everything except blow the bubbles, quite the little splasher. And she's even made a few friends there.

Our work schedule changed, so now she's home with Kate on Mondays, home with T on Tuesdays and at school the rest of the week. They love her there, and we think she loves them.

We are taking our first family vacation to the Outer Banks in a few weeks - road trip! We're very much looking forward to that, we'll be meeting up with the Torok side of the family....Grace gets to spend time with her aunt, uncle, grandparents, cousins and great aunt, great uncle and 2nd cousins! We'll take lots of pictures there.

For now, enjoy these, taken on her nine month mark. We visit the doctor next week...stay tuned for stats!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

2009-05-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

What a great first Mother's Day! Enjoy Grace's laugh and happiness....and hiccups :-)

Quick Update

2009-05-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been a while since I've posted pictures. We've been busy! I'm back at work this week four days out of five, home with Grace on Mondays. And this week was the first week she stayed home with T on Tuesday, and I think they had fun! So, that's our new schedule. And I think it will all work out.

Stay tuned for more pictures after our first Mother's Day!

Eight Months and Babbling

2009-04-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Grace Meredith hit the 8 month mark yesterday, which is unbelievable to us. It feels like she has been here forever, but at the same time, we can't believe how fast time really does fly.

She is getting to be a big girl. Sitting up without any support, clapping, eating like crazy, and we think she has a babble quota of 1,000 babbles per second. She is a TALKER. We joke that once she finally does start to talk, dinner conversations will be very different. ;-) In other words, Grace and mommy will be in competition.

We've been getting outside more, thanks to the beautiful 50 degree Buffalo weather. It's like a heat wave! And we're anxious for a summer full of boating, swimming, fun and family. Enjoy these new pictures. The one in the sunglasses is after our walk at the park last evening. She LOVES her sunglasses.

Hoppy Easter!

2009-04-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

Grace had a wonderful first Easter in Liverpool with Grandma and Grandpa Lewis and Aunt Kelly. Her Easter dress JUST fit, and she was the best baby in church!

Enjoy the pictures...her 8-month birthday is right around the corner!

Aqua Tots and Easter Eggs

2009-04-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I started swimming lessons and mommy and daddy even got in the pool! I loved it! I was flapping my arms and kicking my legs....Olympics 2024 here I come!

And on Sunday, we colored Easter eggs for the first time. Hershey tried to drink the colored water and daddy made me a hot pink egg with my name on it. I get to see Grandma and Grandpa Lewis this weekend (and the Easter Bunny), and saw Grandma and Grandpa Torok last weekend! I am one lucky lady!

Sunday, Sunday

2009-03-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today is a lazy, rainy Sunday and we're loving it! Grace took a 2 hour nap this morning, and will probably catnap this afternoon. She had breakfast with us this morning and even looked at the ads from the paper with daddy (see below - notice WHAT ad she's admiring.....early Christmas wish list???)
Here are a few other photos from the past few weeks. Grace turned 7 months on St. Patty's Day, just got over a double ear infection and says "da da" all....day....long. Next weekend, Grandma and Grandpa Torok come to visit! And then, the Easter Bunny!

TOUCHDOWN!

2009-03-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

For some reason, we taught Grace how to do touchdown this weekend. Maybe it's because T.O. signed with the Buffalo Bills????

She also hung with her buddy Declan this week - an OLDER man!!!!!!

Pounds, Inches and...a Tooth????

2009-02-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

This week, Grace had her six-month checkup (which I still can't believe!) and she is doing great. She grew quite a bit since the last time she was there...gained 4 pounds. The nurse wanted to measure her cheeks too :-)

Anyway, here are her stats:

Weight - 16 lbs. 11 oz. (75th percentile)

Height - 25 3/4 inches (15th percentile)

Head - 17 1/2 inches (95th percentile)

They look a little out of whack to me, but she's perfect to us!

We also discovered a TOOTH on the bottom, which explained the past week of sleeplessness. And she's got a second one coming in right next to it. The picture is blurry...but if you look closely, you may be able to see!

Six Months Old...

2009-02-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Grace Meredith turned six months old this past Tuesday! I'm ashamed we haven't been better about posting (sorry Meghan) and will try to do better.

She's getting big. She's laughing. She's loving squash. She likes making noises with her mouth. She likes anything that has to do with - and can fit into - her mouth. She sleeps like a big girl. She splashes in the tub. She's so much fun. And we can't believe how fast time flies!

Her six month check-up is this coming Tuesday, so stay tuned for the statistics!

I LOVE LAUGHING!

2009-01-24T16:44:00.000-08:00

I'm Five Months Old!

2009-01-18T12:36:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! I turned five months old yesterday! Mommy keeps telling me how big I'm getting. I have a new noise....love it. Daddy put up a video of me making that noise. Enjoy!

A Very, Merry Christmas

2008-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Grace had a wonderful first Christmas! We got home to Liverpool in time for a great Christmas Eve dinner, and 10:00 pm mass. She did well, especially considering all of the people who wanted to meet and see her. Christmas morning was overwhelming and exciting - she was SO spoiled by grandma, grandpa and her aunts! She got a lot of nice stuff - she should be set for a long, long time. Family came over for Christmas dinner and then all of a sudden, it was over. The next few days consisted of a lot of visitors - my friends from college and high school, my dad's side of the family - so much fun. We're back in Buffalo, ready to face winter and ready to celebrate 2009! Enjoy the pictures!

Four Months Old

2008-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well, Grace turned four months old three days ago and I am just late in posting an update!

She is now 12 pounds, 15 ounces (almost there!) and 23 1/4 inches long. Her head is 17 inches around! She's still such a peanut, but that head is growing, so we are banking on a smart brain and a scholarship!

Her shots went well - she took them like a little woman. Just a few tears once they happened, and then she was fine.

This week has been busy, getting ready for her first big Christmas! I haven't even started baking yet. Hopefully, that will happen tomorrow. At least next year, I'll have a little helper for decorating!

I'll try to post before we head to Grandma's house on Christmas Eve...but if not, have a Merry Christmas!

My New Toy

2008-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

So, because I'm getting to be such a big girl, mom and dad put one of my big girl toys together and just LOOK at me! I'm sitting up!

Oh my Gosh...it's HIM!

2008-12-09T14:45:00.001-08:00

I met Santa today and didn't shed one tear! Mom and dad are so proud of me!

My First Christmas Tree!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-05T05:10:00.001-08:00

And to all a good night!

A Philadelphia Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T13:21:00.001-08:00

Well...Grace's first road trip and Thanksgiving were successful! She did so great in the car. We left late Wednesday - around 4:00 - and got to T's parent's house at midnight on the dot. Grace slept pretty much the entire way, except when it was time for her to eat. We spent Thanksgiving with T's parents, his sister and her husband and their two kids. Grace met her cousins for the first time, and we met our nephew for the first time - he's only about 3 1/2 weeks older than Grace but much bigger! It was a great few days, and Grace had a good time.

Grace Gives Thanks

2008-11-24T14:30:00.003-08:00

For all of you! Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!

Week Two of Daycare - So Far, So Good!

2008-11-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been back to work for two weeks, which means Grace has been with her new daycare for two weeks. So far, so good. She's the only girl in a group of eight babies...and I've already picked her future husband from that group! Getting out of the door in the morning is definitely a new challenge, but we've been managing just fine.

Here are a few photos of her before and after daycare yesterday. As you can imagine, I do a LOT more laundry these days :-)

I am THREE Months Old!!!!!!!

2008-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

We can hardly believe it, but Grace is three months old today. She's bigger, she's talking (kinda), she's not crying quite as much, she's sleeping better, she's found her dangling toys (see picture) and I'm pretty sure she is OBSESSED with her hands. And mine. And she does such a great job at daycare, we're so proud of her. It's been hard to go back to work, but with such a great daughter who seems to adjust to everything, it's been easier.

We head to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving so Grace can meet her cousins, Holly and Joey. Joey was born just a few weeks before Grace, so we haven't met him yet either! We're looking forward to our first road trip with Grace!

If I don't post before then, Happy Thanksgiving!

What happens when Daddy can't find my socks...

2008-11-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

'Nuff said. :-)

(These are mommy's socks)

Story time with daddy

2008-11-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Grace loves story time!!!! And daddy found some stories written in Hungarian, so she is learning already! We also found a chair for her. She's all grown up...

Our Halloween Monkey

2008-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a success! Grace was a little monkey (courtesy of Aunt Meghan) and was a hit with the neighbors. We bought WAY too much candy though....and did not see as many kids as we thought we would. There were some cute costumes, and we can't wait to take Grace trick or treating next year! For now, we will enjoy the pounds of leftover candy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

2008-10-31T14:19:00.001-07:00

We will post more pictures later....but Grace wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!

God Bless Grace Meredith

2008-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Grace's baptism, and what a celebration we had! Lots of family came from out of town, including all four grandparents. Even though she screamed during the actual baptism, she enjoyed her after party and slept for seven and a half hours last night! She was pooped!

The gown she wore was purchased in 1902 in New York City by Kate's grandfather's father and Grace was the 77th baby to be baptized in it. It's been a long tradition on the Rosbrook side of the family, and we were so proud to have been a part of it.

We feel so lucky to have such a supportive and loving family and want to thank everyone for coming!

My First Halloween Party

2008-10-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Grace hit the party scene with us last night at our nextdoor neighbor's annual Halloween party. She was a big hit, and so was T in his "Michael Phelps, 10 years later" costume. I went as a new mom, because I had zero creativity or time to do anything else this year. Plus, the best part of my costume was Grace.

Our families get here today for her baptism tomorrow, we're very excited!

Smiley Face

2008-10-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Grace is getting herself on a nap schedule, which allowed me to fold two loads of laundry, shower and bake an apple cake! Call me Suzie Homemaker! Or don't, actually. She still has her fussy moments, but is overall, the best little bundle in the world. Nights are even getting a little better, and if you asked us five weeks ago if we thought that could ever happen, we would have said no.

Enjoy today's pictures!

Pick A Peck

2008-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we took Grace apple picking. Once again, she slept through most of the afternoon. But, we still tell ourselves we're making memories for her! It was a crisp fall day, but a gorgeous one. And I have to bake all week now in order to use up all the apples we picked!

Two months, Ten pounds

2008-10-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Grace Meredith turned two months old on Friday, the 17th. She is ten pounds, two ounces (yay for double digits!), 21 and 3/4 inches long and her head is 15 and 1/2 inches long. I keep telling her it's because her imagination is growing so much - I can see it in her eyes! We wonder what she's smiling about while she's sleeping so soundly, and we hope she's thinking of us. Every day, something changes. Her eyelashes get longer, her dimple gets deeper, I swear she giggled out loud the other day. Her smiles make all of the long nights and screams worth it, and smiling is becoming her favorite pasttime. She will be baptized next week, so stay tuned for pictures of that celebration!

Seven weeks and counting

2008-10-06T14:21:00.001-07:00

Wow - Grace is already SEVEN weeks old! We start our mornings off now with a smilefest, and I swear she giggled this morning - out loud! She loves bathtime and storytime more than ever, she's getting to be such a big girl.

My First Pumpkin

2008-10-05T05:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we took Grace to the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. These little excursions have such a new meaning now that we have her! She slept through the entire day....even among the crowds and screaming babies. She did a great job, and Aunt Meghan took great pictures.

Also, today, Grace is seven weeks old. Time flies!

Smile!

2008-09-24T09:29:00.001-07:00

Grace is starting to smile at us when we're talking to her, clapping with her, singing with her or just smiling back. Her personality is starting to shine through, and it's so much fun to watch!

I'm One Month Old!

2008-09-19T09:57:00.001-07:00

...and what a month it has been! Grace changes every day, and we are even seeing little smiles (could be gas) and hearing tiny coos. She's a party animal at night, could this be a glimpse into what high school will be like?

Grace Meredith....week 3

2008-09-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Welcome to our blog! We will try to post pictures and updates often...but she is still so tiny and new, so our time is limited! Bear with us!

Thanks so much for all of the cards, gifts, well wishes and support these past few months. We feel truly blessed to have Miss Grace with us and are enjoying every second of her new life in this world.

Enjoy the pictures!