A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

It was a beautiful Fall weekend.  Saturday started out rainy, so we spent our morning just hanging out and getting some house things done...laundry, a little baking, and a little cleaning (very little).  Since Gracie can't have donuts due to her food allergies (pretty much every commercial donut is made in a facility that uses tree nuts), we bought a Babycakes mini donut maker.  We tried that out on Saturday morning.  She was so excited about it!  She was right there helping me every step of the way.  But when it came time to actually eat the donuts, I don't think she was all that impressed.  Jeff and I thought they were pretty good though. 

On Sunday we went to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard.  Gracie had a great time.  I think the highlight for her was the tractor pulled wagon ride.  She didn't want to sit down.  She stood for the whole ride, holding on for dear life and the bumpier the ride, the happier she was.  At one point she said to me:  "It's a party!"  She also said "This is fun!" 

We also ran into some former daycare friends at the pumpkin patch, so it was fun to see them.  Although Gracie seemed a little reserved, even though I know she loved hanging out with these kids. 

We got three pumpkins...one for dad, one for mom, and a smaller one for Gracie.  She especially likes that one because she can carry it around.  She found it hilarious when she accidentally dropped it and it rolled all the way down our driveway and into the street and I had to go rescue it.  She giggled the whole time it rolled.

The rest of our afternoon was spent outside enjoying the day.  Gracie slept so well last night.  I think all of the fresh air was so good for her.

Have a great week!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie-the pumpkin roller

A Crazy Month

It's been a crazy month, here are a few hightlights:

• Gracie had yet another ambulance ride to the E.R.  I went to an apple tasting party with her at daycare.  She was very snuggly with another mother there who had beautiful long black hair.  Gracie kept touching it.  I didn't think to wash her hands (why I didn't think to, I don't know - because I know so many shampoos have nut oils in them).  On the way home I could tell something was not right.  By the time we got in the house, she was having problems breathing and had the hacky cough that comes with an allergic reaction.  So I injected her with epinephrine and called 911.  So Gracie and mommy headed in the ambulance to the hospital.  Daddy followed a few minutes later.  
• While at the hospital for her allergic reaction, she spiked a fever.  A fever that lasted 10 days.  We are not sure what caused it, we believe it was viral, but she had us worried, because her only other symptoms were loose stools, no appetite, and no energy.  
• Gracie has started with the Special Olympics Young Athlete's Program.  I think Jeff described it as organized chaos.  We all love it.  There is unconditional acceptance of all levels of abilities and everyone is so positive and enthusiastic.  
• Gracie is really enjoying the Halloween decorations in our neighborhood.  The house directly across the street has gone all out with decorations and Gracie gets excited with each new thing that is put out.  They do have a lit up spiderweb on their house that Gracie insists is a stingray.  It is sort of shaped like one, so I can see where she is coming from.  They also have tombstones all over their yard and Gracie informed me they were "rip".  I have no clue how she knows "rip".  
• Gracie helped Jeff and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this week.  In the morning she insisted on a group hug.  Gracie and daddy made some flowers and a vase out of foam for mommy.  They are so cute.  (We are finding that Gracie is allergic to alot of flowers, so don't feel comfortable having fresh flowers in our house.)  We also had take out from Olive Garden...you should have seen her eat!!!!  I don't know where she put it all.  Then we had a dance party in our living room.  It was a great way to celebrate.

We are hoping to make it to the pumpkin patch this weekend.  We need some pumpkins to make our house look festive.

Have a great weekend!

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie