Although Grace is generally a quiet child she has an adventurous spirit and will definitely try most things at least once. Friday when our friends were visiting Caleb asked Duncan to see our worms in our compost heap so Duncan took one out so that Jack, Caleb and Grace could have a look. The boys weren’t all that interested in picking up a worm but Grace was there hand open and willing to let the worm crawl on her. This afternoon we were talking about something which reminded her of the worms and so when Duncan finished working they were back in the garden watching worms wriggle and squirm over her hand.  

Grace really loves all animals (big and small) and does not show fear when it comes to touching or holding them. When we were in Jeffreys Bay she got to touch a monkey at the pet store and she was so delighted to tell me all about it when she came home, telling me she wanted more.

Grace and the worms

Watching them wriggle and squirm on her hand

Yesterday my cousin Leslie and her lovely family came to visit. She has two beautiful girls, Chloë & Robyn, who adore Grace and during their playing Grace managed to spill the last of her bubble mix. Yesterday morning we were going to get some more bubble mix and Grace saw some bubbles with a picture of a dog on them which she wanted, but we had decided to get them some other time. When she spilled the mix I said, "Don't worry Grace, we'll get you some more bubbles tomorrow," to which she answered, "Gog!" (meaning the dog bubbles).

It has been really exciting for us to see Grace’s progress with her speech. It is wonderful to see how much joy she gets from a new word, and also a relief to see her making progress.

Yesterday she started saying, “beep, beep, beep” for the horn on the bus (which sometimes comes out as “meep”). She was also trying to say more words, even though it was often just her mouth moving without any sound.

Today she started meouw-ing while reading a cat book, and she had me in hysterics standing in the bath wee-ing like a boy, laughing and saying, “mee, mee!”

Being parents has certainly had an impact on our relationship. We have both grown as individuals, grown as a family and grown together as parents. It has also had some detrimental effects – we spend less dedicated time together, and have not been communicating as much as we need to – which shows in our relationship.

Grace had her second speech therapy appointment today, and the therapist is very impressed with the progress she has made over the last six weeks. It was encouraging to get positive feedback – at least we know we are on the right track. Grace seems to really enjoy the sessions and today her favourite thing was a wind up mouse which she just wanted more and more of.

Two years ago, at 04h30 in the morning Grace was born. The last two years have been an amazing journey and it has been a privilege to have Grace as a part of our lives. She has changed us and helped us to grow so much, and it has been (and is) exciting to see her develop.

Today was the last day of our holiday and the weather was perfect for one last walk along the pier and beach in PE.

Duncan put the Caltex white rabbit head on for Grace today. She liked looking at it but wasn’t so sure when Duncan disappeared inside its head.

Today was our last full day in Jeffreys Bay, tomorrow we head back to PE for the night and Tuesday we are home.  We really had a wonderful relaxing time here in Jeffreys Bay and although I don't feel quite ready to go back I do feel refreshed.  It has been really special for Grace to spend time with all her Grandparents, Keren and don't forget the dogs and cats. She has had a wonderful time and has made herself quite at home here in Jeffreys Bay.  

Grace helping Gogo in the garden.  This weekend she really enjoyed helping Gogo with various tasks around the house including gardening, feeding the animals and unpacking the groceries. 

Having a mini tea party with her tea set and some yummy carrot cake

I just wanted to take a photo of the outfit because she decided she wanted to wear the little tutu and the jersey (so she could undo buttons). To get her to actually look at the camera I told her to pretend she was licking a lollipop which she did all to gladly.

Grace "fried" Duncan a plastic egg and fed it to him like this

Grace was lucky to spend her first 2nd birthday party with all her grandparents, her aunty Keren, and some extended family members (big thanks to those that made the trip in the torrential rain).