Can you believe it has been 1/2 a year since Gunnar was born! Mommy says it went by even faster than when I was growing...probably because now she has both of us to take care of. I'm growing a lot too...I told Daddy when I get bigger I'm going to drive Mommy's car and she will have a blue car, and then we will have 3 cars in the garage and that will be SO SILLY! Where would I ride my bike? Daddy said not to worry...he hopes to have the driveway slab poured this Spring...we will see, things always seem to get that much busier when the weather gets warm. I have started Spring ECFE (Kindergarten Readiness Program); tonight is my 2nd time. I am still a lot taller than everyone, but I'm also the oldest in the class too. I missed the cutoff by two days, so I'll have an advantage over the rest of the kids. We do 5-6 projects and make a snack and then if there is still time, we get to play with all the cool toys. Then we get together in a circle and sing songs and dance. I'm a little shy at first, but then I really get into the jumping and moving about. I'm always really sad when I don't get to go to school anymore, but Mom said I get to go even longer next year. By the time Kindergarten rolls around, I'll be ready! That picture of me is at my bff's 4th Birthday Party at the Children's Museum at Yonker Farm. I had lots of fun exploring and we even got to make our own princess hats...you know how I love projects! Well, I better go...I've got lots to do and it's time to put on yet ANOTHER dress! Love, Gracie (p.s. just Gracie, not Fleming!) Note: Grace HATES it when we tell her name is Grace McKenna Fleming, she says "No, I just Gracie! I not a Fleming!"

Hi...Gunnar here! I am feeling pretty cool now that I'm 1/2 a year old! Mom says "slow down", but I'm not stopping now! She finally started me on fruits and veggies last Friday...I didn't even make a face. I guess I'm used to the cereal, yogurt and applesauce. The picture to the left is of me eating my first veggie...squash. I've also had sweet potatoes and bananas. Pretty good stuff. The thing I want to try the most is popcorn...mom eats a lot of it and it looks so yummy. I follow it with my eyes from when she grabs it out of the bowl and puts it in her mouth...it must be good! I'm weaning off the good milk...by the end of the month, it will just be formula for me, well, after the freezer is empty! Mom isn't happy about it, but the ear infection and teething have made it hard on me to eat. I know, LOOK at me, I'm hardly starving. Alfred Hitchcock and I have the same profile! And just take a look at that sexy wrist fat! I have my 6-month well check on Friday, so we will see how I measure up. I'm sure I'm above average for height and weight, because I'm in some 12month clothes already. Mom was upset to see I barely made it in some outfits, but I'm a growing boy! I can still navigate around the room by spinning in circles on my back. I've finally mastered rolling over and getting OFF of my arm...before I could roll over, but just couldn't get off my arm. Well, I think its time to eat again! Love, Gunnar

Hi...it's Gracie & Gunnar! I cannot believe its been this long since I've written last. Mommy needs to get on this, after all I'm only 3. The biggest news since I've written last is that I have a baby brother now. He is so much fun. Mommy & Daddy are always telling me to get out of his face and not kiss him so much, but I just love him and want to be around him all the time! I'm quite the mother hen, but I'm enjoying him even more now that he likes to play with toys, so I'm always dumping something on him or wrapping his fingers around a rattle. I am so excited because now I can sleep through the night without a pullup! I am growing up so fast...Mommy and Daddy tell me to slow down, but anyone who knows me, knows that's not going to happen! :-) I also started Pre-Kindergarten school last fall. We went 4 times and I was so upset when I couldn't go anymore. But I have it again in the spring. I'm so smart and I'm definitely the tall one in class. We will see if that stays the same. I still love being at daycare (Jackie's) and many times don't want to go home! Hope to see everyone again soon...  Love, Gracie (& Gunnar)

P.S. I'm finally starting to grow some hair. Soon I'll need my first haircut Mommy says!

Hi! It's Gracie! I have big news! I AM GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER! I am so excited! I think Mommy's having a girl and Daddy's having a boy. Okay, maybe I don't fully understand the situation, but I know mom's tummy is getting bigger! Mommy says after my birthday party, the baby will be born...so I can't wait! Mommy and Daddy are excited too. After my 2nd birthday, Daddy had enough of my paci, so he helped me kick the habit in one day! Now on to potty training. I'm okay with diapers, so I don't care if I use the potty, but Mommy and Daddy says I must, so now I guess that's the next step. Mommy told Daddy he's in charge, but I don't think this will be an "overnight" training! My favorite thing is still be outside and to play with rocks. I found new shows that I love on TV...Dora the Explorer and Diego! I love EVERYTHING Dora and Diego. I'm growing like a weed, although Mommy and Daddy say I'm a beanpole and then I need to get some meat on my bones! :-) Hope to see everyone soon...

Love, Gracie

Hello everyone! I am now officially 2 years old, which is actually my favorite number to say. My favorite things are counting, singing Jesus Love Me (I really belt out MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE), playing with my babies, playing with my kitchen, dancing and jumping. I love living in our house and Mommy even got my new room ready, for when I don't want to sleep in my crib anymore. I can climb in and out of it, but for some reason I stay in there and just fall asleep (Mom and Dad don't know how lucky they are!). I surprised Mom and Dad last night by counting to 10 (I missed number 4, but they still thought I was pretty smart). My favorite thing is playing outside...especially on our gravel driveway, 'cuz we have lots of rocks and I love rocks! I had my birthday a couple weeks ago and that was pretty fun...there were lots of people there and the kids kept "helping" me open my presents, and I had so much fun! I didn't eat much lunch or cake, 'cuz I was so busy playing with the kids or checking out my new toys! I took the time to look at each one after I opened them...even read every book! :-) Clothes I tended to toss over my shoulder pretty fast, but for those of you who don't know, I am really a clothes horse and definitely have an eye for shoes too. I pick out my clothes and PJs every day/night...sometimes Mommy gives me a funny look (her one eyebrow goes up and she wrinkles her nose), but she doesn't realize I am a TREND SETTER (just like my Boppa Reed)...haha! I love to help clean and fold clothes too, but usually I get so excited seeing all my clean clothes that I have to wear them...ALL of them, that's right...layers are "IN"! Luckily for me, Mom humors me most of the time and lets my creative side come out. Daddy just rolls his eyes at Mommy and says she's spoiling me. Either way, I am a very lucky girl and am so happy all the time. I give out hugs and kisses a lot, which helps me get my way (especially with Daddy...the big softy!) I better go, I have a big day planned...Love, Gracie

Hi! It's me again...so much to update, but I have to make it quick because I am always on the go! I had my 18-month checkup last Wednesday and everything went well. I had 2 shots in the thigh though...I cried for about 30 seconds and then I was over it. Although, the next day at daycare I walked funny to get attention, but when nobody was looking, I was running wild! Dr. Tillisch said I am off the charts for height (95+), which surprised Mom, and 75th percentile for weight (which is still above average and pretty common for tall girls at this age). I weigh 25pounds 3.5ounces. I really love being around kids (all ages), playing tea party, and playing with my babies. I am still quite wild...if you aren't sure what that means, it is climbing on tables and all furniture, running back and forth non-stop, "helping" with the house construction, getting into cupboards, putting on WAY too much lotion, climbing on the toilet and reaching into the sink (and dumping liquid soap all over the house), etc. But all that aside, I am very good at listening to instructions and will clean up after myself and I also help unload the dishwasher. I put all my dirty clothes in the hamper in my room; I always put away my shoes, hat and coat; and I love to throw things in the garbage (not always garbage though)! Mommy says we aren't sure what our Easter plans are since we might be moving into the new house that weekend, so we will have to see. If we move the weekend before that, then it is our turn to go to SD. I am pretty excited because I haven't seen the Fleming cousins in a while! :-) Love, Gracie

Yep, its been a while, but I'm back. Mom and Dad are in the final stages of building our house, so eventually things will get back to normal. I have changed SO much since I have last written. I turned into a toddler overnight! My favorite things to do are brush my teeth, take a bath, feed the dogs their treats. I have been walking for over 5 months now, so I am pretty much into running and climbing everything! I have 6 teeth and use them well...I don't let Mom & Dad feed me, I only do it myself. Sure, sometimes I make a mess, but that's okay...its a learning experience! I don't seem to be scared of anything (except pumpkins...I don't like them). My hair has really started coming in and I like to put soap & lotion in it and spike it! I like to play "monster" with G'pa Terry & Daddy; and I like sitting with G'pa Reed while he reads me whatever book he is reading. I also like his weird gadget collection. I have been pretty hard on G'ma Lynn's Christmas decorations, but I think she is okay with it. I am excited for Christmas this year and I'm not going to fall asleep this time...I have presents to concentrate on! See you all soon! Love, Gracie

First of all, I'm sorry I haven't written, I never realized being 1 could be so hectic! I am busy from morning 'til night! I really had a lot of fun at my birthday party. For those of you who couldn't make it, check out my birthday pics! I didn't nap the whole day, but wasn't crabby...I didn't want much to do with opening presents, I was too busy climbing chairs and stuff, trying to impress everyone. Most people were amazed at my climbing stunts, but mom & dad says it keeps them busy...I don't know why, I'm the one doing all the work...I don't see them climbing chairs! I've had a busy month with other stuff too...4 shots at my checkup. I weighed 21 pounds and am above average for height. I am starting to get some hair...after these past windy days, I would even "hold" my hair down with my hand (G'ma & Mommy laughed at me). I help with our house construction by taking all the screws/nails out of the pails and dumping them on the floor (I'm sure Papa loves that!) I discovered dandelions this month and I can feed myself with a spoon too...I am VERY independent. I don't get my pacifier anymore, except at night...that's okay, I don't miss it until I see it. Oh, I also have 4 teeth now...2 on the bottom and 2 on top (mom says she is always surprised when I get a tooth, because I am not crabby! I love to play outside, so when I want to go out, I bring Mommy my shoes...what a strong hint! :-) Gotta go, but I promise to write soon! Love, Gracie 

Only 18 days until my 1st birthday! I am getting pretty excited. A lot has changed since I last wrote. In the middle of my 10th month, I learned to walk and FINALLY GOT MY TEETH! That's right, the same week that I learned to walk, my first tooth popped through, and a week later another one popped right next to it. I don't know what the fuss was all about...I handled it very well, 'cuz Mom & Dad didn't find either of them! (Great-Aunt Susie & Auntie Kaija found them). Although, I do drool a little more than usual (as you can see from my chin). After a week or so of walking, I started running. And to top that off, I have decided to become a rock climber, so I practice on everything. I climb up & down stairs and couches; climb in the dishwasher & stand up; even climb on the coffee table & stand; and last weekend mom caught me climbing on my JD Tractor and was standing on the seat! She said I'm quite the daredevil and have no fear! Even after my stair spill, I keep climbing things! Mom & Dad finally realized how tall I was, and moved me into a big girl car seat. I love it! I have become quite the feeder too...I refuse to let people feed me, I want to do it myself! (including holding the spoon and putting it in my mouth. I love noodles...I like to slurp them. I have been helping Mom & Dad on the house...and now I even have my very own basement floor to play in! Well, I have to get going now...hope to see you all soon! Love, Gracie

10 months...only 53 days until my 1st birthday! That makes mom tear up, but I am excited for my very own birthday party. I have been to a few, but now it will be my time to shine! Mom says we are going to have a party at the lake. I have some old news...NOT A TOOTH IN SITE! But I do have a sharp bump on the bottom. Mom's friend Cassie laughs and says "Oh Kirsti, you always say that!" We will see...its bound to pop through some day. I do okay eating though, since there aren't any teeth, my gums touch and I can grind my food that way. My favorite thing to eat is definitely saltine crackers...just like Mommy & G'ma Lynn. Everyone has seen me take steps without holding on and I stand all the time on my own...and very stable...I can even shake my arms and clap. Although, I don't realize I am doing this, so until then...I will just do my 1-legged crawl (I don't like the feeling on my knees) & walk with furniture. I am going to spend a week in SD with G'ma Kathy, G'pa Terry, and Auntie Nicole...I'll also be able to see my only uncle, Nathan. We started building our house last week & I even got to play in the sand hole...wouldn't that be a cool sand box! (hint, hint dad!) I better go, 'cuz I have things to explore. Don't forget to check out my photos! Love, Gracie

Wow...9 months old! Its amazing how time flies! I am a "furniture-walking" pro now. Mom caught me standing without help, so now she knows I can do it. I only need one hand to walk too. Darn...they are on to me! I am REALLY teething now...still not a tooth in sight, but my bottom gum is swollen in a spot, so mom tells me any day now (they she adds PLEASE!) I admit, I am not my usual cheerful self, but a little Tylenol and I am good as new! Daycare was closed for a week, so Auntie Kari babysat me the 2 days that Mom didn't stay home. Kari took me on LONG stroller rides all around Moorhead. We even visited mom and work and went to the Tastee-Freeze, although I didn't get any ice cream...no fair! Then I got to ride on the Dragon Express (MSUM's train). Very fun. I learned to wave on cue this past month, and I LOVE to do it! Other than that, I really know who Mommy & Daddy are, so when they are around, I only want to be with them! But when its just us 3 at home, I am QUEEN INDEPENDENCE! :-) Check out my pictures too, Mom posted my 7 & 8 month shots!

Hello! Today I am 8 months old...going on 10 years old! I am busier than ever. Besides standing up on furniture 24-7, I decided that I am old enough to walk back and forth. I am a really fast crawler too. I surprised Daddy yesterday when he walked from the living room to my bedroom and I was right on his heels...he almost stepped on me! :-) Sometimes I forget that I need to hold on when standing and I fall down. Mommy laughs because she says I look so surprised, like someone knocked me down! Still no teeth, but I don't care...I still make the chewing motion. I like to eat table food and water out of Grandma Lynn's blue glasses. I got to go to a Luau birthday party on Saturday night...I wore a grass skirt and helped celebrate Cassie's 30th birthday. Mommy put together my wagon (finally), so I went for my 1st wagon ride on Sunday...I LOVE IT! I have a 360' view of everything around me...much better than my stroller. Buddy went with too...speaking of Buddy, Mom caught me trying to feed him my snack wafer...uh oh, she's on to us! More later...until next month!

Hi everyone! I just couldn't wait to share the good news with you! Last Saturday I turned 7 months old...can you believe it?!  I am growing pretty fast...even I am amazed!  I am still teething, but I don't understand why everyone calls it that...I don't have 1 tooth in my mouth yet!  But my most exciting news that happened is that I crawled 4 steps on Tuesday (4/6) at Daycare...but just wait, it gets even better!  Last night Mommy set me down and laid in front of me...and guess what?  I crawled about 3 feet, all the way to her!  Don't tell Mommy, but I was really eyeing the Pooh toy she was holding).  I even did it again for Daddy!  So I will be a "Crawling Pro" by the time Easter is here.  I am not sure what Easter is yet, but I bet it will be fun.  Mommy told me there will be lots of little kids this year so I am so excited to play with them and show off some of my new skills (like blowing really wet raspberries)!  Have a happy Easter! Love, Gracie

I am 1/2 a year old now!  You thought I was active last month, just wait until you see me now!  I started on my "soupy" solids...I love them, although peaches and pears are a little tart and it makes my face scrunch up.  I love sleeping in my very own room.  I sleep through the night every time and when I wake up in the morning, I play on my own so that Mommy & Daddy can sleep.  Still no teeth, but I don't care...I don't really need them yet.  I have my 6-month well-check on Monday, so we will see how much weight I have gained.  Everyone always says how tall I am, but Mommy still calls me a peanut...very confusing!  I roll over ALL the time, especially if I am trying to get somewhere.  Although I will soon stop that, as last week I started to lift my behind and scoot backwards.  I also can get on all four and rock back and forth...just testing the waters!  Daddy keeps telling me to "slow down, you are growing too fast!"  I still am getting TONS of kisses, in fact, I think that's why my cheeks are always chapped!  As you can see in my photo, I LOVE my toesies! (The mark on my forehead is from Ash Wednesday).  February was a pretty big month for me...my 1st Birthday Party (best friend, Mallory Tremel), my 1st Valentine's Day, and I started to scoot! I wonder what March will bring?