Little Leah

Here we go: an update on Leah. She is growing and changing so quickly. It's fun (and sometimes maddening) to see her little personality beginning to emerge. She's turning into quite the girly-girl. She loves dressing up, makeup and jewelry time with Mommy, and taking care of her babies. If we're at the grocery store, or in any other public place, she gets very excited if she sees a baby or a baby carseat and shrieks "baby!" at the top of her lungs. Each time we see the baby. Which is sometimes on every aisle. I like it.

Leah insisted on each component of this outfit. Other than the actual pants and shirt she's wearing. She pulled the jammie pants (on her head) and jammie shirt (around her neck) out of her dirty clothes hamper. And the swimsuit (around her arm) and Bryn's coat from last year (which came right after the picture) out of a box marked to go up to the attic. Ain't she fabulous?

Feeling pretty stylish after checking herself out in the mirror.

She's developing independence in a lot of areas. Including with food. She uses utensils very well, and can tell us whether she wants water or milk. And if she's hungry and Mom isn't around, she knows her way around the snack cupboard and isn't afraid to help herself. This girl is a sweets fanatic! And very vocal about it. She can definitely make her voice heard, a skill that she has had since birth.

Rice Krispies on the stairs.

She loves to read and look at books and also loves to sing and be sung to. One of her favorite songs is "A Happy Family" from the Primary songbook. And she actually sings it pretty recognizably. Routine is definitely her friend. She likes knowing what to do. So when we have family home evening, or go to bed, or take baths, or go to church, she takes great pleasure in folding her arms at the right time or running and getting her blanket and pacifier. She knows where her things are (toys, books, coat, shoes) and will put them back, and get them herself, sometimes without even being asked! In addition to all that, this girl is rocking nursery. Might have something to do with her mother's new calling. Either way, she loves it.

Leah also loves animals. Especially our kitty. The chickens are great from a distance, but if they get too friendly she is terrified of them. I think I would be too if I was small enough to ride one. And she's getting to be artsy. She loves coloring and will often sprawl out on her tummy with a coloring book and box of crayons and go to town. She is not to be trusted with markers and pens yet, though, as big brother and sister's quilts and sheets discovered last Saturday.

She loves and is always concerned about each member of our family that isn't in her line of sight. She asks about Daddy and Addison at least 20 times a day each while they are away and is always relieved to hear about where they are (work/school), how they got there (train/bus), and when they'll be home (lunch time/dinner time).

All in all, we love our little Leah. It is very nice that she's learning some words. It makes life much less frustrating for all of us. Not much longer and she'll be a big sister!