13 months

I was sitting in church today...husbandless (Jared is still in L.A. with his brothers) balancing Leila on my lap as she jumped and screamed and blew bubbles and basically went crazy! Ordinarily, I might be a little overwhelmed, but she was so beautiful....so ALIVE! I couldn't do anything other than be grateful to a God who would grant me such incredible children. Don't get me wrong, everything is not all sunshine and flowers, but I live for days like today. Where the stars align, Mr. Sandman shows up, and when the dust of life with kids settles long enough for me to see what an absolute blessing they are. 

I also realized that Leila is officially 13 months as of two days ago. Amazing! I remember telling people that months 6-12 were my absolute favorite with kids. I am realizing that months 6-12 were my favorite with CHRISTIAN. Maybe it is because she takes her time in most things, but I feel like the last few months Leila has just come alive. Her personality is finally starting to shine through and I feel like I am falling more in love with her everyday. Here are my recent favorite pictures of her.

Why yes, that is a funnel cake topped with ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. She kept digging her fork (the wrong side, of course!) into the whipped cream and LOVED it.

After a 3-4 month hiatus, I finally broke down and took CJ to McDonald's. I think Leila loved the playplace more than he did!

This one is my new favorite. My friend Emily watched Leila this morning and then brought her to church and this is the picture I got when I asked how things were going. SO CUTE!

This month she took a few steps on her own and is doing a really good job of standing unassisted. She is still really cautious, so she hasn't started walking yet, but she is getting close. She has learned to blow raspberries and loves to do it to make us laugh. Her new favorite thing is blowing through the straw on my water cup and making bubbles. Eating has come a long way this month! She is finally eating enough to justify the weaning of 2 of her feedings (HALLELUIA!). I am still nursing 4-5 times a day, but at least the end is in sight! Oh, and more good news, she seems to have moved past her dairy allergy. I am still easing her into it, but so far, so good!

At 13 months she loves: music, clapping, high fives, blowing bubbles, making noise with her mouth, cheerios, playing with Christian, swimming or any water time, whipped cream/ice cream and veggie fries.

At 13 months she hates: Being forced to do anything, yogurt, bedtime, dresses (because she can't crawl easily enough), and getting knocked over by Christian.

Happy 13 months Leila, we love you!