Kids Say the Darndest Things Volume 2 and some pictures!

In an effort to record more memories, I have been jotting down notes of things that CJ and Leila say and do in my phone so that I can write them down when I have more time...my hands free...etc...

This is going to be a kind of random hodge podge of stories, so be prepared! But first! Let's take a quick look back at some of the things Leila has gotten herself into this past month...just for fun!

I was getting ready for Girl's Night Out and she painted herself with fingernail polish

I was feeding Jocelyn and she figured out how to use a stamp pad...just not the stamps!

And who can forget the 24 lip stain spread under her eyes that wouldn't wipe off!? THIS GIRL! lol

 Now on to the stories!!!

****We decided to take the kids up to the temple grounds during Christmas time just to see the little nativity and take a walk around the temple. When we made it back to the water fountain, it was right as people were getting out of a session. There was a couple taking pictures in front of the fountain and Leila simply walks right over and stands right next to the woman assuming that she is wanted in that picture. Even as we tried to call her, she just looked at us like, "What do you want? They are trying to take my picture!?"

****Also on the same trip (the kids were on fire that day, I guess!) we passed by the Folsom Auto Mall and the following conversation transpired:

CJ: Is that the place that sales cars?
Me: Yes.
Jared: Are you going to buy a car?
CJ: I will...soon
Jared: What kind of car do you want to get?
CJ: A truck. Because I never had a truck before
Jared: I have never had a truck before either!
Me: Me either!
CJ: We can be part of the group that never had a truck before then.

****One morning, the kids were snuggling in my bed while I was...doing something productive around them, and CJ leans over to JoJo, kisses her on the cheek and whispers, "JoJo, I am your big brother. I love you JoJo." I was soooo glad I was around to hear that because it just about melted my heart!

****One of my favorite things that Leila is doing now is her repetition. With her speech issues I have always been very careful to repeat the things she says. Not to correct her, but just so she can hear that I am listening and I understand her. So lately, whenever she says a new word or a word that she is still trying to figure out, she will 1. Use it 2. Say it as a question 3. Wait for me to repeat it and then 4. Say the word again and an "Oooooh...wiiiight" (right).

Leila: Mommy, sayad (salad). Sayad Mommy?
Me: Yes, that's right! Salad!
Leila: Oooooh, sayad, wiiiiight.

****It is no surprise that CJ is an awesome big brother. He is attentive and kind - or at least as kind as a 4 year old can be! He is also a big helper. There was a night about a month ago that Christian came in about 3:00 am not because HE needed us, but because Leila was in her crib (she still doesn't climb out, thank goodness!!!!) and she needed us. Now that's love.

****Leila has grown leaps and bounds with her speech and her comprehension, but she is in no way caught up to where she should be. Working with me, and her speech therapist is, of course, making a big difference, but so is NURSERY at church. She has learned a lot of songs especially that I will find her singing throughout the day. The other day, I asked her to clean up some toys and she started singing "The Clean Up" song. Her version is absolutely adorable and needs to be recorded, but I can never catch her in time!

For those who don't know, the song goes "Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Everywhere. Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share". Leila's version goes like this:

"Heen Up, Heeeeeeen Up. Buddy buddy heeeeen up. Heeeeen up heeeen up, buddy buddy heeen up." It is hilarious! I am so grateful for all of the leaders and teachers who spend time working with her - she is learning quickly!

And now, some cute pictures from a recent In-N-Out visit and a few videos!

 

Her Daddy (and Mommy!) loves her and wanted to get her the Aurora dress - here she is chasing it down the aisle!

 

As I was dropping the kids off before I had to leave for work, I asked Leila where her shoes were, since she was outside without them. She came running back to find them! Looks like she should have been wearing her Cinderella dress!

 

I am not sure if you can tell what she is singing/saying, but she is doing the actions and basic words to "Popcorn Popping".

 

And of course, who can forget Jared's epic Dubsmash with Leila getting down to the music?

Christian is less than a week away from turning 5. Leila is well on her way to 3. I can't believe how fast time is going by, but I am so grateful to be a part of it. Love these two!