13 Months

Leah's 13 months and is learning so much, here are some fun things she can do/say!

Leah is beginning to say a lot of words, she also speaks her own language all of the time. Unfortunately she does not say any of these words on demand. She only says them if she wants something or if she is being ignored.

Words she says:

• Mom and Mama
• Dadda - When Dad is not home she says Dadda and waves
• Nana
• More
• No 
• Grape, Please, and Up - she has only said these a few of times so who knows if she really said them or if it's all in my head.

Words she whispers - why she whispers them I do not know.

• Jaxson - This was one of her first words
• Papa
• Tiffi

Foods she loves:

• Scrambled Eggs - her very favorite
• Cookies - she goes crazy when she sees them
• String Cheese
• Fruit cups
• Beans
• Milk (soy)

Foods she doesn't like:

• Tangerines

Her favorite Toys:

• Piano (her's and mom's)
• All baby dolls
• Slide
• Socks - not a toy but she loves to play with them
• Tupperware
• Tea Set
• Anything in the dishwasher
• Boxes

Other fun things:

•  Leah loves to dance and to bounce on things. Anytime she hears music she breaks out dancing.
• She got a tea set from Grandma Stringham for Christmas. I was shocked that she picked up the cup and started stirring it and drinking out of it. She loves it.
• Leah loves to read books, lately she likes to sit on my lap and read the book to me in her own language. 
• She loves to be chased, especially by Jaxson and up the stairs
• She can identify her tongue and head. She can't sit still enough to learn the rest of her body parts, she has no interest.
  
  I love Leah so much

Thanksgiving

     So far this Thanksgiving was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. Our little family was able to go to Brad's family cabin and stay for several days. However, that is not what made Thanksgiving the best yet. 2010 has been the hardest and most rewarding year that Brad and I have ever had. I took the opportunity this November to spend a few moments each day reflecting on the things I am thankful for. My heart has been so full of gratitude. As I reflect back on 2010, it's not the hard times and trials that stick out, but the wonderful blessing that resulted from those trials.
     I am so thankful for the Lord's hand in my life, for all of the answered prayers and the promptings from the spirit that I have received. I have especially developed a stronger gratitude for my family, not only my husband and daughter, but for my parents and siblings. For a husband who does everything in his power to make me happy and to help make the burden lighter. For Leah's smiling face that reminds me of how precious life is. For a Mother who drops everything just to watch Leah or to listen to my fears and worries. She is never judgmental and always encourages me to move forward with faith. I could go on and on about how wonderful my father is and about each one of my sisters and what an example my little brother is.
     I can not even begin to explain how grateful I am for my education and for such a wonderful employer. For an education that has taught me so many things about preparing for the future and for hard times, an education that has allowed me to have a career to provide for my family in times of need. I am thankful for an employer that has allowed me to manage having a career and being a mother. For the flexibility that they have allowed me and their understanding for my needs as a mother.
    The person that I have gained the most gratitude for in 2010 is for Brad. Even though I mentioned him above, I think he deserves to know in depth how grateful I am for him and how much I love him. He has spent the entire year doing everything possible to make our family happy. When things got tough he did everything in his power to take care of EVERYTHING. He spent a good part of the year home with Leah as well as working and going to school. Luckily this fall he began a wonderful job and works so hard to gain stability back into our life. I am amazed at how he manages working and going to school full time and he still finds the time at the end of the week to help around the house, with Leah, and other things I request of him. He is such a great dad. Leah loves him so much. I am so thankful to be able to go through the journey of life with Brad. He is such an inspiration to me and I love him so very much.
     Wow, I never write this much on my blog, especially serious stuff. Now on to the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!

Leah is 1!!!!

My good friend took these AMAZING pictures of Leah! We had to do them twice because the first time Leah was cold and ornery. The second time she was even more ornery and would not sit still without her mouth full of marshmallows and even then she wouldn't look at the camera or smile. So I am so surprised that any of the pictures turned out. By the look of the pictures you would never know that Leah was upset at all!! Thanks again Kim!

 This one is my very favorite. It totally shows her personality.

Leah & Kenzie

My sister took Leah and her baby Kenzie and got their pictures taken. They turned out so cute, I just had to share.