Like mother, like daughter

I am mostly writing this so I don't forget....

Leah is becoming quite the chatterbox (hence, the post title)! At 13 months, she can say a pretty good amount of words, and every day is showing more and more interest in talking.

So far, she says:
Mama
Dada
Papa (my Dad)
Duck
Car
Cup
Walk
Fish ("ish")
Shoe ( a new favorite)
Hot  (sounds like "ot")
Light (sounds like "ite")
Oh-oh
She calls a kitty a "yeow"

Leah is just loving labeling things, and points at all she sees, all the time, so she can hear someone label the object for her. Watching her develop her productive language is just so much fun.

What will be next? "Wine"? "Ew cute"?  "Love it"? There is a real possibility there...

OooOoooOooo

Leah loves the dog at my parent';s neighbors house. She points to the spot where she can see him, and perches herself there to watch for him to come out. Everytime she sees him, or any other dog, she says "Oooo ooo oooo" and gets all excited! 

I captured this the other day and it made me giggle. Seeing the world through little eyes changes your perspective. I wish I got that excited over a dog!  I am thankful to have this little red-headed reminder to enjoy the little things!

This is what it looks like

This is what love looks like,on the rare occasions Leah stops long enough to snuggle. This is a little bit of heaven. 

... two seconds later, this is what curiosity looks like! She is constantly jabbing eyes, and shoving her chubby little fingers up noses and in ears to explore. Silly girl.

Besties

I love these little goofballs so much! Every time we get the kids together, we laugh at how much fun they have. Raising babies with my best friends by my side is one of life's greatest gifts, and watching them grow up sharing laughter and hugs is already amazingly gorgeous. 

Here is a random Thursday night of playing with Isabella, Makayla, and TyTy. Love them!

Blowing kisses!

Baby, it's warm outside!

It has been so so so fabulous having a little sneak peek of summertime in March! We have been rushing home from work just about every day to cram in some good quality time in our yard, at the park,walking around downtown Glen Ellyn, and heading to the lake, our favorite place to go.

So far, Leah is loving the swings even more than the end of fall last year. She giggles pretty much the whole time, as she feels her tummy squiggle. I am so thankful for that sound. It makes even the most stressful of days better.

Party- the sequel

Here are some favs from Leah's "friend" party. Thanks again to Wedoff Photography for capturing these!!

There are a lot.... what can I say, I love photos.

Goodie bags for the kiddos

The sign in table

Getting ready!

First card

The guests start to arrive for the fun!!

CUPCAKES!

Two of Leah's boyfriends, Anthony and Jack

Nonnie playing with the kiddos

Real Men Color

The teeniest guest, baby TyTy

Birthday kisses!

More birthday kisses!

Big baby!

Seriously, how can Isabella and Makayla get any cuter?!?!

Signing Leah's book

My awesome parents

Thanks for coming!

Love.

Love again

Party animal

Leah with her Daddy and Aunt Cait

What a day!

This was the BEST. All the kids helped feed Leah her cake.  :)

Mangled cake. Haha.

The whole fam-damily! 

Love my pals!

All in all, we had some really, really great times that weekend. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make our girl's very first birthday so special.

Better late than never!

Here are some photos from Leah's actual first birthday, and not just the parties. We had the day off, so we spent it together- just the three of us- after 2 crazy, yet fabulous, parties. 

We started the day with a nice breakfast, headed to the Shedd Aquarium to see the fish and "Baby Beluga", and ended the day with dinner and a little cupcake. It was a lovely way to get some quality time with our little family, all the while feeling so blessed and thankful that this little girl was sent to us one year ago. 

Opening all her gifts!

Birthday morning!!!

Checking out the penguins

Baby Beluga!!!!!

Jellies!

Loving her new phone

One year old smooches. :)