The new 'do

Leah's hair tends to get a bit long and scraggly. And since we gave her bangs a few months ago, now it's something we either have to keep up with, or let grow out. I would love to let her hair grow out, but she doesn't leave any clips in, and she hates sitting still to have it fixed into a ponytail. So it ends up in her eyes and looking like a bit of an unruly mess.

This picture is from sometime last week (and how cute are her little slipper-boots?)
And this picture is from this evening.

I can see those beautiful big eyes again! The sides got trimmed the teensiest bit to even things out, but I wanted to keep the slight curls (they are tucked behind her ears in the photo above). Leah always has so much fun on her visits to Paula, so it makes the task much easier. Thanks Paula-- we love it!

Last Tuesday, Leah and I went to the local county park. We were the only ones there, as it was cloudy and drizzling on and off, but it was still warm enough so that the drizzle felt good. Despite allll the fun things to play with, Leah enjoyed the mulch the most.

Playing at the park gets one quite dirty, so a bath was necessary and we followed up by putting on our new pjs from Aunt Jenn, Uncle Jesse (Ha! I still chuckle whenever I hear that. Any other Full House fans know why.), and Katelyn.
Leah says, what is that on my shirt?

Why it's a crab, of course. Only fitting since it's a gift from Baltimore. The pjs say, "Sometimes crabby, but always cute". I couldn't think of a more perfect tag line for this kid.

Since the weather has been more pleasant in the evenings, we have our obligatory post-dinner outside time. It's good for getting some fresh air, getting energy out, and naturally, getting dirty.

Leah kept trying to trade sticks with Rowdy. She gave him this one, but then wanted it back. He didn't understand.

The tug of war went on for a bit, and then they both wandered off with their respective chew-stick prize.

Rowdy got the little stick...

... and Leah got the big one.

Dining Etiquette

Leah was struggling to get a good fistful of rice while eating the other day, and so I thought-- well, let's see how she does with a spoon. She started off ok...But the spoon proved to be even more ineffective than her hands.

(Notice how the spoon is upside down as she got it to her mouth. Also notice how much rice there still is on the tray.)

Ah well.
Eating is still fun anyway!

Kitties, pups, and dancing

Contrary to what these pictures may lead you to believe, we don't just sleep all day around here. Well, ok, the kitties do.


The basket is perfectly Paka-sized.

Bosley wanted to get in on some basket action, but Paka wasn't going to give it up.

Ohhh Heidi... the dog that wanted nothing to do with Leah, that would have been happier if she never came home from the hospital. And now? Now she can't get enough of giving Leah kisses, rubbing up on her, romping around her, etc., to the point where we have to tell her to get away because it's JUST TOO MUCH. Leah even steals Heidi's food from her bowl while she's eating, and though Heidi used to growl at her, now she just shares it (I know, I'm not an advocate of eating dog food, but sometimes it happens). In the picture above, Heidi is displaying her most recently frequented resting spot-- outside Leah's door while Leah takes a nap. So sweet.

Beware: the following video shows some nudity. Leah got a toy chest for her birthday, and she likes to use the box it came in as a stage while she dances. I made the mistake of letting her run around in "just the diaper" and naturally, her diaper was yanked off (see earlier posts regarding that), and she decided to dance for a bit.

I should point out that we've made some progress on the music front. While before she would only dance to Haddaway, Madonna, or some kind of techno/club music with a heavy beat, she is now starting to expand her musical interests to children's tunes.

Oh, and please excuse the mid-dance fat man belly scratch.

Our family of 3...

... is becoming a family of 4! That's right, Jared and I had so much fun the first time around, that we decided to give it another go. Baby Judy #2 is due on March 15, 2010. Not that ultrasound pictures are very exciting, but here's some added proof...


And for all you jokesters out there, there is only one baby in there. ONE. God knows that I'd go crazy if there were any additionals. :)

We are super excited and feel very blessed to be having a second child. So much so, that we wanted to get Leah a shirt to help spread the news. Unfortunately, clothing manufacturers have decided that it's unwise to have a second child before your first one turns 2, and we couldn't find any "Big Sister" shirts smaller than a size 2T. (Bah! What do they know??) So, we improvised with this 12 month sized little sister onesie.
We'll keep you posted on any shenanigans that occur in the next 6ish months. Oh, and just as an FYI, we aren't going to find out if the baby is a boy or a girl, so no need to ask. It's much more fun this way. :)

Tricks and Turks

Leah learned a new "trick" last week. I call it, her Who-needs-these-nasty-diapers trick. In one quick movement, she yanks open those straps and steps out of the diaper for some naked freedom. Just look at how pleased she is with herself:

Naturally, this has made things difficult. We used to let her run around in just her diaper all the time. Now "just her diaper" turns into no diaper at all, with the potential for accidents on the floor. It's like having a puppy again! The solution? Pants over her diapers at all times.

Leah isn't the only one learning new tricks around here. Just look at Bosley demonstrating his sweet hiding skills...

... ok, maybe we have to work on that one.

Below, Leah is becoming accustomed to farm life. She really wants to catch one of those turkeys...

If only we had Heidi or Rowdy sitting next to Leah looking at the turkeys as well... what a sweet photo that would be!

Happy First Birthday Leah!

In honor of Leah's birthday, we started off the day by going to the Angleton Rec Center where they have this cool indoor swimming area, complete with slides, current pools, and fountains. What kid wouldn't have fun at this awesome place?

As you can see above, Leah had a blast! She loved floating/swimming around the current pool with us and splashing in the water. It was great watching her take everything in and enjoy herself. I attempted to take her down one of the little slides, but that didn't go over so well. Maybe next year!



After a nice afternoon nap, we celebrated Leah's birthday at her Oma and Opa's house where we ate dinner, opened presents, and had cupcakes.

Leah is inspecting one of her gifts from Oma and Opa.

Looking at her new See 'n Say with Daddy.

She loves pushing around her cart from Aunt Jess. The funny thing is, whenever she pushes, she sings too. :)

Even Harry gave Leah a birthday present-- sloppy doggy kisses. (As you can see, she is a willing receiver of doggy kisses.)


Anxious to get to that cupcake!

Yum! A first birthday is not complete without cake being smeared all over the baby's face. Leah's initial instinct was to smush the cupcake as much as possible between her fingers. Once I showed her that she could eat it, she proceeded to do so while mumbling "yummy, yummy, yummy." She is correct-- cupcakes ARE yummy!

After the cupcake, Leah was on a sugar rush for a good hour and didn't crash until 9 that night.

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes, cards, and birthday gifts for the little miss. It means a lot to us, and though Leah doesn't understand appreciation yet, we sure do.

And happy first birthday Miss Le-le Pants! May all your birthdays be this joyful!