13 Months!

Photo by Bob Cho

Photo by Bob Cho

Since Leah turned 1, I kind of forgot about monthly updates. It's been hard keeping up with this girl! Here are some updates:

• Says "mo" for "more"
• Starting to shake her head for "no" now.  Hopefully, it will be awhile before she actually says it. ;)
• Starting to get a little picky with her food. One day she'll love peas, the next day she'll throw them on the floor. She will often protest now at the start of a meal, but once she gets the food in her mouth, she'll want more. Mealtimes are definitely not my favorite time of the day anymore.
• Loves to brush her own teeth
• Really starting to understand instructions and follow them
• Loves to walk/run when we're holding both her hands, but is a lot more hesitant when we let go of one of her hands 

Leah: You are becoming a lot more independent now that you are 1. I can put you down at daycare without you clinging onto me or crying. You don't even flinch when I leave. At the park, you will start crawling all over and barely notice if I'm there. At night though, when we put you to bed, you always want mommy to hold you first before you start pointing to your crib.  You're also a very curious little girl, just like your mama was. You examine your surroundings, your toys, people...everything. It's so cute seeing the wheels in your head turn, and I know you're learning new things everyday. We love you!  xoxo mommy and daddy

First School Picture!

Sorry for the ginormous photo, but I wanted to share Leah's first school picture! It cracks me up! Leah's bed head, crooked smile, and somewhat demure body position - I can't help but get a goofy grin on my face.  She was also the only baby in her class photo smiling!  Love this girl so much.  

I thought a lot today about the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary. I teared up picturing myself in that situation and held Leah a little bit tighter and a little big longer throughout the day.  My heart is broken, and I am also saddened by those who questioned the existence of God as a result.  I think the image above really sums it up - prayer has the healing power to help us recover from this horrific event.

Bubbles and Balloons!

My New Nephew!

Today my sister-in-law gave birth to my beautiful nephew, Michael Jeffrey So {basketball fans - yes, named after Michael Jordan}.  He came in at 5 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches.  

The picture above is big sister next to little brother as newborns.  Crazy how similar they look!  Welcome to the world, Michael! We have so much love for you already!

Gift Giving Ideas: ArtKive

Unfortunately, this idea is actually just a teaser because I don't think the product will be ready for Christmas.  This is a super cute idea if you have kids so bookmark the website ArtKive and download the app!  Kids come home from daycare/school with art projects pretty much everyday.  I already have a stack of "artwork" from Leah that I've been collecting, and I was trying to figure out where I'd eventually store all of it as she grows up. This app allows you to take a photo of the art or project, label it, and store it.  Afterwards, you can use the images to create an album or other type of keepsake.  You don't have to feel guilty for throwing away your child's art!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This weekend we experienced our first night away from Leah. We went to a wedding at Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs.  The Colony is a small, boutique hotel which has old school Hollywood charm. It's the perfect romantic getaway for a couple but not very kid friendly. In their confirmation email, they specifically state that the hotel caters to an "adult experience" and that it's not always ideal for children 3-16.  

While we enjoyed our weekend away to celebrate our friends' marriage, we totally missed Leah and constantly looked at pictures/videos of her.  We tried not to be those parents that only talked about their kid though.  ;) We briefly Facetimed with her, which I think made her a little upset that she could hear and see me but not touch me.  My parents sent us videos and pictures of her (like the one above) to ease our anxiety a little.  So now that we survived one night, maybe it's time to plan a longer getaway....