Miss Leah

Lucy has always called baby Leah, "Miss Leah"-- I don't know if it's because she's our little Southern belle, but I've noticed one by one we've all picked it up. And it seems to fit because shes's kind of a diva. If she's not eating or being swaddled in a cuddly blanket and held, she's screaming. Our little peanut definitely has a temper, and takes after Lucy's temperament as a baby more than Zach's. And she HATES baths. She'd rather smell like stinky cheese. Yesterday at her doctor's appointment, she literally screamed until she was blue in the face from start to finish until I wrapped her back up and held her again. At least when they're already screaming you don't feel as bad when they get their shots.:) She weighed 9 lbs. 10 oz. and was 22 in. long, which means she gained 2 lbs and grew an inch in one month. Atta girl, Miss Leah!

During Thanksgiving my very kind sister in law Sarah took the time to take these newborn pictures of Leah, and they turned out AMAZING. She is so talented and it's been fun to watch her skills develop the last couple of years. Each of her little expressions is so precious and she's changing so fast it makes me think I'm losing my mind when I see her one morning, and the next she already looks bigger! THANK YOU Sarah for these treasures!

Happy Birthday Lucy!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Lucy! She celebrated her 6th birthday a week ago (December 4th), which made me realize that we're officially 1/3 of the way to age 18, which is such a scary thought I actually considered pulling her out of kindergarten for the day and holding her on my lap and smothering her with kisses because she's growing up too fast.

Last year Lucy really wanted a party, but having just moved here and not knowing anyone I promised her a party next year-- little did I know I'd have a 3 week old at home! But, a promise is a promise, so the Saturday before we invited 4 of her friends and par-tayed! She was so excited.

As has kind of become tradition, Lucy picked to make gingerbread houses with her buddies. Can you say C-A-N-D-Y overload!?! The girls had a blast decorating their houses.

As did this little guy. He was just as excited as Lucy to have kids over, and as soon as all the girls were over he excitedly told them, "We have Barbies upstairs!" and when they all got up there I heard him ask, "Anyone want to play GeoTrax?" It was all a ploy to get them upstairs. He knows what little girls like.:)

Thank heavens my mom and dad were still in town to help! My mom made the cake and cleaned, my dad helped entertain and picked up the pizzas, while I nursed a baby and stressed out about everything.

Such a cute almost 6-year old!

The finished houses. Lovely, aren't they?

The BEST part of the party? Opening presents!! Lucy got some really fun gifts.

The beautiful and super delicious strawberry princess cake. The birthday goers were very impressed with Grandma's handiwork.

Blowing out 6 candles! It's crazy having Leah wear all of Lucy's baby clothes because I see them and think "Hey, Lucy just wore that." But then I realize it was SIX years ago. Seems like just yesterday!

Lucy's special birthday present from us was to get her ears pierced. We'd tried it when she was 4 and it was a MAJOR disaster, so Jon and I were both a little wary, but she handled it like a champ. She didn't even cry or flinch really. This is the BEFORE picture at Claire's.

And the AFTER. She picked the Hello Kitty studs and they look so cute on her!

When she looked in the mirror for the first time, she said, "Man! These earrings change everything!" She was very happy with how grown up they made her look.

I can't even express how much we love our Lucy, and what a HUGE joy and help she is to me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Luce!!