Almost Six-Months Old

...and she's already so independent.

holding her bottle


sitting up on soft surfaces


smiling a lot

High Chair

My Mom picked up this high chair for us at a yard sale.

It's still a little too big for her, but we know she is going to love being able to sit up with the adults.

My Mom goes home today. We are going to miss her.

Wedding

We attended a ring ceremony and reception for a friend on the banks of the Potomac River. It was beautiful.


Leah saw some friends who were very excited to hold her.

She was so sociable and happy the entire time, despite not having any naps for the past two days.

She finally crashed on the car ride home.

The Gore Girls

...are moving to a nice big house in Arizona. We got to see them before they flew out west.

Sasha and Leah getting reacquainted.


Playing Monopoly with Ramona has become a tradition. Lucia was on David's team.


The night ended with Sasha and Ramona putting on an acrobatics show for Leah.



This video was at the tail end of the performance. I've never seen her laugh so hard.

Happy Father's Day

I'm lucky to have lots of exemplary men in my life.

My Dad is everything I think a Dad should be. He has taught me many things by the way he lives his life.

David has taken to fatherhood very nicely. He immediately fell in love with his little girl the moment he laid eyes on her.

Through his example, my father-in-law has shown his son many things like the importance of doing the dishes after dinner and always opening the door for his wife.

Curb Appeal

My Mom and I went on a shopping spree yesterday and bought lots of stuff to make the house pretty.

Before:


After:


I'm very happy with the end result. I wasn't thrilled about getting my hands filthy putting it together. I'm hoping it's possible to learn to love gardening since I adore flowers and fresh vegetables.

Grandma's in Town

My mom is here visiting for two weeks. It's been so nice having her here. I enjoy her company during the day, and we have a lot of fun working on projects together.

She's been trying out new hairstyles on Leah. She has much more experience than me after raising three girls. Leah looks so grown up when her hair is combed.

Cereal

Today Leah is 5 months old, and we felt it was time to introduce her to some rice cereal.

Waiting in anticipation


Trying to decide if she likes it or not


She prefers drinking it in a bottle and holding the spoon


She made a few funny faces, but liked it overall.

We hope the tablespoon of cereal helps her sleep better at night. For the last few days, she's been waking up at 1 am, 3 am, 4 am, 5 am, and then at 6 am she's ready to get up and play. I'm, of course, exhausted and ready for bed!

NCMEC Softball

David has played recreational softball ever since I've known him.

Sometimes he plays in both spring and fall seasons. I absolutely love watching the games. The weather is normally gorgeous, and it's good to see my old co-workers. Well, this year most of the softball games have been canceled, because of all the rain--pretty much tropical storms--here.

Last week, the rain held out and didn't start until 9 pm. So, Leah was able to experience her first game. She loved it.

David running in the outfield.


Leah learning how to keep score in the dug out.


Enjoying the fresh air


Talking to the trees...her favorite outdoor pastime

Grant's Baby Blessing

The happy family of four. Leah fits right in between these two adorable boys. Grant is just 4 months younger than her.

I love their facial expressions in this picture


Relaxing before heading over to the church


Two beautiful ladies

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hold little Grant, because I was sick. Poor me.

Manassas Train Festival

Last weekend we went to the Manassas Train Festival

There were model trains of all different sizes and varieties.


This lego train was by far the most popular.

The real train station. Old Town Manassas is quite quaint.

Enjoying funnel cake. Yum.

Leah talking to the trees wishing she could be eating funnel cake.

Common Cold

It's her first one. Poor baby. She's been sniffling and snorting for the last couple of days. She also has been doing this funny little cough. I can't tell if its real or not, because she always smiles as soon as I say, "Poor baby, are you sick?"

On Friday she woke up with serious crib head. Since she wasn't feeling well, and I thought it was hilarious, I left it.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Emily has always been the life of the party. She has an infectious laugh, loves to plan big events (including our wedding), is the hardest worker ever, and always does so much for her friends and family. We love you, Em! Have a wonderful day!

I love this picture of her from her 5th birthday. I remember it so clearly. There were tons of people there. We had a fishing pond, and I was so excited to give her the lip gloss she's holding.

4 1/2 Months

Leah was so happy to see her friends Penny, Alex, & Annie today.

I was very excited to get some more of Penny's beautiful pictures.







At 4 1/2 months Leah loves:

• Standing up, all the time
• Being outside staring at the trees
• People watching
• Food, mainly watching us eat ours
• Sucking her hands
• Staring at her feet
• Music, she loves when anyone sings to her
• Singing, or rather letting out a high-pitched squeal followed by a low rumble and a huge smile
• Rolling around in her crib
• Sleeping on her side with her hands clasped in front of her
• Ceiling fans
• Smiling at herself in the mirror