Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Our baby Girl!

2005

2006

2007

2008
She's getting better at eating her birthday cake.

Our baby girl Leland is 3 years old. I cannot believe it, time sure does fly. I love this girl so much I can't even explain it. She amazes me every day with her energy, happiness, and compassion. She is such a sweet child and so much fun to be around.

On Sunday, as I was sitting in church an 18 year old girl played her violin as a musical number. She is the oldest in her family and is preparing to go to a music conservatory to study. Leland LOVES music so much and actually loves to watch this girl play her violin. I started to tear up watching her because I could "see" Leland doing just that - performing somewhere and preparing to "leave" for college. If 3 years ago when she was born feels like yesterday, then another 15 years may just feel like only a week.

Today, we had lunch with my Aunt at a cute little bookstore that had a small cafe inside. As a birthday treat we got Leland a cookie. It was a fairly large cookie and it was meant just for her. Barbara and I were talking as Leland sat there looking at her cookie. She picks it up and talking to herself says, "I split in 3 pieces, so I can share." She then split the cookie in 3 pieces and handed us all our piece and said "Now we ALL can have a cookie." I started to tear up. She warms my heart with the kindness and compassion she has for others.

She loves to make her sister laugh. One of my happiest moments as a mother is hearing my girls giggle at each other in the backseat of the car. It makes Leland so exicted to make her sister laugh.

Leland knows many songs word for word. She even corrects me if I sing the words wrong. Some of her favorites are:
  • So this is Love - Cinderella
  • Once Upon a Dream - Sleeping Beauty
  • Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Bo - Cinderella
  • Stranger Like Me - Tarzan
  • A Whole New World - Alladin
  • I am a Child of God
  • I Love to see the Temple
  • Popcorn Popping

  • Leland also loves....
  • Counting - Counting almost anything all the time.
  • Puzzles
  • Soccer - really just kicking a ball around, but I'm hopeful for the soccer thing.
  • Talking on the phone - she will bring me the phone and say "I want to talk to someone."
  • Baby dolls

  • Leland definitely lives up to her middle name because she is such a JOY in our lives.

    7 comments:

    1. Happy Birthday to my favorite little girl ever! Whenever I am around friends I share stories and brag about Leland like she was my very own. She is so sweet and curious and thoughtful. I remember all those birthdays! So sad I wasn't there for this one.

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    2. So sweet. Tell her happy birthday for us! We were going to call yesterday, but remembered that she might be confused. We love you guys and miss you!

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    3. Happy Birthday little Leland! I loved the cookie story, so sweet!

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    4. Happy Birthday to my sweet little niece!!

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    5. It was so fun to see you guys and play with you...especially to be around Leland JOY one more time before we take off! Thanks for comign down Ashley. We had a great time!

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    6. Happy Birthday, Leland! That cake is absolutely adorable, Ashley! Nice job!!

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