I adore how Lilah uses her face to express what she's saying now.
I've noticed it more so in the past week. Her eyebrows, her eyes, her mouth and even her stance are all involved while she's chattering.
This morning when I mentioned that she and Baba were going to Costco together, she looked at me and said, "Mama not going? Mama's too old". Hello? Where did that come from?!
Lilah's mannequin infatuation started around Halloween last year and I have a feeling she thought they were all part of the scary Halloween scene. We'd be walking through a clothing store and she'd literally jump into my arms and hang on for her life when she saw one. And while she was clinging to me so-hard-it-hurt, she'd be busy repeating, "Mannequins not real. Mannequins not hurt you?", because that's what I told her over and over again. Not only did she see them in stores but she'd also point them out as we were driving down the street past the display windows in clothing stores.
Thankfully she's pretty much past the very scared stage.
Now she's at the stage that she'll ask if she can touch them and she does, very cautiously. But dear help us if one catches her off guard!
She role plays them around the house, standing with her hands on her hips, trying not to move. Believe me, it's a hard job for our 2 year old!
And over a month ago she mentioned them one night while saying her prayers. I'm not sure why she prayed for them, maybe for them to disappear. I doubt very much that she was thankful for them!
Lilah is enjoying the benefits that go along with the Winter Olympic Games being held here in Canada. She's gotten right into the spirit of things and has fallen head over heels in love with Tim Horton's new 'Canada' donut.
Lilah is a proud supporter of all things sticky and yummy.
Oh, and the Canadian Olympic Team too! Go Canada!
We ended up going to the park this morning, snow and all!
Lilah made her first snow angel. I think if you saw the look of disgust on her face you'd know it'll probably be her last snow angel. Lilah is like myself, doesn't think lying around in the snow is a whole lot of fun. On the other hand, being pulled around in her sleigh, very fast, with a little bit of "tazy diving" (crazy driving) thrown in, well, she just loves that.
Another first was catching snow on her tongue, she really enjoyed that! In fact she thought it was quite hilariously silly.
She's been totally hyped about this event for over a week now...
The Sunday School Treat.
Today was the day she got to stand up on the Church platform, in front of everyone and say her memorized Bible verse. Her first of many, all being well.
She's been practicing all week. She'll grab just about anything; play food, a straw, a fork, a cup, a crayon, whatever comes to hand and pretend it's the microphone (sometimes she gets confused and calls it the microwave!) and says her verse...LOUD. Of course, she's made Colin and I say it many times throughout the past week too.
Her verse: Seek ye the Lord (Isaiah 55:6)
Just look at her smile. I'm absolutely glowing with pride. Our precious girl.
It's hard to believe that a year ago she barely had a word of English.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[ see the longer version of the movie here: part 1, part 2 and part 3 ]
This morning, after a spot of shopping at the GAP 40%-off-everything-in-the-entire-store event, Lilah and I headed over to the Museum of Nature. We've been there once before, I must admit though, I really enjoy taking her back to places we've been already. I find she learns and understands so much more in between visits and I absolutely love to listen to her and hear her perspective on things. It's so interesting and simple and beautiful.
Like for instance, when I told her one of the animals was called a Mammoth, she wondered where the Babboth one was? (Mama, Baba, you get it right?) Moments like that make me grin. It really is beautiful to see life through the eyes of a child.
We had a great day and arrived home with a new turtle!
Lilah's thought's on the new turtle, after studying his face:
"Turtle sad Mama. Have to get a new one...(long pause)...maybe get him some tablets!".
Every night (with the exception of Sunday & Tuesday) at around 8:30 pm, you will find Lilah and I snuggled up in bed together reading bedtime stories. As soon as I put on her jammies she picks out two books, climbs into our bed, builds the pillows up and lays there waiting for me to get in beside her and read the stories she's chosen.
Actually, when we first brought Lilah home from China she wouldn't get into bed with us at all. She totally disliked the idea. In fact, it took her several months to get comfortable with the idea of being in our bed. Now she truly enjoys it. I must admit though, she still absolutely adores her crib. To her, there's no place like it!
She's also loving the longer stories now and I must admit I really enjoy them myself! There are some great books out there and we have quite the collection! I have a real weakness for books! Climbing into bed and reading with my wee monkey is most definitely one of my favourite things to do as a Mama.
It's the year of the tiger (see extremely scary tiger face above!) and we brought it in with fine company this year.
Last night we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of our dear friends, Heng & Jenny. There were also a few other couples and Lilah had lots of little ones to keep her entertained and running around, until 11pm, I might add!
When she woke up from her nap earlier in the day, she donned her qípáo, got her hair curled (which she absolutely LOVED!) and excitedly proclaimed that she was "Doing (going) to a parteee"! She was SO SO excited! She gathered up all her red envelopes that we filled with Laura Secord chocolate hearts and put them in her little bag to give to her friends. Oh it was so much fun!
Thanks for everything guys, the delicious food and company was second to none.
I took the pictures above after Church today. There are a few more here.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I know it's a day early, however tomorrow is Chinese New Year. It's hard to choose from all these wonderful celebrations. I must admit though. Chocolate RULES in our house!
Enjoy your day Lilah Gracie, our kissable & huggable sweetheart!
[ more pictures here ]
