2 1/2

Today Lilla is 2 1/2...where did my little baby go? A year ago last week we were in Hungary where we pushed her stroller as she was just beginning to walk. Her, mostly, inaudible sounds, have become complete sentences. She loves to count everything, fingers, stairs, fruits. You name it, she is on to this whole math gig! I think the thing she finds the most joy in is playing a game of mommy or daddy catching her. She loves it and will shout out behind her, "Catch me! Catch me!", it is just totally adorable with her little laughter floating behind. Lilla is Ms. Independent. Many times when you start to do something for her, she will snatch it from your hands, proclaiming, "I do it!" Her most recent is to say, "I do it first!!" While she still holds tight to me in unknown situations, when things are familiar, there is often little use for the mama's leg anymore. Last week at VBS, I tried to get her attention while walking around taking pictures, but she was sure not to look at me as she was afraid I would take her away from her friends and all the fun they were having. I could hardly believe what a difference the past months have made!

Anything having to do with art is probably her most favorite thing to do. Since she was a baby she has loved to color, which has now expanded to drawing in the lines, making smiley faces on he doodlepro, fingerpainting and brush painting, markers, sidewalk art, you name it, she absolutely loves it! I am often amazed at how long some playdough and a few cutters can last her! The other day we made daddy a get well card and she had the most fun using my Cricut and gluing little pieces together. It was certainly her own work of art!! Her other favorite way to spend time is anything to do with water. She is a water bug, of the grandest measure. She could spend days in the pool, even when it is cold. Her lips are turning blue and she just wants more, more, more!

As these past two and a half years have flown by, I sit and think about what life would be like without her. Did I ever laugh before I saw the funny faces she makes, full of expression and humor? Did I ever consider danger or darkness before she came along and my thoughts turned to her little eyes and ears? Did I ever cry before she made me melt when she talks about Jesus? Life is certainly more complicated now than it has ever been in my history. But, oh, I am ever so thankful for my little piece of heaven right here on Earth!