My Baby is growing up

Laila is maturing so fast. She is doing so many new things. Yesterday, she went down the stairs by herself for the first time. (Now if you are cringing, I was with her, watching her the whole time.) She has gone up the stairs many times alone, but we have guarded her carefully from getting near then when she is up there. She knew how to do it without my help. She just turned that little booty around and went down on her tummy, feet first, step by step. It was quite impressive to me that she figured that out all on her own. You go, girl!

Apparently, she has also decided that she is too old to call me "mommy" or "mama" which are my preferences. She is now referring to me as "mom." It is really cute, but makes me a little sad. I just love hearing a baby voice call me "mommy."

In addition, she can name and point to all the body parts on her head(nose, ears, mouth, etc.). She is very proud of this skill and does it multiple times throughout the day.

Finally, sister has developed an attitude. This is the age when it happens. I remember Lauren's first fit at 15 mos. like it was yesterday. Out of the blue, she just threw herself down and started screaming and shouting. I just stood there looking at her in disbelief. Laila is now testing her temper and boundaries. I don't mean this ugly at all, but she looks most like Isaiah when she is giving me a little attitude. They have the same defiant looks on their faces. I love seeing their similarities, it reminds me of the special bond they have as brother and sister.

Thankfully, despite the quest for independence, she is still very loving. She gives me so many cuddles and kisses throughout the day. She will come up and wrap her arms around my leg and just plant a big kiss on me. I call her my "little piece of love."

As I am finishing this post, I have to share this little thing she just did. I could smell the stinky diaper that she just created. I said, "Somebody is a stinker." She walked past me, patted herself on the butt with her hands and said, "Yep." It was very cute. Now, I must go change that nasty diaper.

I know she has a crusty nose, but she is still so stinkin' cute!