The Winsteads: Lydia ~ 17 Months

It seems like our little girl is learning something new every day! Lydia has really enjoyed exploring outside on her own for the first time this month, and now asks frequently to go outside. We are hoping that it warms up again, so that we can stop rehearsing the "It's too cold to go outside today, Honey" speech! :) She continues to enjoy pointing out "ABCs" to us (although she does not differentiate the letters, she recognizes them) and now has a vocabulary of over 30 words! Some of her favorites (besides Mama and Daddy) are Pep (her new nickname for our dog, Pepper), dog, outside, church and "peas" (which is her version of "please" and is much preferred to whining when asking for something). It is amazing to hear her begin to string words and phrases together, too, and even ask questions, complete with inflection. She also enjoys playing "Peek-A-Boo" - either by putting her hands over her eyes or hiding under a blanket and saying "BOO"! She has started saying "cheese" as soon as she sees a camera, which explains the big grins in most of these pictures.

This has definitely been a very eventful month, starting out with a visit to see family - which ended up with the devastating loss of Lydia's grandfather (Mel's Dad). This also meant her first night away from Daddy and Mommy, but she was well cared for by her aunt and cousin. Lydia also contracted a serious virus this month which led to a not so fantastic night in the Emergency Room and lots of medicine. :( We are so thankful, though, that she seems to be well again and we are hoping that God will continue to bless her with good health! She is definitely a blessing and a daily source of joy to us, and we are praying for guidance as we diligently seek to teach her lessons about obedience and love.