The Winsteads: May 2009

With each passing day, it definitely seems that our baby girl is transforming into a little lady ... but definitely a well-balanced little lady who loves hairbows, dolls and purses, but also rocks and sticks! As expected, Lydia remained off the chart for height at her check-up this month, and the doctor was very impressed with her vocabulary which now includes several short sentences, colors and recognition of a few alphabet letters! As we haven't had another child to compare her development to, we didn't realize that this wasn't "normal" for a toddler. We feel very blessed to have been given such a sweet and smart little girl!

Lydia's daily activities include "drawing" and writing (and she will quickly remind herself that she must only color on paper!), going outside to play at any given opportunity (this includes picking up a multitude of rocks, acorns, sticks, and flowers, of course), being a little mommy to her dolls and stuffed animals (feeding and rocking them, etc.), helping Mommy unload the dishwasher, "cleaning" anything within reach with a hand towel or paper towel (or any other cloth-like item), and occasionally enjoying a short time with Mickey Mouse, Dora or Veggie Tales! She has really become quite a bit more independent and really enjoys hanging out in her room while Mommy and Daddy get some work done - as long as she knows we are close by and can come "check on us" from time to time. One of her new favorite past times is "talking" on Mommy's old cell phone to her grandparents, and some of her aunts, uncles and cousins whom she calls by name.

Mommy was very thankful to celebrate another Mother's Day with her special little girl and her Daddy this month also! We continually thank the Lord for blessing us with Lydia, and endeavor to enjoy these moments which fade so quickly (including and maybe especially those walks around the yard where it seems every rock, flower, and even some blades of grass are pointed out!). It's such an awesome privilege to witness our little girl growing and learning!