Three!

Laila Bear is three now, and it's hard to believe for two opposite reasons. The first reason is because three years just flew by, like she's already three? I still vividly remember the day Laila decided she wanted to be born three weeks early, before we had even decided on a name! The other reason is because Laila has been speaking her mind and acting like Olivia's age for seemingly so long that I've thought to myself, she's just three?

Laila has such a big personality, you feel her coming before she even gets into the room. She's boisterous and joyful and is so sweet (when she feels like it). She's fearless, persistent, knows what she wants (and can figure out a way to get it), and will not do something she doesn't want to do. She's sassy and blunt and can turn on the crocodile tears in the blink of an eye. She's independent and nurturing and so empathetic, she starts crying when she sees me cry. A friend of mine told me recently she thought of Laila while working and just started laughing at the memory. That's what she does to you: she charms her way into your heart, locks herself in, and you gladly throw away the key.

Fearless

Sweet

Silly

Snow angels in the Walmart parking lot??

Me: Smile! Laila (through gritted teeth): Cheese...