Horseback Riding Lessons & Dance Class

For Leila's birthday, we purchased private horseback riding lessons but have waited until it cooled down to start them. We had her first lesson last Saturday morning so both Patrick & I could go. She is a natural. The instructor was really great, and started the lesson by making her work. She helped brush her horse and gather all of her equipment. Once she got on, she was ready to go! They rode around the equestrian center property and finished up inside the arena. She was on her own with the instructor. We go back next weekend (assuming there is no baby) for another lesson. It of course helps that she is not scared of animals since horses are so big. She was so excited and loved it.

I feel a little bit like we are cramming things in before Skylar comes. Leila's world is going to be changed forever and I know we all really enjoy doing things just the 3 of us. Chances are she won't remember these days before her little sister came, but I will! I love being Leila's mommy and doing all of the fun things we do. I have also been cramming in fun things for myself, including book club, bunco, and mom's club nights out in anticipation of being attached at the hip to Skylar for a while. I have been reading a lot, since I'm pretty sure in the year after Leila was born all I read were parenting books! Patrick has been doing his part and enjoying playing golf and watching all of the football he can stomach. And poor Shrek, his walks are sparse enough as it is without another baby coming to take more time away from him. I hope once the weather is nicer we can go on walks during the day. My parents got us a great double stroller I can't wait to try out.

Dance class is going really well, and oh my goodness are those girls cute. Leila's Mimi bought her some adorable leotards for class and she almost likes dressing up as much as the actual class, lol. Hopefully she will love dance and keep at it. The recital is not until late spring so we have plenty of time to see if it works out. Her "best friend" Adelyn is in class with her and they are too cute for words. They take breaks to hug! When Leila fell down, Adelyn fell down too, for sympathy maybe?? Their teacher, Miss Monica, is sooo patient and really fun and exciting for a class of 3-year olds that lasts an hour. They just love it, and at then end she is excited to get her "little dessert" (candy).

3-year Photo shoot out takes

A lot of people ask if Leila is ready for the baby... yes and no. She knows what is going on, we have prepped her, and she is super-excited to be a big sister. She knows she is not allowed to boss us around, only Shrek, and I think she is ready to boss someone else around, haha. But for 3 years, she and I have done everything together and now we will have to share our time. I think it will be hard for both of us. I am as prepared as I think I can be. Everything is washed and sterilized and I have a huge bag of REAL coffee waiting for me to brew in the pantry. The nursery is almost ready, and I will post pictures soon.

We have a busy schedule, though I cut back on activities for the fall. Leila goes to school MWF for 4 hours. She LOVES it, and says each day is "great." She just finished swim classes today, and we will pick those up again in March. We stopped gymnastics in July due to her being promoted into a new class with terrible schedule options! Maybe we will start again in January. And we decided to sign her up for dance. She is so cute, and she loves it. Her little friend she adores is in the class too so I think it will be a great experience. Patrick & I also have Bible Study on Sunday nights. Poor Skylar really is going to be hauled from place to place. I am a firm believer in good sleep habits so we are going to have to figure this one out. Leila was sleep trained and has always been an excellent sleeper (despite the nap battle, she still gets plenty of sleep at night.) Hopefully I can offer Skylar the same training, since it is good for them and for tired parents!

We are currently experiencing what may be the "terrible threes." The twos were great. But all of a sudden we are having a more difficult time, mostly due to Leila not napping. I am sooo tired. She needs a nap, only won't sleep at nap time, leading to some cranky evenings. I am feeling more energetic, so I have not been needing a nap as much. But I still need to rest!

All of this to say, Leila's 3-yr pictures were a challenge. We got some great shots, but also some hilarious faces. Most of these were her imitating her dad, who was trying to make her laugh. She is such a ham. I've posted some of the best out takes below. One of the best good photographs is on our header for the blog.

New School & Unbirthday Party

Leila started a new preschool this year. It is closer to our house and runs a little bit later than her old school, which I think will work out better for us with the baby coming. So far, she said the first day was "fun" and every day after that was "great." Quite a good sign considering all 6 of the 3-yr-olds we know at the school are in the other class. What are the odds?? She is proud to be a Sea Turtle this year and has already made new friends.

Last week her class celebrated her summer birthday and she got to wear a special crown and bring treats for her class. The whole chapel sang "Happy Birthday" to the kids selected to celebrate their summer birthdays today. I am so happy for her to get to celebrate because I think when we were in school those kids got overlooked. When I went to pick her up, every kid in her class had a blue mouth from the sherbert treats I brought, haha.

My camera lens fogged up that morning!

This is the face I got in response to "Say cheese and look at the camera."

All of the selected summer birthdays got to go to the front of chapel while we sang "Happy Birthday" to them.