Lilah's Turn! (to turn three)

The title of this post is probably Lilah's most frequently used expression. "Lilah's turn" or "Lilah too!" are spoken multiple times each day, as apparently she feels life is a commune and everything is community property. Whatever you're eating drinking or doing, it's always "Lilah's turn."

Things to know, Lilah is playful, funny, and for the most part, pretty fearless. Her only major fear appears to be that someone will be left behind. Every time she gets in the car, she accounts for everyone and if someone is not there, she sounds the alarm.

Lilah is physically handicapped, but she is blissfully unaware or unconcerned. She wants to try everything, and generally finds a way to make it happen. She is inquisitive, a problem solver and is always eager to help. In fact she is downright insistent that she helps.

She can be pretty moody at times. She is two and is very challenging. She takes things other kids are playing with when she wants them, pushes her way to the front of the line, and will hit. We are aware that these were probably survival skills from the orphanage, and are working to change them. She also takes structure pretty well, which is a good thing, because at this stage in her life, she is getting lots and lots of it!

Lilah will turn three tomorrow, and will start school a week after that. Since she is so confident and bright, we have very little concern about her ability to do well. Sometimes it feels like we can't get enough mental and physical stimulation for her, so we are grateful for all the help we can get! Also it will help for her to hear that it is not always, "Lilah's Turn!" from someone other than us.

Lilah is the most outgoing person in the family, the loudest person in the family, and she challenges us because she is so high energy and so social. We have to alter our parenting style to fit her needs and strengths. Its a good thing she is the last of our children because she is taking all of our knowledge and creativity to parent her. People who meet Lilah are fascinated and charmed by her. She has been asked by her orthopedist to serve as a counselor for new amputees. She's not the type to let her lack of feet slow her down, and her MD hopes she can encourage others to feel the same way.

Lilah has been life changing. She is affectionate and independent at the same time. She has challenged Luke to try harder and has had a huge positive impact on his growth and development. She has brought the family a sense of adventure and wonder that we haven't experienced in years. She is beautiful. She is brilliant. She is the perfect addition to our family. Happy birthday, baby girl, we're so lucky to have you!