I'm a SURVIVOR!!!

Leah spent the weekend at Grandpa and Grandma Loverink's while Mom was away basking on the sandy, white beaches of Pensacola Beach, Florida, and Dad worked. The report from Grandpa and Grandma was that everything went absolutely wonderful. Or so the report went. But she came back in one piece, and we thank God for that. Thanks for the help Tom and Vicki! After Dad picked her up, we visited with Grandpa and Grandma Thoms, Great-Grandma Ardus, and Aunt Jenny. After soaking up the love and playing with Great-Grandma's bears, it was off to Grandpa and Grandma Robran's for a pre-bedtime cocktail. We enjoyed the smells of the Robran household as it prepared for the church soup and pie bizarre, and we saw Grandpa Kent come in from his element, farming. Apparently a dirty Grandpa Kent is more appealing than a clean one, because Leah seemed to take to Grandpa a little more kindly this time than in the past. We'll keep working on it Grandpa.
Although we made it back from Freeborn county alive, Leah ended up with a case of pink eye, and on top of it all, an ear infection. Grandparents must be a sickly bunch. So mom got to stay home an extra day, and her adopted Great-Grandma Mickey (our neighbor) will watch her tomorrow. But we'll make it through because we're Robrans, and gosh darn-it, we're survivors!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Saturday, October 13th- We went to the Fish Tail Grill in New Prague along with Jesse, Jenny, and baby Zachary to celebrate Jarrod's "27th" birthday. Leah was fascinated with baby Zachary. She loved to watch what he was doing and was trying to figure out what this thing was. She was in a good mood the majority of time- eating her food, playing with toys, and watching everybody. However she had enough of being in her seat towards the end of supper. Unlike her second cousin who was in slumber, with his tummy full. I guess that's the stubborn Robran in her!

This week, the poor thing has been battling yet another cold. She's a tough girl though and doesn't fuss too much. She's had a busy week at daycare- went 4 days plus a Halloween Party. She and another little girl won the costume contest in their bug costumes. Leah was nice enough to share her candy with dad and mom! Mmmm!

Little Miss Attitude

What can I say, I guess at one time or another we all get a little snippy and diva-like. This weekend was no exception for Leah. We went to the baptism of Jesse and Jenny's little boy, Zachary. During the church service Kim had to take her to the family room because she just wouldn't be quiet! I guess she wanted to sing along or something. Once the service was over, Grandpa Robran wanted to hold her (among others) and she wanted nothing to do with him. Scream, holler, scratch, crawl...anything to get back to Mommy. People were trying to hold her and interact with Leah the entire afternoon at Jesse's, and she finally warmed up to Great Aunt Becky and Cousin Aaron, but still, no Grandpa. However, she was also acting the same way towards her own father, going to him only as a last resort. We'll have to continue to expose her to pictures of Grandpa Robran throughout the week, and maybe, just maybe, he'll be surprised next weekend when she finally warms up to him!

As far as milestones go, she is increasing her speed while crawling, and she now has a total of 10 teeth, which includes 2 molars. She still has a fearlessness of heights, attempting to crawl off the edge of a bed or couch without a second thought. She feeds herself fairly well now, eating Gerber Puffs, pancakes, noodles, and even some ground beef with her fingers. She's on a steady course toward being weened off of Mommy, and the target is only morning and nightly feedings by the end of the month. Her love of books continues, and she has gotten to the point where she will turn the page during the story. When holding a book on her own, she seems to always hold the book right-side up.

The Great Pumpkin

Today Leah went to the pumpkin patch in Belle Plaine to pick out her pumpkins to carve for Halloween. She had SOOO much fun! Riding around in the wagon was the highlight of the day. Leah was all smiles and giggles rollin' in the little red wagon. You can check out her trip to the orchard in the video section.

Other notable mentions, Leah has become more coordinated with her motor skills; she can put a ball in a round hole with accuracy (see video in video section). She also just got her ninth tooth - a molar!! Next weekend Leah will be off to Lakeville to see her second cousin Zach get baptized.

Ups and Downs...

This week has been filled with some ups and downs for Leah. On a positive note, she had lunch with her uncle Brandon and aunt Chelsea, and then got to hang out with Grandpa and Grandma Loverink. She had a ton of fun reading books with them. Her interest in books increases more and more every day. She's getting to the point where she can turn the pages, most times a little prematurely.
On the downside, she's battling a little case of the diarrhea and diaper rash. Daycare has been rough in the mornings, she hates being alone and really doesn't feel like taking a morning nap. Hopefully it's all a phase, I guess we'll see!