Learning and Growing with Friends

Spending time with my friends has always been so important to me, and I am happily realizing that Bekah in her own "baby way," is recognizing the value in friendship as well. During the time she spends with them, if it is more of a "one on one playdate" : ), it is a bit more obvious what a good time she is having and all that she is learning. If it is a big crowd, especially if it is at her house, she is either quietly observing or vocalizing her (perhaps) overstimulation. I know she always has a good time, she just shows it in different ways. Regardless, she is always learning from them and soaking up all that she can. Often when they leave or we come home, she shows me something new she can do, like put the keys to the door knob as her friend did ealier. I too will forever be learning from my sweet and loving friends : ).

For instance, we went to a friend's house for dinner early one night and when it started to rain, one of their ( 4!) children ran outside to play in the rain. Upon seeing such a sight, Bekah became interested and started to try to walk outside as well. The mother told me sorry and that she would call her son back in so Bekah would not be tempted.

I had no intention of keeping her from having such fun, so the next thing we knew, all 5 kids were splashing around in the Houston rain!

Bekah was not scared a single bit of the strangeness of the situation, so much so, that Rosie had to be introduced to the common childhood activity!

She took full advantage of her sturdy cowboy boots and stomped around on those inviting puddles like a pro!

She watched the kids and tried to do what they did, as they remembered that she was the "baby" and often helped her from slipping. They were so sweet and I think she enjoyed being the center of attention : ).
On yet another rainy Houston day, Evie came over so I could babysit her for the ENTIRE day! What a treat for Bekah and I! Before the clouds came, we made sure to hit the park for some outside fun, in her wagon of course.

Once the rain came, Bekah made sure to show Evie what a good time you can have cooped up inside all day, by playing with dollies and strollers,playing "rock band" with her instruments,

and attacking the drawer of tupperware that always offers atleast 10 good minutes of fun!

Evie read to Bekah as Bekah saw her own sippy cup with the straw in a whole new light, because Evie had one just like it.

And speaking of things looking "shiny and new" when your friends play with it, she decided that her colors and markers were fun because Evie said so!

Evie also taught Bekah the importance of "multitasking" as she drew and "caught up with old friends" on the phone at the same time : ).

Bekah also has Evie to thank this summer, for reminding her how much fun the swimming pool can be, especially when you have snacks that you can share:

Hunter tried to tell Bekah how cool it is to get into Charlie's "home", but that is one thing Bekah has no interest in, climbing in there! It is bound to happen one of these days!

Bina came in for a visit and reinforced mommy's role modeling of how important the phone is.

Our playgroup took Bekah to the zoo for the first time and she loved it! Since we are learning animal names and sounds this month, it was the perfect "field trip" to go on! She roared when she saw the lions,

and she puckered up her lips when she saw the fish! Maybe next time she will have the courage to climb through the tunnel in the aquarium like Barrett,

and Mason.

Bekah was happy to see that Samantha was enjoying a nice MumMum snack, something Bekah was all to happy to introduce to her younger friend.

Samantha is so sweet already, I am sure Bekah will learn alot about kindness from this friend!

Being only about 2 weeks older than Bekah, Hunter has lead the way with development, such as eating, crawling, walking and now talking!

Thanks for all you have taught me Hunter and thanks also for those hugs, I might squirm when you give them to me, but I really do appreciate them!

And speaking of hugs, here is the queen of hugging, Miss Evie!

Now that Mary Pat is back at work, we have enjoyed their weekly afternoon visits once her work day is over.

Even when you would think she was too young, Evie has been the sweetest thing to Bekah! They have been friends for a year now and I couldn't have asked for a better role model for Bekah! She is so naturally loving and patient!

Isn't this a sweet moment????

Yup, both Bekah and her mommy can't thank this mother daughter pair enough for all that they have done for us this past year! Thanks for being such great friends girls!

A big thanks to all of our friends for all their love and kindness that I see Bekah thriving from on a daily basis!