My sister came along in my life when I was almost 7 years old.  She kicked me out of the “baby” role & stole my spotlight with her brown curly hair & beautiful blue eyes.  And I LOVE her!  Maggie hates hates hates when I share her business with anyone, so I’ll be vague, but I have to share with you how proud I am of her & how much I just love her.  Now don’t get me wrong…she is annoying, steals my clothes, doesn’t return my phone calls, talks incessantly, and STOLE my role as the baby in the family.  Yet, she is my sister and she has been through some tough stuff in her short 22 years.  But lately, I have seen a fortitude & determination in her life that makes me smile.  She wants to be a good mother to her dear, sweet Leah.  She wants to work.  She wants to make her way in this world.  She wants to be self sufficient.  Wanting is one thing…doing is another, and lately, I have seen Maggie doing.  So, to honor her (& because I’m the worst gift-giver ever & all I know how to give is photographs), I stole her daughter today for a mini photo session.  Yes, it did benefit me to parade my niece around in tutu’s and feather boas and make her cry, but it is also my gift to Maggie.  Leah is her world, her constant, & her reason for trying to be better.  These photos of her little love were what I felt would speak to her the most…that, and an iPod.  And I’m really bad at secrets, and I’m not technically supposed to be giving Maggie this gift until Leah’s 1st birthday in November, but, like I said, I’m really bad at secrets & can’t wait!!!!  And MAJOR MAJOR props go out to my partners in secrecy Ashley (my sister-in law) & my mom, Susan.  Ashley made so many faces, did so many noises, dances, and other crazy things to get Leah looking at me.  And Mom, you were great watching the 4 other grand kids & helping with numerous outfit changes…oh yeah, and lying to Maggie about what we were doing!  Thank you both!  Here is Leah Beth…..

My dad and sister, Maggie, came over to snap some more pictures of Maggie’s 4-month-old daughter, Leah.  It was probably the worst time of day as far as lighting goes, but it was definitely one of Leah’s best times.  She kept cooing and giggling and make some cutesy expressions as my dad tickled her belly.  Here are some of her little baby faces.  (Oh, and for those relatives of Leah’s who are out of town, you can click here to see all of the photos of her from in the belly to now.  This is where I’ll keep adding her pictures.)

Many of you may have read about my sister, Maggie, in a previous post.  Well, she finally had her baby, Leah Beth, yesterday at 11:16am.  We are glad she’s finally arrived, but she isn’t completely healthy just yet.  Leah was born quite quickly and has some fluid in her lungs that she needs to get rid of in order to breathe completely on her own.  She is currently in the NICU at John’s Hopkins in Baltimore, and is being given oxygen to help her breathe.  This situation is completely dejavu for me and my family because about 16 months ago we were in almost the exact same situation with our youngest daughter, Brooke.  She was born with a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and was in the NICU for one month and then in another hospital to learn to feed for an additional month.  At the time of her hospitalization I wondered what God had to teach me through all of this.  He taught me a lot, but now, especially that my baby sister is going through a similar situation, I’m glad I am able to offer her support in this unsettling time.  So, if you’ve been trying to get a hold of me, or waiting for me to return your e-mails, I have been slightly preoccupied with my newest niece.  Enjoy a few pictures of Leah…


If you are interested, you can keep up on updates about Leah on my family blog by clicking here.