Challenge Complete

Ok so Im sure for most parents teaching their children how to do simple things like how to pull up their pants, change their shirt. Wash their hands and so on, is a simple task. Well as I find many of them have been simple the one I couldn't for the life of me was try and teach Layla how to rinse her mouth and spit out the water. No matter how many attempts to show Layla how its done, she would simple drink the water. I started with water because I didn't want her to ingest mouthwash. Who would want to drink that anyway?! Up until recently Layla would drink her water any time she had to rinse and me trying to show her how to do it was driving me nuts. How do you explain to a 2 year old she needs to "spit" it out. Poor L had no idea what "spit" meant. Its almost like trying to teach a second language to a person who isn't fluent in anything but Chinese. Thankfully we are at a point where Layla is able to speak more. I love being able to communicate with her. Even though sometimes what she is saying just doesn't make any sense. She is getting so big now is in full swing of the Why? phase. Although, the question Why? to a simple thing like Why is the grass wet, can only bring up so many answers. Because Grandpa just watered it. Why? Because the grass is thirsty... Why?   Cause it hasn't rained in a long time... Why? Because this is California where it lacks rain. And of course the whys continue. I am only come up with so many answers before shortly I run out of reasons. I guess thats what being a parent is all about though right? Teaching you child or children the mysteries of life. Obviously California not raining that much isn't a mystery. But I look forward to finding out the many mysteries of life with Layla no matter how many answers I have to seek. Or lessons I have to teach. Teaching her how to spit has been a highlight of my mommy career so far because I never thought I would I would be teaching her to spit. How lady like! Here is a couple snap shots of just how good she is getting! Hehe 

 

                                     

I LOVE YOU!

So for the last 2 1/2 years Laylas version of I love you has always been sort of wub wub. Cutest thing ever... Today for the first time she says I love you! Its a simple reminder that my baby is no longer a baby, but a toddler. A simple reminder that my baby is growing up. I love having only one child because all my attention gets to go to her and I get to focus on all these changes that pass so fast. Even the simplest ones. Layla will soon be three and every day she gets bigger and gets smarter. I will always treasure each and every moment with her.                                                                                 Wub Wub Layla
                                                                                               xoxoxoxox

Happy Month Birthday Layla!

One of my favorite newborn shots taken by me! 

Now I know a lot of people stop counting by the months of their baby probably not too far past 24 months... I don't.... Well I haven't stopped, yet! I will though...Eventually.

Today marks Layla being 29 Months old.

So why do I do it?

To keep track of all the pictures I take and make sure they are in order.

All the files on my computer go Month(28)2.27.12-3.26.12

I don't know why I do it, it just seems simpler that way

And at the end of the month, I open a new folder and start all over again for the new month

I think I'm a little crazy as many already do

But at the same time its my worry

Its a worry that I will forget a memory

That I will forget when it happened 

A memory that will be lost just as fast as the time passes

A worry that I will never get those memories back

A worry that I will never be able to show Layla how happy of a baby she was

The dates on those folders probably mean nothing more than dates

The pictures are worth more than a thousands words I know this is true

But letting one single part of those moments,

seems like that's slowly letting go of those memories we cherish with our babies

At what age and time do we just say two, three or four?

From the moment Layla was born, all those little moments were the ones that count

The special bonding moments of nursing

The sounds of her cries(which was few)

Her sleeping patterns

Or lack of 

The way she would laugh at the silliness of almost nothing

Her pure innocence

Having Layla has been nothing more than a joy

Through all the ups and theres many

To all the downs, we always seem to come back up

As Layla gets older I will try and take in every moment big and small

Sometimes we get side tracked 

Its ok, the small moments count just as much as the big

Layla is a very smart little girl who is loved very much and by many.

Happy 29th Month Birthday !

Movie Date!

The first time I took Layla to a movie she was freshly two years old. Not knowing what to expect or if she would even last through it, I picked Alvin and the Chipmunks Ship Wrecked. It was a great movie, she loved all the singing and she even danced a bit. This was our second movie date that me and her have done together. I wasn't sure if the Lorax would be something she would sit though, but once again, my doubts were misleaded and she enjoyed the whole movie, once again dancing during the credits... I think as she gets older movie dates with become a regular.

Waiting to get our pop corn and treats

Gummy Bears Anyone?

Mama and Layla

Shhhh Its Starting

I love this girl!

A Little Something I Made

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly baby photo books are the perfect way to preserve your baby's precious moments.

Park Playtime

Just another wonderful day at the park.

Miss Layla Bug

Paint Expressions

So I defintly used to be one of those moms who trys to keep their kid in a bubble. Protect them from all bacteria, DONT PUT THAT IN YOUR MOUTH, Please don't touch that, and I definitly don't want YOU holding my baby. Yeah, that kind of mom. As Layla gets older I have let go of alot of things, (at least I'd like to think so). Of course I still protect her from things like ya know my moms ciggerette smoke, I chase dogs that come our way

with her plastic chair, all while Screaming my head off.

Not to mention spiders and insects, including bees. I usually leave running and screaming in the other direction. All while Layla sits there with no clue as to why

her mother is nuts! Yes I protect my daughter but as she gets older seems like she is protecting ME.

So when ever I get the chance to be a daring and fearless kind of mother, I take it. I seize the moment where I can be brave and take risks. Thats what life is about right?!

My risk of the week.....

Letting Layla paint on paper! Yes I usually use those color wonder markers because I dont have to worry about what she chooses to color on.

Or the fact that she might stain her new shirt. Yes that already happened with blueberries

Well needless to say it didn't take long before Layla happily colored the paper and then herself!

Well I didn't stop her! Because I am a fearless and exciting mother who can handle it all.

With the help of a much needed bath afterwards!

Be daring, because life is so boring otherwise!

Kisses!

Layla finally gives kisses!
For the longest time she wouldn't!
I love my Layla Bug!

Spring Time!

With flowers in bloom, days getting longer, and the suns rays upon our skin, it is dawning on me that not only is the season changing, but so is Layla. Layla is now 17 months old and not too long ago did she just learn how to walk! Can you imagine, my daughter not only picky with what she eats, but also stubborn!! NO WAY! She still stumbles here and there but now that she is so confident with her walking ability, she attempts to climb up the stairs STANDING UP! She makes it 99.99% of the time, although she has had a couple tumbles down the stairs. Yes I know I should be watching her. I guess I don't worry as much as my Mother... Now if I can only get her to walk on grass everything would be great! I believe that steams from myself having a lack of interest of sand. I absolutly HATE the feeling of dry sand against my skin. So we have finally achieved rolling over, crawling, and walking... Apparently learning how to drive is next!

The Big Day!

After 9ish long months I made it. Well almost. I knew once I had a baby I would want him or her baptized. Since the only faith I knew was Catholic. That is the path that was most obvious. In order to achieve my daughter being baptized, I myself had to take a personal journey to get where I am today. At first when I heard the class would be 9 months I couldn't believe it. I was shocked. Apparently though most Catholic churches require 2-3 years and is much more in depth. Although I am now baptized along with Layla I know there is so much more to come and learn. This is a life decision, one I am sooo happy I can share with my baby. I will learn and be able to teach her and I am sure she will learn and teach me. Along with her god parents as well. Especially Laylas god mother who without her most likely would not have been able to pull it off... She helped with preparing the BBQ and everything else that came our way. I couldn't ask for a better support system in my life as well as Layla's. I want Layla to have faith in her life. It has always been a struggle for me and although I am not perfect, I know can better better judgments for the things I do and say. It is hard but I know I have God on my side now and he will always steer me in the right direction. As long as I listen. :) Layla had such a long day, from last minute running around, to the BBQ and then home to get ready and back to the church for 7:15. Mass was at 8pm and lasted for about 3 hours. I have such a trooper. When Layla was starting to break down from her tiredness, I started to lose it too. I was so worried about Layla being able to stick it through. But she did, tears and all. When I look back at the whole experience, I am thankful. I have learned so much and gained so much. Knowledge, friends, and faith. I would do this over in heart beat no questions asked. I also know now I have given a wonderful gift to my baby. I couldn't ask for more.

Mommy & Baby

My Angel

The wonderful God Parents

Eddie & Liz Pollizo

Easter!

This Easter started out, as lazy day. Recovering from the baptism and everything that had drained out from me and Layla. We slept in, not too late... Layla and I woke up to the excitement that every years brings for myself, although she doesn't quite understand Easter means alot of things, and of course, Easter baskets. This year I decided to get Layla a little basket, but also her first bike(pictures to come of that) For some reason I forgot to take a picture of this shiny pink Radio Flyer tricycle! Everytime she seems a little boy or girl on a bike she goes nuts! So she opened all her little gifts, def. loved the new p.j.s grandma and grandpa got her. They always find special gifts for their granddaughter. We got ready for the day, and some yummy food and off to the park we went a little easter egg hunt. My brother his girlfriend and my nephew joined us for the day which is always nice. Then it was off to bed early to continue to recover!

Baptism BBQ

Getting Layla and myself baptized was nothing that had to be thought of. I knew from the moment I was pregnant that this would be a necessary requirement. I have always thought of myself to be Catholic, well maybe more of a bad Catholic since I had struggled with going to church and sometimes not always doing the right thing. This was a fresh start. Something that I want Layla to always have in life. Faith. Hope. Love. And the many other things this religion will bring to her. And myself of course. So before the big moment we had a little party. Thanks to her God parents for sharing their home with us. They are amazing friends. 

15th Month Of Life

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

This month hasn't been the funnest month for little Layla, getting immunized, battling a cold, and two more teeth coming in (making that 6). But she is such a trooper. I get exhausted with the amount of attention her sick little body requires, but none the less I love Layla. I def. can't imagine having 2 more Layla's though hehe... All those times I wanted multiples good thing God knows best :P With her 15 month of life slowly coming to an end, Layla is getting better. Still a picky eater, but happy none the less. I love my Layla Bug <3

Getting so big!

With Layla becoming more independent these days, she's learning to explorSe, play and resist help from others unless necessary. She loves to play outside, especially the park (when the weather and mommy permits haha) She is getting to a great age and is super funny. I must admit though I do miss those days when she was itty bitty!




Layla 15 months

Slide Time!

I am big!

Snack time! Life is so hard!

Beautiful

This would be the last picture of Layla with 4 teeth showing!

Eyelashes <3

That time of the year has come again! Valentines Day... Now that I have a daughter, I look forward to spending this special day with my Layla Bug. It's all about doing something special for her and my reward is to see her smile! She is loved every day of course but this is an extra special day set aside just as a reminder. Many people dislike Valentines Day, but really who doesn't like holidays?! I love any reason to buy someone I care about a present or little gift. It doesn't have to be big... So this year I baked Layla some red and white carrot cake cupcakes, and I got her a little gift and we couldn't do the day without a tutu and a Valentines Day shirt! I love my Layla Bug, and although we did celebrate the day of love together, I promise I will show her I love her all year round. <3