4th Of July

So this 4th of July I had a full day of events planned for us. In the morning we made our way down to where the local parade was going on. We picked our seats and patiently waited. I don't know why, but I have this odd passion about parades. I just love them. No matter how big or small, parades for me are always a blast. Layla had a great time, an even better time when she realized the people on floats were throwing out candy. After that we headed to where the fireworks were going to take place. They had jumpers, food trucks, vendors, pony rides, a petting zoo and tons more! We had a blast. We found some seats afterwards and waited for the fireworks. 

 My 4th of July Princess

 Patiently waiting

 She loves her grandma! 

 But her mama more! hehe

 I loved this part them carrying the flag!

 Layla waving her flag (to get candy of course)

 Saying hi! 

 This jumper was fun but too big for mama

Churros and a beam light! 

Bunny Breakfast

For Layla and I, Easter is forever going to be one of those holidays that hopefully she will love as much as I do. Last year we were both baptized together at the Easter Vigil. So this year I thought I would find as many things to take part in and make it a special time of the year. Among all the fun and exciting things we did was the breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Who doesn't want to eat with the one and only Bunny?! It was super cute how the mall had set this up with a magician entertaining people as they waited in line. Face painting (Layla isn't in to people touching her, let alone coloring on her body) balloon animals, Cinnabon and drinks... They even had a raffle which Grandma won Layla jellybeans! Layla enjoyed every moment, especially when the Easter Bunny stopped by. She was a little shy but made sure to show him all her little toys she had received

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

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. 

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