Two

I am two

I will soon be three

I have learned so much as I continue to learn each day. 

My vocabulary is very big, my sentences are growing. 

I am still shy of strangers but my mama thinks that ok. 

I know all my basic colors, I know my basic shape and my abc's as well as I can count almost to 20! 

I can dress myself and I even like to pick out my clothes. 

I am slowly learning to try new foods. 

(Its been hard though)

I am now potty trained, I still wear diapers at nap and night time 

(I even have accidents sometimes but its OK I'm still learning)

I love Disneyland its probably my favorite place besides the beach. 

I am still learning how to ride my bicycle, I will get it though

I am now testing mama on my nap time.  

I go to bed just fine and now I sleep in a big girl bed. 

I have been to the dentist and I do very well! 

This year I had my first medical scare (water on the elbow)

Still waiting for it to heal. 

My favorite show is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. 

I love to jump! I also love to draw. I have been able to draw happy faces since I turned two

Now my drawings are getting better. I can draw letters and draw more details

As far as I can tell I am going to be left handed. 

I am a very well behaved little girl who rarely ever throws tantrums or fits.  

Being two was supposed to mean terrible twos. I may have learned the word no, but I know 

that I still have to listen to what my Mama says. I am a very happy little girl and I have lots of love to give. Being two has been fun. And I'm sure being three will be better. Mama says I am growing way to fast. 

But all I have to say is, I will always be your little girl 

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 

 

                                     

A new day

As a mother you always hate when you are sick

When you can't control how you feel

It ties you to the bed

Being a mother is a full time 24/hour job and you don't get a break

When you become a mother you are second place

Your wants, needs and desires for anything extra now come last

Which is fine. I knew that would be a requirement when I took on this position

What I didn't know or realize is what it would be like when I got sick

Now as thankful for my mother as I am I still come to realize

that as hard as it is to be a great parent. Its even harder to succeed at being a great

parent when you are sick. When I am sick, I am down. And thats where the trouble comes in. 

Baby L still needs 3 meals a day with snacks in between. Her favorite tv shows and or Disney Movies

She still wants to cuddle and still has to go potty. She still is clever and wants to get in to all the stuff she

usually does. Nothing changes. And as bad as I feel for being sick, I feel even worse for not

being able to answer her simple requests. I can't wait for my sickness to be gone just enough so that I 

can function again. And when that new day comes, I get to switch roles because by then...someone else is sick. This time round Layla hasn't caught it just yet. And I hope she doesn't. Its not fair to put a little toddler though it. I would gladly take 2x the sickness on my body then hers. And when I look at that little face, I know she is worth it. 

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

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.

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. 

The Beginning Of Forever

So over the past 9-10 months I have been in the process of becoming Catholic. This was to ensure that faith is included in Layla's upbringing. I know that some day down the road she may make a decision to not have religion in her life, or she may choose to walk another path. I am ok with that. I want to instill in her something which I had lack of. This is always something that I wanted in my life, but the timing was never right. I have had the opportunity to take this journey in my time being here in the US. This has been an amazing journey for myself. I have always had a hard time with faith. This path has strengthened faith, although I knIow that it is a life long journey. I will continue to learn more as time goes. I think it is important for Layla and I think we both will learn a lot. I have met a lot of great people in this process. Some that I am sure will always remain close to my heart. I now know that whatever happens in life, I have God on my side. I can look to him for guidance, and I can be sure that Layla has that as well. It is such a great feeling to have come to this point in my life where I can finally say, " I am Catholic". It brings me joy and I am so thankful I have finally completed the first huge step in this process. Thank you to those of you who have helped me through this, and the people that have made this possible. People who have taken time out of their busy weeks to teach us and guide us. Today I can say I am a better person because of all I have learned. I will try to strive to be a better person even when I think I can not handle anymore on my plate. I know everything happens for a reason, and if God brings you to it, God gets your through it.

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

A new blessing

Bradley Christopher Barton was brought into this world 03-01-2011 weighing in at 9lbs 11oz and 21 inches long. His mother is a friend of mine which I have known since middle school. Althought our lives have ventured off into two different directions we still remain friends and now with one more thing in common I feel it has brought both of our worlds that much closer :) With the anticipation of a new baby, both parents were nervous, excited and prepared. He is quite an amazing content baby with the real cries of a baby(which with Layla I have never experienced). There is no doubt in my my mind that this amazing bundle of joy with one day turn in to an amazing man. I am very pleased to have met this little guy already and got some cute shots of him to share :) Congrats to Randy and Sheena! May you both be the great parents I know you are <3

Happy St. Patricts Day

St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints.
Apostle of Ireland, born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in the year 387; died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, 17 March, 461.
Along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, the secular world shares our love of these saints. This is also a day when everyone's Irish.
There are many legends and stories of St. Patrick, but this is his story.
Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland, probably Kilpatrick. His parents were Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were Romans living in Britian in charge of the colonies.
As a boy of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.
During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote
"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."
Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britian, where he reunited with his family.
He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."
He began his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years.
Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. He arrived in Ireland March 25, 433, at Slane. One legend says that he met a chieftain of one of the tribes, who tried to kill Patrick. Patrick converted Dichu (the chieftain) after he was unable to move his arm until he became friendly to Patrick.
Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message.
Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well).
Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.
He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.
Why a shamrock?
Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.
In His Footsteps:
Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.

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