2.28.15

Dear Layla,

Tonight you woke up crying again. You were sick so I went ahead and got you. You jumped off my lap and ran over to the basket to get your little stuffed puppy. You immediately ran back to me and climbed on my lap. It was the first time I looked at you and realized that you are more toddler than baby. The baby is growing out of you and it kind of breaks my heart.  I never want to forget the softness of your chubby fingers, they are my favorite part of your little body. I hope you know how much you are adored little one.

Love,
Mommy

2.26.15

Dear Layla,

I just pulled a chunk of squishy fig bar, along with a massive wad of snot from my hair.
I know it was you....

Love you anyway,
Mommy

2.25.15

Dear Layla,

We took the car to the mechanic today. You and your brother ran around all over the place. The receptionist thought you guys were adorable and helped me chase you around. The man in the waiting room however, did not. You went up to him, patted his knee, and tried to start a conversation. He didn't even bother to look up from his paper, except to throw a nasty glare my way. I almost punched him in his beady little soul-less eyes, but then I realized if I went to prison, your daddy would have to take care of you. He would be good at it but he would never understand your need to accessorize, so I put my emotions back in check. A girl should be two things in life, classy and fabulous. If you learn nothing else of the late, great Audrey Hepburn, learn that please. Anyway, It was his loss little munchkin. 

You hugged the crap out of your brother in the tub today. I kept clapping and eventually you clapped for yourself too. 

I love you darling girl,

Mommy

2.24.19

Dear Layla,

You bit Nolan in the tub. You bit him so hard that his arm welted. He did not appreciate it.

Neither did I.

Love,
Mommy

2.23.15

Dear Layla,

You were an absolute stinker today. You didn't want to go to bed tonight either. I let you cry for about 45 minutes before I gave in. We cuddled on the couch for awhile before we shared a bag of chia tortilla chips. I ended the day enjoying your little spirit and not wanting to put you down for bed. I cherish moments when it's just you and me.

Love,
Mommy

2.19.15

Dear Layla,

Today you stood up on your play table and screamed and growled. I ran over to get you down and you ran away growling. We then chased each other all over the house growling and laughing for the next 20 minutes. Being your mommy is the best.

Love,
Mommy

2.18.15

Dear Layla,

Wow I am really bad at this...I am sorry. I will try to be better. Anyway, it iced over a few nights ago and now all the trees look like crystal and shine like diamonds in the sun. We drove to Costco today and as I admired all of the beauty from the storm I thought about how it applied to life. Here I was so enchanted with the beauty, yet it had caused so much damage. Homes had been damaged or without power, there had been car accidents...yet all I could see what the wonder of it all. There will be times in your life when events, people, or heartbreak will leave you feeling damaged or scarred, but once you have healed I hope you are able to look at the beauty it has left you. How it has transformed you into something wonderful and you can shine a little brighter because of it.

When we parked at Costco it was a mini snow storm. The first snow of your lives. I covered you and your brother with blankets and we speed inside laughing and popping in and out of the covers. It was a small, fleeting moment but it was special. It was a moment I don't want to forget. I love you little monkey.

Love,
Mommy

2.11.15

Dear Layla,

We went to the aquarium today for your daddy's birthday. While we were waiting for the dolphin show you made friends with an old lady sitting beside us. You sat on her lap and kept bringing her food. They played music and then you spun in circles over and over. It was adorable. You like older people. You are a lot like me..you tend to be shy. When you are in a big crowd you shut down and observe but when you are comfortable, you shine. You loved the Dolphins and other fish...but you were a little scared and didn't want to be put down.  We are getting you a fish for Valentines Day now I think.

Love, Mommy

2.9.15

Dear Layla,

I am starting this blog to document all your antics on the daily. You make me laugh every. single. day. I don't wanna forget a single day so you can laugh one day too. Here we go sweet thing, sorry it took me so long to start.

2.915

Dear Layla,

Today I was trying to organize daddy's office. I let you and Noley roam around the house as I had all the doors shut and nothing you could get injured by. Well well well, clever little girl. All of the sudden it occurred to me that I had (yet again) forgotten to put up your favorite snack. AKA, dog food.  You ran up to me with a mouth and two hands full. You were laughing by the way. I had to remind you that you are a little girl and NOT a puppy. You wouldn't believe how many times I have to remind you. It's a good thing I buy organic......

Love, Mommy