To say that this past year has been amazing, educational, wonderful and exciting, just doesn't seem to cover it all. I have to say that though Layla is the one taking in this new world and learning new things every second, I am learning just as much! Watching her learn and grow has been such an experience for me and I truly believe that there is nothing like this experience as a mother. I feel so blessed to have this little person in my life who can help me to see things through her eyes. She has such an honest and innocent view of the world and sometimes I forget how beautiful and fun everyday things can be. Layla is my daily reminder to enjoy life and to take time to experience things with her not just because I'm there, but because it is the experience together that makes it a worthwhile memory.
I can see that the time that I spend with her and the moments we share are what builds a childhood full of happiness. With every passing year I fall more in love with motherhood!
Ok, down to brass tacks...Layla has completely blossomed into a full on little person in the last few months. Here are the major points...
Language:
There has been an explosion of new words in her vocabulary and she can actually converse with you. She is much easier to understand and takes the time to ensure that I know what she is talking about (lots of hand gestures and when all else fails, she shows me the physical item she is talking about). She still has quite a few words that are part of her own language (not exactly English), but I know what those mean (almost 99% of the time, poor Matt is not so lucky). I spend more time with her than anyone so interpreting her gibberish is a skill I have worked hard to acquire. She knows body parts, colors, numbers, food, and a plethora of other things that would take a year to write. I'm very proud to have such a verbal daughter.
Clothes:
Or lack there of, I should say. Layla has reached that fun stage where she would much rather spend time in her birthday suit than any of the super cute clothes I have bought her. Don't get me wrong, my girly girl really does enjoy an adorable outfit, and believe me, she knows when she looks particularly cute. However, at the end of the day (usually around dinner) she wants nothing more than to strut her stuff in the buff. At least I don't have to worry about her stripping down in public...yet.
Tantrums Are All The Rage:
We have reached that wonderful age where Layla has suddenly realized that she has an opinion and WILL be heard. The tantrums have begun and the time-out mat is getting good use. It's exhausting but unfortunately, it's probably my own fault. That little girl has inherited all of my stubborness and then some! She can throw herself on the floor and kick and scream with the best of them. My love of motherhood is truly tested in these moments, but its nothing a few minutes of deep breathing (on my part) in my closet can't cure :)
All Things Princess:
That pretty much sums it up. Layla has fallen for the Disney princesses. At the moment she is obsessing over Cinderella and Belle. She loves the movies and the books and everything that goes along with princesses; the dresses, jewelry and sparkly goodness! Keeping that in mind, I planned a princess themed birthday party at Gymboree for Layla's 2nd birthday. Of course her presents from us included a princess chair as well. The party was a ton of fun, Layla's friends and cousins were there and the good people at Gymboree keep everything moving so I didn't have to do anything but show up with a cake. It was so much fun to watch Layla revel in a celebration in her honor.
All in all, Layla is doing very well! According to her doctor, we are doing everything right and she is developing into a lovely little girl. I am so proud to have such a smart, outgoing and beautiful daughter, without whom I would certainly find myself completely lost. Matthew and I are two of the luckiest parents in the world...I feel confident that he would agree :)
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