what's been going on and Laila's FIRST birthday party!

I've been MIA for some time now and I figured it's time I share what's been going on. Err, that just sounded like I was giving bad news. Hmm, nope no bad news here...except that I just got over the flu and it came out of nowhere! All the sudden I woke up at 2:38 a.m. went to the bathroom and puked, went back to bed, woke up in the morning and sat, and sat oh and sat SOME MORE on the toilet (tmi?) and then went to work. Puked at work, looked like death, was sent home after being there an hour, puked and sat more more on the toilet. Ugh, my body was weak. I could barely walk, pick things up, I was not functioning. Oh and blood showed up. And a fever. Some shivering. Some sweats. Horrible horrible horrible!

Anywho, Laila had her one year appointment December 2 - the day before her birthday party! She's 20 pounds, um can't remember her height and apparently here head shrunk? It'll get remeasured at her next appointment, she just was not too interested in having something wrapped around her noggin' and I don't blame her! Which resulted in a screaming, wiggling back and forth baby while I frankly try and hold tight to make sure she doesn't fall out of my arms. Are one year olds really that strong?!

Shots - oh the dreadful shots. I for sure thought I was going to start crying. This was the worst ever, she's learned that when there are two nurses getting stuff ready that it's time for shots. It was horrible. 2 shots in on her right leg went quickly but the 1 shot on her left leg didn't go so well, she couldn't keep Laila's leg held down too well to get the shot and ended up pricking her and having to redo it. Of course it was a shot that had to sting and she shrieked. eeekkkk. It was horrible. I swooped her up as sooooonnnn as I could. :[ The whole thing just felt so unfair for Laila :[

The next day came so fast and I was rushing to get things done. Good thing Laila napped and hour and a half before her party started. I had to wake her up when all the people started showing up! Everything was a blast and I took in every moment I could, trying not to stress over the little things. Here are some photos from the party.

This is on November 30th - the day she turned 1. Justin put some ice cream on her plate with her cupcake. Too cold ice cream resulted in this face but isn't it still the best face ever!??!! I giggle every time I see this :]

December 3rd - opening birthday presents in front of our Christmas Tree (which she won't stop touching now) 

Pointing at her cake but being such a good girl waiting patiently.

Smearing it all over her face, which took her a while to do. She was gently touching her cake when we first brought it out to her. 

"What is this stuff all over my hands?"

The birthday girl had a blast and actually had to go down for a nap maybe 15 minutes after her cake and people were still gettin' their party on, haha. She received a boat load of toys and they're currently overtaking our formal dining room which has been her playroom ever since we moved in.. I still can't believe I have a one year old. How is that? Can someone turn back time so I can re-live all those precious newborn moments? Nope? I didn't think so. But, I sure will enjoy all these precious moments of my one year old. Love you my dear Laila.

xoxo

cool fact: Laila's name means "dark haired beauty" which I find beautiful. Here's to hoping she has dark hair like myself (she already has my curly hair...on the back of her head)

Laila's Birthday Party

I was a complete mess the day of Laila's birthday party. I couldn't stop worrying about anything and everything. I kind of felt like I wanted to pull my hair out and fast forward to the end of the day.

I was worried where people would park and if they'd complain because we live on a busier street. I was worried about food and if there would be enough. I was worried about having 20+ people in our home, since this is the first time all of our family has been in our house at once. I was afraid it wouldn't be clean enough or as "put together" since we have nothing on the walls, paint swatches in various rooms but really, no one seemed to mine.

And I stressed over no reason. We had plenty of food! Yes, there were some issues with parking but it didn't ruin our day. The only thing I was hoping for, was some sunshine. Instead, we got rain. Bleh.

Laila received so many nice toys. Clothes, puzzles, Violet, a phone, a laptop, a popper, magnets, bath stickys and many many more toys. She didn't really open her gifts as much as I thought she would. Probably because she was distracted by the new toys that were already opened? Didn't matter though, she was all smiles. And when it came time for her cake, at first she wasn't too interested. She'd stick her fingers in it, look at them and wonder what all the stuff was. "hmm, this tastes good, i'll just stick my whole hand in there now and shove it in my face" that's pretty much how it went. Not too bad!

Shortly after her cake, she was ready for a nap and her party wasn't even over, there was still maybe 20 minutes left. But, Justin cleaned her off and layed her down. I didn't want to force her to stay awake. She was beat and ended up sleeping till 5:30 after going down around 2:40ish. No bigger, gave me time to completely open all her toys and clean up.

I have yet to edit all of the pictures taken from her birthday and her party. I promise I'll get around to it, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Happy Birthday!!!

This post will be short and sweet, just how I like it :]

Today, my baby turned ONE! I stayed home with her, slept in, made her pancakes, finished decorating the house with all types of Christmas decor, cleaned, went to Hobby Lobby with my mother and Laila, went out to lunch with mom, Laila and my aunt, did a ton more cleaning, played and played with my one year old. She was SO pooped out, and is already in bed and has been since 6:45. I think it was the cupcake and Red Velvet Ice Cream and not only did she get it ALL over her, she smothered my face in it while we were trying to take pictures. She seriously is THE best ever.

Lately, Laila has been showing me how smart she is. She is starting to repeat everything  you do. She wipes her mouth after eating, puts toys away, she even repeated "you did it" just like the show she was watching. I tip-toed into her room last night to find her awake and playing, so I brought her into bed to get some snuggle time in and attempt to read a book. Instead, we just lied there and guess what she did?? She continuously rubbed my forehead and hair back, just like I do to her.  I am so amazed at how much she has grown in the last year.

I look back at the times she was just born, holding her for the first time, kissing her, smelling her and telling her how much I love her and how happy I was she was finally here. I remember everything. the labor and delivery, the overflow of emotions that took over my body. I remember leaving the hospital and bringing her home for the first time and all the sudden I was stressed. Not because I just had a baby, but because I had to put too much stuff away that was taken and received at the hospital. No matter how tired, stressed or wondering "why am I crying about this stupid crock pot I can't put away" (yes, I did cry over a crock pot) I was still overly grateful to have a healthy, happy baby-family.  Everything is still so fresh in my mind and I love remembering it all but I look forward to all the other milestones, her 2nd birthday, 3rd, 4th, the day she learns to tie her shoes, ride a bike,the day she gets married, has kids, everything.

I'm so proud to be her mama and I'm so in love with her. Happy 1st Birthday, Laila. Mama loves you, to the moon and back and back again.

(how's that for short and sweet, :P)

convertible carseat hunt

Laila has been in her infant carseat for almost a year now and it's definitely time that we switch her on over to a convertible carseat. But finding the right convertible carseat has not been as easy as I thought.

I want something super safe, comfortable, something that will accomdate her as she grows and something not to ugly. Oh, and one that won't break my pockets. Is that too much to ask for? Apparently, for me, it is because I just cannot find the perfect one. Scratch that, I did find the perfect one, Graco Smart Seat All-in-One, linky here. Unfortunately, $300 isn't in our budget at this time, especially around the holidays. But, this morning, I noticed it was on sale for $239.99. Better, but still more than what I wanted to spend.

Then there is this one, Graco My Ride 65 and I have heard lovely things about it. Everyone seems to rav how awesome it is, and one of the biggest things I loved, it was for rear-facing or forward-facing. To me, that is very important because I want Laila to stay rear-facing as long as her little legs can handle it. I've heard during the summer the seat can get very warm, it's just not breathy enough. Does that make sense? Some also say once you face it forward, it tilts too far back causing they're child to constantly try to sit up. Also, I'm not sold on the pattern and have seen others elsewhere and for a little less money.

Next up, Graco Nautiuls Three-in-One. Seems SO incredibly safe it's undelievable, biggest down-fall for me, it's only forward-facing. I do like that she could go in it now and then when she gets old enough, it's also the booster seat for her. The price also doesn't break our pockets. 

Have you noticed a pattern here? All of these convertible carseats are by Graco. What can I say?! I love Graco! Anyone have any recommendations on convertible carseats?! Help me out!!

30 Days of Thanks: Days 15-23

Can you believe it?! Thanksgiving is tommorrow and I couldn't be more excited. I am so ready to surround myself with family, homemade recipes and laughter. AND my daughter's birthday is NEXT Wednesday!

Day 15: Coffee, I cannot function without it. Coffee keeps me sane and is the reason I can function on a day to day basis. Whether it be coffee I make at home, Starbucks or my new favorite, Dunn Brothers, I love it all. Thanks coffee!!

Day 16: Hot water, If I wasn't able to run a hot shower or bath, I would be pretty freaking miserable and super cranky. Hot showers are one of my favorite parts of the day and after Laila goes to bed, I enjoy just sitting in the water and thinking about anything and everything.

Day 17: Leah, my sister who lives all the way in Ohio..ok ok, it's not that far away. I miss my sister every single day and I hate not being able to see her as often. I just long for that siterly-bond/sercret-sharing that I see going on with other sisters and wish her and I could spend more time together. She's amazing, kind, and such a hard worker.

Day 18: Foodgawker, feed your eyes! Ah, why oh why must I love this site so much?! Because it has delicious recipes right in front of my face. :] Sometimes, I can't help it if I drool all over the place.

Day 19: Thanksgiving, an amazing time of the year where you can surrond yourself with family and be thankful for everything you have. Although, you should be thankful everyday.

Day 20: My camera, which goes along with pictues. If I didn't have my camera, I wouldn't be able to take pictures. I wouldn't be able to capture those beautiful, sad, mad and exciting moments that happen throughout everyones life. I'm hoping to use my camera to share other peoples moments with them, in time.

Day 21: Sunshine. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray. La de da de da. I love the sun and the sun keeps me in a good mood. I can get very depressed if I go days without sunshine. So winter can be especially hard on me. I'm hoping this year isn't too bad.  : /

Day 22: Comfortable clothing. I have so sense of fashion, haha. I wear what feels comfortable and what I look good in. And most days, that's usually just jeans and a hoodie. So boring but it's what makes me feel comfortable. Not going to lie, I definitely need to step out of my bubble and try new things out!

Day 23: Every single family member I have. I mentioned that I am thankful for my mom, dad, aunt, and sister but what about all the other family members I have? I'm thankful for every single one of them because every single one of them accepted me into their lives when I was adopted, every single one of them watched me struggle growing up and every single one of them helped me overcome my hardships. How could I not be thankful for such an amazing family?!

christmas meme - join in!

Jess from IROCKSOWHAT posted this Christmas Meme on her blog and I wanted in on the fun. Everyone should do this :]

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I absolutley hate egg nog, so hot chocolate it is

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? he has the elves do them, silly.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I prefer white with colorful ornaments on a tree. On my house, color!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? never have, maybe this year I will ;)

5. When do you put your decorations up? our tree is already up :] thank you to the guy from CL who sold it to us!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? um, pie. no doubt!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? all of the kids would head over to my grandma and grandpa's house and bake/decorate a crap ton of cookies and take our own home! we've done this every year and this year, i'll still be joining in.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? can't remember. i'm guessing my parents just decided to tell me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? use to all the time..

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? well this year we bought the tree pre-lit with white lights and pinecones and I just finished a pinterest project and made my own ornaments. hopefully it looks nice

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? if I can sit inside with some slippers, sweatpants on and some coffee, then I love snow. If I have to go outside and drive in it (if it's bad) then I hate it!

12. Can you ice skate? pft, when I was younger, now I'm sure i'll just fall on my arse.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Laila was born a month before Christmas and I'm pretty sure that was the best gift ever, awww :]

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? spending quality time with family and lots of delicious food

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Pie and all sorts of pie

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? baking and decorating cookies @ my grandma and grandpas house with all the other kids.

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? hate both. I suck at giving gifts and I hate when people watch me open mine, I just feel so akward. But this year, I'm pretty excited about giving because i'll be making a lot of cakes in a jar

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? yum but I mostly use them for decoration

20. Favorite Christmas show? Elf, Santa Claus (all) and pretty much everything else that is Christmas

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Silent Night

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? I want a hippopotamus for Christmas

All About Laila: 11 Months

Dear Laila,

This is only the second letter I've wrote you, one at birth and now this one, closer to your 1st birthday. Can you believe that in only 2 weeks, you're going to be one?! I can't because just yesterday, I was cradling you in my arms and singing a lullaby to you. I remember the day you were born, I was lucky and had a fast and easy delivery. You were so eager to come out and once you did, you cried, the most beautiful sound ever. You were placed on my chest and I couldn't stop crying and saying "I love you" over and over again. And since that day, you have grown up right before my eyes.

You no longer sleep in bed with us, or need me to hold your bottle, you love to do everything yourself and are so independent, it scares me. But there are still days where you want to sit on my lap all day long and cuddle. I love those days. I miss having you sleep right next to me though, the warmth of your body, listening to you breath and guess what?! Sometimes, you even snore. But, I can still hear all of that on the monitor.

Your appetite seems to be getting bigger everyday, all you want to do is eat. You aren't a fan of eggs (anymore) avocado, carrots (depending on how they're cooked) and some other items, like fruit. The only fruit I can get you to eat all the time is a banana. You totally love those things. Pretty soon you'll be on whole milk, woohoo! You hate your formula, anyways.

You've been going to bed around 7-7:30 for a while now and usually wake up around 6:30. I enjoy spending my mornings with you, lounging in our pajamas with the sun beaming in through the window. It's always a great morning. I miss taking you for walks but it's to cold for that, and I really think you miss it too. You are SUCH an outside baby toddler.

You wave bye-bye to everyone except me. I think you are just too smart and know that I'll be right back. You love strangers, is that weird and when did that happen? I remember the days you would scream if someone looked at you that you didn't even know. But now, you love when random people talk to you. You even wave bye-bye to them. You also clap, all.the.time, especially in the bathtub.

You also have some awesome moves and love to dance with me when there is music on. You're walking now, and have been since 10ish months. I love seeing you walk everywhere or even run. Although, seeing you run just scares me because you tend to fall a lot. Have to work on that balance a little more. Once walking came along, a few more bumps and bruises also came. But, you picked yourself right back up and continued to walk. You don't give up!

You have come to love the dog, Mykenzie. You give her hugs, pet her, pull her tail, play with her water and food and Mykenzie's favorite, you feed her!! I hope you continue to love animals as you get older.

Last weekend, you spent your first couple nights away from me but I don't even think you noticed, haha. You did awesome. I think I had the most trouble being away from you. I felt weird being so far, not able to give you a hug or kiss whenever I wanted but you and I talked on the phone a lot, that was nice!!

Speaking of talking, you still say the same words that you've been saying. One word you did pick up is puppy! You still love to read books and will sit and read them to me instead of the other way around. You have learned how to open the cabinets so it's time for us to lock those suckers up. You enjoy doing laps around the house, pulling on the gate, looking out the window, and the best - giving hugs.

I'm so proud of everything you have accomplished and I am so excited to watch you grow into this beautiful girl. Just don't grow too fast, mama isn't ready. Mama loves you, to the moon and back and back again.