Spring Break

We had a great Spring break. Ella didn't have school (she goes Tuesdays and Thursdays) so we stayed home and relaxed. My Mom is a teacher so she was off all week and came and spent Wednesday-Friday with us. I got my hair done on Wednesday, we did some shopping, went out to eat and played with the girls. We wore sweet Layla out!

Thursday we took my car to the dealership because one on the locks wasn't cooperating, did some more shopping, went out to eat again & again, and my sister and nephew came over to play.

Ella loves her Caleb! These two act more like brother and sister and just bicker and pester each other to death, then they will love on each other and play and have fun, then back to bickering.

Layla could swing all day! She loves being outside and is just so comfy in her swing.

Ella loves to read, so whenever my Mom comes she brings 4 or 5 new books. We read to Ella every night before bed, but when Granny is here Ella wants her to read. On Thursday night Layla crawled into Ella's room and my Mom put her in bed with them and they all read. I of course had to run and get my camera. 

Those girls love their Granny. When she is not here Ella is a complete Momma's girl, but when Granny is around she becomes Granny's girl.

We had a playdate Friday, so my Mom left. Ella was pretty bummed when we got back to the house and realized Granny wasn't there anymore. A little swinging outside and playing with her sister made it better though. These two are just sooooo sweet! 

I love Layla's sweet smile! We had a great time. Trey worked long hours this week so I am glad my Mom was here.

Ella's First Haircut

I haven't ever had Ella's hair cut because I want it to be long and her hair grew in pretty even, so it didn't really need to be cut. Well, it was getting looong and it was also starting to get a little scraggly on the ends. Then two days ago she said "My hair is too long! I need to have it cut!". So, that sealed the deal.  Here are her before pictures.

And the back...

I have been talking up getting a haircut so she wouldn't be that screaming kid in the salon! We went to Target and got her a baby doll and she practiced "cutting" her baby's hair. She got super excited and was ready to get it done!

We went to a cute little salon that cuts little girl's hair and she did great.

Here is how much she is getting cut off. It was harder on me than her!

Going...going...

Gone!!

Doesn't she look thrilled?! Haha! She didn't really say anything she just was kinda leery about what was going on.

She got a blow dry. She wasn't too fond of it, but she sat still and didn't make a sound. She doesn't really like it when I dry her hair either. Usually I just let it air dry unless it is too cold.

Then they sprayed glitter in her hair, did a cute little twist in the front and painted purple glittery stars on her cheeks.

The final result!

Pretty darn cute!!!

And no more scraggly ends. It is still long, but now it will be even. It looks healthier too.

They gave her a star lollipop and she was a happy girl. I am glad I waited this long so that is was a pleasant experience! 

Layla is 9 Months!

Sweet baby girl, you are 9 months old! Your personality is coming through more and more. You are so sweet and just give me the biggest smiles. You give me sugars when I ask for them and come at me with your mouth wide open! I love it! You are still a total Momma's girl and I love that too.

We went to the doctor this month and you weighed 26 pounds, 98% and were just shy of 30", 98%. You wear size 4 or 5 shoes, depending on the brand, and wear a size 4 diaper. You are still wearing 24 month clothes. I did put a 2T shirt on you the other day and it fit just fine. Your little legs aren't long enough to wear 2T pants yet though.

You say mama, dada, and all sorts of other crazy sounds that don't mean anything yet. You love to "talk" to your sister. Right now it just consists of "eeh, goo" and such. She makes noises back to you and you will repeat them, so it really sounds like a conversation!

You are pulling up on everything, cruising along the furniture, speed crawling, and constantly following your sister around. You LOVE to be in her room. You both play kitchen together and it just makes me so happy!
You sleep great at night! Your bedtime is usually around 9. You set your own schedule when you were little and it has just fallen in place. Some days you don't nap and then you are ready for bed at 8. Sometimes you get to stay up until 10 if you have napped really well throughout the day. Speaking of naps they were very precise from 11-2, but with all things they are changing too. You nap now from about 1:00-4:00. Your evening nap is usually only an hour and you fall asleep on me while you are eating and I just let you stay there.

You are still nursing 5-6 times a day, eating baby food and have even started getting really food. You have had mac & cheese, bread, chicken, other pastas, and even ice cream! You made the funnies face when you tried the ice cream, but you opened your mouth right back up for some more. (I was much MUCH more picky about not letting Ella have certain foods, but it is so true that you are more lenient with your second child.)

You are just the sweetest, most cuddly baby. You have been doing better in the nursery and Wednesday you played the whole time without fussing! You also already have a temper and get so mad when I take something away. You put EVERYTHING in your mouth, good or bad, and get so mad when I have to fish it out.

I love you so much and am so thankful you are my baby girl. Your Daddy and I are amazed at how blessed we are! We thank God for you and your sister!!

And now for the outtakes...

Cool leaf, huh? Layla is mesmerized by anything Ella has.

Ella loves to make faces. Silly girl!