Potty Time

Dear Layla,

You aren't the first child in the world to enjoy playing with toilet paper, and you probably aren't the last. I can't believe how you long you sat there in the bathroom, unwinding the toilet paper off the roll and then trying to put it back on. I was impressed. But then again, everything you do impresses me.

You sat and played so long that I was able to take pictures, record a video, and get the G-Parents on Skype to watch. Sadly, I wasn't able to record the best part of your toilet paper playtime. The best part was when you put a bunch of torn pieces of toilet paper on the toilet lid and then pulled the handle to flush it. Genius!

Love,

Mommy

Pickle

Dear Layla,

You love pickles. The first one you ever had was at Firehouse Subs when you were about 9 months old. When you order a sandwich (I like the Engine Company without tomatoes), they always give you a pickle on the side. It was late, and by "late" I mean like 8:30. See, when you become a parent "late" is unusally "early" to most non-parents. You were acting tired and fussy, so I gave you my pickle. I wouldn't let you hold it, but let you bite into the soft middle part. You were in love.

From there, you progressed into eating cut-up pieces of pickle then to holding one and eating it on your own. Such a big girl!

Ya-Ya suggested that I grab the video camera and record you eating a pickle during tonight's Skype session. I am so glad that I did!

Love,
Mommy

I'm Going to Fence You In!

Dear Layla,

I don't remember when or who said it to me, but someone warned me not to go out and buy everything at Babys R' Us. They said that you will let Daddy and I know when you are ready for bottles, walking toys, and all the other baby items I thought I needed to buy before your birth.

I guess you are showing me that it's time to buy a baby gate.

Oh - and for the record, no concussions were developed in the making of this video. You did not fall down the stairs like it may appear at the end of the video. Once you reached the top, you were so proud of yourself that you turned around, put your arms out for me and fell into my arms. I dropped the camera so it looks a lot worse than it really was.

Love,
Mommy

Nose Pickin'

Dear Layla,

I don't know who taught you this or why you think it's funny.

But I'll admit it - it is kinda hilarious.

Love,
Mommy

Ring, Ring!

Dear Layla,

Yesterday, on Skype Night with G-Pa and Ya-Ya, you grabbed my cell phone, put it to your ear, and started talking. It was hilarious.

And if this video is of any indication, your Daddy and I will have a massive cell phone bill one day.

Love,
Mommy

Layla's First Birthday!

Dear Layla,

365 days have passed since you where born and I love you a little more each day. Happy birthday to my sweet angel!

Love,
Mommy

Digital scrapbook generated with Smilebox

Strawberry Cake

Dear Layla,

When I was little, G-Ma (or as you've started calling her, "Ya-Ya") used to make me homemade strawberry cake for my birthday. I can still remember the bright pink icing. So yummy!

Now it's my turn to make it for you. I decided to use the recipe as cupcakes for you to take to Mama Jane's house to share with your friends at daycare. Each cupcake was decorated with a white dot in honor of your first birthday.

Here's the recipe so that perhaps one day you'll make it for my granddaughter.

Strawberry Cake
1 box white cake mix

1 small box of strawberry jell-o
1/2 cup water
1 cup oil
4 egg whites
3 tbsp. cake flour
5 oz. frozen strawberries

Beat the egg whites until stiff. Combine the other ingredients then fold in the egg whites. Bake at 350 degrees until done.

Strawberry Icing
5 oz. of strained frozen strawberries (just buy a 10 oz. container and split it between the icing and batter)
1 stick butter
Confectioner's sugar

Combine all until icing thickens.

Enjoy the tradition!

Love,

Mommy