Teething

Pretty sure Layla is teething...I'm not sure what it feels like when a tooth is trying to poke through but she's been extra fussy and chewing on things harder than she normally does. She hasn't had a fever or anything, thank goodness, but she's been very needy/clingy. I don't mind the clingy thing until it comes time for dinner or even trying to go to the bathroom! I got my ergo baby carrier just in time! It has definitely come in handy, although I haven't used it as much as I could.

What have been symptoms of teething for your little ones? Of course, in the back of my mind I wonder if something else is going on but teething seems to be the more obvious explanation.




Layla got to have her first taste of food yesterday! It was fun and we got to use our baby food maker for the first time :)
We tried carrots and I think the texture really threw her off, but she was really excited to eat 'big girl' food and use a spoon! She loves getting to use a spoon...I always give her her pro-biotic on a spoon and she gets so excited.

We'll try the carrots again today and see what she thinks the second time around.

6 MONTHS!

Our little Layla Bug is 6 months old today! I can't believe how fast its gone by...I know everyone says that but seriously, it goes toooo fast! Her personality is coming out so much these days and she's hilarious. Her newest thing that she has started doing is sucking on her bottom lip and she gets the most hilarious, adorable look on her face when she does it. I've tried getting a picture but every time I pull out my phone or the camera to catch her, she get's excited and makes her 'excited face' (see picture below).

I have absolutely loved learning how to be a mom and have loved getting to know our sweet little girl. I'm pretty sure we have some super exciting years ahead of us with this ornery little baby :)

Layla's hair has also started to grow a lot in the last month so I HAD to put a bow in it with no headband. It's not quite ready for that yet but I just got excited, haha.

Layla loves to laugh and have fun. She is learning so many new things now and is really starting to pay attention to our actions and noises.
Some of her favorite things include:
*Reading
*Being sung to
*Rubbing her hands through Daddy's hair
*Sucking on her toes. Yes...her toes.
*Being naked/getting her diaper changed - she gets really happy
*Playing in the shower
*Eating
*Snuggling
*Grabbing our faces

She is also starting to give hugs and kisses which are absolutely precious! And she is sitting up on her own now, which is very convenient.

I'm so thankful that God blessed us with this little miracle and cannot wait to continue to watch her grow and learn!

Working as a Team

I always thought it would be fun to run my own photography business. Now, I'm not doing that exactly BUT my husband has started his own photography and design business and within the last 6 months it has really taken off. He has probably done more design work than photography so I haven't been a huge part in anything but I have been able to help with some jobs. We have now videoed two weddings and have shot two birthday parties for a couple different families at our church. It's been a lot of fun and always gives us some time together, without Layla. Feel free to check out our facebook page AF Photography & Design and 'like' us if you haven't already!

This business has been a huge blessing to us, especially when Antony was out of work this past summer. It didn't exactly pay the bills but it helped us not have to dig into our savings quite as much and it gave him a little boost of confidence. God provided Antony with multiple jobs through his business and has really helped his business get off to a great start! It has been a fun learning experience as we both expand our skills and get out of our comfort zones. He and I have both had to be more outgoing at different times and that has been both fun and scary, ha. Antony has also learned that he is much more of a people person than he thought! :)

I'm excited for our future whether that means that one day Antony will solely work from home as a freelance design and photographer or if it continues to be just a side job. Its exciting and fun to be a part of this with him! 

Week 1 Passed

So we survived the first week of bed to crib transfer. Its been a bit of a struggle but I think Layla might be figuring things out. The last couple days have been a little rough but that could just be because its the weekend and our schedule is always a little off during Saturday and Sunday. But...we've been home from my parents house (where we always spend Sunday after church) for over an hour now and she's been asleep the whole time without waking up! *** Literally, as I finished that sentence she woke up. NEVER brag about your child's sleeping while they're sleeping, lol.

I can't believe that Layla will be 6 months old in one week! The time has gone way too fast! And everyone tells you it goes by fast but you don't realize just how fast it passes until it happens. I think it seems to go so fast 1. Because you're sleep deprived so the days just kind of blend into one and 2. Babies change so much within a week so they seem to grow up so ridiculously quick. I have very much enjoyed my first 6 months as a mom. Its better than I imagined it would be (of course) and I've learned so much!

I think one of the biggest things I've learned more about is God's love. God loves his children and as a child of God, I've always had a hard time understanding his love for me. Now that I am a parent, I feel like I understand the depth of his love a little better. If I can love this little baby as much as I do...I can't imagine how much he loves each one of his children, who(m?) me created and 'knit together in [our] mother's womb!' That's pretty incredible and some awesome love.

Another thing I've learned is that I am a much more patient parent that I thought I would be. Now, that may change as Layla gets older and as she begins to understand the things that she does, but for now it has been really easy to be patient with her (except for some of the 2am feedings). This is also something else that I have begun to understand more clearly about God. He is so incredibly patient with us its ridiculous. I always wonder how he can be so patient with me over and over again but it comes back to his love. His love is so incredible for his children and love is patient. God is love and love is patient...so think back to your most 'patient moment' and imagine how much more patient God is!

Back to Layla...we're planning to let her try some food soon. I'm thinking of either starting with carrots or avocado. Thoughts? Suggestions? What did you other moms try first?

Almost too cute to handle

Day 2

Halfway into day 2...I don't like letting my little girl cry. So I don't for very long, haha. I'm weak! But the hubs and I both decided that we don't want to just all of a sudden stop going to her when she cries b/c up until this point, we've gone to her right away every time she cries. Some people would look down on us for that, but that's ok. We're learning as we go and I also think each child is different so while that may be a crazy thing to do in some cases, I think for Layla, right now, she needs to know we're there.

 I just got her down for a nap successfully in her crib! It only took one try so that's good! But I'm sure I don't have long...her naps have still been short today :/  but at least she's napping.

On a happier note, I got some REALLY cute pictures of her in some adorable shoes that my Aunt Kim got her for Christmas. I let my camera upstairs in our room, where Layla is sleeping, so I'll have to post pictures later.

That's all for now! I'm sure in just a few minutes I'll be 'called' back up :)

Day 1

First of all, Happy Birthday to my BFF Jenny!!

Second, today was day 1 of the transfer from bed to crib for naps for Layla. It wasn't quite as bad as I thought, minus the fact that she woke up at 6:30am and didn't go back to sleep until 9:30am. Normally, if she wakes up really early she'll go back to sleep within an hour. For some reason this morning was different so it took 3 hours to get her back to sleep and that nap only lasted for 20 minutes...I then let her lay in bed with Antony and I (who were also trying to nap) and she ended up falling asleep for an hour! I know, I know...not good on my part to let her nap with us when we're trying to make the transfer but it just kind of happened. I didn't plan for her to fall asleep b/c she laid with me awake for at least 20 minutes so I figured as long as she was quiet maybe I could at least get a little rest...but then she ended up falling asleep and I wasn't about to try to move her and risk waking her up again! haha. But anyway...each nap in the crib was only about 20-30 minutes long. This is a normal nap time for her but since being sick she had started taking longer naps and I was hoping that would make the transition a little easier, and maybe it will, this was just the first day. Let's hope tomorrow is even better. To keep my sanity and patience while she cries, I just pray, and it really helps a lot. So maybe this week won't be as bad as I was anticipating. Oh...but did I mention the HORRIBLE headaches I've been having the last few days that I'm a little worried might be the beginning of a sinus infection? Oh...Layla has also decided that she doesn't like Mommy putting her to sleep but as soon as Daddy tries, she's out like a light (usually). Oh well. I got a few minutes to myself tonight to take a nice hot bath, as my attempt two nights ago was a failure b/c the water was COLD. A trip to the chiropractor is also in store for me this week to see if the headaches go away. Until then, pray for us this week! Pray that Layla catches on to the new routine quickly and that these headaches are NOT a sign of a sinus infection.

I'm off to bed!

I love Saturday mornings. Today we started out with sausage, eggs and breakfast potatoes by the fire and then Layla and I enjoyed a very nice 2 hour nap :) That NEVER happens! She has been napping really well since she's feeling better. After her nap I decided to do some sensory play with her. I've been excited for her to get a little older so I can try out some homemade things! I decided to try making some dough for her to play with (very carefully). I found a very simple recipe using just cornstarch, baking soda and water. VERY easy! It took maybe 10 minutes to make and I think I have more fun with it than she did :) Here's the blog that I got the recipe from: http://thelifeoflulubelle.com/2011/12/01/salt-dough-vs-cornstarch-clay

I made a very small batch 

Of course she had to taste it so I had to be very careful not to let her bite any off

Playnig with a sensory bottle filled with glitter, water, and soap

Just chillin' in my new sunglasses :) I'm ready for summer!!