Abbey Laughing

This is my niece. While we were visiting Chicago, she had her first real belly laugh.
Aunt Shelly is funny. Hannah used to just laugh at her too!
Since Abbey is so cute and this video was such a big hit, I'll try to include more Abbey too :)

Layla - weeks 15, 16 and 17.....Oh my I'm late

Where to start.....We took the girls to Chicago last weekend for the first time. In fact, we realized that it has been nearly two years since we have taken Hannah there! They were both very good on the trip which was great. They enjoyed playing with their cousin Abbey and the visiting dogs, Boozer and Otis. I didn't get a picture of Layla staring at the dogs, but it was pretty funny. She has never seen big dogs before and she was quite entertained. Hannah was very good on the trip and got some quality time with her aunts and uncle (which she loves). She has really bonded with uncle Mark, which is fun since she would have nothing to do with him when she was younger. She misses her aunt Shelly, so she was happy to spend some time with her too.

Shel - when are you moving back to St. Louis?

Layla is teething like crazy! She chews on her hands constantly now and is a bucket of drool. This is extra special since she has reflux and she is swallowing that much more drool to spit back up. We aren't sure if this is the only culprit, but her sleeping has taken a turn for the worse and we are getting up several times a night with her. She is eating anywhere from 2-4am. This was hard to adjust to again, but whatever is best for Layla is fine for me. At least she rarely throws up in the middle of the night anymore so it is a full feeding that stays in her belly.

No new news on rolling over or anything. Layla will roll to her side to get a better view of her sister (or the TV) but that's about it. She plays happily on her belly a couple times a day though and does great. We are starting to work on propping her up to sit so she can start building those muscles. We have really slacked on that since it usually comes with spitting up, but I think it will really help her. We are also going to break out the stationary entertainer and jump-a-roo this weekend. They started her in that at school this week and say she loves it. Looking back - this was exactly the age we put Hannah in those too. Wow - time really goes by quickly now.

I wished away those first weeks of Layla's life - I admit. I'd say the first 8 were pure heck and the next 2-4 were still tough. I wanted her to be bigger/older/better/faster. Now that she is doing a bit better, I want time to stand still. I want to enjoy her sweet babyness and her little babbles. She is a very sweet baby and she can just melt your heart with her smile and giggle. Now that I know how to post a video, I will try to get a good one of Layla chatting and giggling.

Take care.

14 weeks

Sorry I'm late again. These weeks go so quickly now!

Layla is doing well and babbling up a storm. She has lengthy conversations with her play gym in the evenings. Her school reported that she was chatting up the toys over there as well. Sometimes she even yells which is good practice for when she needs to be heard over her big sister. Layla also rolled over this week (by accident) from her belly to her back. Twice. It was pretty exciting - she got lots of applause.

Well Layla and I have resumed our 4am get together which is pretty disappointing after getting to sleep until 5 for a week or so. She has been up between 3 and 4 every night this week. She then goes back to sleep in her swing until about 7. When I have to get them to school I usually have to wake her around 6:30 - which is sad because I believe in never waking a sleeping baby!

We had a fun holiday weekend. We took the girls to the fair which was very fun. Hannah got to ride rides, play games and rode her first pony! We tried last year, but it was just too scary for a 1 year old. This year it was a ton of fun. Then Aunt Shelly was here to play and we got lots of swimming in! It was just a very nice weekend. Layla even got in the pool. We have a fun weekend planned next weekend too when Matt and I take the girls to Uncle Marks. It will be an experience I'm sure, but it should be fun.

Take care