Layla turns 7!!!!

Weight: Roughly 53 pounds.

Height: I'd guess 50 or so inches? 

Eating: The same things for 7 whole years. ;) 

Clothes: 7

Shoe Size: 13 

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Please don't worry if you see Mama crying in the corner on the morning of your birthday. I've never been as proud as anything in my life as I am of you. 

You are KIND and STRONG and BRAVE and NICE. You are care about the world around you - from the smallest worm to the biggest tree. You fiercely protect your brother from the moment you wake up until the second he falls asleep. 

You are learning to navigate the world around you and despite my thick desire to want to hold your hand every step of the way, you're extraordinary in your desire to learn on your own. 

This was a huge year for you - a brand new school without knowing anyone. Elementary school is a major change from your preschool and you've navigated this new place with grace and ease. I'm just so proud of you. Below is a quick 7 things that I adore about you. 

1. You are the prettiest bird in all the land. Your body is so tall and lean with gorgeous, fair skin and freckles sprinkled across your nose and cheeks. Your hair is finally quite long again after donating it almost 2 years ago. I have a feeling you'll want it short again soon. Your sweet smile is now complete with missing teeth. You've lost 4 so far and LOVE when the Tooth Fairy (named Tia) comes! 

2. You are SO SO SO SMART!! Kindergarten prepared you beautifully for 1st grade -- you are now reading so strong. You LOVE math & science and did really well this year. You can read a clock, add, subtract, do fractions, read a clock and spout off random facts about the Earth. School is great - you love gym & art the most. You have a very sweet class of 21 kids - we had some issues with bullying and such, but we talked it through and you stayed strong. You love your friends and I have a feeling next year will be even better. You are finding your stride in a world full of new - it's amazing to see your love of people. Your personality is so full and vibrant - a true joy to be around. 

3. You are turning 7 and still hate food. We are trying to get you to eat new foods but it's a slow struggle. You eat the same thing for lunch every single day (yogurt, cheese stick, mandarin oranges, banana and a small treat). You still love pork roll, chicken nuggets, matzah ball soup, refried beans, cheese, strawberries, apples, grapes and bananas. And chips. And french fries! 

4. Your favorite things include: movies, TV (lately, Fuller House, Jessie, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Teen Titans Go), singing (Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, The Greatest Showman soundtrack), reading (lately, it's all books on amazing women), squishies, board games, gymnastics on my floor, dancing with Dada, wrestling Benny, Chick Fil A with your bestie, Avery, and sleepovers at your cousin's houses. You also LOVE Broadway which makes me insanely happy - together we have seen Beauty & The Beast (in Philly) and Aladdin, Cinderella, Lion King & Frozen in NYC. 

5. You have been a great help this year - really starting to want to help around the house. You'll clean you room / living room / kitchen, especially if I pay you ;) You help with the cats, London and the fish. You are so insanely sweet with Benny - just last night, I watched on the monitor as you tucked him and made sure he had Brian and a sweet hug & kiss. You love your sleepovers together and refuse to sleep separately even though Benny requests it sometimes. Also, you could sit in the bath for hours if I let you just playing with your toys. 

6. You still ask for a baby sister nearly everyday, you'd love another dog (a Yorkie), you beg for a phone even though you lost your Garmin within 10 days of having it (We found it!) and you love to cuddle more then anyone i know. You tried all new sports this year - Yoga, Jump Rope, running club and baseball. You like them all (except baseball - not your cup of tea) but you really want to do gymnastics again so you'll start in the fall. We are getting ready for your big 7th birthday party - a private showing of The Greatest Showman at our local little theater with swimming after. We can't wait!! First grade is wrapping up and soon you'll be back at camp!!

7. We love you so much, sweet Layla Jules. Thank you for always showing me how lucky i am to be your mama. 


Some questions I asked you while we were on a date last week, just you & I, to which you said "Being alone with you makes me SO SO SO happy!!!"

Favorite Food: Bean & Cheese nachos from Las Margaritas
Favorite Color: Purple & Blue
Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman
Favorite TV Show: Jessie
Favorite Song: Shake it Off - Taylor Swift
Favorite Actor: Zac Efron 
Favorite School Subject: Gym
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Vacation: Disney World with Grandma
Best Friend: Avery
When you grow up, you want to be: A Rock Star
Favorite Thing About Yourself: "I'm a great artist"
Favorite Thing About your Body: "I have love"
Favorite Toy: American Girl Doll
Favorite Book: Rosa Parks
Favorite Season: Winter
Favorite Holiday: Hanukkah 

***A bunch of pictures over the last year***