LAYLA TURNS 10!!!

 

Weight: 70 pounds.

Height: 59 (maybe?) inches 

Eating: You are a creature of habit. 

Clothes: 10/12

Shoe Size: 4 

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!!!!!

My perfect, amazing, empathetic, sweet daughter - happiest 10th birthday to you!! I'm nearly one month late in writing this but it's nto that I forgot. Perhaps it's that I can't believe we are now in double digits!! 

This has been a great year for you. You took the pandemic / virtual school / hybrid model / full in person schooling at ease, never complaining about mask wearing or the ever changing rules. You are a joy and we are so lucky to call you ours.

You've had a big year - you decided to start dance again and REALLY loved it. You started Hebrew School (virtually) and did it despite it not being your favorite. You also got your Bat Mitzvah date assigned! You also started Flag Football and really enjoyed it - it was a great success! You tried skiing again and didn't hate it but didn't love it either. 

You are on the brink of teenager but still LOVE to play with toys - which is so, so good. You love barbies, make-up, fidget toys, Pokemon, playing school - anything using your imagination. 

You had a great, successful year of 4th grade. You thrived in school and had some great friends along for the ride. Ms. Corcoran was an awesome teacher. You attempted cello but quickly determined it wasn't for you. With the pandemic, there were many weird changes in school - we are hoping this upcoming school year is more "normal." You also took a virtual class with Lights Camera Acting - all singing, you loved it!

Here is a list of 10 things going on with you today....

1. You are gorgeous in every sense of the word. You donated your hair but it's already getting long again. You recently dyed it pink & blue but it quickly washed out so we'll try again after summer. You have the best freckles and your tall, lean body is amazing at running, jumping and dancing. 

2. 4th grade was a big year and you did awesome. You started PSSAs (testing) and you hated it but made it through. You LOVE to read and we go to the bookstore often to buy new books. You are doing great with math and your Dad is the best tutor. You had no homework this year which was awesome - hoping that sticks for next year!

3. While being picky is a struggle, this summer you're forced to try new foods because camp doesn't have bagels. I'm so proud of you because you're doing it!! You've decided to add cheese sandwich to your diet and while this doesn't seem huge, it is. I know that as you get older you'll learn to enjoy new foods but for now, you love your bacon, pork roll, chicken nuggets, apples, grapes, yogurt, nutella & strawberries. 

4. Your favorite things include: movies (Luca, Boss Baby 2), TV (you love anything new on Netflix), singing, reading, shopping for new books, playing with your friends, make-up, time with cousins, Broadway, snuggling and sleeping in our bed.

5. You are THE BEST HELPER. I would not be surviving Miles' crazy 2 year old season without you. You're so patient and sweet with him - always helping when I ask, without question. You're just a dream come true. 

6. This year, you chose a party at Head Over Hooves (a local farm) - it was so much fun!! A SUPER hot day but a great success. We had a few school friends, cousins and the Bellano girls - loved it!! The cicadas were out in full force and the sound of their wings was deafening. After the farm, we all came back to the house for dinner & swimming - so much fun!! We had two cakes and all the fun.

7. This year, you started a new camp (Camp America!) - while we loved SSDC, it felt like a good time to change. You've really enjoyed it so far!! New girls (but luckily still with Avery!) - so much fun. You miss Benny a lot as he's at Golden Slipper - I'm hoping next summer I can get you to try out GSC!

8. You are awesome with the animals - you love Rigby, London & Liverpool - along with our two hermit crabs. You always ask for a kitten or puppy (like, constantly..) - but for now, we are done getting new pets. 

9. You are hysterical - sometimes you say the funniest things and we crack up for hours. You love to just snuggle up and watch a movie or read a book. You're such a joy. 

10. We love you so much, babes. You are the best thing that ever happened and I count my lucky starts to call you mine. 

Some questions I asked you...so many of the answers were the same from last year! I love that.

Favorite Food: "My Previous" - bean and cheese nachos

Favorite Color: Teal
Favorite Movie: Dear Evan Hansen (has NOT seen it yet)
Favorite TV Show: High School Musical: The Musical, The series
Favorite Song: Good 4 U - Olivia Rodrigo
Favorite Actor: Ben Platt
Favorite School Subject: Reading
Favorite Sport: Flag Football
Favorite Vacation: Grandma's House
Best Friend: Avery
When you grow up, you want to be: Singer / Songwriter 
Favorite Thing About Yourself: "Everything!"
Favorite Thing About your Body: Blue Eyes
Favorite Toy: iPad 
Favorite Book: All the Girls (Graphic novels) and Dork Diaries series
Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Holiday: Hanukkah & Birthday (all holidays I get gifts)

***A few pictures***