Layla Jules turns 8!

Weight: 59.6 pounds.

Height: 52 inches 

Eating: You are a creature of habit. 

Clothes: 7/8

Shoe Size: 2 

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!

I know I'm late in writing this but I think it's because I can't believe you are 8 years old. 

So often I am told what an empathetic and kind girl you are. That's just you, my love. You are KIND. Your heart is good and your love of the world is clear. 

You are getting older and more independent with each day that passes. The other day, you asked if you could start getting ready in your own bathroom (brushing teeth, doing hair) rather then in my bathroom. This broke my heart a little bit but also made me proud. You are growing and navigating your own path. However, you're still nervous to go into any room alone (especially the basement) and beg Benny to go with you anywhere ;) 

You just finished the 2nd grade and had a great year. You really loved your friends. We dealt with our fair share of "Girl Drama" but you did a beautiful job ignoring it (mostly) and we're working on how important friendship is. You are always so supportive of those around you - you're a magnet for all things GOOD. 

Here is a list of 8 things going on with you today....

1. I often find myself staring at you. I just can't believe how much you are changing. Still tall, teeny and my blue-eyed gorgeous girl. Now that summer and camp are in full force, your gorgeous freckles sprinkle across your cheeks and nose. Your hair is long with the prettiest blond streaks. Your body is strong and beautiful. 

2. 2nd grade was a JOY! You loved your teacher, Ms. Engel. You made some amazing friends and loved filling me in on the gossip of the classroom daily. You are an amazing reader and have really become addicted to books - it's awesome watching you silently giggle while reading Owl Diaries (your favorite books). You made great strides in math and loved science and social studies. I am looking forward to all your progress in 3rd grade - this is a big year! 

3. The food struggle continues but you've finally added a MAJOR food - EGGS!!! You love my scrambled eggs (with ketchup) and it's awesome. You also recently discovered your love of bacon (ha!) - otherwise, your favs are pork roll, yogurt, bananas, green grapes, strawberries, chicken nuggets, french fries and nutella. 

4. Your favorite things include: movies, TV (lately, Stuck in the Middle, Liv & Maddie, Talking Tom), singing (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Rachel Platten), reading (lOwl Diaries, Dork Diaries), shopping at Justice, begging for another puppy, holding Miles, playing with Benny, being around your BFF Avery, playing with ALL of your cousins (you really adore Marley, Sam & Remi). We love Broadway (you've now seen Beauty & The Beast in Philly, Aladdin, Cinderella, Lion King, Frozen, The Prom & King Kong. You LOVE to dance. You LOVE to put make-up on. You LOVE to lay on the sofa curled up under a blanket snuggled to me watching a movie. You LOVE your nightly sleepovers with Benny and refuse to sleep alone. You LOVE sleeping out at anyone's house. 


5. You are THE BEST HELPER. Your listening skills aren't always the best (especially if deep into watching TV or a movie) but I would not have survived these 8 weeks of Miles without you. You are the first to help with grabbing a diaper, holding him so I can shower, putting in his pacifier for the 20th time - you are just the best big sister. With Benny, you're always so protective and concerned. You love chores and if you're in the mood, you'll help with cleaning / feeding the animals, etc. 

6. We had a great birthday party to celebrate your 8th birthday at Zone 4 Fun - it was SO much fun!! Your whole class came plus all of your other friends. It was great to see you so happy and surrounded by so many people that loved you. 

7. You are at SSDC for the 3rd summer - you love camp so much. You are really excited about Musical Theatre, swim, all the sports, the talented show - it's all so cool to you.

8. I love my days with you - now that you & I are the only girls, you take this role very seriously. I love our one on one time together - shopping, nails - it's all so fun and I look forward to more time, just us girls. We love you so much Layla Jules - you are special and smart and kind and sweet. Just the BEST.  

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

Favorite Food: Bean & Cheese nachos from Las Margaritas
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman
Favorite TV Show: Liv & Maddie
Favorite Song: Fight Song - Rachel Platten
Favorite Actor: Zac Efron 
Favorite School Subject: Gym
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Favorite Vacation: Disney World
Best Friend: Avery
When you grow up, you want to be: Horseback Rider
Favorite Thing About Yourself: "That I have Miles"
Favorite Thing About your Body: "That I'm very kind and nice..oh, my body? My boobies."
Favorite Toy: LOL dolls
Favorite Book: Owl Diaries
Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Holiday: Hanukkah 

***A few pictures***

Miles is 1 month old!!

I'm 1 month old!

1 month stats:

Weight: 9 pounds, 12 ounces!! (gained TWO pounds since birth!)
Height: 21 inches
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2 hours (sometimes more...)
Clothes: Newborn and 0-3 month.
Diaper: Newborn

Dear Miles,

How can it be that one month has zoomed on by? For the past 6 years, I have felt like a piece of me was missing a bit. And then, like a lightening bolt, you entered our lives and my heart feels complete. You are what I was missing.

You are a dream. So many people told me that the 3rd baby is the easiest - so far you're living up to that. You go with the flow. You've been to restaurants, soccer games, birthday parties, friend's houses... you just go with us and gracefully. 

The second week home, I decided to work in the office - I know it felt crazy because I should have been home resting but we felt great and we were OFF.

You are an amazing nurser - don't tell your brother or sister, but you are my best little eater. You took to breastfeeding and together, we were off. AND now you've gained 2 pounds which makes me so happy. 

You get the hiccups multiple times a day. You are iffy on the carseat / car. You cry almost every time you get strapped in the seat but once we start driving, you're pretty good. If there is traffic or a red light, the crying usually starts again. Luckily, your sister & brother (who fight and take turns to sit next to you in the minivan) help!

You seem to really like the pacifier. It helps soothe you. 

Your grandma left yesterday after spending the past month with us - she was an invaluable help. Every morning, around 530 AM, I'd text her and she'd come get you and hang out downstairs so I could snooze a bit without you on my chest. I know you won't remember but I have a feeling she will always remember those mornings!

You are still sleeping a ton during the day, though we see more and more of you being awake too! Now that we discovered how much you like the K'Tan baby carrier, I have a feeling you'll be in there often. 

At night, you sleep on my chest. You hated the bassinet and I'm not ready for the crib yet. I dont know how much sleep I'm getting but I sure do love our snuggles. 

It took a while for your umbilical cord to fall off but now you've had a couple of baths and you seem to really like it!! It's so much fun and your hair gets so fluffy after. 

I can't believe how much you are loved. Dada, Layla & Benny....your 10 cousins...your aunts & uncles.. your Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop, Grandma & Grandpa...and countless others couldn't wait for your arrival. You are so very good, my sweet boy. 

Love always,
Your Mama