Tall Ships and Splash Pad

Before I start, this is one of those "catching/updating" blog entries. So, just keep scrolling there's a lot of photos and a few of videos to check out!

Now, last weekend we joined Gramma and Papa Robidoux to Newport for the Tall Ships event. It was a bright, no-cloud-in-the-sky day. Layna was well-behaved and was excited to see the "big boats", as she would call them. We parked where we had to take the shuttle, which was a school bus. Layna sat in her seat and looked out her window. She was equally excited to be on the school bus !

After seeing the Tall Ships, we headed to Newport's Easton Beach. We visted this beach at least once a summer, usually after walking the Cliffwalk or/and visiting the Newport Mansions. The water was 70*, which we all loved and enjoyed swimming in. There was it's famous "red tide" where there is red seaweed, or something... Once you get past it you're all good to swim. Layna loved jumping with Mommy when the waves came. She did go under a couple times, but wasn't at all bothered by the salt water. She was definitely back in her element: water! hahaha.... she was running down the beach splashing and yelling with excitement, chasing seagulls, and playing the the sand.

Before heading home for the day, I was able to capture some great photos of Layna on the beach!

the first ship we saw!

so many boats out this day!

she wouldnt get any closer to the hole

a life boat

 

playing in the sand

probably pointing at the "boyydie" aka birds/seagulls 

video of Layna at the beach...

besides my smile... this is such a sweet photo of us!

I try to keep Layna happy, active, and entertained. We go to the park every couple of days to play on the playground, in the sand, and/or in the water at the Splash Pad. This is both of our favorite park. It has "everything" and is appropriate for ages 1-6 years old. Wish we had it in our backyard but 8 minutes down the road isn't bad either. 

literally ran straight through that sprinkler behind her over and over!

we were getting new shutters and she wanted to paint!

We spend a lot of time with Aislyn and Kaitlin. The two of them - Aislyn and Layna - crack me up all the time. This day they decided they needed haircuts along with the babydoll.

Spring Has Come !

Layna visited Nana and Papa Robidoux this a couple weekends ago where she spent her time sleeping on the couch. We went to the doctors on Monday and found how poor babygirl had a double ear infection. She has been doing a lot better since the visit and starting her antibiotic. She is definitely herself again; she didnt want to go to bed last night. Daddy's Aunt Bev was suppose to watch Layna for the day, but her husband woke up and was sick, so Layna's first day of daycare was February 29th! Even though she was still tired this morning, she let me leave. She just kissed Momma goodbye and played with the toy she found.

Layna has been enjoying every day at "School".  She has definitely adapted well to her new schedule: no more sleeping in and lounging all day in pajamas. So, I wake Layna up around 7-7 15 unless she wakes up earlier on her own. I put on the television let her wake up slowly with a cup of milk while I finish getting ready/waking up myself and having my coffee. Then by 745 at the latest we head to school. She had a period of days where she would cry when I would try to leave her, but maybe she was sick but now shes happy and healthy and walks to Ms Braz for breakfast and lets me leave with ease. Its the best thing because all the other little girls say bye to me too when I wave by to Layna. At school, she gets breakfast around 8, plays, has lunch around 11 and is down for her nap between 11 45 - 2 sometiems she sleeps for an hour sometimes longer. She comes home hungry, so I have to have dinner ready to go by the time she gets home or shes craaaanky!  And so its dinner, Layna and Mommy playtime, bath time, and then bedtime.  I miss her so much, but it makes me love her and appreciate more when I thought I couldn't love her any more than I do. And she definitely misses her Momma !

We have been seeing Kaitlin and Aislyn once every a week if we can. It's good to socialize for both of us ! The girls get along great! Also, Kaitllin's friend Heidi watched Layna one Saturday for me, and as Heidi said they "really hit it off". Layna was definitely found of Heidi. They went to the park where Heidi - who does photography - took some photos of Layna (which you will see shortly).

Layna and I are doing pretty good despite the circumstances, and I know she does remember and miss her Daddy. We are going to go visit him Saturday and if not Saturday, Tuesday. They will both be excited !

Layna is definitely changing and growing faster than I would like ! I swear everyday she comes home looking more like a young child than toddler, her hair is longer, and way smarter. Daycare has definitely gotten her to be outgoing and way more expressive and vocal about things; she's always been expressive. If you get to see her again soon, you would know exactly what I mean, or for my family: she is definitely a Chamberlain !

This past week (third week of March), Layna seemed to have a little conjuctivitus, and when Heidi brought her to the doctors for me. We found out Little Lady had another double ear infection, and the drainage from her eyes could be from all the fluid and gunk/mucous inside, since she had the ear infection, stuffy runny nose, and her eyes were a little oozing.

One last thing before I show you the photos ! Layna and I went to Church this past Sunday. As I was taking her out of the car, I asked her "do you want to go play or sit in Church?" and she said "church!" I do not think I could have asked for to behave any better than she had. She sat when I sat, stood when I stood, and even knelt when I did even though she had 8 inches to go before being able to see over the pew in front of us. Layna would look at the paintings and say "Jesus" and nod her head. I honestly don't think I could ask for a more natural church-goer than that. If she could get there on her own I bet she would ! She even asks for the Bible as a bedtime story!

Anywho... here are those adorable photos taken by Heidi-Carolyn Photography. You'll be amazed at how much older just got: Enjoy ! (dont forget: if you click or double-click on the photo, it should open another window and display larger)

can she look any older !?

this is definitely playful ! 

peek-a-boo we see you ! :)

sitting like a lady

my little strawberry blond girl !
(the redness only shows in photos, I think its cute,
but its appears more dark blond in person)

CHEESE !

so freakin' cute !

Layna is always full of energy and playful !

sitting like a *lady*

definitely looks like Mommy here ! 

FIRST TIME SKATING

It has been a long winter! We have been sick through January and when we got better a week later we got sick again. Layna has had a really bad cough and runny nose, and having trouble sleeping at night with no appetite except for milk. We have had needed a few new babysitters for Layna, also, which she does fine with. We have the help of Dan's parents of course, his Aunt Bev, and a couple of my friends. Kaitlin comes with Aislyn to watch Layna, which is wonderful. The two girls enjoy each other's company and play very well together... and Kaitlin enjoys having the two of them !  They are hilarious together and fun to watch ! If you are wondering who Aislyn and Kaitlin are, this may remind you:

Layna and Aislyn meeting for the first time:
Layna is about a month old and Aislyn about a week or two....

The two girls are FAR from being little newborns and are now two little ladies.

Last weekend for Mommy's birthday we - Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux - took Layna skating for the first time. She did pretty well! We went around the rink twice, and the second time she was holding the wall and Mommy's hand and then would try to skate away from the way. Mommy is very proud of her little skater !

shes doing it ! "skating" ... walking on the ice.
I'm SO proud !

smiling for the camera and skating.... just not a good idea
to close those eyes for "cheese" Layna !

skates on and ready to go !