It is already half way through May ! Layna has been doing a lot lately including teething some more, climbing on furniture and jumping off it, and getting into everything even more ! She has started her speech therapy a couple weeks ago. She meets with her therapist (Sydney) once a week. Layna is definitely trying to talk, but because she communicates very strongly with non-verbal communication aka signing and Mommy understands her wants, she hasn't started talking yet. Layna knows how to move her mouth and tongue to make certain noises and this is evident when she is making her animal noises and sounds in generally. All Sydney does during the one hour session is play with Layna, and when she talks she is very repetitive and accentuates each letter sound along with signing and trying to teach Layna the signs for things. Her first sign is a fish, which isn't very helpful when she wants something. haha.

This past week, Mommy and Layna have been busy travelling. First we visited Daddy Thursday to Saturday. We were home Saturday to Tuesday. We went back down to Daddy's for the night because Layna had her "1-year" hearing checkup, which she did great at ! And on Wednesday we headed to the Cape to join Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux for their last few days of their vacation.

We had a good time at the Cape and being away for a few days. On Wednesday, we relaxed: went for a walk on the beach and went for a walk on a bike path and got some groceries. On Thursday, we went to the National Seashore near Provincetown. We took Grandpa's truck and we got to drive on the beach in the sand dunes. It was the perfect Cape day ! The sun was out and we were in a very secluded area. Layna behaved pretty well until she had to go into her carseat. She got a little overtired because she didn't take her nap. Who would take a nap when you got perfect beach weather ?! Mommy thinks she started teething at the Cape because she wasn't sleeping well and started to not eat much. On Friday, it was time to head home. We stopped at a little breakfast restaurant near the Cape Cod Canal, and then headed to the canal to go for a bike ride. Afterwards, Layna and Mommy headed to Daddy's for the weekend, and Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux headed back home.

Mommy and Layna went to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI on Saturday. (Daddy ended up working in the afternoon). We went for a little walk, had a little picnic, enjoyed the warm weather; another perfect day ! On Sunday, Mommy, Layna and Daddy headed to Newport for the afternoon. We walked on the Cliffwalk and had a little picnic. Afterwards, we stopped in Historic Newport and walked around the shops. Layna was overtired and cranky. She never screams and cries in public, but she did this day ! She didn't want to be in the stroller, and she's getting heavy to carry, and she didn't want to walk... finally Mommy put the little monster on her shoulders and she seems quite  content there.

Tomorrow Layna and Mommy are heading into Boston for the day to visit Auntie Libbie !

(photos of the cape will be up soon!)


Oh yea ! Layna has started walking down steps without holding onto anything ! My she is growing !! (along with her hair ... finally !)

Happy Easter !

This past Sunday was Easter, and Auntie Rose and Cousin Connor came up to visit for the weekend. Mommy and Layna stayed at the hotel with them to keep them company. Saturday morning, Auntie Rose, Connor, Mommy and Layna went swimming. Layna loved the pool ! She would sit on the edge and kick her feet in the water. Mommy would hold Layna on her belly and say "kick" and Layna would kick her legs like a frog. Also, Layna blew bubbles in the water really well too !

So, Sunday was Easter. The Easter Bunny visited and left baskets for Layna and Connor. Layna got a Disney Princesses basket and other presents... the Easter Bunny had to make up for Christmas. Layna also did VERY well for her first Easter Egg Hunt. After finding a few eggs with Mommy, she quickly caught on and found the rest herself !

Daddy got Layna her first basketball hoop and (bubble) lawn mower for Easter !

The other day Layna got a VCUG test done, which is a test that they insert dye into her bladder to see if she has reflux or not, and she doesn't. This should be the last thing ever for her kidney. Layna didn't appreciate being held down at all for the to clean her and insert the catheter. She was screaming and crying, and pee went flying right into the doctor's face ! (like a boy !!) Mommy was in shock and apologized right  away and laughed silently with Daddy. The doctor didn't appreciate it, but realized she's just a baby...

Today Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux had a yard sale. It was a cool day, but a good handful of people showed up. Not much of Layna's baby clothes and stuff got sold, but some other stuff of Mommy's and Daddy's did. Grandpa Robidoux made some money too.

Layna's Easter Basket 

drinking Mommy's strawberry smoothie.
once she has one sip, there was no getting it back !

first eggs she spotted by herself !

someone lost some eggs....

Mommy & Layna

Shooting hoops !

trying out her bubble lawn mower

                                   like mommy, like daughter

Ooh Splinter...

Layna got her first splinter today. Something to cheer about ? No, but something that can be noted. Mommy didn't even notice the giant thing in her itty bitty hand until Layna put it in Mommy's face a second time to kiss better. Mommy got it out, but the tip remains in... Mommy had a feeling that would happen... now what do we do? wait to see if it falls out?? sure...

Here's a video from March when Mommy dressed Layna up in her tutu and brought her outside to play. Wait until the end... This video makes Mommy laugh every time, hopefully you will get a smile on your face too !

Mud Face

Today Mommy and Layna went biking with Grandpa and Grandma Robidoux. It was another warm spring day (60*). The bike trail wasn't paved, just a dirt trail in the woods. Some parts were wet and muddy and there was even still some snow !  On the way out, Layna behaved and enjoyed the ride. However, on the way back we decided to open the plastic cover so Layna could have some fresh air. This was a bad idea. Grandpa (who was pulling the trailer) decided not to slow down through the mud and wet areas, and when Mommy caught up and got a glimpse of Layna, she found one muddy-faced baby !

"uh oh"

enjoying her bike trailer from Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux

Pillow Case Dress

Mommy made Layna's first pillowcase dress ! It isn't from a pillowcase, it is from a sundress Mommy had in 8th grade and couldn't get rid of ?!  The dress isn't complete, but Mommy thought she would share some photos. Layna will be definitely getting a bunch more of these dresses made for the summer. They are SO simple to make and cheap, so cute, light and airy for the summer and roomy enough to play in. 

wasn't feeling like getting her photo taken

decided to smile

yep, whatever is on TV is better than Mommy

Little Ballerina !

Last week... or two weeks ago, Layna had two appointments: 1) her 15-month-old well-baby checkup. Layna is 24 pounds and .... 30 3/4" tall, and 2) the follow up to her ultrasound with Dr. Ellsworth. She said everything looks great and now we have to do the VCUG or whatever it is to make sure she has no reflux. Mommy cannot wait until these trips to Hasbro are done !

Mommy can't think of anything that has happened for those two weeks in between but....

this morning, Mommy stood Layna on the floor and took her hands and danced with her. And now, Layna will start going in circles laughing and saying "daaa...da..daaaaa" (as if it were music) ! Mommy will try to get a video of this along with her animal noises/recognitions, and cheerleading skills. When Mommy says "heel stretch" to Layna, she stands on one leg and puts it behind her. She doesn't know the difference between "heel stretch", "aerobasque", or "scale" yet... but she is learning ! She is learning that when something smells it is called "stinky" which is when she pinches her nose ! hahaha Layna has started to say "oink oink" for pig while scrunching her nose also along with scrunching her nose and moving her mouth open for "rabbit". hahaha

Oh! Dr.  Reynold's (Layna's pediatrician) said "no more bottle". It's hard because Layna never got the bottle to fall asleep and Mommy gave in when they moved into Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux's house. However, Layna has been doing pretty well with this sleep training and getting rid of the bottle. She has finally slept through the night, and if not sleep, soothed herself back to sleep without the bottle. She has only needed the bottle a few times. However, when we go to visit Daddy, Layna's sleep gets all messed up, but once we our back home, she knows the drill now. Since, the midnight snacks are gone along with 2 bottles of Layna's - Mommy threw them out: "out of sight, out of mind" - it is time to start getting rid of the "go to sleep" bottle. She has only been getting about 4-5 ounces (which she technically doesn't need... she wants. Mommy has to teach her the difference. haha), and then she plays or relaxes in the crib until she falls asleep. Mommy will try to put her down with probably half of that this coming week. Grandma Robidoux has been doing a little bedtime routine/sleep training when she watches Layna when Mommy is at work, which has helped the whole process :)

Layna has been eating a lot better. Mommy realizes snacks fill her little belly up quickly ! A couple of crackers and some juice or water pretty much replaces lunch. When Mommy isn't giving out crackers like they are going out of style and doesn't let Layna's sippy cup chill around the house, Layna eats better when it is meal time. She  does get a little snack sometimes around 3 if she seems hungry. Her favorite snack is a banana, which she doesn't like to share with Grandma Robidoux anymore and prefers to hold the banana...also, she won't eat a banana if it isn't in its peel. In addition, she is doing better sitting in her high chair...specially when she is fastened in. Who would've thought ?!

The weather has been nice lately, so Mommy has gone for some walks and let Layna play outside. However, it IS snowing right now in the beginning of April. (just had to record this unusualness for Layna).

Playgroup and Biking

A lot probably has happened since Layna attended her first cheerleading competition, but Mommy has been a little to lazy, we will just say "busy" to share it with you guys ! Let's see... Layna is starting to let Mommy put her diaper on without having a wrestling match, but she still has those times where she doesn't want anything on... Thank God the summer is almost here !

Layna went to her first playgroup with some ladies from Millis (where Mommy went to high school). They are actually older sisters and a friend of one of the sisters of a girl Mommy graduated with. (try to see if you followed that.) Layna spent the afternoon with a 2-year-old girl, Lena (Angelina) and her 9-month-old brother James/Jamie, and their friend 18-month-old friend, Eric, and Lena's and James' cousins Nicky (just over 2-years-old) and newborn baby, Vinny. Layna behaved so well ! She was quiet at first because she is never around little kids and babies. Like always, she just stares and watches them: "hey, they're my size !" At the park, Layna played in the woodchips: picking them up and putting them down. She loved the slide, but would only go on it when Mommy placed her at the top instead of climbing up and sliding down. She scooted down the slide herself and Mommy just had to spot her, incase she leaned back. She kept wanting to go down again and again. We all know what Mommy is getting Layna for the backyard for these warm seasons ! She swung a little, which she always enjoys, too. We walked back to the house, Layna sat nice in the stroller, and the kids played in the backyard for a little. Layna played in the sandbox with Lena. Lena poured sand all over Layna, but she didn't mind! she was scooping up sand and dumping it out; similar to what she does in the bath tub with water. After getting out of the sand box, Layna was picking up dirt and rocks, and saw little James standing at the bottom of the slide, and did what Lena did: put it on his back. Oh ! Mommy told her "no" right away ! Mommy enjoyed spending a few hours outside of the house, outside in the nice weather and with other mommies. Layna didn't get cranky or tired at all, but the second we were on our way home, she was passed out !

This next little family adventure will make you laugh and think twice before taking a bike ride: Grandma and Grandpa Robidoux purchased a bike trailer in the fall, so they could take Layna on bike rides with them. Last week, Mommy wanted to go on a bike ride and use the trailer for Layna. So, while Mommy waited for Grandpa to wake up for the day and  Grandma to return from the grocery, Mommy decided to assemble the trailer. She was very successful, which people usually are when they follow the instructions. So, after lunch, Grandpa loaded the trailer on to the truck, along with the bikes. He informed us, "I checked the tires." We got to the bike trail, biked for three miles, and Mommy realized her front tire looked a little low... and they both were. On the way back to the truck, Mommy was really really struggling: her legs were sore, she couldn't go up hills... nevermind the hills; she could barely peddle! Mommy thought she was just extremely out of shape, she at the top of a hill, Grams, Gramps, and Mommy took a break (Layna finally fell asleep by now). Mommy was just looking around a the tires to the trailer caught her eye. She walked over and touched the tire.... it was FLAT ! Grandpa let Mommy bike on FOUR flat tires no wonder she was struggling ! Mommy made it back to the truck after a really really good workout.  Now, Layna LOVED the trailer ride ! The screen was down, so she wasn't cold from the wind and chill.  She sat there accompanied by her Fisher-Price Laugh&Play Puppy, cloth book, a blanket, and sippy cup! She was such a little princess!

Layna had her 15-month-old well-baby checkup today. She is doing wonderfully! She weigh 24 pounds and is 30 3/4" tall. Mommy can tell she is growing because you can't leave anything at the edge of tables and dressers and counters anymore !  Layna has had some dry splotches on her back and her legs have been really red and dry behind her knees (Mommy calmed heg legs down with lotion). Dr Reynolds said it looks like a little eczema: Lessen her baths, and use Olay lotion or a thick cream. Layna hasn't been really trying to say words, but she knows sounds. Dr Reynolds said "she is very smart. but being smart is different from speech." Layna hasn't had her 1-year hearing test done yet, and needs that asap. Hearing and speech go together.

She has been going great like always !

Pretty in Pink

On Saturday, Layna attended her first cheerleading competition with Mommy. She saw a few of the last of the UMass Dartmouth cheerleaders that Mommy cheered with. She was well-behaved and enjoyed watching the teams perform.

Layna got a dress from Ellen and Mike (Auntie Rel's parents). It is so cute ! A little big but here are some photos of it on:

throwing a tantrum in her pretty dress

shoveling.... again .... in a pretty dress...

(almost the face that Mommy wanted to capture)

lounging

wanted her baseball hat on;
this is what she does when you say "say cheese"

Baptism and Spring Photos

Layna got her Baptism photos done today, which went very unexpected. Layna cried hysterical the second she was in the door way to the studio/photo room. It could've been a variety of things: the photographer (Layna didn't warm up to her at all), the black background (which made the room seem very dark and small), or those white umbrella light things. After trying to get her to calm down for 10 minutes, we switched photographers (thank the Lord). Ashley was very patient, sweet, and quiet with Layna. After a few minutes Layna started warming up to her and by the end of the session Layna was laughing and smiling. We didn't get good Baptism photos because those were in the beginning of the shoot. And Layna's big, beautiful smile wasn't captured because she was back to herself after the session.

Mommy definitely needs to get a better camera so she can be the one capturing Layna's beautiful facial expressions for the rest of her life. Mommy LOVES doing photo shoots of Layna, especially outside when the weather is nice. The benefits of Mommy taking Layna's photos are that Mommy is completely satisfied, Mommy can get exactly what she wants (if Layna cooperates), the atmosphere is more relaxed when it is just Mommy, Baby and Camera, and if Layna is cranky or not feeling like doing photos, Mommy isn't wasting any time or energy and can try again "tomorrow".

Hopefully by summer Mommy can upgrade her camera.

Here are some photos from today: enjoy (or try at least, and they are not in any specific order).