I have the sweetest husband ever!

This morning just as I was getting Layla out of the bath, I noticed a Fed Ex truck near the house. I didn't think anything of it, because I hadn't ordered anything recently. Then the doorbell rang.
Upon seeing the box, I realized that someone (my sweetheart) had sent me flowers. They're the coolest flowers too. The blooms come fresh and unopened, so you get to see them open up in the next few days.
With the flowers there was a note, and a cute cuddly teddy bear (maybe for Layla).

I am feeling really loved today. He must have sent them for our "other" anniversary. It has been 5 years since I met the wonderful man who is Layla's dad and my husband. I am so glad I gave him that first chance.

Stairs!

Walking isn't too far off for my little one. She has been trying to learn how to climb the stairs for months. For some reason she just couldn't figure out how to pick up her knee to the next step. She finally figured it out this last week. Once she got to the top once, it didn't take her long to figure out how to do it fast. We'll see if she gets to walking before her birthday on Oct. 14th.
Yes, she is actually falling in one of these pics.



Somehow I managed to get the shot and then catch her at the bottom, although she did bump her head on my leg. You can see a slight red spot in the last pic.

Layla clicking her tongue

Layla is getting to the stage where she likes to copy people. She knows how to clap and wave, but I never thought she would be able to imtate people clicking their tongue. She does it, and you can actually hear it. She was doing it in the car today on our way to the mall.

Tainted Chinese Formula!

Don't freak out just yet...This formula was not widely imported into the U.S., however it just demonstrates yet again how formula feeding will never be as safe and nutritious as breastfeeding is. Here is the link from CNN.
The formula was tainted with Melamine. This is the same chemical in the pet food that was recalled last year. I am so glad that I never had to even remotely consider feeding formula to Layla. Formula ingredients are specifically chosen so that the formulation can as closely resemble human milk as our knowledge allows. However, new compounds are being discovered in human milk all the time. Plus, formula is a processed food make in a factory in massive quantities. Thus, it can never be the same as human milk, which changes from day to day in response to a baby's own nutritional needs. After researching the topic extensively, I would only feed formula as a truly last resort.

New shoes!

Its hard to believe that fall is here already. The temperature and weather changed rather abruptly and I got in the mood to get ready for winter. Layla got some new boots by Robeez. They are soft and stretchy, and she doesn't pull them off her feet. These boots are better than stiff ones because they don't hinder natural development of the foot bones as a baby learns to walk. She also got a snowsuit with a bear on the front, keeping with her moniker, Layla bear.

I also found a sweatsuit with a little bear on the front embroidered with the word, bear. I'll try to get a picture of her wearing that one later.

Today we are going to see my grandparents and get some tomatoes from the garden. At the rate things are going, we might see frost in the next couple weeks. I am planning to make a homemade pasta sauce with all the tomatoes.

Lava Lamp nightlight

My dad had the greatest idea ever. Layla seems to be developing a fear of the dark, but the night light I tried was too bright and just encouraged her to wake up more. Since we have a couple lava lamps in the house, he suggested to use one of those as it would give her something to look at.
It really seems to work!

She screams when I first put her down, but then calms herself down right away. I think she must look at the lamp, then just zone out and go to sleep.
At this rate she'll be sleeping through the night any day. (I can hope right?)

In other news, the wisdom teeth are healing nicely, I can eat some normal food just as long as its not crunchy or has sharp edges. I am also only taking ibuprofen at night. During the day it's easy to keep myself distracted from the dull ache in my mouth.