Lila’s life motto right now

I saw this poem the other day and it made me laugh out loud. I’m pretty sure this is what goes on inside of Lila’s head every day.

A TODDLER’S CREED

If I like it, it’s mine.

If I want it, it’s mine.

If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.

If I have it in my hand, it’s mine.

If I give it to you and change my mind later, it’s mine.

If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.

If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.

If it’s mine, it will never belong to anybody else, no matter what.

If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.

If it looks just like mine, it is mine.

If you really think it belongs to you, it is most definitely mine.

Disneyland in March

Mid February we realized Lance’s annual pass only had a few Saturdays left before they were blacked out until August. So we went every weekend until then. So much fun! It’s harder now for me to go alone with an opinionated toddler and little baby. I’m so glad we made the plunge and bought the expensive passes that include most Saturdays so we can all go together. Disneyland is definitely our happy place — we make so many fun memories as a family every time we go.

Lila’s two year check-up

At her doctor appointment yesterday, these were Lila’s stats:

Height: 35.5 inches (90%)

Weight: 26 lbs (40%)

Head circumference: 19 inches (40%)

Lila speaks in full sentences and learns new words every day. She continually memorizes and sings songs. Current favorites are “Happy Birthday” and “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” She can count to 10 and tries really hard to recognize colors but rarely gets them right and instead guesses green or blue-purple (as one word) every time.

Dr. Edwards suggested weening Lila off the pacifier, which we’re going to try to do very soon. She only takes it at nap and bedtime, or if we’re in an “emergency” (on a long car ride, at the store) and she’s freaking out. I want to have her weened before the Baby is born, and I know we shouldn’t make any drastic changes when he gets here, so now is the time. Future self — wish us luck!

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Mandi took these pictures while we were in Arizona. I adore them!

Lila’s birthday: The presents

For the first time, I understand why kids get too many gifts for birthdays and Christmas. It’s just so fun as a parent to buy your kids toys and watch their excitement as they open them!

Lila’s birthday: The Cake

Making this cake stressed me out! Frosting a cake seems so simple, but it really isn’t. Still, I’m happy with how it turned out and it tasted amazing!

A poopy situation

*Written December 2017*

I still remember the day this happened, because it was the first time anything like this had ever happened. Lila and I were rushing one morning to eat breakfast and get ready to meet some friends at a nearby pool. I left her downstairs in her jammies so I could go upstairs and grab our swimming suits. When I came down, I found a sweet little girl who had unbuttoned her pjs, taken her diaper off and pooped all over the carpet. It was SOO gross. I remember standing there in shock wondering what to do.

I threw away the toy she was playing with and picked up the biggest pieces the best I could. I used soapy water to wash off the table and chairs, and then sprinkled baking soda all over the poop smears and walked away. Ha! We were late so I figured I’d deal with it when I got home, and I did. It’s happened multiple times since then, of course, and it’s just so gross. Thank goodness for annual complimentary carpet cleanings!

April Wrap-up

Written November 2017

Most of these are just cute pictures of our Lila Baby. Two photos may need a description: 1) Lance and C at the cabin popping an air bubble that they hoped would be filled with water 2) a picture of the beautiful, snow capped mountains and blooming trees I took when out on an assignment for work. I sent it to my Mom, who I knew would appreciate the Utah season.

Mommy and Me pics

Written October 2017

One day Lila and I did a little Mommy and Me photo shoot because I was bored and that’s what you do when you’re bored. I hope someday she sees me as someone who tried her best. I was young, I made mistakes, I struggled in becoming a full-time caregiver/mom. But I’ve always adored this little girl and it’s already so fun for me to look back and see how much she’s — we’ve — grown.

Seven month photo shoot

Written November 2017

I love these photos of my Lila Bear at seven months old. She was so small and sweet. She’s 2 years old as I write this, so it’s fun to see how even at seven months old she had those same bright eyes and smiles. In the months that have passed since she was this age I’ve learned something — don’t take so many photos! It’s too hard to sort them and choose between them! I started with 80+ and still struggled to get it down to 17!