Happy Birthday Laila-Bean!

A Little about my Laila Whitney. Her birthday was yesterday, but I waited to do her birthday post today...

July 1, 2008 we welcomed our Laila Whitney into this crazy world. She was a full three weeks early and her birth was a surprise. 

I had my first actual surgery because of her - c-section.

She was so sweet from the beginning, but she was a hard baby. 

There was some serious Mommy Attachment in the first year of her life. She hated for anyone else to hold her. I had to leave a funeral once because the babysitter called me crying and said she couldn't get her to calm down. Oh my. 

She has always been a good sleeper. She never wanted to be rocked (sad) and still doesn't. 

She has some serious, real love for her blankets. She started with one.... we lost it. So we bought her another to "replace" it, but she decided she needed six replacement blankets. And that is how many blankets she sleeps with now - 3 big blankets and 3 small ones. 

Every morning she comes out of her bedroom with all 6 blankets in her hands. 

Laila was also my pacifier baby. P didn't take one for long but Laila did. We took it away last winter. She had gotten to where she wanted one pacifier in her mouth and one in her hand (which she would put up to her eye). Two pacifiers and a few blankets and she was ready for bed!

Laila has always had the sweetest smile and funniest expressions. Her big blue eyes are full of life! I love it that she almost closes them completely when she really smiles.

My girl loves to eat. She has only met one food she didn't like - cucumbers. She will eat and eat until she throws up, so I have to be careful how much I put on her plate at meals. She gets so excited to eat sometimes, it is precious. And if you ask her what she wants to eat (for any meal) she will tell you Macaroni and Cheese. Every.Time.

Did I mention her love for powdered donuts?

Laila also ALWAYS has a baby doll. She loves them. They are her babies and she takes very good care of them. She also loves books. That makes this Momma very proud, as I love books too!

She loves to play outside...

And ride Pappy's horse...

And she LOVES her sisters! 

Laila, you are my little doll, my buddy. I have enjoyed every minute of watching you grow over the past two years and I can't wait to watch you keep growing into your own person. You are hilarious. You constantly make me and Daddy laugh. You have such a big heart. If someone seems hurt or upset you quickly go love on them, rub their face and whisper "its ok, I'm right here." 

You love to sing and dance and do anything your big sister does. Peyton and Mika are so lucky to have you as their best friend. I'm so blessed to spend my days with you. Daddy and I thank God daily that we have you as our daughter. You are a special little girl.

Happy Birthday Baby Doll!