Yay for a beach day!

Beach days are back! Wow what a differance a year makes with lugging Laila to the beach. Last time I went she just sat and played with the sand and tried eating it. This year I had to chase her all over the place, except for the couple of minutes she sat in her princess chair to eat her rice cake. She wasn't too thrilled with the sand at first. She fell and looked at her sandy hands in disgust. It was harder for her to walk in, but then she got used to it and went down the beach. I get my workouts everyday! I lost weight just by chasing her around all the time. No complaints though...my pants are a little bigger on me now. Laila was such a little diva in her Little Maven suit her Auntie got her. I just love her in it. (gotta ad that when she bought it for her, Laila tried it on in the store and modeled it for everyone...toooo cute!) Swimsuit season it so much fun! Bubs already has twice as many bathing suits I do for this season. I'm starting to think she dresses better then I do. Aw well...I look forward to this time of year!

The Many Faces of Miss Laila.

Laila's 2nd Easter.

What a busy Easter holiday weekend we had. On Saturday, we woke up pretty early so hubbie can get his iPad. Success! So we headed home for a little while hoping to get Laila down for a quick nap before we had to head to our church Easter egg hunt. In the afternoon, Laila really fights taking a nap. But if she doesn't she is so ornery. Well...she wasn't closing those eyes, so I just took her out to play in bed with us. She fell off the bed and blood was everywhere. We freaked out! It ended up being a bad cut inside on the inside of her lip. Never have I been so scared (well not counting the day Laila was born). I was worried about her teeth and if she hit her head and got a concussion. She was so tired already so she barely could keep her eyes open at this point. Her screaming and crying wore her out. Her lip got a little swollen, but we gave her some ice cream before heading out to the egg hunt, so the swelling went down pretty fast. We still got to enjoy the egg hunt at the church with Gramma and Papou. But I was still so shooken up from everything that happened. I know there were be many more days like this...we still have to teach her to ride a bike! I'll let daddy handle that one. I will be a nervous wreck ha!



The night before Easter we dyed Easter eggs. Laila drew on her own egg! Scribbled all over it then dunked it in the yellow dye. I helped her a little, but she grabbed the crayon away from me and started doing it herself.


We spent Easter day with family. Laila woke up and saw her basket from the bunny. She mostly loved playing with the eggs that he left behind. We got ready for church and afterwards went to see Gramma Et and Papa Guy at there house. We hung out and had lunch with Gramma and Papou. Late afternoon we went to The Little's to celebrate Easter and Landon's birthday with my family. Egg hunts, baskets, good food, and family makes for a good holiday.

Busy Bodies!

Since Laila has turned 14 months I feel like life has been non stop. Laila has been walking a little over a month now and it is exhausting! She is super fast I can barely catch up to her or get a good "walking" photo. You put her down and she takes off. It's serious...like she is on a mission. She is all about climbing up chairs and anything she can prop herself up to. Most of the time, Laila is extremely independant, and already has a little attitude on her. I thought this didn't happen until she was at least into her teens. She is the funniest person I know. She says "no, no, no" to the dogs and shakes her finger while doing it. She acts like she is in control. This age is tough. I am a firm believer of disciplining your children. Otherwise they turn into the spoiled monsters that I have no tolerance for. But right now, it's hard to put Laila in time out when she does something wrong. She will hop up and run across the house. No way does she like to sit still. When she does something wrong, she knows it. She looks at us with those big hazel eyes and gives that precious little dimpled smirk. Oh as much as a trouble maker she can be, it's the sweet moments that melt my heart. This morning I was sitting on the floor in her room cleaning out some things and she pats me on the back and lays her head on my back. I turned around and asked her for a hug and she wrapped her arms around me and put her head on my shoulder. awww...the sweetest thing ever.


I have been spending lots of time outside. The Florida sunshine is back. I always look forward to this time of year. Beach, parks, and pools! Outdoors is were Laila loves to be. We met up with The Keller girls, Cara and Zoey, at Fred Howard a couple weeks ago. It was the first time we got to wear sleeveless shirts and capris in a long time. Laila doesn't want anything on her head or face anymore. This is the stage of her pulling off her sunglasses and hats. This time last year she let me put anything on her head. ha! She even pulls out her bows...so I have to use hair ties to keep her hair stylin'. Hopefully she grows out of this soon. She's my dolly face and I love to dress her up. It was a good time and look forward to more outings with the girls. We gotta keep busy during the day while Daddy is at work supporting his girls. :)

Loving her time with Daddy.

Laila did her second MS walk at the Zoo. Any chance we get to do something for a good cause we do it. This year she was actually able to walk instead of stroll along in her stroller.

Lifelong Friends.

It's Spring Break! It's so good to know you have true friends that will last a lifetime. Now that the weather is getting nicer we have enjoyed it. Becca came to town for the week. She came over and spent the night Sunday night. The next day I met up with the Kushner girls at Pop Stansel park. The weather was so windy, but the kids enjoyed running around and enjoyed their playdate. On Wednesday, we decided to meet at Ozona Blue for lunch. We ate outside and soaked up the sun (maybe a little too much...my back is on fire!) It was good to have all of us together. Life gets so busy you don't realize how much time goes by before you see everyone. I enjoy these days so much, and wish I could have more of them. I feel so fortunate that we really do live in paradise. Looking forward to the rest of Spring!

Fun, Sun, and Family!

These past couple weekends we have been enjoying the beautiful weather. This is why we live in Florida! I have been missing the sunshine and luckily, mother nature gave us some beautiful days to enjoy.
Last weekend we went to the Plant City Strawberry Festival with my entire family. There were tons of rides and bad for you food. We all even got a little bit of color, mostly wind burn but it was a fun day!

This past weekend we spent Saturday at Busch Gardens with Jason's parents, cousin, and uncle. The weather was perfect.

This Sunday Jason and I went to Innisbrook for the Transitions Championship. We did this last year and got to stay in the Hooters tent. The weather wasn't as nice but we decided to go anyways. We got to see lots of players tee off then it started to storm so it was post poned until it passed. We hung out in the Jack Daniel's tent until the rain blew over. Early afternoon, it ended up turning out to be a nice day. Cloudy and cool, but it was perfect. The wet grounds were better for the golfers. We decided to walk the greens for a while. Watched John Daly and Nick Watney play, and then later followed Sergio Garcia around until he was done. I was a foot away from him...it was awesome! I hate how you can't bring cell phones or cameras in. One thing about going to golf tournaments is you get to be really up close and personal with the players. It's funny how big it seems on tv, but then you get there and it's just regular people playing the game. Golf can be so intense. You have to be silent most of the time. But somehow it is so relaxing and beautiful! I love it!

I'm looking forward to better weather. Jason and I are going to start rollerblading a lot now while Laila strolls along in the jogger. Laila enjoyes being outdoors. We have our MS Walk again this coming Saturday night. It's going to be so much fun!

Our Pot o' Gold.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Laila has a tad bit Irish in her. I woke up this morning realizing she doesn't have much green in her wardrobe. How can that happen when green happens to be one of my most fave colors. I am usually prepared come holidays but I have no idea where the time is going. So no pinches for Laila! We hung out around the house today since Laila has been feeling a little under the weather. So she slipped on my big guinness shirt to celebrate. All good things come on St. Patty's Day. Cornbeef, shamrocks, pots of gold, leprechauns, rainbows...



and of course you gotta have some green food! Lai had some green eggs...minus the ham. I think she has every Dr. Suess book ever made, so we read the book today. She loved them and devoured every bite. It was a good 2nd St. Patty's Day with our baby girl. We love the little holidays. I love being creative with her. It's going to get more and more fun the older she gets. Hope everyone had a great day filled with lots of luck!

Ouch!

Boobee got her first real boo boo! Yea...she has had the tiny scratches, bumps, and bruises already but this one looked like it hurt. This walking thing can be dangerous. As I was taking her Easter photo's she was wearing her beautiful fluffy dress. She hasn't bared her legs outside in a long time considering this chilly weather. She walks so fast she is almost running. As she fell to her knees she must of scraped her knee on the concrete. Owie! I didn't notice it right away, she didn't even cry or anything. I just got her right back up to continue walking. Of course I had to snap a pic of it. So here it is...yay for Laila's first boo boo. I'm sure she will be coming home screaming to mommy and daddy with scraped knees and welding bruises. Didn't use any peroxide this time, just some water. I know she won't be looking forward to the day you have to pour peroxide on the cut. The joys of parenthood.

Finally!

Laila is a walking machine! Still a little wobbly and dropping to her knees at some point but she has come a long way. It's amazing how she went from a couple little steps to literally walking the entire house. She isn't even walking...she is running! She is all over the place. Turning around and even dancing while standing. It all happened so fast. RUN, LAILA, RUN! I am so proud and been waiting for this. But now that it's here...I want to cry. It's all so surreal how fast she has grown up. Wow! One day of her walking and I'm already warn out. Can't we just rewind for a little while?

Happy 13 months!

Not much has changed in a month. Laila is walking a little more. Going from couch to couch without holding on. Then she realizes what she is doing then falls to her knees. She has such an attitude behind those hazel eyes of hers. Laila's hair is growing so fast now...but she has the Terry Bradshaw going on...mullet style! Her hair is growing how mine did when I was a baby...but she has a lot more hair then me when I was a year. It's too funny! We are just enjoying this age. I'm missing Laila being a teenie tiny baby. I still can't believe how big she is now. Maybe, soon, another baby will be on the way *wink*.

what a ham!

I was just dilly dallying around the house and came into the kitchen to find Laila doing this...

She is now climbing! And took a good 6 steps tonight! Hopefully we are making some progress.

Lovin' it!

Life seems to be busy this year...first planning Laila's party and having company. It is continuing to stay busy and I love it. Here is what I have been doing so far this year...it's already flying by!

I have been enjoying my days learning about photography---reading about it and having help from forums. I even have some photoshoots lined up to help me practice. This has always been a passion of mine. I finally feel like I have the time to do it. I'm building up my supplies and ideas. Here is my blog that I have been posting some of my practice pictures on.

http//www.kimgeraciphotography.blogspot.com/

I have also been putting some funky fun fabric outfits together that I want to make for Laila. My list of things to make continues to grow. I'm hoping to make some fun photography "props" to use on some shoots. I'll make whatever you want me to and I am still doing my crafts, but focusing more on the photography right now.

I started the Mamarazzi Mommy and Me Group so all my local friend mom's (and whatever other mom's would like to join) can get together to enjoy time as a group with our little ones. Good for us mom's and the kiddos. Each month (maybe more) we meet up and enjoy eachother's company. Picnics in the park, Animals at the Zoo, Sand Castles on the beach...the kids will love it and us mom's will be able to have some adult conversation while our rugrats play. Anyone who wants to join, let me know!

At times my head can feel like it's going to explode. I just have so many ideas rumbling around and it can get a tad bit overwhelming. Sometimes I think I can do it all at once but realized I need to relax and take it one project at a time.

Year Check.

Laila's 12 month check went good as usual. She is now 23 pounds and grew an inch since her last doctor's visit at 9 months. Now in the 80th percentile for weight and off the charts in height. Laila wasn't liking this check up this time. She was squirmy and screaming like crazy. Besides her little attitudes she gets she is doing good. Just waiting for her to let go of my finger and walk all by herself, more then just a couple steps on her own. She wants to do it, but seems to be scared. We practice everyday...walking through the stores or home. It will happen out of the blue, and when it does...she is going to be runnin'! I'm so ready for it, because it's all she wants to do now is grab my finger and walk everywhere. She no longer wants to be held. The girl loves to eat and sleep (she fights it a lot lately, but she is a good sleeper for the most part). No more bottle for our little girl. It was pretty easy switching her to a sippy. Next step is working on getting rid of the bink. Seems like Jason and I can be more reliable on it then she is. She is in her throwing stage. She plays ball and hides things from me. She drops food on the floor for the dogs and laughs about it. We yell at her and tell her no and then she starts to cry. We can't help but laugh sometimes. Laila knows how to turn on her cd player to play music all by herself. She knows what buttons to press. Even though she loves things that aren't hers, she is starting to love all her toys. She lays on her belly and plays with her dollhouse, wheels her stroller around and hugs her baby dolls. I look away for a second and she disappers to her room to go play all by herself...miss independent! Laila has never been one to cuddle. She has always wanted to just do her own thing and not be bothered by sitting on the couch or bed and relaxing with mommy and daddy. It's finally changing. She loves hanging out in bed with us. She flops herself around and back and all over the place and giggles like crazy. Now she lifts her arms up and calls for mommy or daddy. She copies things we say and says some sentences that we have yet to know what the heck she is saying. She loves giving us "high fives" and dancing all silly with mommy. Laila loves books and had a TON of them! She is now pointing out things when I ask her were something is. During bathtime she has her Bathtime squeak book and each time I read it she knows at the very end comes the "squeak" on the piggy's nose. She points to it. She laughs when we scare her and when she farts, I say "piggy" and she tries to fart again. It's too stinkin' cute! Goodness, new things happen everyday. What a little sas she is!

Family time!

Wow! We have been super busy. I don't know where this year has gone already. I can't believe we are almost half way into February. Since the holidays I have felt non stop. We were so happy to hear that we were going to have family coming from New York for Laila's birthday. Brian, Marisa, and Jordan were coming to stay with us for a week. And we were surprised by Aunt Patti and Uncle Bob. They came and helped prepare for Laila's party and then we enjoyed lounging around the rest of the week. We got to go see a movie, spend the day at Busch Gardens, and just enjoy eachother's company. Laila and Jordan loved playing. Laila picked up a lot of words and walking moves from him. We always have so much fun when they are down. Can't wait for the next time.

Kaitlyn, Lianna, Laila, Jordan, & Landon

Laila practicing her walking at BG.

The clan.

Laila was happy daddy could come with us this time!

Lovin' Cousins!

Jordan fishing in Lake Roach.

Brian and Jason with the kids.

Time for the Johnson's to head back to NY.

"You are our Sunshine"

HOLY COW! Can I pinch myself? Do we really have a one year old? Unreal. Laila's 1st party was definantly a big deal. We welcomed tons of friends and family to our home to help us celebrate. Jason and I wanted to make it special for her, even if she won't remember it, we will, and she will look back and be greatful for it all.
Laila got lots of gifts (and me too!). It was a never ending line of opening presents and cards. Laila got Elmo Encore, Radio Flyer Outback Wagon, PBK baby carriage with Abby and Stella baby dolls, oodles of clothes, some mulla to stash away, gift cards and some other little things to play with.

Every one year old needs a smash cake. Laila stuck her little fingers into her sunshine cake and went at it. While about 50 people watched her and laughed. She was loving it! I have never seen such a mess. About half way through, it was time to take a bath and get all the cake crud off of her. She wasn't too happy and could of just been covered in cake the rest of the night.

I couldn't get over it. It literally was everywhere...hair and cake prints all over her face. Looks like she is ready to fight in a war. haha!

I wanted Laila to remember everyone who came to her first birthday. I will have her 1st birthday picture framed and kept in her room. It was a great day (and a memorable birthday for me). As much fun as we had...next year...we do small. After this...Laila will be telling me what she wants for her special birthday parties. Thank you to everyone who came and crammed themselves into our humble abode!