Noah's Laugh

Dear Noah,

Parents will do just about anything to get their child to laugh.  One of my favorite episodes of Friends was when Ross and Rachel sang "Baby Got Back" to make Emma laugh. At one point Rachel tries singing other baby-friendly songs to get her to laugh but gives up in frustration and says, "That girl is all about the ass!" It's a great episode.

The first time you laughed was when I was getting you out of the car seat and I noticed that you had a booger hanging from your nose. I tried to wipe it away, but it held on tight so I wiped again. On the third attempt, you giggled. It was a very quiet giggle, but it counted!

From that point on, I tried to get you to laugh again. I tried tickling your nose and chin, playing peek-a-boo, and even singing "Baby Got Back". You found none of it funny.

The second time you laughed was at Momma Jane's house. Another Mom was holding and talking to you and you laughed at her. I think you were just flirting with her but my feelings were a little crushed.  This made me determined to get you to laugh for me.

I finally had success a few days later and even caught it on video. It was awesome.  But if you ever need me to rap about a girl's enormous backside to get you to laugh again, I'm your girl.

Love,
Mommy

Dust Bunny

Dear Layla,
I have a love/hate relationship with dusting.  It, by far, is my least favorite chore. I would rather clean the toilets at the gym than dust the house. And that is saying something. 

BUT, if I don't dust once a week, the house just doesn't feel clean. I could spend all weekend organizing and doing other chores, but without dusting, the house doesn't feel neat and tidy.

On Saturday you followed me around the house with your stuffed bunny while I dusted.  Without any prompting, you used your bunny to dust your dresser.  The term "dust bunny" now has a whole new meaning.

Love,
Mommy

Layla the Friendly Ghost

Dear Layla,

Walking around with your blanket on your head is your new, favorite activity.  Yes, you've walked into walls, doors, and cabinets. No, you didn't really care. You think this new game is funny.

Love,
Mommy

Halloween Candy

Dear Layla,

Last year was really and truly your first Halloween. It's hard to consider it your first Halloween since you didn't really participate in any of the trick-or-treating activities. This year I was bound and determined to do Halloween the "right" way. I wanted you to trick-or-treat like the big kids.

So, on Halloween night, I dressed you up in your adorable Halloween costume, and Daddy and I took you and Noah around the neighborhood. Since our neighborhood is so small, most of the families walk to other neighborhoods to trick-or-treat and leave behind dark, empty houses. We literally went to 5 houses. Each neighbor ohh-ed and ahh-ed about your costume and gave you candy. You had to hold each piece of candy.

After a short trip of trick-or-treating, you deserved a sweet treat of a Reese's. You've had Reese's peanut butter cups before, but this time it was Halloween candy. That makes it so different from the other times. When it's Halloween candy, it's candy that you've earned.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. - Your video was cut short because we had trick-or-treaters. The part where you jump makes me laugh each time I watch.

Trick-or-Treat!

Dear Layla,

Here is my attempt to get you to say, "Trick-or-treat". I'm sure you will nail it next year. :)

Love,
Mommy