The Girly

She's one. I can't believe that Layla isn't a baby anymore. When I think back on this last year, it seems like forever ago that I had her, because I can hardly remember life without her. But when I think about her babyhood in the rearview, and toddlerhood swiftly approaching, it's bittersweet. I love discovering who she is, learning more about her and watching her grow, but oh how quickly the time passes. I believe that motherhood is the art of capturing and savoring every moment with your children; learning how to enjoy now.

Some thoughts on who this little one is (and why she has captured my heart):

1. She's a pistol, in the best way. She's active and curious and feisty and full of life. She keeps up with her three year old brother, and can hold her own if need be.

2. She's a mama's girl. She would be at my side, or at least within spitting distance, at all times if she could. But it's okay, because I really like her.

3. She's charming. We literally cannot go out without people stopping to talk to her, or comment on how cute she is. And she'll smile and wave and draw people in effortlessly.

4. She gives the most scrumptious cuddles I have ever experienced, rivaled only by one other child I'm quite fond of. Seriously, if I didn't have to use my arms, I would just walk around with her attached to me in hug mode at all times.

5. She's pretty fearless. Loud noises, dogs, heights; you name it, she'll conquer it.

6. If you jump for her, you'll get an instant and beautiful belly laugh. It's a sure bet.

Life with Layla is rich and delightful; we are blessed to be her parents. Happy birthday, my dear girl.

Not Quite What We'd Planned

There is a strange sensation that occurs when I'm away from one of my children. It's like part of my heart is not with me, and is calling me back. There's a pull, almost magnetic, and there's such a helpless feeling when I'm stuck, and can't get back to them.

Our little getaway to Dallas did not quite work out like we planned. We made it only as far as Denison, Texas because, well, that's as far as our car would take us. We broke down, and had to stay the night at a Best Western right off the highway while 70 miles away Jack Johnson was wowing a crowd, oblivious to our absence. We were going to try to rent a car, but the car rental place closed right before Ben ran over there.

We had our car towed to a nearby Nissan dealership, which informed us the next morning that we need a new engine. Oh, that's all? BUT they could get the car running enough to get us home for $424. We gave them the go-ahead because what other option was there? So, we were at their mercy, sitting in our hotel room.

We ended up bringing Layla because she wasn't having the weaning thing, and I am so thankful that we did. It was bad enough being away from Jude, not knowing if the repairs would keep us another night in that stranger-of-a-town.

We made the most of our adventure and I have to say that if we had to get stranded in some small town off the highway, we couldn't have chosen a place with kinder people. Everyone we encountered was so helpful, going out of their way to make things work for us. And right across the street from our hotel was a restaurant called The Cotton Patch Cafe, and it was delicious. We ate their twice in less than 24 hours. If you find yourself out that way, stop in and tell them Ben and Jess sent you. I'm kidding; that won't mean anything to them. But it really was yum.

The last few days were an exercise in learning to go with the flow, and trusting. We were so thankful to not have to stay another night. I was so happy to get on the road.

Jude was calling me home, and I needed to get there. Just before we pulled in to my friend's house, Jude began to cry. He had hit his limit and needed his mommy and daddy. And, just as if his tears beckoned us, we came in and held him. It was the first time he had been away from both of us, and we all decided that next time, we would all go.

That's not to say Ben and I won't get away together. In fact, next time I hope it will be just the two of us, but I also hope our car won't break down and strand us in the middle of nowhere, feeling out of control and missing our kiddos. But maybe we'll wait a little on that getaway.

For now, we'll take the whole family, and my heart won't feel disconnected.

Oh, the things they say...

Ben was lying in Jude's bed, cuddling with him and telling him a bedtime story. Jude interrupted him to say, "Daddy, I don't want the hot wind out of your mouth tonight. Could you just do the cold wind?"

Also, Jude enjoyed playing with a big exercise ball at my parents house that he aptly described as looking like a peanut. So, all night he kept yelling, quite proudly it seemed, "I HAVE A GIANT PEANUT!" As you can imagine, it sounded like he was going to say something else, and it repeatedly elicited stifled giggles from my mom, my sister and me.

I like these little people.