Can't catch a break!

Between pinkeye and fevers I feel like we have been dealing with something for the past 4 weekends! This poor little boy can not catch a break! Thank goodness he is a trooper! Not to mention the nice bruise on his forehead!

But on a lighter note. He is repeating EVERYTHING I say! Some of his new favorite words are: kitty, please and berries! One smart little man!

So much to do

This week will start the beginning. I am heading into my second week of work with a crazy group of kids and starting my masters on top of it! Thank goodness I have such an amazing little man!

Layton had another fever this weekend. So frustrating. I got the fever to break last night and finally his medicine is starting to kick in and the cold is going away. He still hasn't eaten much but I am assuming that is because of the medicine. I know it doesn't make his stomach very happy. While he was sleeping today I did a head to toe clean and washed everything. Hoping that these germies will stay away for a while.

I went yesterday and got him all new pajamas and some new shirts. Carters and Children's Place was having an awesome Labor Day sale! When he wakes up I have go to through all this drawers and organize clothes! I am so anal when it comes to putting clothes away. His dad put the last load away and bless his heart for doing it but it will all put away in the wrong spot!

Funny story before I forget... The other day I was giving Layton a bath and I knew he wasn't feeling well. Well needless to say I found a little gift in the bathtub so I had to drain the tub and wash again. The next day I was giving him another bath, poor baby, and he hadn't pooped all day. As soon as he made that face I knew poop was a coming! I tried so hard to catch it with the cup but Layton thought I was really funny and was playing a game. Needless to say 2 baths and 2 poopies, turned into 4 baths! Thank goodness that today there was no pooping in the tub! =)

Back to School

Layton started back to school last week and I started back this week. We always call it school and talk about the things that we do and learn. Layton understands that we both have to go to school and get smart and play with our friends! He is usually really excited when we talk about school and when we wake up in the morning. Then we get there...

Last week Layton cried way more than I was use to! This week he has done much better. Yesterday he started when we were walking back to his room. Today when we walked into the room is when the tears came. I always watch him through the window before I pick him up though to see what he is doing and how he is. Every time he is happy, playing and interacting. Today he was reading a book all to himself, my little super reader. It's amazing how much he loves to read. There are days when I read the same book 15 times. I can read Goodnight Moon without the book!

Daycare does have it's downsides. Layton came home with a little cough and runny nose last week. We are still trying to kick it this week so I guess it's time to head to the doctor tomorrow! Hopefully it's nothing major just a worried momma.

Layton's transitions between his dad and I are still a little tough on everyone involved. When Layton's not at my house I feel like it's too quite so I run errands and hang out with SV. I'm sure that with school starting and everything else I will by thankful for the downtime but every time is just as hard to say good-bye. This experience has defiantly taught me more than I ever bargained for. I'm it, the one-and-only. When Layton is at my house I have to run this ship on my own with no help. It has been a learning curve but we are working out the kinks and everyday gets even better. I'm also a technology nerd, being on my own has taught me more about putting down the electronics and turning off the TV more than any lecture. Quality time is the best time.

Today we played in the rain. Best day ever. I wish everyone could have seen the joy on that little boys face! Gave a whole new meaning to "Dancin' in the rain." All the neighbors were stoping, watching and laughing. Layton had not a care in the world... One of my favorite memories ever! =)

First week in a new schedule...

This is the first week that Layton stayed away at Daddy's house. After dropping him off I cried the entire way to work to try to get stuff done. I kept myself as busy as possible and hoped the time would fly. Of course my house was way too quiet and way too clean! When Layton came back yesterday I tried to make it as special as possible! We made pizza, read books, played in the water table and went to Gymboree. Tomorrow is another Gymboree day and maybe swimming! I definitely make my time with him the very best and try to make every minute count. Although he is quite the handful so I love nap time as well!

Things are finally slowing down...

The last 2 months have been nonstop crazy, end of the school year, Layton's birthday parties, traveling and moving! I never thought Layton and I would get a day to relax, but it is finally here! Now it's time to enjoy the next 4 1/2 weeks before heading back to school!

Layton health has been amazing! I'm so thankful that we finally found out what was making him sick! He has been running around and talking up a storm! He love to sing, help with the laundry and sweep!

We are slowly transitioning to our new living arrangements which has been a little hard on him but he is getting use to it. He has actually slept trough the past 3 nights! Yippee for me! We will see how he does when he starts staying at dad's for the night. Hopefully it keeps up!

Layton did figure out how to open the front door. What a dare devil! This child has no fear! He goes out and plays in the little bit of grass we have outside!

He currently has 5 teeth coming in! 4 molars and 1 canine! He spent a couple days in Indy pretty unhappy but it doesn't bother him much anymore.

The kid eats like a champ! On most days I think he eats better than I do! Today's breakfast was a fresh peach, homemade waffle and Canadian bacon. Mommy had cereal!

Someone asked me the other day if being a teacher I had already started flash cards with Layton. My instant "in head" response wasn't a nice one; what parent does flash cards with a 1 year old? At his age it's all about real world experiences, plus we love to read about things! Today we could hear the trashman so we went out and looked at the dump truck and talked about him it takes the trash away. When we were at grandma and grandpa's Layton learned what hot meant. Now when we are outside it's "hot" and the stove is "hot". Sometimes even our food is "hot!"

Everyday we spend together is a special one. Even though and the end of the day I'm worn old a little part I me always wants to wake him up an play more! =)

Amazing!

We have been having so much fun in Indiana that I haven't had time to blog much. We had a birthday party, went to the fair and the Children's Museum. We have been spending a lot time outside going on walks, playing with the truck and in the water!

Today Layton goes to get his 1 year pictures taken! I can't believe that this time last year we were on our first trip to the hospital! Laying in bed last night I thought about how a year ago I was eating Labor Cake, drinking red leaf tea, bouncing on my yoga ball and taking laps around the neighborhood. I had thrown in the towel, I was uncomfortable and ready to be done!

While we have been here I have slowly taken Layton off soy. He is on a lactose free milk which has made a huge difference. No coughing, no runny nose, eczema is gone, red cheeks are gone, no snoring at night and sleeping with his mouth closed! Who would have thought something so simple was causing so many problems! A couple more days of weening him off soy milk until it is completely done. Next is looking at the food he eats and checking labels for soy. I'm not going to be a crazy person about it because clearly he can tolerate it, but he is doing so much better now that it's not in his system! Hopefully this is the beginning of some wonderful answers!
=)

We made it!

Before we left the house for the airport Layton cried for at least and hour! I said my prayers and packed everything in the car. Once at the airport we went through security, got something to eat and it was time to board. As soon as we were able we watched Yo Gabba Gabba, an episode of Mickey Mouse, played with cars and dogs then it was time to sleep! Layton slept the last 2 hours of the flight while the other children screamed...

After sleeping the first night at grandma's Layton woke up to let the spoiling begin! Powered donuts for breakfast and his own swimming pool. We spent most of the afternoon outside, which Layton absolutely loved! So ready to see what tomorrow brings...
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Vacation Time!

I can't believe it's finally time for our well anticipated trip back to Indiana! Layton and I haven't seen my family since the beginning of January! He has changed so much since then.. Walking, talking and into everything! I hope that everyone knows what the are in for! 20 days days with my crazy independent child! I have so much that I want him to see and do! Last night I even gor Layton his own backpack for the trip! Time to get packing! =)

Layton's 1st Birthday

There has been so much anticipation leading up to Layton's first party! I have been planning for months and baked for 2 days! I wanted everything to go off without a hitch! I knew that Layton loved Mickey Mouse, so that was the easy part. I searched Pinterst and Google for days before coming up with the final plan to what I thought was going to be an amazing party!

Cupcakes, smash cake, potato salad, fruit salad, Mickey cookies where all on the list of things to make. Thankfully, Layton took a nap from 9:30-12:00 which was great because I could get myself ready and finish a few odds and ends. I waited for Sarah to come and we loaded the cars and off we went. Once to Aaron and Vicki's it was a mad dash to cakes iced, food out and decorations up. Last on the list was heading to Party City to pick up the balloons and getting Layton dressed for his guests!

During the party Layton had a great time, opening gifts was the best part. Sarah won the prize for the Mickey Mouse Bus that Layton can ride. She knew she had to call me and get the OK because it makes noise! Layton also got clothes, shoes, books and so much more.

When it was time to have cake we sang to Layton and helped him blow out his candle. But... he would not touch that cake with a 10-foot pole! He absolutely refused and wanted out of his highchair! It really didn't surprise me because he is such a picky eater anyway!

After all the fun and party was cleaned up we were on our way home. My tired little man fell asleep in the car and has been asleep ever since! At least it gave me time to put everything away and get my house back to normal.

Around 9 o'clock Layton was a little fussy and was tossing and turning, then started to cry. I went in to see what was wrong but the second I picked him up he was out like a light. I tried to place him back down and he started to cry again. I picked him up and again he was out like a light. I then realized he just wanted to be held. This hasn't happened for a really long time because I had trained him to put himself to sleep, but I took him up on his offer right away! I walked him around his room for what seemed like forever and thought about the last year crying quietly to myself. So much has happened in my life the past year and I don't know what my life with be without Layton. Being a mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so grateful to have such an amazing little man. He is so smart and funny, witty and loving. He is the perfect little boy. It's amazing how fast my pregnancy and the first year of Layton's life have flown by. I can't wait to see what the next 100 years are going to bring for him and I.

I am so thankful for all the amazing friends and family that showed up today. Layton is a very loved little boy and I am so grateful for all the amazing people that he shares his life with. What an amazing and special day! And guess what? We get to do it again next week... and I can't wait!

Thanks SV for all your help today, wouldn't have been so successful without all your help! We love you!

 =)

Allergy test

We took Layton to see an allergist today, hoping to finally get some answers as to why he is constantly sick. After an intense question and answer with the doctor he decided that Layton needed a skin prick test.

During the test they prick Layton's back with 17 different things! I had heard horror stories about the test so I made Bryce hold him while they did it. He took it like a champ, as usual!

Instantly Layton's back lit up like a Christmas tree! I kept asking the nurse what each prick was and went into panic mode! After 15 minutes was up the reactions went away and only 1 remained strong!

They tested the Top 10 allergens: cats, dogs, cockroaches, dust mites, milk, soy, wheat, whole eggs, egg yolk, peanuts

The one what remained was SOY! As Layton finished drinking his soy milk bottle a million things when racing through my head. After talking with the doctor we have to obviously stop giving Layton soy. We have to start reading labels and eliminating soy from his diet. It's amazing that soy is in so many things! Hopefully this is the answer to the problem... Layton will get tested again in a year to see if he grows out of the allergy or develops new ones.

I'm not going to be allowed to go back to work...

This morning Layton ate a blueberry puffin. It was quite a mess but he absolutely loved it. I had pineapples left from dinner last night, so I also made him a pineapple, banana, apple juice smoothie!

I made his mini omelets for tomorrows breakfast! I made one for myself too! They were super easy to make and I can freeze them and thaw them for later!

Mini Omelets

8 egg yolks
Milk
Veggies
Cheese
Lunch meat

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and place the mixture into a well greased muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes and enjoy!

I used green peppers, tomatoes, ham and shredded cheese!

If your child is over 1 you can use 6 whole eggs instead of just the yolks!

=)

Toddler food

The best idea I ever had was to prepare all Layton's fruits and veggies for the week on Sunday! I usually have 4-5 fruits and 4-5 veggies. I keep them stored in their own containers on his shelf in the fridge.

Today I decided to take it to the next level! I made his "puffins" and tomorrow mini omelets. I can freeze them and thaw them out for breakfast the next day! So quick and easy and he can have them as soon as he is hungry!

Puffins

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix:
1 cup pancake mix
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup syrup

Pour into a greased muffin pan. Top with anything your heart desires. I did strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips and bananas!

Bake for 12-14 minutes and enjoy!
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Schools out for the summer!

I am so excited to be heading home to my favorite little man! The next 75 days of just him and I. So many fun things planned for us to do and see. I can't wait to teach him new things and see how much he learns over the summer! I never thought I would look forward to summer this much, but I wouldn't want to spend it any other way! =)

Back Up and Running...

I can't believe how crazy the first 11 months of Layton's life have been! It has been quite the roller coster experience. Some up's and some down's but so many wonderful memories! Everyday he learns something new and fun. I can't believe how smart and amazing my little man is!

He can say momma, dada, moo, up, eat, baba (bottle) and hi. He refuses to eat baby food anymore and had been walking for the past 2 months! He puts himself to sleep all by himself and even gets his own diaper when it needs to be changed. Pretty soon he will be off to kindergarten!

I am planning Layton's first birthday party and can not wait for him to eat his cake and open his gifts! We are doing 2 different parties, one in Vegas and one at Grandma and Grandpa's. His parties will be Mickey Mouse themed of course! I have so many things left to do and plan still, but I can't wait for his big day!

We have planned to be in Indy for 3 weeks! I'm not sure that Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Zacky know what they are in for though! They haven't "lived" with a 1-year-old in a VERY long time! I already have a bucket list of fun things that I want Layton to be able to experience in Indy! I also can't wait for him to spend lots of time with his family! He is such a loved and missed little boy!

Right now Layton is fighting off a Viral Infection. He spent the weekend and into Monday with a high fever. Antibiotic and cough medicines have helped him sleep and breath the last 2 days. We go to the allergist next week to see if he is allergic to anything. Fingers crossed that we come back with a clean slate and no allergies. Up till now though he is a spitting image of his Uncle Zacky so I'm not sure that will be the case.

Wanted to take a few minutes to get everyone up to date. Hopefully this summer and into Layton's 2nd year of life I will have plenty of time to keep up on my blogging!


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