Oh the things toddlers do

I can't believe I'm even calling Layla a TODDLER! I also can't believe how much she has changed just in the last few months. We have known since I was pregnant that this kid has a mind of her own, but now it is worse than ever. When Layla wants something, you know it. I thought I'd share some silly facts about Layla:

#1- The kid has to be in socks unless in the bathtub. Actually, she's fine without socks as long as she can't see them laying somewhere. But as soon as she sees either socks or shoes they have to be on her feet! I'm hoping this sock thing wears off because no child of mine will wear socks with sandals this summer. I've never seen a toddler on "What Not to Wear" but I will be submitting her to Stacy and Clinton if I have to.

#2- She loves her blankie. I know every kid has something they attach to (I had a baby blanket until Junior High) but there is just something about the way she digs her face into and cuddles with this blanket. She can't get close enough to it. I'm fearful of the day that she'll want to start taking it out in public, I don't want to loose it! We just can't go nite nite without this blankie.

#3- She's got major attitude. I know that some people don't believe me when I tell them that she's been rolling her eyes at us since she was about 10 months old. All you need is to witness her doing it once to realize that this kid was probably coping an attitude in the womb. I really don't know where she gets it *eh hum* but it is hilarious. I can't help but laugh, what I am going to do when she starts swearing?!

#4- She only recognizes colors in the yellow spectrum. Most everyone has heard me talk about Layla's eating issues. And I know that most toddlers have some kind of eating issue but this has just stumped so many people. First of all she doesn't like anything slimy...not all that uncommon for her age. But here is the kicker...she will only eat things that are white, yellow, orange or brown. Yep...our diet consists of bread, cheese, goldfish and Teddy Grams. The picture below says it all

#5- Oh the temper tantrums. Unfortunately Mommy is the one that gets to witness those the most (although it is pretty hilarious). I haven't really consistently found what pushes her over the edge but when she hears "no" enough it's showtime. We are talking HIGH DRAMA here people. See #3...this is coming from a kid that has had an attitude since 10 months old. Normally the scenarios plays out something like this:

- Layla walks up to the fireplace and starts to climb. Me: "Layla, that's a no no...no touching"
- Without turning around she looks at my reflection through the glass of the fireplace and glares at me. She has to do this through the reflection of the fireplace because if she looks at me like that directly she will not be able to keep from shooting laser beams out of her eyeballs. If looks could kill.
- Then, just like the snap of your fingers she changes. She turns around with a big adorable smile and those too cute baby blue eyes sparkling. She waves at you and you wave back thinking "how in the world could I ever tell her no?". And then she makes her move...that little bugger starts to climb. 
- Now I walk up and remove her from the fireplace while telling her "no". Her body goes limp and the whole neighborhood can sense what is about to take place.
- I stand her up in the middle of the living room floor and she stares at the ground for about 5 seconds debating what to do next. And that's it, she throws herself on the floor belly first. She must knock the wind out of lungs because normally it takes a few more seconds for her to start the screaming.
- At this point I ignore her. I know her well enough to know that this is all about attention. Then she starts the rolling. I have seen this girl alligator role from the middle of our living room clear into our kitchen before. Screaming the WHOLE way. I have to turn away before busting out laughing.
- She gets dizzy from rolling so she stands up...does a little bit of the drunk shuffle and then throws herself down on the floor again. This time the feet and fists come out.
- After about 5 minutes it all just stops. She picks herself up, comes over to me with her attitude down a notch and we wipe the tears and nose and it is all over.

#6- Why so serious?I hate to admit it, but here it goes- Layla is SO much like Bryan. She studies and just takes everything in. Thank God she's so smart because the kid doesn't have much patience (I blame Uncle Brock for this). But the one thing that she does that reminds me so much of Bryan is this: Layla can be sitting there quiet at can be just minding her own business and suddenly break out in the cheesiest laugh. The kind of laugh where you stick your chin in the air, squint your eyes and show all of your teeth. She just cracks herself up...just like her Daddy. ;o)

#7- She loves to dance! Right now her favorite kiddy songs are Itsy Bitsy Spider and Skiddle a Rinky Dink a Dink. She knows all the hand movements and loves to sing when she's in the tub, getting her diaper changed and when she's trying to avoid eating. She also loves to dance to "real" music and actually has great rhythm for a 15 month old!

I can't wait for her to read this when she gets older. It may sound like I'm complaining about some of these things but really...I love it. These quirky little habits make her who she is. I'm sure most mom's think I'm crazy but my favorite thing about Layla is that she doesn't listen to a word you say. For example- Instead of giving kisses when you ask for them, she gives them when she wants to. And they mean SO much more. She has a mind of her own and I'm loving every single minute of it now...until she's 14 and it isn't cute anymore. ;o)