DC Melchers: Letters to Layla

Dear Layla,

I'm a few weeks late writing you this letter for your second birthday. Part of the reason is because our whole house has been recovering from various illnesses. But the main reason is that I've had a hard time coming up with the words to describe just what a wonderful, silly, funny, loving, kind little girl you have become. As you already know, I'm usually never at a loss for something to say. But when when it comes to describing your crooked smile, or mischievous little laugh, or the way you nuzzle in to my chest and ask "Momma hug?" there just doesn't seem to be the right words. So I'll do my best, but this is in no way a full picture of who you are, just a little snap shot of whats on my mind.

At the core of who you are, you are a kind hearted little girl. You are always looking out for everyone else, your friends and family and especially Cash. You can share with the best of them and when you have something you like you want everyone around you to have some as well, even if no one else wants it. If you hear another kid crying, you get very upset and run over to me and say "Baby crying. baby ok? Mommy hold baby?" You seem to think that your Mommy is the only Mommy in the world that can help a crying baby. You get very insistent that I hold any baby we see that is upset. It's flattering, but slightly awkward when the crying baby is a stranger. Every day you tell me you love me, that you love Daddy and Cashy. You ask for hugs and kisses all day long and love to cuddle. You are super affectionate. There is nothing that makes you happier than when your whole family is together on the couch or in bed. You get a huge smile and say "all 'gether. Momma, Dada, Layla, Cashy, all 'gether!"

But don't let all that sweetness fool you, you are a very spirited child. We don't like to use the word bossy, but you certainly have a future in leadership. You give me and Dada little commands all day. Usually something along the lines of "Momma sit RIGHT THERE!" You know what you want and you don't stop until you get it, or someone gives it to you. You are so silly and love to tease us with little games you come up with. You will hid your susie(your banket) and then come find us with mock concern and say "Oh no, where Susie?!" and then laugh when you pull her out of your hiding place. You have absolutely no fear which makes me both proud and incredibly nervous. We were at an indoor pool last week and while all the other two year olds were scared to put their faces in, you went right to the edge and said "No Momma help! Layla jump under by myself!" and proceeded to jump in and come up laughing.

You are a very musical child and sing and dance all day long. You shock me with how well you can remember and sing back songs. You know just about every nursery rhyme and definitely every song on the Top 20 countdown. You know what artists sing certain songs, and can recognize their voices. For example, you LOVE Nicki Minaj. We were in the car and a brand new Nicki Minaj song came on that you had never heard and you squealed "Nicki!" You can't stop yourself from dancing whenever you hear music, and will even dance to the rhythm of the washing machine.

It's hard to believe we've only known you for two years, it feels like we've always been a family. I am filled with such pride as I watch you become your own little person. You are my best friend, my little side kick and my greatest joy.

Here are some of your developmental milestones and things you like:

You weigh 32 pounds and are 34 inches tall. 95% for weight and 80% for height.
You can count to 20
You understand counting objects, for example you will see 3 red crayons in a mix of all your other crayons and say "1, 2, 3 red!"
You can say all your abc's, and recognize almost all of them. When we are driving you will see a sign and say "look an M!"
You know all your colors and shapes and can sort things by both
You can complete simple puzzles
You love imaginative play and create little scenarios and stories with your toys, or 'my buddies' as you call them
You talk in several word sentences and can say most things.
You understand your senses. For example you will hear a bird chirping but not see it and say "I hear birdie with my ears! No see!"
You run, jump, climb, twirl, and dance all over the place.
You have a great memory and association. For example, Dido cut up some pineapple for you at Christmas. 3 months later we saw a pineapple at the grocery store and you pointed to it and said "Dido!"
You eat anything and everything but your favorites are broccoli, avocados, cheese, chips and dip, sushi, popsicles and smoothies.
You pick up little expressions and say them at appropriate times. Your boots got stuck the other day and you said "Oh Come'on boots! Sheesh!"
You love to color, paint, stamp, do stickers, anything artistic.
Sesame Street is your favorite show and pretty much the only thing you'll sit long enough to watch.
You are such a girly girl and gravitate towards all things pink and sparkly. You want your nails painted and ask every day to wear make up. You like to walk around in high heels too. We are in trouble in about 12 years.
You love princesses, especially Cinderella.
Most of all, you love Cash!