Almost two

It's hard to believe, but Layla will be 2 years old next Saturday (2/21). She is such a big girl. I think her size, vocabulary and motor skills are normal for her age, which is pretty impressive, considering the delays caused by malnutrition and a complete language and culture change almost 9 months ago. Also, everyone comments on how intelligent and funny she is. I mean, I know she's the smartest and funnest person in the room, but others have noticed, too. At daycare, they say she is the life of the party and I believe it.


Unfortunately, my poor child has been plagued by illness after illness, each one followed by one or two ear infections. I am thankful that she hasn't been severely sick, but feel badly that she is hurting. When she isn't feeling well, she's ... well, I'll just say ... difficult. Life is so hard for her during these times. Like yesterday... I took her to the doctor's and they wanted to do a breathing treatment to ease the congestion in her lungs. Poor Layla hated having that mask on her face and fought it tooth and nail, biting the mask, kicking, screaming and fighting with all her might. She only had the mask up to her face for a couple minutes, but that was rough for her, especially when she wasn't feeling well to begin with.


When she's not sick or tired, she's an absolute joy to be around, so funny and loving. But she always knows what she wants, and wants it when she wants it. She is very attached to me, which makes me melt, but it's hard when she cries when I leave her anywhere, even if only for a few minutes. I love this little girl so much, and am still utterly amazed that she has graced my life.


Layla refuses to pose for cameras. When I get the camera out, she avoids looking at me at all costs, so most of my pictures are of her when I catch her off guard. I wish I could capture her little personality more. Here are some of the latest.

These last two pictures were taken at my sister's house in Pittsburgh. Layla had thrown up in the car and the only change of clothes we had was this little jumper that Mickey had brought for Layla since cousin Quinn had grown out of it. Somehow, Layla makes it work. She looks beautiful in anything.