Week 8

It's been a busy week! Last weekend was Lyla's first trip out of town! We went to Buffalo and Lyla visited lots of people. Saturday was Sophie's first birthday party. Unfortunately the rain kept us inside but I don't think Lyla cared. We had a great time and Sophie got a TON of gifts. Sunday was Father's Day--I think Mike enjoyed his new gift-receiving occasion! He got several books (Including the "Idiot's Guide to Raising Girls" and "Pacify Me"), a mug with photos of Lyla in her Man City jersey, a photo key ring and more! Later in the afternoon my grandma came to visit Lyla, and so did my Aunt Audrey and Uncle Mort, as well as cousins Alan and Nike. Lyla was a big hit as always! Monday we went for Lunch with grandma and Lyla slept the entire time--she's very good at sleeping through meals in restaurants, but not at home! Monday night we picked up Mike's sister Amy and her fiance Simon from the airport. They got in really late so we basically went straight to bed after they arrived! We hadn't seen them since last summer so it's nice to get a visit from them. They were the first of the Ellicotts to meet Lyla! They'll be here for two weeks visiting. Tuesday we had a great day at Niagara Falls and got some great photos. Mike, Amy and Simon went on Maid of the Mist and Lyla and I played in the park. We had a nice picnic lunch on Goat Island, then drove home to Erie. This sounds like a simple drive, however, it was like a clown car (you know when they squeeze 20 clowns into a tiny car?) We had four adults, two dogs, one baby, and a partridge in a pear tree, all crammed into my tiny corolla, plus four suitcases, two duffel bags and the dog's crates! (thank goodness for the roof rack!) Thursday we went to Preque Isle and took a nice walk in the park. Today Mike, Amy and Simon went to Cedar Point and Lyla and I stayed home to enjoy some time together before I start rotations again on Monday. Uuuuggghhhh. I'm really not looking forward to going back (although Lyla did have a rather fussy and sleepless afternoon today which made going back seem a little less sad!...maybe that was a good thing).

So what's new in Lyla's world this week? She's smiling a whole lot more. Her most smiley times are in the morning, but now occur through out the day as well. She'll smile for 10-20 minutes straight, it's really adorable. She's cooing too which is also incredibly cute. She makes lots of funny faces including cute little frowns, and has been drooling a lot too. Her little chicken legs are starting to get some rolls and she's outgrown the newborn diapers. She's lifting her chest off the ground when we put her on her tummy. She's getting the hang of pacifiers. She really studies faces and is even more aware of her surroundings. She's really showing her personality. She can be like Jekyl and Hyde--sweet and adorable one minute then full blown tantrums the next! I think she's got more of her mother's stubborn and demanding personality as opposed to her father's laid-back attitude! Her sleeping schedule is still fairly good at night (although with the heat we've had the past few days she hasn't slept quite as well) but her napping schedule is erratic. Some days she'll take a three hour nap (usually in her car seat if we're out and about), and other days she'll fight the fatigue all day, take a couple 10 minute cat naps, then be crabby. I've tried putting her in her crib for naps, as I think this is the best place for her to sleep, and she should get into a bit of a routine. but she seems to prefer her swing or being held (and I'm such a softy I just give into it because I know in a few days I won't have as much time with her). Monday Lyla will be going to soccer practice with Mike but Amy and Simon will be there to look after her. I'm just enjoying my last few days of vacation before reality kicks in on Monday!