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Friday, August 12, 2011

four years in review...in pictures

**Updated**  four years in review...in pictures...and words. 

Here I sit, Sunday afternoon after returning from Layla's 2nd bday party, courtesy of my parents, MiMi and PoPo.   Thankyouverymuch.  I feel compelled to add more to this post.  Both in pictures and words. 

On the return trip from San Antonio to Houston....yet another - same scenario of my "car-totalled-broken-ankle" accident happened on Interstate 10.  However, this time we {yes, baby girl of course is with me again} are traveling at a rate of about 70 mph, give or take - not the 30 mph on the last one.

It was a close call.  20 cars all suddenly going 70 mph to almost a dead stop!!!!!  Really!?!  I just don't get it.  No wreck up ahead.  No roads merging.  No debris in the roadway.  Perhaps it was just the school bus, traveling probably as it should, maybe 60 mph, in the right lane {the proper, courteous "slow lane" for those of you not from Texas}.  But because people wanted to get ahead of the bus, they start cutting cars off, with little space from one car to the next in the fast lane.  

Anyway.  It just brings back bad thoughts I used to have in college.  Those that you hate to have, yet they come anyway.  And it makes me want to NOT travel with my daughter!  Yes, I realize that sounds ludicrous  and is impossible, but it is how I feel.  I'll share this so you get where I am coming from....I've always felt I would die young in.a.car.accident.   Don't know where it comes from, but it comes.  I had overcome it for many years, but with the wreck, and now another close call.  This time, I was good in the front, but someone got extremely close to hitting me in the rear.  Closer to Layla. 

What if?  Is it my time...and it keeps missing me?  Ugh....I don't know. I know this may sound so crazy to some of you, but it's just how I am feeling right now.  Like I want to move to the country somewhere.  In a bubble would be nice.  

But it sure makes me appreciate, and not take for granted all of these precious moments I've had with this blessing of life...for these beautiful four years so far....

{1 month - sweet precious sleeping angel}

{1 month}

{2 months}


{2 months - showing me she'll be a fighter}

{2 months - showing me she would also like to use my phone...she still does...we've got a talker!}

{3 months - 1st personal dog encounter...stare down ensued}

{3 months - she won!}

{3 months - she rolls!}

{3 months}

(4 months - !st Santa Visit - beginning of "fluffy" phase}
{6 months}

{9 months}

{1 year old}

{1 year old bottom}

A mother's treasure is her daughter. 

~ Catherine Pulsifer

{1 year old - 1st birthday party}

{1 year old - in awe}

{1 year old - ...those lashes...}

{15 months - school picture}

{18 months}

{22 months - 1st splash pad}

{2 years old}

A daughter is, a joy bringer, a heart warmer, a memory maker; a daughter is love.

{2 years, 3 months}

{2.5 years old}

{creeping up on 3 years old}

{3 years old - yippee!!!}

My daughter is the most precious gift I've ever received.

{3 years old, 2 months - insert attitude}

{3.5 years old}

{March 2011}

A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend.

{April 2011}

{April 2011 - 1st haircut}

{May 2011}

What the daughter does, the mother did. 

~ Jewish Proverb
{please start praying for me now}

{May 2011 - 1st time bowling}

{mid-May 2011 - showing her cool factor}

{late May 2011}

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

{June 2011}

{mid June 2011 - 1st airfield visit - I spy something sweet!}

{late June 2011}

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.

{early July 2011 - showing her groove}

{late July 2011 - 1st circus}

{Layla, on her 4th birthday}

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.









When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. 

~ Sophia Loren

16 comments:

Cheryl Ann said...

she is gorgeous (as are you!)!! what precious pictures ;) she is lucky to have a momma that loves her like you so clearly do!!

Summer said...

Meli,
I love this post and girl I love these quotes too! LOL at the one about what a daughter does a mother has I'll pray for you and me on that one LOL!

Layla is one of the most precious babies I have ever seen! I love all of her outfits and her pics! Her 3 year old pic with the tutu is lik one of Kelcee's with her tutu OMG why didn't I think of the Chuck Taylors? LOL to stinkin' cute...girl our taste is so alike it is crazy! Layla is so beautiful and so are you, wow you are rockin' the hot momma look like nobodies business um secret please and thank you...p diddle s Kelcee has those same bloomies and tooshie shot hangin' on her wall :)

how is that ankle of yours still praying for you and glad you and Layla are ok!

love u
me

Theodora Ofosuhima said...

What a beautiful post. Layla is so lucky to have a mother like you. She adorable and her eyes are full of light and love :).

Happy 4 years!

Claire Kiefer said...

She has always been so pretty! I looooooove that "first haircut" picture--amazing! What a little doll you have. She lights up a room, I am sure!

Melissa said...

Such a beautiful post! You two are such beauties inside and out. And the pictures...lovely.

Keep up the great work Momma!

rachel said...

so cute! and you're so pretty! I love her hair...soooo curly!

*D* said...

so adorable! and I love the mommy daughter shots! :)

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Your daughter is completely adorable! Wonderful pictures! And a great reminder of the special relationship between moms and daughters. Nothing more special than that!

Thank you for the comment on the post for Lisa. It is wonderful how many lives she touched.

Have a great weekend!

xo

Carrie said...

Hi, I'm a new follower! Layla is seriously the most adorable child ever! LOVE that red hair!!!

Red Rose Alley said...

Hello,
I just visited your blog today - came on over through Gigi's Blog. Your photos of your daughter are lovely. While I was reading, I noticed that me and my daughters have alot of the same intersts as you. I LOVE my family, music, fashion, and photography. My daughter, Jess loves Interior Design, and has her degree in it. We would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you and seeing all your beautiful photos - they are so colorful and full of life! Hope to hear from you, and have a lovely Sunday.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

bananas. said...

you sure know how to make 'em! ;)

here's to layla!!!

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Happy Happy 4th Birthday Layla Girl!!!!! Oh aren't Birthdays Bitter Sweet with kids! Stay little, I say!!!! No, I guess there is no stopping it!
I LOVE seeing all the pics! She IS thee cutest lil Red Curlz EVA!!!!
I want that pic of her with the rainbow on her cheek and one of her and you, email will ya!!!
Love ya Meli Girl
gi gi

undomestic mama said...

I tried commenting on this while I was on vacation but our internet connection was not cooperating. I always new Layla had, beautiful, big brown eyes, but how did I not notice her lashes until then! (And it's funny that you edited the post to also mention them.) She is such a gorgeous little girl.

I'm so happy you two got out unscathed, but quit thinking negative thoughts! I know it's not easy but please don't think about dying in a car crash. Negativity breeds negativity and like attracts like so think about positive things, you deserve nothing but the best Meli girl.

Tiffany said...

Wow Meli, you and RS sure do make beautiful babies. Layla gets more and more gorgeous...and sweets, your photography is fantastic! That "late May 2011" portrait took my breath away, literally. Beautiful! I can't believe your tator tot is 4 YEARS OLD.

Chicago Chic said...

I seriously can't stop looking at these photos. I paused at every single one!!!! Her beauty is mesmerising!

xo
Rachel

Unknown said...

She is absolutely beautiful, you both are :)

I love all the quotes too, especially the last Sophia Loren one :)

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