Happy Birthday Layla Mama

I know that this is really late but I just wanted to take the time to give 

Layla Mama a Happy Birthday Shout out! 

I cannot believe how fast time has gone; and now my little baby is one!

She loves to sing and dance,

wear jewelry,

give kisses,

and play with her brothers.

She LOVES watermelon and pirates booty,

and currently has 5 teeth, 2 on bottom and 3 on top.

She can walk a little but is lazy and let's her brothers do all the work for her.

She sleeps through the night, 12 hours plus,

She is mellow and usually always smiling and happy.

She has the cutest curls on the side of her head that when she gets real

sweat curls even more. She has skinny little chicken legs and loves the water.

And, she flirts with almost everyone.

Layla Mama, I am so grateful for the dynamic and sweet spirit 

that you bring to our home and our eternal family. I am honored that you chose "us" forever.

I cannot ever imagine my life without you!

I love you to the moon and back...3 times!

La-La

I Know I have missed a few pictures of Layla and my how she has grown. I think she is starting to look more like Cameron. Either way she is absolutely beautiful, but I am a little biased. Anyway, she has the biggest eyes, and a big smile with 2 little teeth. Layla has just made 10 months old (wow time flies) and she is the height of an 18 month old. She crawls and cruises along the furniture, up the stairs and she thinks she's a big girl. Here are her 9 month photos (p/c: www.alanayates.com) and some of her silly smiley self. She is such an easy going baby.

Happy 5 months

Happy 5 months little Lady.

18 lbs and 28 inches. For her age, she is the average size of a 9 month old.

I love her gummy smile, her eye lashes. her mellow personality, the few long, wispy little hairs on her head and everything about her! 

I love you Layla xoxo

Layla 4 mo

What a pleasure it is to be this little girls mommy! (I hope I am still saying that when she is 16) She is so calm and happy all the time. I love her so much!

She is weighing in at 18 lbs and 28 inches long.

Off the charts for both height and weight for her age, or an average 9 month old.

She can roll and sleep through the night. She coos and laugh out loud. It's so cute. She likes to sleep and is always down for a good time.

Love you xoxo

3 months

Layla

11.26.12

This post is a little late because November came and went. It was a whirlwind of FUN visiting family and Mickey Mouse. But in the midst of it all, this little beauty has turned 3 months. She is so sweet, she smiles at everything, giggles out loud, poops like a champion and is beautiful. She makes our little family complete.

Mr. & Mrs. Conway

Layla's first flight 2012

Last weekend, Cameron, Layla and I went on a small weekend getaway to Palm Springs. This was Layla's first trip and a much needed trip for Cameron and I, especially me! Side note, she did awesome!

Anyway, we flew up to see one of Cameron's childhood buddies, Scott get married. Scott was also in our wedding line, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was so nice to be a part of this special occasion and share and enjoy in the love and fun that this couple and their families had to offer. Such a gorgeous bride, wedding and evening.

Me and Layla waiting for the wedding to start.

The gorgeous wedding reception at The Parker.

Cameron and Scott.

Fairy Tale Reception

Cocktail Hour

Adorable favors. 

Yes, I slipped into a pair of slippers as the night went on. And I sat at the Alice in Wonderland Table.

Photo booth fun. 

Although we didn't know anyone there, and I don't know the groom very well, and this was my first time meeting the bride...AND Cameron made me stay at the Holiday Inn (which was the bomb) we had so much fun. It was a small intimate gathering filled with people who obviously loved this couple. 

In this life I hold tight to those few friends who have stuck it out with me throughout the years. Those who have shared tears and laughs, even toys and boys. There is nothing like picking up exactly where you left off, as if time has suspended. Friendships like these are far and few and worth holding dear to the heart. I have met so many great people and cannot wait to see our new, old friends again soon. 

Congratulations and best wishes for a long, love-filled and prosperous marriage!

*I forgot this photo in the original post.

**They are having their first dance to song, "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid! So stinking cute!

Happy 2 months

Layla Kilinahehali`alaokamailelauli`ili`i Heide

(AKA: baby, baby girl, baby sister, pretty girl, honey baby)

On October 26th, baby girl made 2 months old. 2 whole months. Time sure does fly and yet at the same time, it undoubtedly feels like she has been a part of our family for a very long time. Layla is now 13 lbs and 25 in. She is in the 95th percentile in the nation for both weight and height. She is getting so big! Love you!

Layla's Blessing

Layla's Blessing

10.14.12

(We struggled at a family photo!)

This past Sunday we blessed baby Layla. She was such a doll in her white outfit, headband and the beautiful white blanket grandma made. She didn't even cry and Cameron remembered her whole middle name and didn't have to use his cheat sheet. Cameron was able to give Layla a blessing and a beautiful one at that. I guess I will never truly understand the love a father has for his daughter. With every word spoken I could feel the spirit and it was strong. I wasn't sure if Cameron was going to make it all the way through. He blessed her with love, worthiness and prosperity. He blessed her that when the time comes she will find a worthy spouse that will treat her like the daughter of Heavenly Father that she is.

To all my family that came to celebrate and those who were able to be in the circle, thank you. I know it was a lot to wake up for 8 am church. Thank you for being a part of Layla's life and our's as well. What a touching moment to see Cameron, My dad, my two brothers, Kahi and Lopaka in the blessing as well. (Lopaka, I can't wait to go through the temple with you. xoxo) Thank you to Tyler, B, Shawn, and Megazar. 

Husband, thank you for giving her the blessing and for being worthy to do so. Also, thank you for honoring your priesthood. I don't know if you truly understand the magnitude of what that gift is and what it means to me. I am grateful to have it in my home and I thank my father for setting that high standard for me. Please give us blessing often.

To my children, I have such an amazing testimony of this Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I am blessed to be your mother. What an opportunity to be your mother here on Earth, I need to always remember that, especially when I am thinking, "Dear God, why me?!" I'm sure you boys are thinking the same thing as well. "Why us!?" The Lord has entrusted me with you and our eternal family. I have a testimony of our living God and our living Prophet of whom he speaks through. We are given many trials and blessings here on Earth and our goal is to return to him together as a family. Please never forget to stay close to the Lord and keep life in perspective. Service others often and remember that when you are in the service of your fellow man you are in the service of God. Remember why you are here and what your purpose is and you will indeed prosper. 

I love you all.

And, to Layla. You are such a joy to us. Continue to grow and grace us with all that you have to offer. You have endured much at such a young age already and we are so glad that you are healthy and strong. You have a such a sweet spirit and disposition. Go far in this life and set your standards high. Be dedicated, passionate, loyal and loving. Strive to follow your dreams and get as much education in this life, for knowledge is the key to success. You will always be my baby and I know daddy's little girl. 

I Love you ~ Mom xoxo

The enitre crazy Durrett eternal family...for now.

2012

Just had to share these 3 crazy cousins!

Lohena, Bobo & Marcus

Nana Rosa

Marcus, Nana & Lohena

Children's Discovery Center 10.2.2012

My mother-in-law Rosa flew in from Seattle for two weeks to help us out while everyone was sick. She has helped nurse us back to health, cook, clean, and babysit. Thank you for letting me sleep in every day. Not only are the kids a little bit more spoiled but so am I. Thank you for all that you did for us even though you had to sleep on the bottom bunk!

My dear Marcus was so sad to see Nana leave, he cried tonight in his bed. I expected something like this. He did this the last two times she came and left. It just broke my heart. When Marcus was born we lived with Nana for a year and together they formed such a strong bond. We will see you soon! 

Love and miss you already! xoxo

Sick Baby

Kapiolani Hospital 2012

Some of you may or may not know that just three weeks after my sweet baby was born, we were back in the hospital. Except this time it was not for a routine check-up.

The night before we were admitted into Kapiolani Medical Center, Layla had a fever. I wasn't quite sure, since I have never experienced a sick newborn. However, Marcus had come down with an infection. And like most families who have children in school and have more than one child, that infection swept through our little, unsuspecting family like wild fire in a dry meadow.

Not knowing what to expect and with the encouragement of my pediatrician, I took Layla to the ER to simply get her 100.3 fever (which is very high for a newborn) checked out. I soon learned that all infants under 30 days old were admitted for a minimum of 48 hours. And since they are so young EVERY single, dang test is performed. Now that is something you can't really prep for. She drew blood, urine, spinal tap, x-rays and even had a baby IV inserted. Flushed with antibiotics and vitals every four hours, we were finally released and able to return home. 

We are finally recovering and doing well. One month down and I regret to say that I have not been able to do all of the exciting new born things with Layla. For a while the days were filled with doctor appointments, night medicines and isolation. And now, I finally get to sit on the couch and do nothing but hold my baby girl. You know, the "exciting" things like, where you sit and stare at your child all day long. I love it. 

Five weeks old now, Layla is getting strong and healthy. She is 11 lbs, and 25 inches long. She still has a lingering cough that breaks your heart every time you hear, but she is going to get through it!

Thank you to all of my friends and family who prayed for us and sent positive thoughts our way. Also, I cannot express enough how grateful I am to all of those who took the time to prepare a meal for my family. It  was a huge burden lifted, and not to mention delicious.

Also, thank you to my mom who took care of my boys and Rosa, my wonderful mother-in-law who unselfishly flew in from Seattle to take care of us. 

We love you both! xoxo

Layla Photo Shoot

Here are the sweet, sweet pictures of my baby girl. 

Thank you to my sister, Alana Yates for photographing our little angel. Check out her site here. 

Photo Shoot

This week my sister Alana (www.alanayates.com) took Layla's very first baby pictures. It was absolutely exhausting. I thought it was going to go much smoother but little spirits can be so demanding! I had all these ideas and poses along with props ready to use, and I had an exact picture of what the final pics would look like in my head. Boy, was I wrong! Here are a few shots I just had to share. I know there are some great ones that I will just love but these were too funny not to share. Love you Layla xoxo.

Baby Layla

Layla Kilinahehali`alaokamailelauli`ili`i Heide

I know this post is a little late, but I wanted to formally introduce you to the newest member of our little family. Two weeks ago today, baby Layla captured the heart of every single member of our family and I can already see that this once QUEEN of the house is now sharing her throne, if not stepping down completely.

After a terrible pregnancy, Layla (named by daddy) couldn't have come at a better time. Just like the boys I was counting on her arrival 2 weeks early, and 2 weeks early she came. In fact, it was 15 days early. She was born Sunday August 26th at 6:58 pm. She weighed in at 8lbs 3oz and 21.5 inches tall and I cannot imagine if I carried to full term. I know Cameron was thankful she came early.

To Marcus and Lohena, watch out! She's coming for you!
To my dear husband, thank you for everything; for putting up with me and for loving me. She is adorable. Can you believe we have 3 kids?....ahhhh....

Layla is a wonderful baby girl. She is sweet and  I know she will hold her own in this house full of crazy boys. Good luck Sweetie!

The Crazy Delivery 

Once again I managed to do it again. I waited way too long to head into the hospital and she arrived in 18 minutes from pulling into the ER. 18 MINUTES!!!! Talk about a heart-attack for my poor husband.

Early Sunday morning I was experiencing some contractions. Nothing unbearable and definitely not enough to be in active labor. However, that morning I had some unexpected blood and thought I'd better play it safe and make the drive to Queens. We woke the slumbering children and ran them to my moms; luckily it was the weekend. I was admitted but after a few uneventful hours and not-to-mention a few rude nurses I was practically kicked out. The nurse said condescendingly while rubbing my arm, "maybe in a week or so you can come back." Insulted, I was ready to pop her one. This was not my first child! Anyway, against my Dr.'s wishes I decided to go home, and I think it was the best for everyone. Exhausted and disappointed, I went home and slept.

After a few hours of sleep I woke ready to meet my contractions head on. I labored at home for a few hours. The contractions were strong but far apart, nothing too consistent. All I knew was that this was NOT going to take another WEEK!

I labored until it was unbearable. I knew I wanted to go natural and I didn't want to go back to the hospital and get kicked out again. So i jumped in the shower, packed my bag and timed my contractions. Finally, they were about 5 minutes apart and I could barely handle them. I called for Cameron and said let's book it now!! I called my Dr and headed into town.Once we hit the freeway I was convinced I was going to explode. I can only imagine what Cameron was thinking. He sped through traffic and let me squeeze his had until it was black and blue. Well, he did this to me right??

We whipped into the ER at 6:40pm and I knew she was going to come, and fast. I barely made it through triage when I convinced the little Filipino man to run me to labor and delivery, I'm sure he got a workout. When I finally arrived I ran into my room stripping off every last piece of clothing along with my dignity and leaving it at the door. I jumped on the bed and when the nurse asked if I wanted an epidural I asked, "when can I push?" She calmly began to check me and replied, "Do NOT push!" I was 10 cm and ready to go. But, my Dr was not here yet. 

Cameron, like a good husband recovered from the ride and stood by my side. My nurse ran out of the room and returned followed by at least five more nurses. I was in pain and was taking all my effort not to push. Nurses swarmed me and my Dr. came running in. I could see Cameron's shocked face in the background. He was pushed to the back and was quiet. With one leg hanging off the bed and the nurse trying to put an IV in my arm, they pierced the water bag and her head popped right out. I gave one push total and she was out. I couldn't even believe it. 

Finally the IV was put in and after all was said and done, I signed the paperwork stating that the hospital could deliver my baby. We are home now and the recovery has been great. Layla is a wonderful baby and I am eager to see who she will look like. We are all completely in love.