LAURA WARE PHOTOGRAPHY

My dear friend that I worked with at the hospital just so happens to be an amazing photographer and offered to do Layla's newborn photo's. Layla was not very cooperative during the photo shoot but Laura did a spectacular job and I would highly recommend her to all of you for any of your photo needs! She lovingly put up with Layla peeing all over me and the blankets, screaming most of the time because she hates being naked, and then pooping through the remainder of the shoot. (luckily we had a diaper on by that time...can you imagine!) These are just a few of the wonderful photo's that Laura took of Layla. Her website is HERE. 

OK OK, HERE ARE THE MUCH REQUESTED PHOTOS AND UPDATES

It's 2:32 am and I really don't have the brain power to write details. But hopefully these photos and quick captions will tide you over:)
Working on the nursery... so not even close to being done. But here's the start.

Layla loves the bath... hates the cold while waiting for me to get faster at putting her jammies on.

Loves to be swaddled and put down for a nap where she so kindly falls to sleep without any rocking or crying. (of coarse after she puts herself to sleep without tears, I pick her up and snuggle her all I want:))

The other day on our way home from SLC she pulled the bow down over her eyes and screamed the entire way from bountiful until home. I cried and wondered what kind of emotional damage I'm doing because I couldn't pull over. (traffic and construction)

She's so stinking cute that I can't even look at her without my eyes lighting up with joy! My "Little Lady Layla Bug"

NEW FAVORITES

On our 5th wedding anniversary I had Kevin's wedding ring inscribed to read "you're my favorite." Not a day goes by usually that I don't tell him that at least twice. He returns the compliment and we continue on about our day. Kashi, Kevin and I all have a New Favorite! Kash can't wait for Layla to grow big enough to run around the yard with her. For now, he is content to lay in on our bed and watch over her while she sleeps. He gets bored after a few minutes when she doesn't make a fuss and he goes to his bed for a nap as well.
Kevin's new favorite is anything that has to do with Layla, especially when she's lathered in lotion and in a fresh pair a pj's waiting to be snuggled.
Our new family is my favorite.

WELCOME HOME

After a long week, drive, flight, and many other things.... Layla is home. We won't be posting very many pictures yet as we continue to manage adoptive relationships, though all is well. We just aren't sure yet as to how public or private we want to be.

A lot of wonderful things have happened since we've been home and Layla has been welcomed with open arms. Tonight she had her first bath at home and loved it. She is turning her head side to side when laying on her tummy and we're all managing to figure out how to do things without all the gizmos and gadgets that most people get from baby showers. We have been showered with love though and I believe that is the most important thing. We can't take our eyes off this little blessing and love every second of being parents. For now, I believe this picture sums it up. Welcome home little one... life is good.

FINALLY

In seeing this picture, a dear friend of mine titeled it "finally." It's the perfect title and the perfect moment. Although things are not finalized yet, I'd like to introduce Layla Day... she's brought me to my knees.
There are no words in this world to describe... this moment

GOD CREATES MIRACLES

This church is amazing. No matter where you go in the world there are church members who are willing to take us in, offer us a home cooked meal and a warm bed. After nights in roach motels and fast food we are so blessed to have an offer from a local Relief Society president (through Kevin's friend... thank you forever) to stay in their home.
I would love to post pictures for Layla's fan club. She know's you're all praying for her and love her very much. She is fighting to come home and see you all. For now, until we learn the right way to manage all of the adoption relationships we have chosen to forego public pictures for now. If you would like email updates with pictures please feel free to email Kday or I and we'll add you to the list.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU PRAYERS AND SUPPORT! Layla is getting better because of you, and Kevin and I are surviving this miracle because of you!
Love Sday

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE

Baby was born 07.06.2009.
7 lbs. 4oz. 20 in.
Birth-mom is doing well. Baby's in the NICU for respiratory distress/infection. IV antibiotics should do the trick.
While held by her loving birth-mother's arms, Kevin and the bishop laid their hands upon her tiny head and gave her a blessing.
Overwhelmed, tired, joyful, overwhelmed.
COULDN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR PRAYERS. Thank you!

HONEY, ITS TIME...

HEADED TO CALIFORNIA!
Water broke at 2am. Just admitted to the hospital. We packing up and heading out.
The next time I walk into the doors of my home, I hope to be a mother.

HOPE AND SORROW

I'm not really sure how to explain my feelings. Maybe they're totally normal for any woman who is 1 week away from possibly becoming a parent for the first time. At times I am so eager to meet this baby girl and start getting to know her. I haven't had the luxury of spending every day with her over the last nine months, carrying her around in my body. I wonder if I'll bond with this baby instantly or if our love will grow as time together continues.

I feel so overwhelmed of the thought of the adoption process and the aching pain that our birth-mother will be experiencing as she places her baby in our arms and asks us to promise to cherish her for eternity. I grieve for her loss and I yet I'm so eager to be the mother to this child that she wants me to be. I have the deepest desire to be everything to this baby that I've always dreamt of being. I want more than anything to be a great mother. I will do my best on a daily basis to live up to the promises I have made to this woman. I will be forever indebted to her, as she is giving me a gift that is unmeasurable. I will never have words enough to express my gratitude. She is giving her daughter the gift of a life with two dedicated parents who respect and love each other and will work together to provide the best life they can for her, including taking her to the temple to be sealed.

I am filled with torn emotions from excitement for the possibility of becoming a mother, and sorrow for a mother who will say goodbye to a daughter that she truly loves more than herself. I can't think of a more selfless act than to love your child enough that you'll spare your own wishes in order to provide her with a better life.