America’s Best Dance Crew co-host Layla Kayleigh

America’s Best Dance Crew co-host Layla Kayleigh is letting readers follow along as she tackles first-time motherhood — daughter Melody Rain just celebrated her first birthday this week! In her latest blog, Layla fills us in on flying back East for a family party — and shows off Melody’s Halloween costume!

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

Melody is one year old! I feel like I have known her forever, yet every day I learn something new about her little — or shall I say big? — personality! Her birthday is on Nov. 2 so we thought we’d throw her a party just before, on Halloween weekend.
It’s funny because last year when I was pregnant with Melody, Steven kept pleading, “Whatever you do, don’t let her arrive on Halloween!” … as if I had a say in the matter! I guess the thought of her being born on Halloween scared him because he’s a little superstitious, but in turn I said to him, “She’s going to come into this world whenever she’s ready, Halloween or not!”

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

Steven and I decided that it was important to come to the East Coast for Melody’s first birthday, because that’s where most of our family is based and we wanted to share this amazing milestone with everyone. We had Melody’s party on Oct. 30 at her grandparents’ house.
It was so nice to see everyone come together for her — it’s amazing how much love babies bring into the world with them, uniting families together and bringing everyone a little closer. It’s pretty incredible.

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

There is a Sanrio character called My Melody that I thought would be a really cool theme for her party. I wanted to go all out for her birthday cake, so I called Mauro at Carlos Bakery (of Cake Boss fame) in New Jersey and asked him to design the cake for us.
Mauro is outstanding, he has designed a few cakes for us now — including Melody’s christening cake — and he hits the ball out of the park every single time, without fail. He always seems to completely exceed my expectations (which is no easy task!) and is an awesome guy all around.

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

The cake came out beautifully, and Melody couldn’t stop staring at it! I think she wanted to stick her face in it, so I did have to keep my eye on her! The family had so much fun — we played games, sang songs and danced.

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

I also never realized just how much Melody loves to ham it up when she has an audience! All I have to say is if in the future she wants a life in entertainment, she’s going to have to finish her studies first! (Gosh I sound like a protective mom already, huh?)

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

We had such a wonderful day celebrating her birthday, and Melody loved seeing all of her family and being the center of attention. She’s also almost walking, which is so scary because she is quite the Curious George and wants to grab, touch and eat everything in sight! Melody was wiped out by days’ end, and was quite the sleeping beauty.

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

This year has flown by, and never in a million years could I have anticipated how much I would change as a person when I became a mother. Having Melody makes me want to be a better person every day and causes me look deeper within myself so I can work on doing so.
My priorities have changed so much — Melody is my no. 1 and I would do anything for her. I feel a much deeper bond with women all over now, which I never really felt before. I have such a respect for mothers that I could’ve never truly previously appreciated either.

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

I want to give us ladies a shout out, from all over the world, the country, from all backgrounds. mothers-to-be, mothers that are, I salute you! There is a deeper connection we have that binds us together no matter who we are.
We want the best for our children, to protect them, to encourage them, uplift them and most of all to see them through this life and give them every ounce of love we have in our bodies, hearts and spirits.
Thank you moms! You all rock. Here’s to us!
xoxo,
— Layla Kayleigh

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

P.S. I’m also adding some pictures from Halloween. Melody and I were matching Snow Whites and Daddy was our Prince — as in the singer! Poor Melody kept crying every time she’d look at Steven because she didn’t recognize him!

Courtesy Layla Kayleigh

Layla Kayleigh’s Blog: Melody Turns One!