The Orrington infant that died on Sunday was remembered by her mom as a sweet child that brought joy to her family and everyone she met.
Twelve-week-old Lyla Samuels was known to interact with everyone she passed and would stick her tongue out to catch snowflakes, her mom Leah Collins told the Bangor Daily News on Wednesday.
Lyla was “a gift from God, returned to Heaven much too soon,” Collins said.
Lyla died on Sunday from multiple injuries, according to a probable cause affidavit released Wednesday. Her father, 24-year-old Shawn Samuels, is charged with murder in her death. A judge set Samuels’ bail at $250,000 during his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Lyla was born prematurely but grew quickly and “amazed even her pediatrician with her strength and attentiveness,” she said.
She was seemingly training for cheering competitions as soon as she could move by kicking and bumping on her play mat, Collins said.
Lyla enjoyed time with her mom at home and liked going to her grandparents house along with church and Target, Collins said, and also enjoyed her nap time.
“She knew how to pull on her mom‘s heartstrings to make sure nearly every nap was tucked in warm and close to her chest,” Collins said.
People would stop to “admire her beauty and remark on her sweetness” wherever Lyla went, Collins said.
Lyla will be missed by all who have loved her deeply in the short time they knew her, Collins said.
“Her smiles, grunts, giggles, and coos brought joy to all who knew her. She is missed beyond what words could ever express, but will forever stay in our hearts as the precious, perfect baby girl that she is,” Collins said.