12 weeks!!

Moving right along...
this is the week I have been dreading all summer.
On Wednesday, I go back to work. I can't believe it. I can't imagine not spending everyday, all day, with my dear girl.  But alas.. due to our love of going out to eat and our numerous shopping trips to Target, to work we must return. Thanks to Dada, I'm able to go back to work part-time which is a HUGE relief. I'll be working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings. Nonetheless, it's still very scary and I'm unbelievably nervous. This week, my parents are taking her so I can get used to work and not feel guilty calling 100 times to check on my peanut. She will need to learn to take a bottle for all day-time feedings -- I've been giving her a bottle a day of formula and she's been doing great. She'll be getting a mixture of formula and breast milk - hopefully I can start pumping enough so it's more breast milk but we'll see. I think the formula is causing her to spit-up excessively so I'm going to try the organic sensitive stomach - we will see. I know work will be good for me - it'll give me a bit of "me" time (even if I am sitting in a cubicle daydreaming about Layla) and all that jazz. Who am I kidding? I'm going to be miserable but I'll push through and rush over to see her everyday.


We had a very eventful week..

Layla experienced her first EARTHQUAKE and HURRICANE in Hatboro, PA?!? Bizarre, to say the least. We were very lucky to experience no damage and we are all okay. She did amazing and slept through it all. I hope to say the rest of the year is uneventful as far as natural disasters are concerned!!

The other day, we heard our first big belly laugh - it was the sweetest, most perfect sound. I've been trying ever since to get another big laugh but she's holding out. Hopefully today!!

I'm SO happy to write that Layla is back to her normal sleeping routine. She is back to going to bed at 8:30 PM, waking up at 3:30 AM to eat and 6:00 AM to eat and sleeping again until around 9:00 AM. It's a great schedule and I hope she continues. She's still in our room (in the Fisher Price sleeper) but we'll work on using the crib again soon.

I'm officially down 33 pounds and very proud. I wish my clothes were fitting better (I did manage to wear into a pair of my old jeans the other day) but I know I'll get there soon. Breastfeeding really is a huge contributor to my weight loss as I have yet to get back into a good exercise routine. Luckily, Josh is also working towards losing weight and he's down over 10 pounds! We are one fit family, haha!

That's about that... a few errands to run today, but mostly I plan on kissing Layla all day. :) 12 weeks, really?! Where did the time go??

(by the way, I know about 10 people that had babies the past couple of weeks...so congrats to everyone!!)

First try in the Bumbo! She's a bit too little so we'll try again in a few weeks...

Dinner at my sister's yesterday. I love this face. 

11 weeks!!

Another week come & gone -- always exciting in our house!!

Today starts the last week of my maternity leave. I'm unbelievably saddened by this but feel so lucky to have spent an incredible amount of time with Layla. I love watching her grow and change everyday. My goal is to win the lottery so I can become a stay-at-home mama, but until then I'm very happy to go back to work part-time. We officially have the baby's schedule of babysitters for while I'm at work and I'm mentally preparing myself for the big change. I was switched to a new team while on maternity leave so I'm excited to learn something new when I get back.

Sleeping -- Post-Florida, Layla has had a hard time getting back to her prior (amazing) sleeping schedule. I tried the crib for 3 nights and we were semi-successful, but she never fully got into a deep sleep. It seems the major problem is finding her stinking thumb!! She wakes up and wants her pacifier or thumb but can't find either on her own -- this results in Josh or myself going into the crib. It was a rough 4 nights of sleep and I ultimately decided to bring her back in our room (the pack'N'play) for a little while longer. I know she'll make it to the crib eventually but probably not for a couple of weeks.

Eating -- I officially introduced one bottle of formula to Layla. At first she spit it out, then cried, then took the entire 4 ounces like a champ! While at work, I'll most likely have to supplement with formula so I feel good knowing she'll be okay taking it. We started with the Similac Advanced and I'll most likely buy the Similac Organic moving forward.

That's about it! I'm eagerly sitting by my phone waiting for a picture of the newest baby to the block - my best friend of many years Keith and his wife, Melissa are expecting their daughter today!! Layla will only be 2 1/2 months older so I know they'll be friends for life :) :)

No big plans for this week - lots of little outings. The weather is cooling down a bit this week so I hope to take some nice, long walks outside! I'm down 31 1/2 pounds (I fit into a REGULAR pair of jeans this week, finally!) and I can't wait to lose the rest.

I hope everyone has a good week - cheers!!

9 and 10 weeks!!!!!

I'M A BAD BLOGGER!

this is the first time I've missed a blog and I am so sad!!

Weeks 9 and 10 have been amazing.

We had Laura visit for an entire weekend - then Layla had her first vacation to Fort Lauderdale!! It was a perfect week. She got to see her grandparents, great-grandparents, aunt, great aunt, uncle and friends!! The plane was easy as pie for her - she slept the whole time. We also had her second baby naming - the rabbi that married Josh & I (Rabbi Jonathan Kaplan) was able to perform the baby naming. It was VERY special and a fantastic party, put on by my mother and father in-law. We had an amazing time with family and friends. I'm so looking forward to our next trip down to sunny Florida!

Yesterday was her 2 month doctor's appointment. My peanut is growing FAST!! She was born 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 21 inches. She now weighs an astonishing 11 pounds, 15 ounces and is 23 1/8 inches long!!

That's my girl. She's smiling, laughing, searching for her thumb, sleeping like a champ 8:30 PM-8:30 AM (still waking up around 3 AM and 6 AM to eat) and amazingly beautiful. I'm so completely in love.

I only have the rest of this week and next week before I return to work. I'm NOT excited about it all but I know it will be good for me. I'm still exclusively breastfeeding but I don't think I'll be able to pump enough - I may need to supplement with formula. I'm okay with this and will most likely introduced formula this weekend. Tonight, Layla will attempt to sleep in her crib for the first time. I am excited at the prospect of a sounder sleep but saddened to think she won't be next to me in her pack'N'play. We'll see how it goes.

Today, we went to visit Mom-Mom Millie at rehab - she had some recent scary health complications but is now on the road to recovery. I hope to visit her a few times over the next few days - she lights up when she sees Layla and it makes me feel so good. Next time I go, I'm hoping to bring my good camera and get some nice shots of the two of them together.

That's about it... a million things to write about but of course my brain is mommy mush. (haha)

Yesterday at the doctor, Layla had 4 shots plus an oral vaccine - it was so sad :( She's doing well but sleeping more then usual today. I suppose that's better then a fever and crankiness!!

I'm going to feed her soon and have some playtime.

xx
C

9 weeks and ready to fly!

10 weeks!! Mad at the world? lol

Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandma (GG) and Layla in Florida!

Great-Grandma (GG) and Layla in Florida!

BABY JOSH!!! I can't get over how much Layla looks like him!!

Laughing the morning of her baby naming!!

The necklace we got Josh's mom for her birthday - designed and created by my dear friend and the very talented Jaime Silverstein - gorgeous, huh?

At the doctor's office right before her shots - my favorite picture so far. 

2 months!!

Dancing with your daddy!!!

Laughing!!

Our girl is 2 months old!!

Our perfect little lady. And her friend, Mr. Bear.

Love her.

They love to talk to each other.

Big girl!

I guess I was boring her... :)

2 month stats:

Weight: 8 pounds, 14 ounces (at her 1 month appointment - clearly bigger now!)
Height: 21 inches 7/8 inches
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day & every 4-6 hours at night.
Clothes: Some newborn, some 0-3 month, some 3 month. It seems 0-3 month fits best.
Diaper: Newborn and Size 1. The Size 1 are a bit big.

Dear Layla,

2 months have gone by in the blink of an eye!!

You are an incredible daughter and the perfect addition to our family. You are so much fun and changing everyday!! I think back to the past 2 months and I'm in awe at how much you have grown.

You are so very happy and content. You smile at anyone and you're just starting to laugh. You love when we stick our tongue out and make funny faces. You think it's SO funny when we make raspberry sounds. You don't cry very often and you're fussy only when tired, bored or hungry. You like it best in your pink chair or standing - your absolute favorite is to walk around outside! Once it cools down a bit, I'm sure we'll be taking a lot of walks in the neighborhood.

You still love the car - you hate when we're in traffic but as soon as we start moving again, you immediately calm down. We play music for you often - lately we've been listening to The Beatles. Of course you're a huge fan, like Mama and Dada.

The pacifier (soothie) is your favorite - but the past few days, your favorite past time is trying to suck your thumb. You've found it now 3 times and we're waiting for the day when you can find it right away. You are so smart and determined - I love watching you try and get it.

You stay awake longer and longer everyday, although some days it seems your taking 10 naps! You tend to take about 3-4 naps a day with your longest being in the afternoon. You're an AMAZING sleeper - getting better every night. Last night, you only woke up once at 3:00 AM to eat! This is so wonderful and we're so proud of you. You have slept in every chair in the house but the past 2 weeks, you've been sleeping in your pink chair (The Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper) - you sleep so soundly when it it. You have napped a few times in your crib and we're going to start having you sleep in there at night soon. You still like your Pack'N'Play but you're not very fond of the swing anymore. We no longer swaddle you and now you wear a long sleeve shirt and sleep sack to bed every night.

You don't hate the bath anymore - you don't cry but it doesn't seem you like it either.

You are so smart - you are just starting to grab at toys. You hate tummy time but you put up with it and you're doing wonderful! Your head control is so good!

We have so much fun going out to eat, going to the mall, visiting friends and more - you're always a sport and if your belly is full, you are happy as can be.

Your daddy is your best friend. You get so excited when he comes home from work. You love all of your cousins and family. On Monday, we're going to visit Florida for the first time and I know you are going to adore everyone there - they're all so excited to meet you!

Dearest Layla, you're so very special to me and your Dada. Keep on growing, keep on learning, keep on smiling. I am convinced I was born to be your mama - you're perfect in every way.

I love you to the moon!
Your Mama

8 amazing weeks.

8 weeks old and already perfecting her modeling pose ;)  (actually, she's staring at her brother, Shluffy the cat)

8 weeks old!

Happy Monday everyone! 
It's August. My girly is 8 weeks old and chugging right along. 
Someone seems to have pressed fast forward in our house because I SWEAR I blink and another week has gone by (bringing me closer to the end of maternity leave, uhhh).
I still have the rest of August and I'm going to soak up every second.


We had another great week - Layla is still congested slightly but you would never know it - she's ALWAYS smiling and we even heard her first little giggle yesterday! I'm still waiting for the full belly laugh but the giggle just melted our hearts.


Friday was Josh's 29th's birthday -- unfortunately, he caught whatever Layla had and did not feel well at all. :( We ended up cancelling our dinner plans that night and instead took it easy. 


I think the BIGGEST news of all is Layla's sleep routine...it is now amazing. It's been approximately 10 days. 


Fed at 7 PM.
Kept awake (by watching Josh & I play ping-pong every night!)
Fed again at 8:15 PM.
Put in her sleep sack.
Sung a lullaby.
Put to bed. With a pacifier. Which is amazing because it puts her right to sleep but awful because it wakes her up when it falls out. We go back and forth, putting the paci back in over and over again and she almost always falls asleep between 9:00-9:30.
THEN...
she sleeps. until 2 AM. Yes, folks. Last night, I actually had to wake her at 3:15 AM because my boobs were so full I thought they'd explode (sorry. the fun of breastfeeding, lol).
After that, she sleeps again until 5:30-6:00 AM. Eats again.
We wake up around 800 AM.


This has been EVERY night, and she's amazing. 


Her nap schedule isn't quite there yet - probably won't be for a few months but that's okay. It works best when she takes a nice, long afternoon nap - I try to have that in the crib but it's sometimes easier in the living room. 

My video monitor is incredible - I feel so much better being able to see her in the crib!

SO..that's that. She's incredible. (I'll update fully on August 6th, her 2 month birthday!)


This morning, we went to visit an at-home daycare for Wednesdays. I was really nervous (I had 2 nightmares about it last night) - it was actually quite lovely! The woman has run the daycare out of her home for 27 years. She lives across the street from my parents and couldn't have been sweeter. They have about 10 kids there, but Layla would be the youngest. She said she's primarily keep Layla upstairs (all the kids play in the basement) - there are cribs, high chairs, schedules and lists everywhere! It's very organized and I think Layla would do well there. I may have my parents watch her first few Wednesdays I go back to work but there's a good chance she'll go here once a week. I like it much better then a regular daycare. 


Her schedule (once I return to work part-time) - 


Monday - With me :)
Tuesday - With Me :) 
Wednesday - Daycare (Unless I find a nanny to watch her at home)
Thursday - My parents
Friday Morning - It will vary.
Friday Afternoon - With me :)


So that's that. I'm SO nervous to return to work. It makes my tummy turn :(


We have a big, exciting week - 
Laura is coming on Thursday!! 
Saturday, I'm having dinner with my girlfriends while Josh watches the peanut.
Sunday is Rachel's bridal shower!
Monday - We are FLORIDA bound!!!

LOVE THIS FACE!

Last night was the longest we've been away from Layla - we went to Butcher & Singer to celebrate Josh's birthday. My sister watched her and she did amazing - took her bottles (pumped breast milk) like a champ!! It makes me feel much better about leaving her for long periods of time.


Also, on a yucky note - my niece Ava broke her clavicle this weekend :( Poor thing. She's in a sling for 4 weeks and it stinks. At 5 years old, in the middle of summer, she's restricted on what she can do. I feel so bad but she's doing really well - I knew she would. I'm hoping to take her (and everyone else!) to the zoo when I get back from Florida.


Ok.. must go. Lots of TV to catch up on, reading to do (The Help - it's incredible, I'm addicted) and kisses to give!!


xo

My heart.

7 weeks.

7 weeks!!

Another week gone by in the blink of an eye.

We had a great week (except the weekend was a little bumpy...).

Our week included lots of errands, lots of cuddles, visiting Mom-Mom's work and more!!

On to the big things from this week...

I decided to try the sling I got free in the mail from a website doing a promotion. I tried the Baby Bjourn when Layla was about 2 1/2 weeks and she wasn't having it -- I'm going to try it again soon but the baby sling worked well! I couldn't exactly figure out where to her head..?? I am thinking about getting the Moby Wrap or something else - we'll see. 

I decided this past week to start on a bedtime routine and schedule -- I'm reading a book ("Sleeping Through the Night") and it suggests starting at 6 weeks. Obviously she is very young and a true schedule will be hard to achieve, but I thought I'd give it a shot! We had amazing success!! I feed her around 7 PM  -- keep her awake (she LOVES the bouncy seat we borrowed from my sister in law and she doesn't fall asleep in it so this is a great place for her to relax...). Around 8:15, I feed her again in the glider (a bedtime snack, if you will..haha), sing her a lullaby (usually "Lullaby" by Billy Joel or "You are my Sunshine"), put her in her sleep sack (we gave up on the swaddle because she loves to have her hands free) and put her in the Pack N Play (AWAKE.. apparently it's key to have them fall asleep on their own rather then rock her to sleep). I try to have her in the Pack N Play by 8:30 - and it's working! She is usually sound asleep by 8:45/9:00...it's great and I hope it sticks!!

I also am introducing the crib to her - she had her first nap in it and did great!! I will try a nap a day in there for a while and after Florida, I will try to have her sleep in there. We used the video monitor and it was awesome to be able to see and hear her. 

On Saturday, Layla & I got dressed and went to dinner with Rachel & Shari (and Shari's dear friend Audrey) -- as soon as we got to the restaurant, Layla woke up and became fussy (very uncharacteristic..) -- within minutes she was crying and soon after she was screaming. I took her out of the car seat, walked around the restaurant, tried the pacifier - nothing worked. I decided to pack up and leave dinner (despite REALLY wanting some quality time with the girls...) - Layla screamed the first 20 minutes of the car ride (also really strange - she loves the car). I ended up going the wrong way on the highway and my night out became a disaster. We got home, I quickly ate dinner, fed Layla and put her to bed.. by 10 PM I realized the reason Layla was crying.

...her first cold. 

AWFUL! Congestion, coughing and clearly not feeling well... she was so tired but her congestion was so bad, she kept waking up because she couldn't breathe! I pulled her into bed and we had one painful night of sleep. Yesterday was a lot of cuddles, sneezing, coughing and a little bit of napping. Josh is really good at sucking out the boogies with the bulb. I feel SO bad for Layla.. I called the doctor yesterday and they suggested I go to the emergency room (really...!??!) - after talking it over with Josh, my mom and sister (a pediatric nurse practitioner), we decided the ER was a little extreme and we'd see how she does. She seemed to get better throughout the day and the congestion returned again last night. A long bedtime routine but she fell asleep around 10 and slept all night (in her pink Fisher Price sleeper so her head was inclined a little) -- OY! 

Today, I spoke to the doctor again who suggested saline drops, etc.. she is eating, has no fever and is overall okay. 

I, on the other hand, HATE to see her sick and I've cried more then she has (haha).

I want to thank my best friend, Rachel.. Saturday, she surprised me and came over later that night knowing I was upset about leaving dinner. Sometimes we need our best friend to tell us it's going to be okay and we're doing a good job. Sometimes, we just need a shoulder to cry on. Thank you Ray - I LOVE YOU <3

So that's that.

I'm down 28.2 pounds - 24.4 more to go!! 

2 more weeks until our first trip to Florida.

5 more weeks of maternity leave. (I wish I didn't have to go back.. I'm terrified to return to work and leave her!)

Friday is Josh's 29th birthday - we're so very excited to celebrate our favorite man!! Layla is going to my sister's house for a play date with Abbey & Max while Josh and I go to dinner... it will officially be the longest we are away from her. We're going to Butcher & Singer and I'm so excited to have some "adult time" - haha :) 

.... of course this blog is all over the place but I thank you for all reading along. It's been an amazing, scary, unbelievable and unforgettable 7 weeks and I can't wait to see what else is in store. I will say, no matter what, being a mother is the best thing I've ever done. 

6 weeks - woah baby!!

uhhhhh.

I wrote an entire entry this morning and just came back and accidentally erased the entire thing. 

:(

We had a great week.

I think the main reason is because our girl is becoming a great sleeper! (Knock on wood!)

While in Atlantic City, we had her sleep in the Pack'N'Play.. she did fantastic and we decided to bring that to our room and see how she did every night in it - total success. I guess the swing, Fisher Price seat and bassinet weren't the best thing for her! She likes to have a lot of space to sprawl out (and break out of her swaddle - we call her Houdini) -- so far, so good! She is going anywhere from 2-4 hours in between feedings and going right back to sleep (within a few minutes of eating) -- we actually went FIVE hours the other night and I nearly screamed when I realized she could actually go 5 hours in between feedings! (I also checked on her breathing about 90569 times in one hour). 

This past weekend, Josh's parents came into town - we had an amazing weekend with them. We have been trying to Facetime or Skype with them everyday but there's nothing like seeing her in person! Josh's dad hadn't seen her since the hospital so it was awesome for him to see her!! 

Our weekend included a lot of kisses and cuddles from Grandma and Grandpa for Layla, some amazing meals, lots of errands, LOTS of naps and sleeping in for Josh & I thanks to our guests (we are well on our way to catching up on sleep, haha!), our first date since the baby was born (movies to see "Horrible Bosses" -- so funny!), and lots of relaxing. 

While on our date, it was the first time I was away from Layla for a feeding - I had pumped 4 bottles ahead of time (2 ounces in each bottle) -- she did amazing!! Josh's mom gave her the first bottle followed by her pacifier - she was still fussy so she gave her a second bottle and that did the trick! I am now feeling more and more confident about leaving her for longer then 2 hours. Next Friday is Josh's birthday so we're going for a yummy dinner downtown. My darling sister, Kim, is watching the baby and I'm happy to know she'll do great!! 

I am trying to set up a schedule for Layla - more and more, she's getting into a routine.

We wake up around 8 AM (she comes into bed with us around 4AM-5AM.. I'm trying not to do this anymore but it's so much easier then hearing her cry. I think after 5 AM she does not want to be alone!)

She is awake until 11 AM (ish), although today she has not napped yet and it is almost 3 PM!

She usually takes another nap late afternoon (3 PM) ish.

Bedtime between 8PM-PM.

I'll get better at this schedule once I truly figure out what she likes. Everything I read says how important it is to set up a routine. Babies like routine and so does this mama!!

I am doing well - I'm still on the weight loss track and hoping to get back to pre-pregnancy weight by October 1st. I started working out on our elliptical this weekend - it was SO hard but I know it'll get easier. 

I am getting really excited for Laura's trip to see us in less then 3 weeks...

3 weeks from today we're FLORIDA bound!!

Lots of amazing things being planned as well (Sarasota in October, Florida in November including a vacation with Josh's whole family to Key Largo) - we are so lucky and blessed to have this amazing daughter and be able to show her the world!! 

She finally just fell asleep..time to balance the checkbook, pay some bills and squeeze in a nap!!

xo

Courtney

5 weeks!

My gorgeous girl, full of smiles.

A quick entry because Layla is in a fabulous mood and I want to soak up every minute with her. :)

...we had a great week. Everything is a bit of a blur but the biggest highlight that sticks out is peanut's first vacation! We traveled all the way to Ventnor and Atlantic City, New Jersey... after an intense packing session (is 20 diapers and 6 outfits for a one month enough for 24 hours..?!) and the decision to bring the pack&play, we ventured out. Layla loves the beach - amazing. She slept like a rock! I guess the warm air, sun and waves were enough to relax her into a deep, deep sleep. She usually eats every 2 hours (almost to the minute) and she went almost 3 1/2 hours that day! Later that night, Josh, myself & Layla treated ourselves to dinner at a yummy steakhouse and stayed over at Harrahs. Josh was able to gamble a bit while Layla and I went to bed early...she did fantastic!! Turns out the Pack&Play is her favorite place to sleep and is now in our bedroom replacing the Fisher Price sleeper, bassinet and swing -- haha. We came home from the shore on Saturday and relaxed the day away, sans a trip to Target and TGIFridays for dinner.

Sunday, we went to my dear friend Jaime's house for another day of fun in the sun! We went swimming and it was fantastic - Layla went in the pool for about 4.9 seconds. I became an insane person and didn't let her stay in because the sun was beating down and I got nervous she would get burnt - plus she cried because the water was cold. So instead, she took a long snooze in the warm weather while we all swam :) 

Today was doctor's appointment day. Layla did amazing, per usual :) She has gained a lot since her last appointment and is now up to 8 pounds, 14 ounces!! I'm so proud. I was going to ask the doctor about supplementing with formula but I've decided I'm not ready to do that yet - plus when I told the doctor I breastfeed exclusively, he seemed so happy and proud - right now, it's the best thing for us. I may begin supplementing when I return to work but I think I'll continue the way we are now -- I need to thank all the AMAZING women who have contacted me with their thoughts and wisdom about breastfeeding versus formula. You have all been so sweet and supportive. I feel like I'm in a very important, amazing club - the Mama club!! Anyway - Layla had her second Hepatitis B shot today :( She cried for a few seconds but quickly stopped and is doing perfect now. She is 75-90% for height and 50% for weight. The doctor called her "tall and thin" - wahoo!!

I also had my follow-up doctor's appointment. He said everything looks great and gave me the go-ahead to start exercising!! YES YES YES!! I'm now down 26.8 pounds and ready to get rid of the rest!! 

... so that's that. My mom has off all week so I plan on spending lots of time with her.. and Josh's parents come to town this weekend, so we're VERY excited to spend some quality time with them! 

Things are good - I'm trying not to think about returning to work (it breaks my heart thinking about leaving her) and I'm really getting the hang of this mama thing. 

Have a great week everyone!

xo

Courtney

(p.s. we still need a nanny for Wednesdays from 7AM-3PM - if you, or anyone you know, is looking to make some extra cash and hang with one fabulous little lady, let me know!)

1 month.

Our girl is 1 month old today!

Our love.

An intense conversation.

1 month stats:

Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces (going to the doctor on Friday - can't wait to see how big she is getting!)
Height: 21 inches (hopefully she's getting taller!)
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2 hours, sometimes stretching to 3 or 4 hours (if we're lucky!)
Clothes: Newborn. 0-3 month is too big (although the pink onezie we used today was 0-3 month)
Diaper: Newborn

Dear Layla,

I cannot believe one whole month has gone by. It seems like yesterday we were heading to the hospital for our scheduled Cesarean Section!

You are an amazing newborn. You are alert, happy, serious, curious and wise all at the same time. From your first hours after being born, we knew you were a gem. You took to breastfeeding immediately and rarely cried in the hospital. You pooped and peed like a champ! You were content with anyone holding you and you still are today.

You get the hiccups daily, sometimes multiple times a day - this is not shocking because you had the hiccups all the time when you were in my belly! You love the car seat and the car - it calms you down. You still love Bob Marley more then any other music - you were the same way when I was pregnant with you. You kicked me non-stop whenever Bob Marley is on, and now when we play it - your eyes light up.

You love the pacifier - it soothes you when you're fussy (not very often).

A couple of days ago, you started crying from 7PM-10PM (ish) - we're hoping you're not colic. It breaks our heart when you scream and we can't soothe you. The only thing that calms you down is nursing. Daddy gets so sad when you cry like that and mommy cries right along with you.

You are staying awake longer and longer throughout the day - your best time is in the morning around 9AM - you eat and you're ready to play! We started your activity gym yesterday (a play mat) and you seemed to like it, although tummy time wasn't exactly your favorite.

You HATE the bath - the only part you like is the end when I pour warm water all over your head and little body to get the bubbles off. I started using Johnson & Johnson's calming baby bath and lotion - you are getting better and crying less with each bath!

You are fast becoming my favorite partner in crime - we run errands together, shop all the time and spend our afternoons napping on the sofa.

Last week, you started smiling at us. It's the best thing in the entire world.

We love you, Little Layla. You are the perfect addition to our family and we can't wait to watch you grow up into a beautiful girl, although we'd love if time could slow down - just a little bit.

Love always,
Your Mama

My first kiss. Now I give you about 10,000 a day.

Our first Family Picture.

Your first sponge bath. You hated it.

I put a different headband on you everyday.

Father's Day - your first bottle! You drank this in literally 12 seconds.

Delicious!

4th of July

"Mama, enough kisses!"

Family! You really loved this, haha.

Play time! 

I love your little feeties.

You were watching yourself in the mirror.

Best hair ever!

You love your Papa so much - you can't wait until he comes home everyday from work! Neither  can I :) 

4 weeks on the 4th of July!

Family. This is what I woke up to this morning.

4 weeks old today. 

Where is time going...???

We had a great week. Highlights including...

*Visiting Mom-Mom Rose & Mom-Mom Millie. It was so great and I hope to visit them as often as possible - Layla's so very lucky to have 4 great-grandparents in her life.

*Going out to eat and OFTEN. Josh & I really need to learn how to cook more, ha ha. Layla does amazing at restaurants. Often sleeps and otherwise relaxes. 

*Lunch and shopping with Aunt Rachel Luber - she had a breakdown by the end of lunch but it's her mama's own fault for not timing it out better -- I almost had to  nurse her in the car but she made it all the way home without too much of an issue! Aunt Ray also bought Layla her first bikini - too cute for words. 

*Cheesecake Factory, twice.

*Josh's flag football game - he was INCREDIBLE! 

*Shari's 4th of July bbq, yummy cheeseburgers!

A big highlight includes Layla's baby naming yesterday at our house. It was a HUGE success. I was so nervous to have a big group of people over but we had the perfect amount - about 30 people. We invited double but due to the holiday weekend, several couldn't come. We had Ben & Irvs deli trays delivered, Mom-Mom Andi made pasta salad and we had a HUGE Hesh's chocolate chip cake for dessert. An intense amount of food but delicious!! The Rabbi, Jessica, was wonderful - the ceremony was so thoughtful and beautiful. I'm so glad we did it and it will be a wonderful memory for us. Layla's Hebrew name is "Lyla Channa", named for my Great Aunt Anna (Mom-Mom Rose's sister) and Josh's great-grandmother, Caroline (on his Mom's side). We will be having a second baby naming in Florida on August 13th and I can't wait!

Breastfeeding -- I have to admit. It's hard. It's really, really hard. A lot of pain, a lot of time and an overall huge commitment. I'm trying to stay strong and push through. Often, I wonder if I should supplement with formula at night to keep my sanity. I debate myself on this often. I am not a fan of the breast pump although I'm trying to get used to it. I don't know what I'm going to do when I return to work - I'm actually dreading this and think about it often. I am going to read about the possibility of supplementing with formula versus freezing breast milk. I am really, really conflicted. 

Pacifier -- The best invention known to mankind. Layla is seriously in love with her Soothies and it's an immediate relief for her. Last night, she couldn't calm down from 4AM-6AM. If it wasn't for the pacifier, I think I would have cried for 2 hours straight.

Nanny - We need a nanny for Wednesdays starting the end of August. I'm seriously worried about this and need to figure out a solution as soon as possible. 

Doctor's appointment - Layla's next appointment is on Friday. I love going to see how much she weighs!

Me - I'm doing well. I have my moments but overall I'm feeling more and more confident. I'm healing well and the bulk of my pain is gone (I haven't used any pain medication in over a week). My scar is red and ugly but Josh says it's beautiful. He's amazing. I'm down exactly 24 pounds -- 28.6 more to go!! I can't wait until I'm allowed to work out again... the elliptical is calling my name!! I hate my soft body and I'm ready to rid my closet of anything maternity!! I have my follow-up appointment on July 11th.  I barely sleep and sometimes I forget to eat. I need to remember to brush my teeth and make sure my boobs aren't hanging out of my shirt when we have guests over. I forget everything and I sometimes wonder if I have pants on but... She's so perfect. She's so worth it. I just can't get enough of her face!!!

...so that's our week via a new mama's mind. She'll be 1 month in 2 days and I'm speechless. I'll write again on Wednesday, as I try to remember everything from our 1st month as a family of 3. Plus 2 furballs. 

xoxo

4 weeks and cuter everyday!!