World's Worst Blogger.... :(

First and foremost, I need to apologize to my dear boy.. my son.. my huge and handsome little man who has been slighted in the blog world. With Layla, I was completely on top of her weekly updates, documenting every smile - every move - every feeling - every week. With Benny Bop, I'm lucky if I can gather my thoughts biweekly. It is so typical, right? The first baby is completely documented with the subsequent babies get the shaft? Uh. I'm embarrassed - the good news is I can turn it around.

Tomorrow, Benjamin will be 11 weeks old. And I vow (see, it's written so it must be true) to write once a week about him. And his sister. And our lives. Because these blog posts are turned into books - baby books, if you will.. and I don't want Benny to feel any less loved. Just know, my sweet boy, how very loved you are. 

Example? In the middle of the night, I look beside you - swaddled tightly and sleeping soundly in the rock&play sleeper (or our bed) - I stare at you. I drink in your round face and watch your chest slowly move up and down. I listen to your amazing little sounds & snores. I wait for you to smile in your sleep and I smile to myself. And sometimes? I'm so overwhelmed by love for you that I literally cry. 

So just know.. I love you so very much, even if I don't document the first time you stick your tongue out to mimic me (which happened about 10 days ago, folks..).

SO.. 

Florida. We went. We flew. We conquered. And we had a FANTASTIC time. 

A quick recap...

Josh's mama was sweet enough to fly up here to help me fly back down. She came a few days prior to us going down to get some quality time with the kiddies. We had a great trip and it was a lot of fun - we went to the aquarium, dinners, shopping and more. 

We left on March 20th for Ft Laudy... I sent Layla to school that day so I could pack & clean while she was away. Plus? She had been sleeping SO bad (trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up early AND...not napping. The quadruple threat, if you will) - I sent her to school because she naps so beautifully there (2+ hours almost every time, go figure..). I packed, we picked her up, and we were off! Security was easy (ish), we changed both babies and before we knew it - it was time to board! Josh's mom took Layla while I carried Benny on the plane. 

And.. all my worries and fears of flying with two under two? VANISHED! Why? Because it great. Better then great. Benny nursed and slept for about 95% of the flight. Layla sat in her own seat, watched all of Toy Story 3 on the Ipad, played and read, and asked to sit in my lap the last 15 minutes of the flight. Easy, wonderful, and unexpected. 

(I'll later by writing an entire post dedicated to flying with children because people often ask me how I do it.. and I certainly have some tips!!)

Upon arriving in Florida, we were greeted by Grandpa (Josh's dad) and went back to their house. Our last trip to Florida was hard. Layla slept awful and was terrified of the dogs, Lucy & Max. When we got to the house, she couldn't kiss them both enough! She loved being there, loved seeing everyone.. it was great. I quickly set up her room (Josh's parents turned Aunt Sydney's old room into a nursery) - I bring the sound machine, a sheet from our house, Mr Bear & Kyle, and the video monitor. I said a quick prayer, read her "Where's Spot?", gave her milk and put her in the crib.. and.. she slept. And slept great. I never heard from her again until 6:30 AM the next morning. Despite an early wake up, it was insanely wonderful and more then I could ask for. And this is how she slept - ALL week long!!! It was a huge relief. Napping.. consisted of car rides, napping on me, and napping on Josh once he got to town.. but that's okay! She napped - and LONG - sometimes 2-3 hours. It was great and made the trip so much more enjoyable. Benny slept great too, although he ONLY wanted to sleep in bed with me (and wouldn't sleep in the rock & play sleeper except for naps). This was fine with me! We cuddled every night and he went his longest stretches yet (about 6 hours). It was good. 

Thursday, we went to Young At Art, a Children's museum, along with Grandma & Aunt Sydney. It was so much fun!! Layla loved it and it was a blast - she was able to touch everything, color, slide and more. I highly recommend it to anyone in the South Florida area. Laura came over after work that night to visit and see the babies. She looks amazing and is 5 weeks away from her due date - I can't wait to meet Baby Krebs!!! During the day, Benjamin got to meet his great-grandparents & great-Aunt Diane. It was so nice for them to meet him and he was excited too ;)

Friday, we went to Amy's new house in Lake Worth - it's GORGEOUS - so beautifully decorated and the perfect house for them. It was so so nice to see her and Jilly came along with baby Sonny! I loved seeing them and felt like no time had past since our last visit together. The kids all played really nice and I can't wait to see them again soon!! (I also can't believe we have 5 babies between the 3 of us.. weren't we just planning our weddings??!)

Saturday, Josh arrived nice & early which was perfect. We missed him SO much!!! That afternoon, family & friends came over for a small party to celebrate Benny!! It was a lot of fun and we received so many nice gifts... it really is incredible how many people love & care about our little family. The kids were both gems - seriously wonderful despite meeting so many new people. 

Sunday, we made our way to Hollywood Beach!! Layla was falling asleep on the way there, so I knew we were in trouble. Once we got there, she was excited to see the ocean & sand. After an hour, it was clear it was naptime so our plans of lunch and relaxing were pushed aside and instead we went home. At least I got to sit with my toes in the sand for a bit ;) That night, Josh & his mama went to the Miami Heat game while I stayed home with the kiddies and Grandpa. 

Monday, we celebrated Passover! Lots of fun with family!! That night, we went to Laura & Clay's house to say hello and see the new baby's room! It's so beautiful and the perfect nursery.

Tuesday, I was able to sneak away for some girl time.. Laura & I attempted to get massages but it didn't work out (weird place+lost appointments+scary man masseuse) so instead we ate a long lunch and walked around. I love spending time with Laura and I'm sad every time we have to say goodbye :( If we  ever move to Florida, I'm fairly certain I'll have to buy a house in her neighborhood ;)

Wednesday, we were Philly bound. Again, a flawless flight.. kind of. Within minutes of take-off, Layla passed out on Josh. Benny passed out on me. I listened to music. And then Layla started coughing (both kids coughed the entire Florida trip.. blah). And coughing some more. And then she threw up. All over Josh. All over herself. It was gross and smelly and awful. But we managed.. we cleaned up and we made it work. 

Thursday, I took both kids to the doctor. Layla had a high temperature and Benny had his 2 month appt. Turns out Layla has an ear infection and bad cold (and is STILL not doing great). Blah. Benny?? Is amazing. HE'S HUGE. He now weighs a whopping 17.4 pounds (Layla's at 25.6 pounds). He had 4 shots and took it like a champ. It was a good visit. That afternoon, Josh's mom came back into town to help me for the weekend because Josh went to Georgia for J's wedding. (SO thankful his mom came to help as it was a sick weekend for Layla and I could use the extra set of hands!!).

So that's that. That's where we are. Josh is now home. The cats are happy. Layla's sleeping soundly. Benny's sleeping next to me. Things are good. I extended my maternity leave until the end of June. The thought of leaving the kids literally hurts my stomach. He's so small and I don't want to miss a single moment. She's changing everyday. She's learning and growing so fast. I don't my leave to end. But that's a different post for a different day...

Happy Easter. Happy Spring (hello nice weather? Where are you?). Hello Friends. 

Upcoming posts? 

- What I've Learned the past 11 weeks

- How the 2nd time around is different

- Travel Tips with Babies

- Our Kitchen Remodel 

- Our huge tax refund and what I want to buy ;)

- Layla's 22 month post

- Benny's 3 month post


...now the pictures ;) completely out of order!! 

No caption needed.

Benny & I went to Abbey's school when she was Shabbat Girl - it was adorable!

Dada & Layla at little Layla's baptism!

Grandma & Layla at the aquarium!

Playing in the crib!

Baby love.

HIPPO!

Benjamin meeting his great-grandmother ("GG") for the first time!!

Florida naps!!

Benny on his first flight. Snuggled and sleeping!

Ready for Young at Art with Aunt Sydney & Grandma!

Playdate with Jordyn, Sonny & Kole!! (Benny was sleeping)

Playing with the water station at Young At Art!

Mama & Benny ready for the party!

Layla flying so wonderfully!

Ready for the party!!

Hollywood Beach!!

Enjoying the gorgeous weather!!

Benny giggles!!

Melts my heart!

Layla playing on the beach!

Matzah Ball soup - yummy! "Soupies", if you will.

On the flight home -- right before she puked. Uh.

Layla, Flynn Rider and the pool. 

Back home and playing together on the activity mat!

Back home with an ear infection :(

Passover. Grandpa, Benny, Grandma & Layla <3 

Layla & Grandma (check out our new kitchen floor!)

Build A Bear fun -- Mrs Doggie & Sir Bear!

11 weeks old today!

GRANDPA & LAYLA (probably my favorite pic from Florida...)

Little Man is 2 months!

2 months old!!

So sweet.

BELLY! 

Cheeks! Staring at his bear...

Hi little love!

Smiles! 

Pooping ;)

Benny & Benny (his bear's name is actually Benny, per the tag)

Oh Benny Bear.. you're silly!

2 month stats:

Weight: 14 pounds, 6 ounces at last weigh in! 

Height: LONG! Will find out at next appt...

Eating: Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day & every 2-6 hours at night, depending on his mood. Formula every once in a while to give mama a little sleep break! 

Clothes: 0-3 month and 3 month...soon to be 3-6 month!

Diaper: Size 1 - finishing them up, moving on to size 2 very soon!

Dearest Benjamin,

Can it be? 2 months old? Are we sure?? I swear we just found out you were growing in my belly. And yet.. I can't remember life without you. 

I keep saying it and I'll say it again - you are the PERFECT addition to our family. You are sweet, content, gorgeous. The perfect newborn. 

You are a very happy & content babe. You LOVE to smile and it lights up a room when you do. You are BIG - solid - with the biggest grey eyes I've ever seen in my life. I stare at you and I'm in awe - I swear you're thinking and dreaming big things. Everywhere we go, people comment on your size - always thinking you're closer to a 6 month old. I proudly tell them you are a little peanut at 2 months old. Your favorite place to be is in someones arms.. but if not, then you'll relax in the rock & play sleeper, the bouncy seat or the little swing we have. 

You like the car and almost always fall right asleep. If not, you get frustrated when we're at a stop (red light or traffic..) -- as soon as we start moving again, the crying stops! It's funny and sweet... 

You really love your pacifier -- the soothie - although you love to suck on your hands too. I wonder if you'll find your thumb or continue to use the pacifier instead? We are happy either way -- just want you to be content! 

We went to the ear, nose & throat doctor on Wednesday and he fixed your tongue-tie. It was quick, easy and (hopefully!) painless. No recovery time, very little bleeding, and I think it's really helping with breastfeeding. It's much less painful for me and hopefully easier for you! Also hoping we avoided future speech therapy!

Sleep is hit or miss and getting better with time. You are awake longer during the day but still sleep plenty. Lots of naps! Some longer then others :) At night, you go to bed between 8 and 9 PM... usually waking up 2-3 times to eat and wake up around 7 AM thanks to your sister :) You are always in a sound sleep when she wakes up and I feel so bad but she LOVES to see you first thing in the morning. I wonder how much longer you would sleep in the morning? We may never know ;) I love when you go 5-6 hours at night - those long stretches are wonderful. But the middle of the night feedings? When it's dark and cozy and just you & I.. I love these sweet moments. You eat and snuggle and (most of the time) go back to sleep easily in the rock & play sleeper. You stay there most of the night, but a lot of the time want to come into bed around 4-5 AM. You sleep soundly on my chest and I love it. You still love to be swaddled and you wear a long sleeve onesie underneath. 

You seem to really love the bath and only cry if it's too cold. You seem very happy & content in the warm water - I wonder if you'll like the pool? 

You are beginning to grab at toys & blankets.. my smart little man!!! You have amazing head control and tummy time is fun! We need to get out the activity mat for you - I know you'll love to play and stare at the toys!

Layla is your best friend and biggest fan -- you love to look at her and smile at her. It's the greatest thing to watch. Your cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents & Great-grandparents ALL adore you!! We go to Florida in 5 days and I know they will all be obsessed with your cute fact. 

My darling boy.. we are so thankful for you. You are sweet, beautiful and perfect in every way. 

Can't imagine life without you...

xoxo

Mama

<3

Sleepy Benny!

Sheriff Benny!

Dishes with Mama!

First time at the playground! 

LIPS

Sleepy! 

All done at the ENT.. you did great!

Typical morning.. you were sound asleep and suddenly you are holding hands with your sister!! 

7 + weeks!

A (very) quick look at this past week....

We did this....

Spend a lot of time at home. Layla didn't go to school on Wednesday and didn't go to my parents yesterday resulting in 4 days of Layla, Benny & myself.. we went to music class, lunch, Romp & Roll and Target..but otherwise we were home. Playing and eating and suddenly the days were over. We made it. I'm having a hard time (still...) dealing with the two of them without help but I'm getting better. Kind of. I love when Josh gets home from work -- I immediately breathe a sigh of relief because I know if both babies need me at once, I have help. I'll get better at it. I know I will.

We dealt with this...

Mastitis again (for me). Pink Eye (for Layla). A cold (for Benny). And... major breastfeeding pain, continuing. So I made an appointment for a lactation consultant - I loved it. I'm SO glad I went (and wish I went sooner!) - turns out Benny is 'tongue-tied' (Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition that restricts the tongue's range of motion. With tongue-tie, an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. A person who has tongue-tie might have difficulty sticking out his or her tongue. Tongue-tie can also affect the way a child eats, speaks and swallows, as well as interfere with breast-feeding.) Basically, totally common, easily fixed and hopefully we can get our breastfeeding pain under control as I DO love it. OH - can we talk about the fact that Benjamin now weighs a whopping 14 pounds, 6 ounces!!!!!!!!

We watched this...
Wreck it Ralph. Brace. Little Mermaid. A lot of Layla dancing. A side dish of The Taste, Glee, Project Runway & Smash.

We talked about this...
Our kitchen renovations - beginning NEXT week!! I'm so excited. We are going to pick out the granite this weekend. We are ordering new appliances ASAP (after debating back & forth - our microwave broke and the ugly bisque color hurts  my eyes - we need stainless). Our floor, backsplash & island will be installed. We need to pick out paint color, sink, pendant lighting & barstools soon. It's very fun.

We are looking forward to...
FLORIDA!! SO SOON! Benny's first flight. (Anxiety). First flight with two babies (double anxiety). 4 days without Josh (triple anxiety). But so excited to see good friends, family and enjoy the WARM weather!!! We are so ready for SPRING!

6 weeks.

(This is an older post but I'm putting it up anyway...)

An update. A fast update. Because right now, while Layla is asleep in her crib and Benny is asleep on Josh's mama....all I want to do is curl up with my book. Or watch Grey's Anatomy. Or just SIT. IN QUIET. But I want to update this blog -- because despite these days zooming by and blending into one another.. I want to remember some details.

Like this...

Benny had his first doctor's appointment. He did amazing. And.. drum roll please... he gained just about FOUR POUNDS in the past month. Literally. We checked out of the hospital and he weighed 9.3 pounds. Now...?? A healthy (and huge) 13.2 pounds and 24.75 inches!!!!!! (95th and 97th percentile). I can't believe it. He had one shot and did great. He is still eating every 2-3 hours -- Josh has been taking the early shift and it's been a huge help. He tends to get fussy around 5/6 AM and I have been bringing him into bed. It works. 

Layla's a mess. I've been calling her a drunk, for lack of a better description. Half the time, she's emotional, miserable and irritable. It's been this way for two weeks. I took her to the doctor's today but everything is normal. No ear infection. She's waking way too early and her naps are awfully short (today literally lasted 20 minutes). I feel so bad and hate seeing her like this. It's impossible to make her happy sometimes and I'm using any distractions I can. I can't wait for my Layla to come back.... I miss her. TEETHING SUCKS. 

Benny's first smiles are HEART MELTING. He is so delicious. 

Layla's Purim parade at school was... funny. She cried as soon as she saw me and I had to sit on stage with her. Fail. Haha..

I'm getting better at being a mom of two. I think catching up (barely) on sleep has made me more sane. And having my mom's help & Josh's mom visit this weekend really helped. Breastfeeding is (slightly) easier. I'm getting back to normal. Or whatever my new normal is. 

Benny is six weeks today. SIX WEEKS! What.....?!?! I can't believe it. (He's now 7 1/2 weeks)

I'm ready for Spring. 

Josh & I were able to go out to dinner twice this weekend. Friday night, just us. Saturday with friends. And it felt great. Just to be around adults. 

When Layla smiles and giggles... the whole world lights up. 

Layla's speech is incredible - she talks and I sit in awe at how much I can understand. And how much I can't. I love listening to her chat..especially to herself. She can "read" me books and it's so much fun. 

... I'm so lucky. I have this supportive family. And friends. And I'm doing what I WANT to do, watch my babies grow. I'm here for every milestone. I love it. I'm so lucky and have my incredibly hard working husband to thank.

100000 more things to write but I'll go eat ice cream instead. 

LOTS OF LOVE :) 

21 months!

Weight: Hovering between 25 & 26 pounds.

Height: About 34 inches I think - grew a lot!

Eating: Eating a lot!! Still drinking 2-4 cups of organic whole milk daily.

Clothes: 18 month, 18-24 month, 24 month and 2T! 

Diaper: Size 6

Shoe Size: 5-6

My little Layla...

Another month. Can it be? I know how often I say this -- but wasn't I JUST writing your one month letter? Wasn't I just holding you, nursing you, eagerly awaiting your first smile - laugh - crawl - step? And now.. here we are. A 21 month old who I can converse with, laugh with, have inside jokes with - a best friend in the making - a partner in crime. 

This has been a rough month for you, as far as health goes. Between teething issues, sleeping issues, throwing up, colds, coughs, and our newest addition - PINK EYE - it hasn't been easy. You've been irritable, cranky, and sad a lot. It it heartbreaking but I think we've crossed over the biggest bumps in the road because these past few days have been lovely. You are back - your usual happy, silly, wonderful smile has returned and I'm happy to admit - IT'S GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK!! :)

What you've been doing... 

Playing. Talking. Running. Climbing. Discovering. 

Now, more then ever, you're soaking up the world around you. You learn things and truly remember them. You play by yourself for hours. You play pretend. You diaper, clean, bathe and love on your baby dolls. You play in your kitchen and pretend to eat and drink. You share. You love to lay out blankets and throw yourself down on them while yelling night night. You love the new indoor slide we bought you but won't climb the steps all the way and slide down without help. You read your books. You use a lot of gibberish when you have a thought. You sit in your car and use our keys to pretend to drive. You thrive in music class and at Romp & Roll - you love every second and now ask for Miss Sandy (our teacher at music) and Rompy (the mascot at Romp & Roll) - you are a star. Yesterday, while getting in the car, you actually shouted ROMPY! You had a destination in mind - you are SO smart. (Sorry babe - we were going to Target instead).

What you've been eating....

Food. Snacks. Fruit. All (mostly) organic anything & everything this mama can get her hands on. Your favorites include -- pirate's booty (popcorn), peanut butter (on a spoon), fruit (bananas, blueberries, raspberries, apples, grapes), pouches of organic fruits & veggies (made for younger babies but you love them and it's a great way to get you to eat veggies), ice cream & bagels with cream cheese! You have had your first tastes of juice and like it but prefer water (phew!). Organic whole milk ("milkies") is your favorite.

What you've been saying...

I couldn't write down all your words if I tried. Everyday it's at least 5 more new words. You are starting to speak in sentences which is amazing. You can almost always convey what you want or need and it is really sweet - you get so happy when we understand what you want and shout YEH! when we figure it out. When you wake up, you always ask for Benny...and then say, over & over, HI BENNY HI BENNY HI BENNY! 

Sleeping...

We are at a rough point in the world of sleep. For the past 3+ weeks, you've been waking up around 6 AM. It was an issue as you cried the entire time (we don't take you out of the crib until 6:30 AM) but now..you just sit or stand happily in your crib until we get you out. Today we didn't hear from you until 7:00 AM despite you waking up around 6:05 AM. I'm not sure what is waking you but at least you're not crying anymore. However..the days you've slept longer, you're clearly happier. As for naps.... we went from short naps to NO naps. I'm now lucky to get 30 minutes. I keep you in the crib for an hour. Sometimes you cry, sometimes you talk. And for 3 days straight? You've slept SITTING UP.. it's the funniest, weirdest thing. I really hope we get back to you sleeping later & taking naps because you need it. Twice, you've fallen asleep on me while sitting on the sofa - one minute you are talking, the next ..snoring. Daylight Savings is this weekend so hopefully we'll get back on track? 

What you've been reading & watching....

Lots of books. All different. Eric Carsle is your favorite. As for movies? We recently introduced "Little Mermaid" and it's quickly made the #1 movie spot in your heart. You also like "Wreck it Ralph" and "Brave" - along with the favorites.. Shrek, Rio, Toy Story, Tangled.. and ALL the Muppets movies (the oldest are your favorites, so cute...)

So much more I could write & say. You are so much fun, a light in our lives. You take my face and kiss me and my heart melts. You are so full of love. You are doing wonderful in school and the reports indicate that every week, you're more comfortable and love to play with the other kids. You can't get enough of your cousins and always ask for them all by name. Your favorite person is Benjamin. I can say with confidence you are the best big sister around. You take care of him when he is crying, cover him in kisses, make sure he has his pacifier/blanket/hat/toy. You are his # 1 fan and it's so sweet - I can't wait to see your relationship grow. 

We are 3 months away from your 2nd birthday... is that real ?? I booked your party and the theme (MUPPETS!) is under way... we're going to have so much fun. 

Now that Spring is approaching, we'll finally get time outside - we'll be going to the park, playing on our swingset, taking walks and burning off all of your toddler energy. We go to Florida in less then 2 weeks and I know you're going to have a blast. 

We love you, my sweet angel. 

xx

MAMA

Our first trip to Target as the 3 of us... <3 

PIGTAILS!

Your BFF, Remi <3

Purim Show at school -- tears & cherry stained face while Benny looks on!

All dressed up for Purim!

Wearing Grandma's glasses - you had these on for a while, upside down & shirtless - adorable.

Typical.

The recently discovered car-shopping cart at the grocery store. I think you like it ;)

Literally fell asleep on me like this - sad but so sweet.

Pirates Booty lover.

First time watching Little Mermaid!

Dancing with Pop Pop at music class!