6 months!!!

6 month stats:

Weight: Approximately 23.6 pounds. Wowza.

Height: Not sure but pretty long!

Eating: Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours. And now getting "dinner" every night!

Clothes: Well... 12 months fits you best. Tonight, I put you in 18 month PJs I bought you at Costco. They are a little big but quite good for PJs. 

Diaper: Size 5.

My dearest Benjamin....

6 months. SIX MONTHS. Half of a year. 

I often stare at you. I know you are a little guy but your eyes speak loud. You are so cute, so perfect. I know I'm biased but you are just so freaking ADORABLE. I don't know how else to put it? Everyone is in awe of your calm, relaxed personality. Your smiles are literally contagious. Your whole face lights up. And your giggle...oh, your giggle. The sweetest, best sound I've ever heard. 

You are very good at playing independently. You can sit up for long periods of time unassisted, although you'll eventually topple over. You LOVE toys -- you will do whatever it takes to grab and play with whatever you see. Cups, phones, remotes, toys, wipes..you love it all. You are excellent at rolling every which way and you'll scoot a bit on your belly. You really enjoy mission control. You love to stand while I hold your hands. And your favorite? ROCKING to music. You've been doing this for a couple of months - you hear a beat and your little body is swaying back and forth. 

Earlier this month, you officially got the sleep think down and slept from 6:45 PM - 8:00 AM without a peep. It was unbelievable. You did great in Florida but by the end of the trip, you started waking up 2-3 times a night again. I think it was a combo of teething (hello first tooth making it's glorious appearance at the beginning of July!) and belly pain (foods make you constipated and poops painful, poor guy). Two nights ago you slept the entire night again... hopefully we're moving in the right direction!! You now go to sleep quite easily at night which is great. You sleep on your belly and love your crib. Naps are still all over the place but at least 3-4 times a day, you sleep. A lot of the naps are in the car - or on me - or on the sofa. I'm working on a nap schedule but I think we'll get there after summer. We're always on the go nowadays and you do great napping anywhere. 

You love food, despite it causing major belly issues (which I think we've mostly resolved). So far you've had rice cereal, oatmeal, prunes, pears, peaches and sweet potatoes. You really love it and get excited to sit in the high chair. It's so cute. I wish I could say I'm making all your food like we did with Layla....but with little (no) spare time, it seems organic foods by Plum & Earth's Best will have to do. Honestly, they're probably better at making food then I am! ;)

I love our days - just you and I. While we miss Layla when she is at camp & Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's house, it's so nice to spend time snuggling and talking with you. You're really FUN -- just a true joy. 

Recently, I've been taking you to the gym a few times a week - I never did this with Layla and I regret it. I'm getting used to going to "strangers" without fear earlier then I did with her and you're doing great. They all love you at the gym!!

Your THUMB - your favorite thing. I could melt when you are sucking your thumb. It calms you. If you get even a little fussy, you pop your thumb in and your suddenly happy. It's so sweet and so great.

You love your bath -- you are so cute. I give you a Mohawk after your bath. It's so fun! 

This summer, you've been everywhere. The zoo, the pool, the aquarium, Sesame Place.. the places are endless and you're always so happy and content. It makes it so nice. You do really well in the double stroller.  You've been to Florida three times so far... next up is another trip, just you & I, in September. Also the Outer Banks is fast approaching - I'm sure you'll love it!!!

Your sister is your favorite person. I think your Dada and I are a close second. Your cousins love you so much and everyone wants a chance to hold you or kiss you. You are so loved.

6 months until your first birthday. It seems bizarre to even think of you as anything but my little boy, the one that will wrap his arms tight around my neck and and suck on my nose. 

I love you - I love your big brown eyes - I love you so much, till the end of time!

Mama

The Great Debate.

This is a post I've debated writing for a long time.

A bit of background....

My dear love (Husband) is from Ft Lauderdale. Born & Raised. His whole life was spent in sunny South Florida - outside - in the pool, at the beach, living a South Florida life.

I am from Philadelphia. Born & Raised. I spent my entire life skiing, going downtown, exploring the city, living a Philadelphia life.

Our paths crossed in 2002 - in Orlando, Florida. It's been a love story ever since. Our love story.

After college, I decided it was best for me to move back home. The truth was I never had a plan and figured it would all work itself out. Plus, by sheer luck, I landed a fantastic job which would later be my entryway into the pharmaceutical world. This job was in the Philadelphia area. And so...after my graduation, I spent my last summer in Orlando soaking up every second of UCF life before moving back home - and away from the love of my life. I knew it was risky. Josh decided it was best for him to head back to South Florida. And so began our long distance relationship (also known as...the worst).

Lots of visits. Lots of phone calls. Lots of tears.

And ultimately... a break-up. A 10 month pause in our (almost) 11 year relationship (also known as...the worst).

And yet. We both found ourselves. We discovered a lot. We lived apart and chatted often.

And at some point... Josh decided he couldn't live without me. (his words. not mine.)

AND so...

September 2007 -- Josh moved to Philadelphia.

He left behind his family. His best friends. All things familiar. All things FLORIDA.

Fast forward...

Apartment (with my best friend).
Purchased a townhouse.
Got engaged.
Got married.
Got pregnant.
Purchased a house.
Layla Jules
Got pregnant.
Benjamin Sawyer

AND..

that about brings us up to speed, no?

But through all these amazing and exciting and wonderful adventures..

there's always been this conversation.

This Florida thought...

It often came up and it often resulted in tears (mine).

I couldn't (can't?) imagine leaving behind MY family. MY best friends. MY familiar.

But it keeps coming up.

AND I can't escape the fact that I DO love Florida.
AND I love my friends there.
AND I love our family there.
AND I love the weather.
AND I love the different cities in Florida.
And I'm well aware that it's a paradise.

But how?

How do I leave my family?

I can cry just thinking about it. 

About leaving my parents. About leaving my sister. About leaving my brothers. My sister in laws. My brother in laws. And the kiddies.. oh the kiddies. My 8 nieces and nephews. The little loves of my lives. And LAYLA'S favorite people.

And my friends? And all of it?

What do I do? What would YOU do? What's best for us?

Only time will tell..

I want my husband happy. I want my babies happy. I want to be happy.

AND we will be, wherever we live.. because we'll be together.

But oh. This great big debate.

It is taking over my brain!

Our best Florida trip!!!

Hi everyone!!!
Of course Summer is ZOOMING by and I'm soaking up every.single.second.

We just got back from an incredible 8 days in sunny South Florida and it was so wonderful. We really enjoyed ourselves. Despite being busy, this was the first trip that we didn't schedule the week away. Instead, we made plans as the days passed and it made it incredibly more relaxed. Also, the kids slept fabulous -- including 2-3 hour afternoon naps and (mostly) sleeping through the night!!

The trip started out fabulous. Our flight was overbooked - Josh worked his magic and we switched flights, earning us an astounding $1700 worth of Southwest credit. INSANE, right?? Additionally, we were booked on a flight into West Palm  - FIRST CLASS! IT WAS AMAZING!! The kids both stayed awake the entire flight but we had enough room that it didn't matter!! Very cool. Upon arrival into Florida, Sydney picked us up - Josh's parents grabbed our luggage from the Ft Lauderdale airport - and we make it home in time for the kiddies bed time. Pretty amazing!!! I still can't believe it.

The next day, I was happily surprised to find that Benny had slept the entire night in the Pack & Play without issue - Layla also slept great (but woke up early, the trend of the week) -- it was so nice. Josh & I decided we should immediately take advantage of our babysitters (grandparents!) and head to the movies. We saw "This is the End" - we laughed out loud. That night, we had a date - our favorite local Mexican spot. Sometimes it's SO nice to head to dinner, just the two us.

Monday, Josh & Clay left early morning to go fishing in Key Largo. Later that afternoon, Laura and myself along with the two baby boys, Benny & Owen, met them in the Keys. Layla stayed back with Josh's parents. We had a great mini-getaway despite the rainy weather. Laura & I were able to sneak away for an hour and swim in the pool while the boys watched the babies. We later all met up for a yummy dinner overlooking the gulf. The next morning, we woke up early and went to breakfast - with the weather being frustratingly awful, we decided it was best to head back. We had a great time and I can't wait for our next vacation away with Laura, Clay & Owen. It's SO nice having best friends with a baby - we can all relate and understand the fun/insanity of traveling with babies.

The rest of the week included lots of naps, lots of playing, lots of swimming, taking Layla to the movies, a yummy brunch on the beach with Ross & Jaime, 4th of July BBQ with family, 4th of July Fireworks sans kiddies at Laura's mom's amazing beach condo, family pictures taken by the fabulous Oona (Isla Charm Photography), a mini-reunion with college friends and more. All in all, I was VERY sad to leave. It's so nice to have Josh home with us 24/7 (instead of working). It's so nice to relax with the kids without a schedule. It's so nice to be around family, outside, enjoying the weather and enjoying each other.

I've already booked our next two trips.

The first one is in September for Nicole & Chris' wedding. (Just Benny & Myself.. Josh & Layla will stay home).

The second is a 10 day visit in December for Ross & Jaime's wedding/holiday fun.

We are so lucky to be able to travel as much as we do. This was Benny's 3rd trip down and he's not yet 6 months old. I think it was Layla's 15th trip.. insane, right??

...in other news, Layla's doing great at camp. Benny is eating up a storm. His sleep is all screwed up since our return home but I'm hoping it goes back to normal soon. He got his first tooth while we were in Florida!! Also Layla had her first dentist appt when we got home - no cavities.

A million things to say, a million things to write...hopefully I'll find more time to blog. I really do love it!! And more importantly, I love looking back on all the fun things we did. <3

Looking at the planes in the airport.

1st class baby!!

Love my benny snoozes!

Cool guy!

Happy Girl.

Owen & Benny ready for our little road trip!

My boy & I at dinner!

Dada and his babies!!

Layla & Owen!

Oh this face...

My girly.

Benny on the beach in Hollywood, FL

Finally loves to swim!

4th of July!

Layla at Barbies Dream House - so cool!

My new hair. 

Layla & Isla playing on the beach!

dahhhhhh

Benny's first dip in the pool - he fell asleep, hahaha

swimming with my lady!

Summer.

Hi ya'll!!

We are in the basement, a change of scenery while we wait until it's time to head to the zoo.

We are officially in the thick of SUMMER!! It feels great. We've spent a lot of time playing outside (bubbles and chalk, Layla's favorite things in the world). We have been going to the zoo, aquarium, visiting stores...anything to stay out of the house and in the sun!! It's really great and everyone is in better moods thanks to vitamin D!

A few things to note as of late...

1. Layla started camp yesterday!! She is now in her first summer of camp (same place as school) -- I like it because she's in the same classroom with the same teacher so it's not a huge adjustment. They have 3 big pools, water tables and lots of other fun summer activities planned for the kiddies!! It's great and I think she'll have a lot of fun. She will also go 3 days a week (she previously went 2 days a week). I was feeling nervous/guilty but I think it's a great decision. She will have lots of fun and I'll have lots of quality time with little man.

2. Benny -- talk about an amazing change!!! It's been about 3 weeks since we moved Benny to his crib and started sleep training using the same method we did with Layla. We had to use a different method because prior to starting sleep training, Benny was eating several times a night. Basically we followed this method...

Night 1 - In crib at 7 PM. Allowed to eat every 2 hours. If he woke up before his next feeding, we went in to run his back/pat his butt/shush him. It worked and he did great, and it turned out his loved his crib. He also rolled quickly from his back to tummy and so it was discovered that Benny was a TUMMY sleeper! (Way earlier then Layla...) -- I felt comfortable because at this point he was rolling both ways.

Night 2 - In crib at 7 PM. Allowed to eat every 2.5 hours. Same story as above.

As it turned out..the nights went pretty well there after. We never followed the time chart strictly, but rather went in to pat him back to sleep if he started fussing. Then suddenly, it clicked for him. He is now sleeping 7 PM - 8 AM (yes, sometimes even 8:30 AM!!) -- eating once, sometimes twice. He had a few GREAT nights. A few not so great. BUT overall, I'm really happy with his progress. I still need to go in sometimes to pat him back to sleep. I'm okay with that. ALSO - he is 2 weeks in as an official THUMB SUCKER! I love it, the cutest, sweetest thing I've ever seen. I know it's bad but I don't care. Hello self soothing!! We are phasing out the use of the pacifier (he rarely wants it anyway..). We also started him on food!! 2 weeks ago -- organic rice cereal! Last week - organic oatmeal! This week - organic bananas - I hope he likes them!!! (He's LOVING his cereal!)

3. GYM!! I went to join last week and I'm officially back on the working out wagon!! I started yesterday and felt amazinggggg. Truly. I am about 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Benny and 15 pounds from Layla pre-pregnancy. I'm ready to shed these last few pounds and get back into shape. Benny went to the kid-zone (free babysitting was my incentive for joining the gym) - he did awesome!!! The girls that work there were so sweet and gave my little man lots of love!!

4. FLORIDA!! We are quickly approaching our next trip down!! We're going for 8 days and I'm really excited... lots of family time, lots of friend time, family pictures with Oona, a quick trip to Key Largo with the Krebs, seeing my favorite Knotties and loads more!! We leave Saturday and I have 9369 things to do before we go...

5. OUTER BANKS!! In just a short 9 weeks, we're heading to the Outer Banks for our first family vacation.. we rented a mansion on the beach with my parents, brothers, sister and all the families. 10 kids including my two (all my nieces and nephews, ages 7 years to 5 months) -- 10 adults. 20 people in one house. SHOULD be an amazing week!!!! I can't wait. I'm not excited for the 7 1/2 hour drive but we'll worry about that soon... haha ;)

6. Photobooks & Organization - My BIG GOALS for this summer. Finally catching up on my photo books (Layla age 1-2, Benny birth-6 month, Layla's 1st and 2nd birthday parties..oh, and my WEDDING ALBUM). Plus organizing my house. Getting rid of the stuff. Finding a home for everything. It's time. Overdue!

... so that's it. The quick update. We are leaving for the zoo in 90 minutes. Another fun day in store. I'm loving every second of the time with my babies. Thanks Dada, once again <3

Bloglovin'!

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Hi ya'll!!

Quick update...

With google reader (sadly) departing, it's time to switch!! Bloglovin is a great site to follow all of your favorite blogs (and it's free)..

hope you'll keep reading!!

xxx
C

Benny turns 5 months!!

5 months with your bear!!

love you.

Future golf pro?

Figured out the stickers come off...and it begins ;)

Sitting up on the rocking chair all by myself? no big deal.

5 month stats:

Weight: Off. The. Charts. SO big. I think close to 22-23 pounds? 

Height: Off. The. Charts. Or barely on ;) Tall.  

Eating: Every 2-3 hours breastfeeding. Random bottles of formula. And now 3 days of organic rice cereal!

Clothes: ... the truth is 9 month and 12 month fit best. ;)

Diaper: Size 5. We skipped over 4 because Layla wears 5 and they fit you so...5 it is!

My Benny,

5 months - the cutest, biggest, most talkative, smiling, giggling baby boy I know. 

Gone are the days of infant...you are my big boy!! Growing, learning, changing daily. You are becoming very good at independent play. For about a week, you've taken a sudden (and awesome) interest in sucking your thumb! You love to play, tummy time, rolling, eating your hands, giggling (loud), talking (louder) and lots of cuddles. You have mastered the exerciser (mission control) and love to play with your toys, especially the elephant Grandma got you. You've used the jumperoo a few times and are pretty amazing at it. I was blown away at how quickly you picked up the act of jumping!! When I put you on your back, you almost immediately roll to your belly. You've rolled a few times from belly to back but not much. 

You are now officially OUT of our room and happily sleeping in your crib!! We are about 12 days into sleep training. It's been a slow process but I'm happy to report you're doing REALLY well. You go to sleep somewhere around 7 PM, waking up (sometimes) around 8:30 PM to eat again, then again every 4 hours but (almost) always going right back to sleep. You also love to sleep LATE!! A few days I actually had to wake you at 8:15!! Sometimes it's a struggle to get you back to sleep. We are using the Ferber method and I'll officially sleep train you after our Florida trip which is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm so proud of you -- you are in your own room with the sound machine and you seem to really love it. Last night was our worst night since starting but hopefully tonight you'll get back to the swing of things! On Friday, you slept 8:30-5:00 AM without a peep!! Way to go buddy!!! Naps are still everywhere (on me, in the car, in the stroller, on the sofa) but I can see a pattern starting so soon we'll begin putting you in the crib for naps!

You've had organic rice cereal 4 days in a row now (one day shy of your 5 month celebration) -- you LOVE it! I'm excited to introduce new foods!! Next is oatmeal...then at 6 months, we will start with bananas, avocado and more! We plan to use the Baeba baby food maker like we did with Layla :)

You're much better in the car -- in fact, you seem to almost always fall asleep. It's sweet and I love watching you cuddle. I'm thinking of switching you to a convertible seat soon because you're getting almost too big for the infant seat. I'm going to wait until you are sitting up perfectly before I switch (which is VERY close...last night you sat up unassisted for a long time!!!)

You are teething pretty good but the teething tablets seem to help at night...I think that's the cause of your random fussiness, but overall you are so happy and content (especially when fed!). You don't poop as much as your sister and I think your belly hurts from time to time... I'm excited to introduce prunes soon!!

Your noises are so sweet...and your laugh, the best sound in the world, is incredibly funny. You have a DEEP laugh...a man laugh! I love it and tickle you as much as possible. Layla also loves to makes you laugh. 

You like the bath a lot!! You sit happily and let me wash your millions of rolls. It's so much fun! I can't wait until I can put you in the tub without having you lay down. I think you'll love to play with the toys and with Layla!!

You are so sweet with other kids. You're always watching your cousins - but your favorite person is Layla. She is always by your side, kissing you, hugging you, loving you. Sometimes she hits you and you don't make a sound -- I'm so thankful you're a big boy!! Sometimes Layla will lay completely on top of you and you just giggle!!! Oy!

You are so wonderful and I love being with you. Your hair is getting blonder everyday and your big brown eyes sparkle. 

Our next trip to Florida will be your THIRD time traveling down South - pretty amazing!! I'm excited for your family to see you. 

We love you so much little man. I'm so glad you're mine. 

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

I really, really regret not buying this hat!!

18 month clothes!!

Little thumb sucker ;)

FATHER'S DAY!!! 

Beating up your sister!!

I love this face!!!

2 years old.

One Day. One Year. Two Years.

Benny's BELLY! 24 months!

Smiles!!

Love you.

Giggle head!

Mr Bear. Still your favorite.

Love is Life!

Weight: Hovering between 25 & 26 pounds.

Height: 33 inches

Eating: Lots of the same (fruits, veggies, pouches, apple sauce, organic whole milk, almond milk, cheese, chicken nuggets, ketchup)

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

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6-7 

To my dearest...

This is it. My last monthly letter. You have reached this milestone. TWO YEARS OLD. Can it be? Are we sure? 

And yet.. the running, the talking, the singing, the playing, the reading, the counting, the learning, the hugging, the kissing, the snuggling. They are all sure signs that it's in fact true - you are a TWO year old. 

I can write for days about you. 

To be honest.. I'm 4 days late in writing this because I didn't know where to start. I didn't want to fully believe that my reason for living is turning into a little girl. No longer a baby. No longer constantly needing me. Independent. Caring. Curious. Demanding. 

LOVING. LOVING. LOVING. 

Oh.. I don't know what to start. Or what to write. 

I could tell you all the things you are doing, accomplishing, learning. It's a never ending list. You are so smart, my dear. You are a sponge, soaking up everything around you and truly admiring the beauty of this world. You see the things I never see. The airplanes, the dirt, the water, the stars, the laughs, the tears. You see it all. 

I love seeing the world through YOUR eyes. 

I wish you all the happiness in the world on this big birthday. I hope you continue to learn, to grow, to smile. I hope you continue to make friends and be as friendly as you are now. I hope when you are shy, you have the courage to overcome it and make new relationships. I hope you see how special you are, always. 

You are my beautiful, precious, perfect baby. You gave me my MOST IMPORTANT title in life -- being a mama -- and for that, I am forever grateful. 

We had so much fun celebrating your birthday. We went to Cheesecake Factory, Sesame Place, Mom-Mom & Pop-Pops, Rittenhouse Square and had a HUGE birthday celebration at Romp & Roll where you loved every second!!! I think you realized the party was for you when you were surrounded by everyone you love. Your grandparents came into town for the weekend and you loved playing with them all weekend. 

I look forward to a year of school, trips, Florida, the zoo, Sesame Place, the aquarium and more.. or, your current favorites places to go - the doctor and the store (literally, that's where you ask to go often).

We love you peanut. 
xoxoxo
Mama, Dada & Benny Bop

Sesame Place with Dada!

Sesame Place on your birthday!

Always laughing with your favorite person!

You fell asleep while eating dinner. Too sweet for words.

Rittenhouse Park with Grandma, Grandpa, Mama, Dada & Benny!

3 of my favorite pictures of you.

Benny was ready for your Muppet themed birthday party!

my best girl.

Your outfit was so cute!!!

A bath on your birthday!! You still don't love the water.. maybe one day!

Our first tea party!!