Lately....

A quick update while I have a few minutes.

What I've been...

Watching: Right now, I'm watching the movie "Her." I started it months ago but never finished. Loving it. Also, "House of Cards" which is pretty much blowing my mind.

Reading: I started Lena Dunham's new Book "Not That Kind of Girl." It's funny, enlightening, witty and just GOOD. I'm really loving it.

Eating: Not much. I'm trying hard to lose all this extra baby weight. I'm one pound away from Pre-Benny weight, another 11 pounds from Pre-Layla weight and another 15 pounds from my ideal weight. But on the real tip, I can't give up my Dunkin Donuts Bagels & Coffee. Despite my best effort, it's my downfall.

Stressing: This whole house business. We have officially been listed for two weeks. It's been going well and we have had some interest but no bites yet. We have our first official open house on Sunday and I'm cautiously optimistic. We also decided this past weekend to bid on a home we love but without selling our house first, we are too nervous to proceed forward. I know our perfect house is out there (even more then this one) but it's a bit nerve-racking to be dealing with all of it.

Excited For: SO MUCH!! Just a lot of amazing things happening right now. Just a few? Halloween on Friday (can't wait to see my little Cinderella & Prince Charming!), NYC with my mom & sister, Josh's mom's visit, Frozen on Ice, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Florida, Jamaica, NYE, Disney World & Benny's 2nd birthday!!! (Woo, exhausted just thinking about it all!)

Proud of: The way Layla is learning in school. I'm also seeing so much of her personality come out. She's UBER-SENSITIVE. Like, very much so. She gets sad when her friends at school aren't nice, or don't play well. Or when Benny ignores her. She's so much more complex then I realized. And so smart. The way Benny is LOVING school - no more crying at drop off, no more crying in the corner during play-time. He's become an active participant. I love it. I'm so proud of him. The way Josh is kicking BUTT at work -- he's so passionate and smart and it shows. I love hearing the lovely things people say about him at work.

Buying: Hannukah gifts. Several pairs of boots for Layla (which she tells me she hates, so I continue to try new ones). Mattresses (we now have a new one, woo!). I need new clothes but I'm slowly buying them. As in one piece every other month - one day when I'm 75 I'll have a good wardrobe.


...ok this was boring & silly. A real entry soon. Hopefully ;)

Benny turns 21 months!

Weight: Hovering around 31 pounds. 

Height: I think around 36 inches??

Eating: All day, everyday. 

Clothes: 18-24 month, 2T & 3T! 

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 7.5

My Baby Boy....

It's Fall - a season of cooler temperatures, new beginnings and another month OLDER!! I'm so proud and love to watch the little boy you are becoming. You are so very loving and kind - adventurous and smart - sweet and silly and undeniably a MAMA'S BOY! There is simply nothing better then the look you give when you see me - you scream "MOMMMMMYYYYY" with a huge grin and rest your head on my shoulder. It's perfection. 

What you've been doing... 

Playing. Jumping. Dancing. Running. Singing. 

You are fast becoming a talking and running little guy (and the days when I can call you my little baby are slowly winding down...) - you love to play with all sorts of toys. You becoming quiet independent. I love that you can sit on the floor and focus on a toy for a long time. Yesterday, you sat attaching and re-attaching markers to each other. A tough task and you sat, serious & determined. It was adorable. You still ask for music to dance to (always "Happy", "Elmo" & "Woody") - you love balls and always want to have a catch. You love the slide and love to figure out new ways to go down (backwards, on your head, upside down, etc) - what a boy! 

What you've been eating....

FOOOOOD! You love to eat and luckily you're not too picky!!! I don't have to worry about carrying food for you if we're heading somewhere - you will try all new foods!! Some of your favorites include ALL snacks (pretzels, pirates booty, goldfish), yogurt, eggs, cheese, pork roll, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, noodles and more. It's fun but crazy how much you can eat - and it's CONSTANT! You'll finish dinner and go to the pantry 5 minutes later asking for more. You love water and you're starting to drink more almond milk "milkies" (yay!)

What you've been saying...

SO many words - I can't keep track!! More & more everyday - besides repeating everything we say, you're also retaining words more and more. We're working on simple questions (what's your name? how old are you? what's your sister's name?) - it's amazing and I love your little voice!! Sometimes you request things and I can't figure out what you want - but when I do, you clap and applaud!! I think it's a relief to know your point is being heard! Some of my favorite recent sayings include...C'mon, Let's go, I did it!, Thank you Welcome, I'm going to get your butt, let's run! and more <3 

Sleeping...

We are back on track in the best way possible!! You hit a patch where you cried at every nap and every bedtime -- it was a shock as you were SO good at sleeping for so long! But we're back to normal and you happily go down after getting kisses from Dada & Layla. You like to turn out the lights and then that's it! You go to sleep a little later now (between 6:45-7:00) and wake up around 6:30 every morning (sometimes a bit earlier, sometimes a bit later). You nap once a day in the afternoon for roughly 2 hours. 

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

Lots of books in your room - Sesame Street (your favorite), Jack's Big music Show and Toy Story ("WOODY BUZZ!") -- you are also starting to want to watch whatever Layla is watching on the iPad (usually a random YouTube video of a person playing with Play-Doh). It's pretty sweet to watch you two lay there - you always have Brian in one hand and a thumb in your mouth!

School...

We have made it!! You no longer cry your entire day at school - YES!!! Your first few weeks were reaalllly tough but now it's getting better. You still cry a bit at drop-off and always at pick-up (overwhelmed?) but they tell me how you're really participating during the day! Playing, eating, napping and painting along with the other kiddies! So cute!!! 

Layla...

You're very best friend and favorite person. You literally can't get enough of her - this includes FULL HUGS (borderline tackles). You also fight with her constantly - you hit, pull her hair, take her toys and scream. But in the end? You hold hands and love each other. It's the silliest and cutest little love I've ever seen. 

I could write for the longest time about my love for you. You light up a room when you walk in it - like I always say, you are my gentle giant. My heart is so full of love because of you - your huge brown eyes are the prettiest thing and I love your soft skin and blond hair. 

I can't believe you'll be two in 3 months. Your party is all booked at The Little Pod (Sesame Street theme!) and it will be great. As an added bonus, we're heading to Disney World the week before your birthday -- it'll be so much fun to celebrate!!!!!!

This next month will be wonderful - full of fall fun (more pumpkins!), Halloween (hello Prince Charming) and millions of adventures together. 

Love you "to the moon"- 

Mama

Bikini Bod - Month THREE!

Ok.
SO here we are.
Another month come & gone - and I am finally on a great roll! Despite gaining a pound last Friday (booooo) I think I'll lose this week (I cheated & weighed myself yesterday morning and if it stays the same, I'm down about another 2 pounds for a total of 7-8 pounds! This is thanks to Weight Watchers and Couch to 5K! It's working, y'all. Slowly. But I'm getting there. I really don't notice much of a difference in my body per these pictures but luckily I still have 2 1/2 more months until Jamaica. It's full speed ahead!!!

I ran in my second 5K this past week - it benefited CHOP and it was equal parts awesome & severely depressing. Pediatric cancer is very real and very scary and I hope my little bit of running & donations helps make a difference. I finished much faster then in my last 5K but still not fast (at all) - I ran about 1/2 of the time and walked fast the rest. It's so different running outside versus the treadmill but I'm getting there.

Happy October, Happy Fall & Happy new years (Rosh Hashanah was last week!)

xoxo
Courtney

I wrote this a week ago but forgot to post until today - so happy wednesday! ha! ALSO - I lost 3.2 pounds last Friday for a total of 8 pounds!!! wahoo!

Benny turns 20 months old!

20 month stats:

Weight: Hovering around 31.5 pounds.

Height: He may be close to 36 inches!

Eating: It's all about food ;)

Clothes: 2T and 3T. I put you in 24 months today and the pants were a bit short. 

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 7

My sweet Benjamin --

Another month - of loving, growing, learning, jumping, singing, dancing, eating. You are an amazing, funny, sensitive and loving little guy and we are so very lucky to call you ours. 

Now that fall is (just about) officially here, I'm hoping the cooler temps will help ease your struggle with school. Today is day your 5th day of school and you're having a VERY hard time. You cry at drop off, you cry at pick-up, you cry throughout the day, you cry & cry & cry until you're back home surrounded by all your things and in the arms of your mama. I feel so very conflicted about sending you to school. I am hoping it would jump start your little brain into a whole new world of playing, learning and meeting new friends. I am hoping it will help you grow a bit more independent but so far all my hopes and dreams for your first year of pre-school are being splattered in baby tears. It breaks my heart so very much but I pray that you will quickly adjust and learn to love school as much as your big sister. You have two amazing teachers (Miss Lizzie & Miss Jen) and they really love you. I never want you to feel alone or sad -- if in the next few months you can't stay happy, I may need to re-think school. You are just my sweet, sensitive little love and I adore you so very much. 

My little silly boy - last night, Pop-Pop saw how funny you really are. You love to run from one side of the room to the next, jumping and playing. You LOVE to dance to music (your favorite tunes are "Happy", "You've Got a Friend In Me", "Elmo's Song" and "Let It Go") - you go into your own little world while dancing. You LOVE to have a catch with a ball (any ball) and you love to build castles. You love to play with play-doh and color. You love going to the library, music class, romp & roll and more. You love going to the zoo, sesame place and generally being outside. You LOVE to play with our neighbors and your cousins. 

With age 2 fast approaching, your tantrums are apparent (including throwing yourself on the floor) but mostly I can distract you. Sometimes, if you get an idea (like going to the basement or going outside) and you don't get your way, you'll scream & scream (point taken buddy!) - I know you're strong willed and determined but I have no doubt that will calm down. Your language is getting better which helps me explain to you certain things ;) 

You still love to watch Planet Earth along with Toy Story & Frozen. You like Sesame Street as well -- but overall, music is your favorite!! Sometimes when Layla is watching a movie, you cuddle up next to her to watch - I don't think you care about the movie one way or another, I think you just want to cuddle with your sister. 

Bedtime and naps became a little rough this past month -- nothing horrible but you seem to going through a bit of an adjustment. We have learned to follow your cues along with Layla and this seems to work. First, you need a little bit of a routine nowadays with sleep. We now read several books and cuddle a lot before sleep. Second, we have moved your bedtime back from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This has made a huge difference! You are no longer waking up early and you are sleeping more soundly. Good job buddy!! Plus I love the extra time at night -- you are a complete goof ball. You love to play with my necklaces, giggle and dance before bed. It takes a bit of coaxing to get you to leave our room and head to your for bedtime, but mostly it's not a problem. You still LOVE to nap in your crib and snuggle so sweetly. At school, you're having some trouble napping but getting better!! One day last week, you basically slept the entire school day. I think you used sleep as a defense mechanism (haha) - smart cookie!

My big eater -- I'm trying to find good, healthy, easy recipes to make for you -- you love to eat and I'm going to expand your diet! Both you and your sister aren't fans of veggies but hopefully that changes too!!

September is many things - the Fall, pumpkin picking, Jewish holidays and more!! I hope to spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy it all before the cold winter approaches. I can't wait to see you all dressed up for Halloween (hello Prince Charming!) and of course all the other fun things we have coming up. I love you so much!!!! I think you will be having a Woody & Buzz (Toy Story) party because you're so cute and love them so much!!!!

I love you buddy!!!!!

Mama

I just got a text message from your teacher -- you're having a MUCH BETTER day at school! You ate all your lunch and painted with the other kids. Great job buddy!!!!!!!!

Big Girl Bed. Potty Trained.

Howdy y'all!

Here we are. One week since school has began. I'm currently sitting in my basement WITHOUT CHILDREN. As in, both of my little babies are at school and I'm sitting in my own house alone. This is a very strange & wonderful & sad & exciting time. Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday my babies are at school learning and thriving (or crying and crying and crying = Benny) while I am home organizing, running errands and doing things I never thought possible (eating lunch in silence!). It's been really nice to recharge my batteries but hopefully within the next few weeks I'll be getting back into the working world (at least part-time). I'm waiting to hear about some opportunities and it would be nice to make some money so that we can move within this next year.

SO I've been wanting to write about a few things going on lately in our world. I'm not an expert (um, far from) in this parenting world. Sometimes I can't form a sentence without breaking into the ugly cry because I feel like I'm failing as a mother. But sometimes? Sometimes I feel like a freaking QUEEN - like I'm actually raising two responsible, kind, respectful, and loving little humans that will make a positive impact on this world.

# 1 - Transitioning from crib to big girl bed:

I don't know about all of you -- but I was terrified of letting go of the crib. Layla really, really loved her little crib and I loved her in it. She was contained, happy and sleeping (95% of the time) like a perfect little pumpkin. Back in the spring, Layla went through a severe sleeping rough patch. She had a tough time falling asleep and staying asleep. This lasted about a week and it was awful. After asking several mommy/daddy friends, several people suggested maybe she was out growing her crib and going to bed too early. I decided to move her bedtime back 1 hour (from 6:30 to 7:30) and I ordered a (cheap) full sized mattress from amazon. I also ordered her some adorable Little Mermaid bedding and set up her big girl bed while keeping her crib. SO..for months, Layla used her big girl mattress on the floor for nothing more then jumping and playing. She continued to sleep happily in her crib. I would periodically ask her if she wanted to sleep in her bed and she always said no. Then one day, she asked if she could nap in her bed. Josh & I laughed thinking this would never work (she had been napping in our bed as a special treat for a while) -- but on this random Saturday, surrounded by all of her "guys", she slept. And slept hard - like the kind of nap that I wake her up because it's been 2+ hours. SUCCESS!! We later decide it's finally time to get the actual big girl bed - so off to Ikea we went! We chose a platform, low-to-the-ground bed that goes perfectly with her room. And then she asked to sleep in it at night. So we let her - and she did perfectly. Like a little professional, she slept soundly and happily. The next day, Josh took her crib apart and since then? She's been sleeping in her big girl bed. The first couple of weeks, she opted to sleep on her floor rather then her bed (I think it was more comforting? She did ask to sleep in our bed a few nights but we never caved - I always gave her the option of her bed or floor. Eventually, she always chose the bed and now she loves it. We've adjusted her bedtime routine to make sure she's happy and comfortable. One time, she's come out of her room in the middle of the night (I found her crying in the hallway, clearly confused and possible sleep-walking) but otherwise she's been perfect. I think my favorite part? We are continuing to use our Onaroo OK to Wake Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight -- a friend recommend this to us when Layla was waking up early back in the Spring. It's a little adorable light and can be set like an alarm clock - we set ours for 6:30 AM. At this time, the light turns a bright green. Layla now knows that she can't get up until the light is green - so when she wakes up, she immediately looks to the light and if it's lit up, she yells "THE LIGHT IS GREEN! I'M AWAKE!" - and she waits in bed until one of us gets her. She doesn't get up out of the bed on her own - this makes it much safer, easier and better for us!!! Highly recommend!

# 2 - Potty Trained: 

We are now about 2 months POTTY TRAINED!! I'm so proud and will say nothing more then this - DON'T RUSH IT. We literally introduced Layla to the potty last summer. After realizing she clearly wasn't ready, we stopped. It took until this summer to see that she was in fact physically ready to learn to use the potty. We are now accident free for at least 8 weeks! Our biggest hurdle is poop. She is still wearing a pull-up at nap time and bedtime. She seems to be waiting to poop until these times. Annoying but true -- she has pooped on the potty quite a few times but it's not consistent. I'm okay with this -- I know she'll poop when she's ready ;) Overall, I'm really proud. My biggest suggestion? USE NUTELLA! haha - seriously, that was Layla's little treat for each successful potty trip. A little spoonful of nutella goes a long way!!

... so that's it. Fall is fast approaching. My 31st birthday is next week. The Jewish holidays are fast approaching and generally speaking, all good things. Lots of love and light to you all.

Goal - BIKINI!

HI

. 

Here we are again - I am a few days late but I took these pictures on the first of September.

It was a good month!! I worked out a bunch - I ate decent (but not perfect by any stretch) and if I'm being perfectly honest, my weight stayed exactly the same. BOOOOOO! However -- I do feel a bit better. I ran my first 5K (the color me rad run - LOVED IT!!!!!) - and I joined weight watchers!!! Tomorrow is my first official weigh in but I'm loving it. Weight watchers helped me lose a lot of weight I gained my freshman year of college and it's always my go-to when I'm ready to get back on track. I'm excited and feeling good. I've stepped up my work-outs and even met with a personal trainer to really learn some new things. I'm slowly getting there and vow to wear a bikini in Jamaica (luckily I still have 16+ weeks to get in shape!)

As for our month of dinner plans?? We rocked it - about 75% of the time. I really, really, really loved the idea of not having to think about dinner. I shopped ahead, we saved money and overall I think we ate healthier. Towards the end of the month, we gave up because my mother-in-law was in town and we got lazy. BUT -- I think we'll get back on track! I'm hoping to plot out our dinners for the remainder of September and really get into a good groove. 

As for our world? Things are moving and shaking!!! Layla's first day of school was today - Benny starts tomorrow. I am in shock. I've loved every second spent with Benny these past 19+ months. I can't believe our time together (constantly) is coming to a close but I KNOW school is the answer for my sweet boy. I firmly believe being around other children, learning new things, meeting new people is so so good for them. He'll be going 3 days a week along with Layla. As of now, I have no job in line so it looks like I'll have 3 days a week to get my house in order, run errands and gain back some sanity (ha!) - I'm feeling guilty and I know I'll find a job soon but I'm excited to be a stay at home mom while taking care of things I've been putting on the back burner for years. I'm feeling guilty about all the time by myself but I'm also okay with it. ;)

Lots of love and light to everyone as the new season fast approaches -- FALL! 

(Josh has no pictures this month because I forgot to take them - he'll be back next month!)

5 things on a Thursday.

I just posted Benny's 19 month entry - I was a week late. I'm sorry buddy. To be honest, I had the pictures & post done but it's nearly impossible to get to the basement computer and actually put everything together.

So here goes.

5 things on a Thursday.

1. Josh's mom left this morning - she was here for a week and it was awesome. The kids LOVE when she's here and it is always nice to have an extra set of hands. Yesterday was an amazing day. Layla, my mom, Josh's mom and myself went to NYC for the day. I planned this immediately after we went to NYC last month with my sister, sister in law & nieces to see Aladdin. It was such a blast that I knew I wanted to go again with Lisa. It was a perfect day. Layla was completely spoiled in the best way possible. Her 3 favorite women had her undivided attention and it was great. We took the train in, took a cab (Layla's first!), had lunch at Carnegie Deli (not so good) and saw Cinderella (adorable). It was really a nice day and one I'll never forget.

2. Layla's crib is officially gone - Josh took it apart and put it in the attic (how sad is that?) She has been sleeping in her big girl bed for 4 nights. The first 2 were great. The 3rd she woke up once, cried in the hallway and I took her back to bed. Last night, she begged and cried to sleep in our bed (something she has never done). After some convincing, I managed to get her to sleep on a towel on the floor in her room. Poor thing. She's been sleeping so great so I'm hoping it was a minor setback. We got her a brand new bed from Ikea the other day (she had been sleeping on a full sized mattress on the floor). Once he puts it together, I think she'll love it again. She's also FULLY potty trained! BIG GIRL STATUS! She has trouble pooping (she's gone about 5 times, otherwise waiting until she is in her pull-up for night and naps) but we'll get there. She is doing so great and I'm really proud of her.

3. We are almost done week 1 of 3 weeks off in between camp & school. It's tough and I'm trying to keep everyone busy -- it was really nice to have Lisa here but now I'm on my own! I am making some  plans but these past couple of weeks have been rough with the two kids - they've been a disaster on every shopping trip or restaurant. I have no idea why?! But I literally almost left them at Target the other day (kidding). Hoping to get back on good behavior!!

4. I threw out my back yesterday right before we boarded the train in the morning. I lifted Layla, turned and BOOM - I felt like I broke something. I guess I pulled a muscle? It literally hurt to breath - ibuprofen helped so I'm coping but GEEZ - I am bummed I'm not at the gym right now but I need to get better first.

5. The news is possibly the most depressing it's ever been. Isis in Iraq. Israel/Hamas war. Disaster in Ferguson (an unarmed boy was killed by cops). The list never ends. It's hard to watch. Sometimes you just need to pray for world peace. <3

Benny turns 19 months!

19 month stats:

Weight: 30 pounds - maybe even 31??

Height: I'd say 35 inches?

Eating: Food is your favorite!

Clothes: 18-24 months & 24 months, 2T and some 3T

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6.5 or 7

Benjamin Sawyer: 

I literally did a double take on the calendar yesterday (see, I'm a day late!) --- can you be another month older?! Didn't we just celebrate your 18 month celebration. And just like that, when people ask now I need to say you are 19 months. It doesn't seem (too) insane for me to plan your 2nd birthday. The summer is fast ending -- this morning it was actually COOL outside (felt great!) and I realized fall will be here in the blink of an eye. 

You are loving life lately -- still ALL boy. Your favorite thing to do is basketball. We have a small hoop in the basement that you are always playing with (including right now!) -- we also put up our big basketball hoop outside and you LOVE when Dada lifts you up to make baskets! You hold on to the rim and hang there like a regular Michael Jordon! ;) I can't wait to sign you up for sports. I know you'll love it so so much - Layla starts soccer tonight and I wish you could play right along with her! You love to climb things, jump off anything high, use the steps, and throw yourself on the floor. You love when we yell 1-2-3 GO and run back and forth. But most of all? You love Layla -- you ask for her all day and want to snuggle up to her (or chase her) when she gets home. You also love love love the cats. If you're upset, we can quickly change your mood by putting you with Shluffy & Rigby!

You are getting over a little cold but you NEVER seemed bothered by it!! (PHEW!) I was nervous you'd get an ear infection but it never came (PHEW!) -- but I know with your upcoming school adventures comes many germs which equals lots of yucky sickness. I also know it's good for your immune systems so I'm trying not to get too caught up in the grossness of it all. 

You're doing pretty great with tantrums and slowly learning to listen better. You still don't understand time-out but you're put there quite often ;) You hit more then you should and you steal toys and don't share and all the while look adorable. I know school with be a tough lesson in sharing and learning but it'll be great for you. With your language growing by leaps and bounds, I think it helps with your frustration! 

You love to be outside so much - bubbles, pools, chalk, basketball, cars and more. It's so nice to spend time soaking it all in - you stare at the airplanes, birds and grass. You love to sit in the dirt and throw it. 

Your latest obsession is Planet Earth!!! Last weekend, Mama & Mom-Mom went to see Billy Joel in concert so Dada was in charge of bedtime. Both you & Layla begged for Mama so Dada quickly decided a distraction was needed - and thus Planet Earth entered our world! You love it and shout "EARTH! FISHES! ELEPHANT!" You love the animals and the water and it's a great learning tool. You still (rarely) like Sesame Street & Jack. You'll watch the movies in the car and you'll always be up for listening to music. Your favorite song right now is "Happy" by Pharrell. It's so cute to watch you dance!!

Forever happy to report you're still an excellent sleeper. Bedtime is now 6:30-6:45 and you wake up around 6:30-7:00 AM every morning. You nap in the afternoon for roughly 2 hours and happily love to snuggle in your crib with Teddy & Brian! I'm nervous for your naps at school but hopefully you'll adjust to the change well. 

Still willing to try and eat anything -- you are obsessed with black olives. So random and funny. You love noodles and sauce and meatballs.. and a million other things. The list is never ending and so great. Makes it much easier to feed you!!!

Today is Layla's last day of camp which means she's home with us for the next 3 weeks!! I'm so excited (and slightly nervous) to have you guys play. We have lots planned -- Grandma comes tonight for a week, we will do the zoo, Sesame Place, the beach, aquarium and more. I know you'll love having so much Layla time -- and then, school starts!!! I'm so nervous and excited for you. For the past 19 months, we have been together nearly every second of everyday. And soon you'll be with roughly 8 other kids and two great teachers, 3 days a week. I know you will have the very best time. I know it will be a huge adjustment. But know that I love you and I think this is best for you!!! I will forever cherish these months we spent together. The loud, the quiet, the snuggles, the kisses. It was all so special to me. 

You are my sweet boy. My baby. The little love of my life -- I love watching you learn and grow and can't wait for you to experience everything good in life.

With love and laughter,

Your Mama <3

August Challenge: Part 2.

SO..
First & foremost, thank you all for the love, support and overall kindness towards my last entry. That was far from easy to write (and did I really post bikini pictures of myself?!) but alas I did. I'm not held accountable. And so far, so good!!

The second part of our challenge for August is meal planning.

Josh & I are coming up on 12 years of dating come November. And in that time, I'd venture to say we've gone out to eat approximately 2,190 times. Maybe more. It's our thing - we love new restaurants, we love the same 6 restaurants, we love a quick and easy meal.

When Layla was born, I swore we would cook  more at home. And we did, but we still ordered in and went out way too often because, well, Layla actually love going out to eat. She was the perfect baby in a restaurant!!

Enter Benny into our world and until the age of 10 months? HE SUCKS - unless he was attached to my boob, he cried every time we entered a place for dinner (he was mostly good at breakfast & lunch).

SO back to the cooking board. But now that my baby boy is nearing 19 months and eating everything in sight, a restaurant is our new best friend.

It's enough though. It's enough with the money. The calories. The "what do you want to eat?" "I don't know? What do you want to eat?"  - it's boring and frustrating.

SO.
Enter the meal planning challenge.

I took a simple calendar and plotted out our dinners for the month of August. I included a few meals out and a couple of order in nights. I included my parent's house for dinner every Thursday. But mostly it is all about cooking at home - easy, healthy, yummy dinners. Because Layla is beyond picky we end up making her whatever she'll eat but Benny is always more then willing to try what we cook!

We are on day 3 and I'm happy to report SUCCESS!!!

August 1st was Friday -- and I obviously picked us heading to a restaurant that first night (ha!) - we chose Las Margaritas and had amazing Mexican with family.

August 2nd was last night -- we made TACOS! Using Organic low fat meat, we ate healthy and yummy tacos and it was great.

August 3rd is tonight -- and happy to report Josh is cooking! We did substitute what we were supposed to make with his pastatini (think pasta, chicken, garlic, tomatoes, etc) -- but that's fine! We'll switch and make changes and probably get annoyed but the ultimate goal is NOT to stray from the menu plan.

It feels so good to not repeat the "what's for dinner" question every day.

We're on our way to healthier, happier, skinnier Englands baby!!!!


What are your favorite recipes??? 

August Challenge: Part 1.

When I was in 5th grade, I went to play at a friend's house. We were tackling her extra large black dog when she told me she was going to blindfold me to play a game. I happily obliged and followed her until she took me in the bathroom, took off my blindfold and put me on a scale.

"Weigh yourself! Let's see who's the fattest!"

I think I weighed 85 pounds or so? Whatever it was, it was equal to my 2 friends that were there and thus we were all deemed "skinny" by the host.

This was the first time I realized that there was fat & skinny. I remember going home, sitting on my toilet and drawing a line down the middle of my thigh, wishing it was half the size.

Clearly, this stuck with me.

Years of yo-yo dieting, followed by extreme dieting in college (reaching my lowest weight of 124 pounds - at 5'5 and big boned, this was low). I have a clear memory of my size 4 pants being big. This was so exciting. (Now, I'm a size 8-10.) Post-college, I stayed around 135-140 and was happy there. My body was happy there. Around my wedding, I worked to get back down to 125 but my butt wouldn't budge and thus it seemed 135 was where I would stay.

Fast forward 4 years, two babies 19 months apart, 2 years of breastfeeding and my body is completely different. My whole shape has changed. I'm still adjusting to my new body - I'm learning (accepting?) that my new found wobbly parts are all thanks to carrying a 7.12 baby girl & 10.1 baby boy. I'm in awe that my body created & nourished these two perfect little humans.

But now. I've been working out for a year and noticing my body is not reacting the way I wish it would. My stomach still won't get flat. My thighs still touch. My arms jiggle more then I'm proud to admit. And this summer has been tough - I'm terrified to wear a bathing suit (let alone a bikini) despite our many trips to the beach & pool.

I don't want Layla to ever think that there is anything wrong with her body - I want her to see how proud I am of mine.

SO I'm making peace & giving myself a challenge --  a bikini challenge. On December 28th, Josh & myself along with my siblings & their husband/wives are going to Jamaica. I cannot WAIT - and I WILL wear a bikini.

SO today it begins. We have roughly 5 months and I hope to be comfortable in my own skin.

Below is a picture of myself in a bikini today. It was hard for me to take these but I really wanted to compare. Luckily for me, my amazing husband is also participating and let me take pictures of him in his bathing suit.

We both weighed ourselves and will continue this the first of the month until December (and I vow to NOT weigh myself in between).

I'm going to continue working out every other day (but increasing my work-out and trying new things!!) - I'm going to seriously get back to eating clean & healthy. I'm going to succeed.

Wish us luck as we take on our August challenge. Want to join in?? Take pictures and we'll do it together!!

This is only our first challenge - the next is MEAL PLANNING! I'll write that up tomorrow.

xoxo
Courtney

(I'm not putting our starting weights on here but I am keeping track and will note our weight loss)

Please excuse these pictures -- they are at 7 this morning in our bathroom while trying to keep Layla & Benny entertained ;) 

I'm not giving my cheat day Fridays. I love cheese enchiladas and I'm not afraid to admit it.