SO MUCH TO WRITE!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR FRIENDS!!!!

... I have so much to write, it's actually insane.

I plan on writing ALL day tomorrow (or at least while Benny Boy naps) but here is a small list of what I want to write about!!!

1. Our Surprise Trip to Florida for THANKSGIVING!

2. Hannukah

3. Trip to South Florida

4. JAMAICA

5. Trip to Disney World

6. Disaster of Flight Home

7. I wore a bikini and didn't scare anyone to death!

8. I think I gained 47 pounds

9. Benny's getting TUBES in his ears next Tuesday!

10. Benny is turning TWO next week!

11. Benny's 2nd birthday party is next week!

... until tomorrow <3 

Benjamin is 23 months old!

Weight: 32 Pounds

Height: 36 inches?

Eating: FOOOOD! All of it. 

Clothes: 2T and 3T with a bit of 4T mixed in ;)

Diaper: Size 5-6

Shoe Size: 7.5

Benjamin Sawyer --

This month seriously snuck up on me. Yesterday I looked at my phone (an app called Time Hop) and it showed me your pictures 1 year ago and I realized - AHHHH! You're another month OLDER. You're another month closer to being two. You're another month sillier, funnier, bigger & lovelier. Now that two is approaching, your personality is getting bigger & bigger. You are so sweet and loving and determined and sensitive. You're emotional and angry and crazy. I am smitten with you, my dear. I can't get enough of your big cheeks and brown eyes. Your blond hair and chubby hands. You are the cutest little buddy and I'm so lucky you're mine. 

What you've been doing... 

Playing. Reading. Singing. Dancing. 

You are a BOY - I mean this in the best way possible. You run, spin, fall, climb, dance, move move move. Always on the GO and in the best way possible. You love to play with your new cars - you love to sit and read books to yourself (and especially love when I read to you). You love to play in the kitchen and cook me "chicken & water." You love to tackle your sister. You love to be tickled. You love to hold my phone and dance to music. You love to color. You love building castles. You love taking things out of their drawer (spoons, plates, tupperware). You are a BOY through & through. 

What you've been eating....

Any and all foods - I'm so proud of you for always wanting to try new things. You love lots of soups, meat, pasta, fruit (no veggies except carrots - to pickles count?) - you are a great eater. You love to hold on to things - last night I gave you pudding. You insisted on carrying it (unopened) and playing - 30 minutes later you were ready and sat at the table eating away. SO cute. You love donuts. And cookies. And cakes. And food. 

What you've been saying...

So many words - SO SO many!!! You repeat, you remember, you name, you listen. You can say all your body parts,  you can name all the animals/sounds. You can list all the letters in your name from your book - you can sing songs (Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row, etc). You love to count to 10 (except it goes 1, 2, 7, 9, 7, 9, 11!) You are so smart and wonderful. 

Sleeping...

Up until Saturday, you were my perfect sleeper per usual. Suddenly you fought your nap & bedtime on Saturday - my poor buddy. I'm almost positive you have ANOTHER ear infection - you were back to normal last night thanks to Motrin! Doctor appt in the AM and tubes consultation on Thursday!! Your normal routine is bed between 645-700 (bedtime consists of a glass of almond milk & 3 books). Waking up around 6:30-7:00 (5:15 this morning uhhhh). 

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

The same few books (or stealing Layla's books!) -- you love watching Egg Surprise videos on You Tube, Sesame Street and Flushed Away (you call it Mouse) - still not very into TV which is okay by me!

I can't believe we are one month away from your 2nd birthday!!! I'm so excited for the next few weeks - Florida and DISNEY WORLD to celebrate your big day - then Grandma & Grandpa come to visit and it's time for your big birthday party!! We will celebrate you big because you deserve the world.

I love you little guy. Thanks for being you!

xoxoxoxo

Mama

Layla is 3 and a HALF!!

Height - Roughly 39 inches.
Weight - 32 pounds
Hair - LONG, light brown, so beautiful.
Eyes - BLUE!
Body - Teeny & Tall

My Best Girl -- 

Yet another 6 months come & gone - Happy HALF birthday to you!! You didn't quite understand why it wasn't your 4th birthday party yet (which you've been planning since the day after your 3rd birthday party - a "Jasmine" party), but you were happy to hear we'd be celebrating! We decided to go to the mall - we rode the carousal, saw the water fountain, saw Santa and had dinner at Cheesecake Factory. On the way home, you sweetly said "Thanks for my party Mama!!"

You are the best thing that's ever happened to me (tied with your Dada & brother). You constantly say "Let's be best girlfriends!!!" and high five me. You are so sweet, strong-willed, silly, funny and kind. Your true personality is beginning to shine and though 3 years old is the most difficult stage thus far, it's also my favorite. You question everything ("what are we doing today? why do we have to go there? what is happening? WHY WHY WHY!!) and while I don't always have the answers, you are always willing to listen. We are working on your emotions and learning that it can't always go your way (despite your best efforts). 

Your best friend is Benny. Without a doubt, he's your favorite person to be around and your relationship grows by the second. You are always making sure he's happy and secure. You're VERY concerned about him getting hurt. If we are crossing the street and he doesn't have my hand, you scream "HOLD HER HAND! WATCH OUT FOR CARS!!" and if you're playing too rough with the cat, you hide your eyes in fear of him getting hurt. You are so sensitive and it's a beautiful thing. You love to wrestle each other and jump on the bed and read and play. You are each other's playmate, confidant and person. I love watching you together. 

You continue to love your cousins more then anyone - they are your best friends and the people you want to spend the most time with. You love your older cousins so much (Ava, Abbey & Marley) and enjoy whatever they enjoy. Equally, you love spending time with your younger cousins (Remi & Sami) and love to spend Thursdays at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's pretending to shop in the kitchen or do puzzles. Not to be left out, your boy cousins are so much fun to you - you're fascinated by the way they play superheroes and wrestle. You'll get right in the middle of Justin, Max & Andrew while they fight. Pretty silly to watch. You also really love your school friends -- too many to name!! (But the one's you talk about most are Isabel, Lydia, Alex, Lily, Avery, Payton, Maya, Craig, Mason & Eli). You have 19 other kids in your class this year and want to invite them all to your birthday party. I hope they can come because you're counting on it!!

Your sweet attitude and willingness to try new things has made it very easy to make friends. Almost everywhere we go, you'll find a new friend to play with (and you'll talk about them for days after!) Just this morning on the way to school, you saw several children getting on a bus. You happily said "Those are my friends Mama! I just haven't met them yet!" - what a beautiful thing to say.

With our Disney World trip coming up in just a few weeks, your princess/Disney obsession continues. You love all princesses (Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan, Elsa, Anna) and all the different characters. You talked about Disney World for months following our last trip so I'm excited to watch you make new memories this time around!!

You continue to have a great relationship with your grandparents. You go to Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's house every Thursday and look forward to it. We love going there for dinner and you love asking Mom-Mom for food in a baggie or to "borrow" a toy (which we usually end up keeping). We are so lucky to see Grandma & Grandpa every month despite the 2000 mile space between us! A few weeks go Grandma was here, last week we surprised everyone down in Florida for Thanksgiving and in two weeks we're heading back down South!!! It's awesome that you have your own room there so it feels like a true vacation home. We are going to visit Mom-Mom Millie today and you got to see GG and Goo-Goo a lot last week!! How lucky are we?

We are in your 3rd year of school and it's been a fabulous experience. You are learning a lot and meeting so many new friends. Your teachers (Mrs Reiff, Miss Michelle & Miss Sheryl) are wonderful. You're learning a lot and soaking it all in. You are in a huge class this year and I think next year we'll opt for one of the smaller classes. You're certainly not quiet but I think you're little voice isn't being heard and you'll thrive more in a smaller room. You love school and especially love Shabbat!

My little picky eater -- no new foods to add except hot dogs from Costco (ha!) -- I'm trying to expand your palate but you continue to tell me you'll eat more foods when you turn 4 (I hope that's true!) I'm trying to get more fruits/veggies in and you now take a multivitamin everyday. You don't drink as much milk as you used to but still love a cup of "milky" before bed. I hope you'll learn to try new things because your bother eats EVERYTHING!!!

You still love movies, TV, books, IPAD, music and playing pretend. You will repeat the lines from movies and we'll reenact it. You love playing mommy & baby ("I'll be the mom, you're the daughter. Okay sweetie?") I can't help but giggle at the things you say.

You love learning and we're really working on letters, numbers, new shapes, new colors and all sorts of different ideas. I love explaining things to do and love to answer your questions. I hope you're always as curious, as smart, as interested in life.

I love you babe. I'm so proud of you and can't wait to watch you every single day. You are everything good. 

Love always,

Mama

I asked Layla... (3 1/2 version)

This is on video but here are her answers....

How old are you today? 3 and a half. 

What's your favorite color? Pink & purple.

What's your favorite food? Strawberries & pork roll. 

What's your favorite thing to do at school? To do projects. 

What's your favorite song? Little Mermaid

What's your favorite movie? Big Hero 6

What's your favoreite show on TV? Sophia Grace & Rosie. 

What's your favorite number? 3

What's your favorite letter? B

Who's your best girlfriend? Lydia (except she calls her Olivia by accident, ha!)

Who's your best boyfriend? Dada

What's your favorite holiday? Christmas (hahahaha)

What's your favorite place to go? The mall.

What's your favorite thing to buy at the store? Play doh

What's your favorite store? The fishy store (pet store)

She's so edible. 

Benny is 22 months!!!

Weight: I think roughly 32 pounds?

Height: I think 36 inches - tall and thinner everyday!

Eating: Always eating and always willing to try new things!!

Clothes: 18 month (small), 18-24 month, 24 month and 2T! 

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 7-7.5

Benny Boy -- 

WHAT?!??! How is this happening? Are we sure that you'll be TWO YEARS OLD in just a short 2 months?? I am baffled by this. I look at you - so handsome and tall and strong. So bright eyed and curious and loving. So silly and sensitive and SMART. Always absorbing everything around you. Always concerned about Dada & Layla. ALWAYS making sure you can see me - and always wiling to climb in to my arms for a sweet hug & kiss. 

What you've been doing... 

Playing, reading, learning, giggling, pooping, eating. 

You are in a great stride - you are really starting to LOVE school and I'm hearing fabulous things about you. It's wonderful to know you won't cry at drop off or pick up anymore. I love watching you with your new little friends. I love the art projects you are creating and the mark you're leaving in your class. You love to play with all balls, the kitchen ("here mama, chicken!" is what you always say), coloring, play-doh, the slide, books, castles, cars. You love to play with Layla's baby dolls. You love to sing, dance, clap, play. You love to run in crazy zig-zags, jump off of anything, climb, and fall. You are so strong and love to tackle/hug Layla at all times. 

What you've been eating....

Anything and everything. Your favorite food is yogurt with M&Ms but you always love to eat eggs, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pork roll, meatballs, noodles, bananas, strawberries, cheese..the list goes on. Sometimes I have to cut you off because you'll continue to eat!! You still drink almond milk (1-2 cups a day). You love your sweets & salty foods. Mostly, you just love the art of eating. It's a welcomed change from your sister's picky ways ;)

What you've been saying...

Your language is growing by the day. A sentence here or there but mostly words. You love telling me what you're doing or eating or playing with. You are learning you colors and letters. You can do all the animal sounds. We are going to start working on shapes. You can name many princesses (ha!) and lots of other characters (Mickey, Minnie, etc). You get so frustrated when I don't understand what you're saying but luckily I'm fluent in "benny". Recently Pop-Pop told you to say "Nanu-Nanu" like Robin Williams and now you say it ALL THE TIME. It's really cute. 

Sleeping...

You've been a blessing. We went through a rough early morning wake-up patch but I think we're past it. You go to bed around 6:45/7:00 and wake up at 6:30. You're a master napper and it's lovely. You adore your crib, Brian, Teddy and blankets. 

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

You love to read books!! We read the same few every night (Goodnight Elmo, Who Took My Hat, Trucks & the Benjamin England book Aunt Heather got you). It's so fun to read with you. As for watching? You've recently discovered YouTube.Com and more importantly - random Egg Videos. As in, people open up Easter Eggs filled with candy and you watch. You yell EGGIES whenever you see an iPad or iPhone. Oh lord. You get about 5-10 minutes a day. You like Sesame Street and Elmo movies I get you from the library. But mostly, you just want to dance!!

My baby boy, I'm SO lucky to call you mine. Often around strangers, you grab my arm and yell "MY MAMA" - always claiming me as your own. I love it so very much. I love your sweet smile, you sly face when you make a mess, the way you get excited around your cousins, grandparents, friends, teachers, cats. I love everything about you. I can't wait to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Years Eve with you. 

I adore you - two more months until we celebrate you turning TWO!!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Mama

Ok so I wrote this post when you turned 22 months but didn't take pictures until today (Nov 20th) thanks to a good ol' fashioned DOUBLE EAR INFECTION! Next up, TUBES! My little man - poor thing. 

Bikini Bod - Month 4!

SO...
Here we are. Another month come & gone.
We are in the midst of November - voting, Thanksgiving, cool temps & lots of cozy nights (with a side dish of early mornings from my kids - BOO)

I'm 5 days late but I didn't want to miss this.

We are now 7 1/2 weeks from Jamaica.

The official stats thus far?

I'm down 10.4 pounds! I'm very proud of myself. This has been a long battle but I'm officially at PRE-BENNY WEIGHT!!!!!

I still have 10 more pounds until pre-Layla weight but I'll get there!!

I am hoping to lose another 5-7 pounds before Jamaica but at this point, it's slow & steady.

I'm running 3-4 days a week and adding in assorted weight machines.

I really want to add yoga weekly but I have to find a class that works, time-wise.

On to the (embarrassing) pictures...

What I'm Loving Lately....

Per usual disclaimer: I was not given money or products for my reviews below. I simply love these companies & want to spread the word!

Lately, I've been really happy with a few companies I thought I would mention. We are given billions of choices when it comes to products and I am always in search of good prices + good customer service + stellar products. 

Low & behold, I've been really happy. Plus, I love supporting small businesses. Most of these are in fact large companies so I'll have to write another post on specific small businesses I enjoy -- these are just a few I jotted down in my phone in between the gym and school drop off!

Ashley Furniture HomeStore:

After 8 years of owning our once lovely king-sized mattress, we discovered we needed a new one. Our warranty was null & void because of a stain on our mattress (BOOOOO) so it was time to invest in one. I took to Facebook, made a list of recommended brands & went shopping. Benny & I narrowed it down to 4 mattresses and then Josh went back to choose one he loved. We settled on a Sealy Memory Foam mattress. Upon delivery, I quickly realized Josh hated it. I was hoping it would get better but in fact it got worse. I called the store expecting to pay a re-stocking fee and a delivery fee and assorted other fees but instead was met by kindness & understanding. They let us switch mattresses, NO more fees, free delivery. Seriously?? Best news ever!! We went with a Stearns & Foster Pillow Top and so far, we both really love it. Hoping it stays that way but I was so impressed by the customer service I received. Cheers to you Ashley Furniture!!!!!

Stitch Fix: 

I'm a mom of two babies - 3 & 1. I'm trying to lose baby weight, sell a house, enjoy my life & make my husband happy. So the thought of browsing at a mall for hours on end in search of a cute outfit is nearly impossible. Enter Stitch Fix (Stitch Fix) <-- click here! I am seriously obsessed. Quick & easy description? It's shopping at an awesome boutique without leaving your house. You sign up, fill out a lengthy form (describing your style, your body, etc) - and BAM. Your done. You pick a date for your first delivery (you can either do one time or monthly) - a personal shopper takes everything you said and sends you 5 items. It's ranging from everything (bags, jewelry, pants, dresses, skirts, shirts etc etc etc) - you choose the price point and what you want. The cost is $20. Then, you get this awesome package -- you try everything on in the comfort of your home. You decide what you want. If nothing, no harm no fail (other then the $20). If you decide on any items, the $20 is deducted from the total. If you decide on all five items? You get 25% off everything. It's amazing. This month, I ALMOST picked all 5 but talked myself out of it and settled on two. For me? All 5 items would have been roughly $250 which is not bad considering the quality of products and the items received. It's free shipping both ways, it's easy and fun. Just try it - you are not obligated by any means and I swear you'll love it. 

Rent the Runway: 

I know I've written about this before but I love this company. It's fun, simple and easy. Have an event coming up? Use them - basically, you can search for any & all dresses (cocktail, black-tie, etc) and they sent it to you in two sizes. You can also get a total second dress for $25 if you're nervous about the first. Honestly? If you're in between sizes, want something super fancy or don't feel like spending a ton of money to wear a dress one, then try them. Click here to check it out! Rent The Runway (<-- click here!)

Ebates: 

With the holidays literally sneaking up on us (HAPPY HALLOWEEN BY THE WAY!!), the best & quickest way to shop is online. Everyone is constantly offering a better deal, free shipping, extra products and more. Enter Ebates (<---click here). Prior to visiting ANY website, enter Ebates.Com first. From there, link to thousands of stores/websites. No cost involved. AND in return?? You get a percentage back from products purchased. Example? Today, Bloomingdales is offering 6% back, Expedia is offering 5.2% back and Magazines.Com is offering 40% cash back. AS IN -- you'll receive an ACTUAL CHECK of all cash you receive. There is literally NO reason not to do this - it costs nothing, no strings attached. Ebates & all the companies make money off each other and we reap the benefits!! Try it. You'll love it. 

Ok.. that's my PSA for the day. Time to clean to get ready for our open house & get prepared for HALLOWEEN!!! I'll post some pictures of Cinderella & Prince Charming ASAP! 

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!