FUN :)

20 weeks pregnant!

20 week ultrasound!



20 weeks old!!



weeeeeek 20!

Here we are, week 20.
Ironic as it feels like YESTERDAY I was celebrating reaching week 20 in my pregnancy and now my peanut is 20 weeks old!

We have successfully accomplished our second trip to Florida as a family of three. On Thursday night, we flew to Fort Lauderdale. Layla was perfect on the flight, woke up to greet her grandparents with smiles and laughs and promptly passed out in bed with me until 8 AM the next day.

Friday, we drove to Sarasota - a 3 hour car ride. Again, Layla was perfect - we stopped half way so I could feed her and while we drove, she played with her toys. She's seriously into her flowers and Sofie the Giraffe. It seems over this past week or so, she has really discovered she can use both hands to pick everything and anything up. She loves to have lots of toys and books to play with (she knows how to turn the page!) and it's amazing to watch. She also LOVES to make the loudest, silliest noises you've ever heard. She figured out how to growl while in Florida - it's a little scary but funny as anything.

Anywho - we made it to Sarasota and spent the weekend there for our friend Dan & Jen's wedding. It was an incredible weekend with all of our friends and Layla got to meet a lot of new people. Josh's parents were so sweet to babysit for us during the ceremony and wedding. They bonded and couldn't stop saying what a happy, fun baby she is :) The weather was odd for Florida - it was actually a little chilly! It was perfect nonetheless.

We're now back and I'm sad the weekend is over - we go back down in November for a week over Thanksgiving and I'm really excited! While we were back in Fort Lauderdale, she got to see her great-grandparents along with Aunt Sydney and Aunt Diane - always fun and exciting!

Lots of laundry to do, food shopping and dishes but it's always good to be back home.

I can't believe it's been over a year since we discovered we were pregnant (October 6th was our first positive test... October 8th was when we officially took another test and knew for sure!)

Halloween is next weekend, music class is wrapping up, Layla is now able to sit up (using her hands for support) and she rolled over again while in Sarasota and today she mimicked me waving!!  So much is happening, it's absolutely mind-blowing. 

...can't wait to see what she learns next!!

Fall is here!! This is around the corner from our house!

Loving the Sarasota weather!

A beautiful wedding, indeed!! 

19 weeks!!

My lovely 19-week-old!

Her crazy, tipsy parents at a wedding...lol

Week 19, two days late!!

The baby is taking a nap in the pack&play and I have limited time because I need to clean/pack/sit for a bit but I wanted to quick write...

Layla seems to be back to her happy, usual self - PHEW!! It was a rough couple of weeks with no sleep (literally, she slept horrible at night and didn't nap) but we're now back in action. Last night she went to bed at 8:30 and didn't wake up until 5 AM to eat (other then needing the pacifier replaced a couple of times) - much better and I am a happy mommy, indeed.

We had a great weekend - my best friend married the love of her life this weekend. Rachel was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen - she looked radiant.  The whole weekend was so wonderful and I am so thrilled and happy for my dear friends, Rachel & Jason.

Layla spent Friday night at her Uncle Matt and Aunt Danielle's house -- from what I hear, Ava (my oldest niece, 5 years old) watched her!! Layla had a great time and was able to fall asleep NO problem in her carseat. I was worried because she didn't have her normal bedtime routine but it seemed not to matter! :) She didn't wake up when we put her in the car and only briefly woke up when we took her out of the carseat at home - I fed her and she fell right back asleep, phew!

Saturday (the day of the wedding) was the longest I had ever been away from my sweet girl. It was hard but worked out beautifully. She spent the day with Josh - he said it was perfect. They bonded over football :) That night, my cousin Allison came to the house to watch Layla. She texted us a few times to say it was great and that she fell asleep no problem as well :) I gave Alli intense written instructions like a crazy mama but luckily Allison knows me well :) We got home around 2 AM so Layla woke up to us, it was great!!

Next up - Layla's second trip to Florida! We leave on Thursday for a long weekend. We will be flying into Fort Lauderdale, driving up to Sarasota for our friend's wedding (Dan & Jen) along with Josh's parents who will babysit for us during the wedding, driving back to Ft Lauderdale on Sunday morning and leaving that night. It will be a lot of traveling but I am so excited for Layla to see her grandparents, great-grandparents, Aunt Sydney, Aunt Diane and more -- plus she'll get to meet all of our friends!! It should be a great weekend.

I am planning on reading Dr Ferber's book this week and will begin crib training soon. I am not quite ready but Layla really relies on me to put her pacifier back in every night and I think we will both sleep more soundly and longer if she learns to fall back asleep on her own. I can't decide if I want to start next week or wait until after Thanksgiving (we will be going back to Florida for a week and I don't want to crib-train her and then have to re-do it) - uhh, we shall see.

She is teething like a champ and still taking her Zantac twice a day. She hasn't rolled over since the first few times a couple of weeks ago so I'm hoping she starts rolling around soon!! She's so close to rolling back to belly, I can't wait! 

We were able to go pumpkin picking this weekend, it was so much fun!! We went to Shadybrook Farms with Justin, Abbey, Max, Kim and my mom -- a great day!!!

Ok, must run - I swear, a longer entry next time!!!

xoxo

Courtney

18 weeks!!!!!!!

18 weeks!!!

Perfect.

A quick post 2 days late.

My girl has had a rough few days....

After our ER visit, she's been a bit of a mess. She gave up napping for a few days (uhhh) but they seem to slowly be making a come-back. She's been fussier then normal and has had a few crying outbursts with her Dada which is never fun. Worst of all, she's seriously regressed in her sleeping - our 12 hour stretches are a distant memory. She's still only feeding twice a night but she's waking up several times for her pacifier, for love, for anything. It's upsetting and frustrating and I'm exhausted but I have been reading this is completely normal - apparentely 4 month sleep regression is a thing!? Who knew?? OH! And on top of it all, she's a teething monster. OY. Well, we're hoping this passes and we can get back to the days of fussy-free Layla once again!!

I'm going to work on the crib, soon. I tried last week and it was awful and I gave up. I know I need to do it but I just don't know how yet. Cry it out? Or not? We will see.

This weekend is my best friend's wedding - Miss Rachel is marrying her love, Jason, and I couldn't be happier for them both. This will be the longest I'm away from Layla and I'm nervous about it. My brother & sister in law will watch her Friday during the rehearsal dinner and my cousin Allison will watch her Saturday during the wedding. Cheers to a beautiful day and an easy time for our girly!!!

...a bigger entry next time!!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MY DEAR FRIEND, MAYA.... we met in Israel in 2007 while I was on birthright. She was in the army and assigned to our group. We fast became friends and I immediatly knew she'd be in my life forever. She sent Layla a package with DVDs in hebrew - i can't wait to play them!! We love you Maya and hope to see you soon!!!

4 months!!

4 month stats:

Weight: Approximately 14 1/2 pounds but I'll get the official weigh-in next week at your appointment!

Height: I think around 24 1/2 inches? We will get the official height next week!
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day & 1-2 times during the night with the occasional bottle of Similac Sensitive formula while I'm at work.
Clothes: 0-3 month (getting to be too small), 3 month (still fits pretty well) and just beginning to wear 3-6 month!
Diaper: Size 2 beginning TODAY! (good timing!) (Pampers Sensitive).

My dearest Layla,

4 months today, how exciting!

I know I mention often how you are the most incredible baby I've ever met but I can't say it enough. You are the perfect addition to our family and make our lives so full of happiness and joy.

Your personality is really starting to shine through and it's so much fun to see. You are so very happy, easygoing and calm. When you are fussy, it's fairly easy to figure out why and fix! You still love pink chair and continue to sleep in it every night but I have a feeling you may outgrow it sooner then we are anticipating. I'm not ready to have you in your own room yet - and I recently read a study that said ideally babies should sleep in the parents room up until 6 months to prevent SIDS so I'm doing something right! You really love bouncy seat (I bought another one on clearance this week so we don't have to carry your first one all over the house). Your activity mat is your favorite spot most of the time - you've really learned to grab at the toys and it's fantastic to see! There are four toys that hang down but I'm going to attach more so you have a variety. You rarely go in the swing anymore but we put you in every so often. You also like sitting in your bumbo seat now that your head control is getting so good. You look so cute sitting up straight all on your own! You still love to rock on our rocking chairs outside - despite your fair skin, you love the sun! (Just remember to always wear sunscreen, please).

You still love the car and I've noticed you looking outside more & more. I wonder what you think of the big blue sky and the green grass? I can't wait until you start asking questions about everything you see. I know you are one curious little peanut and it will be amazing to show you the world.

You love your pacifier so much - I refuse to believe I need to take it away anytime soon! I keep buying more because your mama has OCD and is constantly sterilizing the pacifiers making it hard to be sure there is always one on hand. You have just started to figure out how to take it out of your mouth and you've also put it back in by yourself a few times! A fun trick, indeed. I can't wait until you can do this automatically so I don't have to pop it back in for you at night when you want it. You also love to suck on your hands!! They are always in your mouth. I think you may be teething but luckily you don't seem to be in pain, just a lot of drool and sucking!

You are sleeping well, keeping up with the same routine. You are starting to get sleepy earlier so I am thinking of moving your bedtime up a little bit. You wake up 1-2 times per night to eat and sleep from 8:30 PM - 8:30 AM. I can't wait until you sleep through the night although some may say you already are because you don't wake up to eat until 4:30 AM or so. Your nap schedule isn't much of a schedule at all but I hope to remedy this soon. I think you'd be happier with designated sleep times throughout the day but this may be hard to accomplish.

You take 2 baths a week because you hate them so much. I now have Daddy helping with every bath to make sure it goes as fast as possible. You cry the whole time and it's so very sad. I do love post-bath cuddles and you almost immediately go back to smiling once you are warm and dry.

You are excellent on your tummy even if you don't always love it. You push your head all the way up and can look all around. You love picking up toys, blankets, anything!

You are now into laughing really loud - when we do something funny like talk in silly voices, you crack up. It's so sweet. You are also learning to make new, fun noises!!

We had our first scary trip to the emergency room this past Monday because you were spitting up blood. Despite it all, you were SO very happy and adorable - smiling at the nurses and doctors! Mommy cried more then you did. You had an Xray and smiled the whole time. They did two other tests that were more invasive and you cried out so loud it hurt my heart. You looked right in my face and I swear you were asking me fore your help with your eyes. It was so awful but we're so lucky that it was nothing too serious. It turns out you have acid reflux! You were put on Zantac for 30 days, twice a day, and so far it's been fine. You haven't had any issues since our car ride to the hospital so I'm hoping it may have been a virus and past completely. Please don't scare Mommy & Daddy like that again!

You are experiencing your first taste of fall - the cool breeze is new and fun. We have so many fun things coming up this month including your second trip to Florida and Halloween!

I miss you so much while I'm at work. You really love Brooke, our nanny, and we're so glad you do! You also love your Thursdays with Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop. I'm glad for that :)

Every Monday, we go to music class at 10:15 AM in Bensalem. You absolutely love it. You follow Miss Sandy (the teacher) around the room with your eyes as she plays the guitar. You are the youngest baby in the class but I have no doubt you're enjoying it as much as the older kiddies, if not more.

Two weeks ago, you rolled from your belly to back a few times and it was very exciting stuff! You haven't done it since but I have no fear the time will come when you will be rolling all over the house. Yesterday, while on your back, you almost rolled over to your tummy several times! You made it on your side and I'm thinking it will be anyday before you reach this milestone as well. You are so very smart, my darling girl.

I love you, always.

Your Mama

Your first time wearing jeans :)

I love this face.

You are so insanely beautiful.

GO DOLPHINS!

You and your daddy love each other :)

We love when Grandma visits!

Sitting up so beautifully in your bumbo!

AHHH!

Swimming with Daddy in Atlantic City - you didn't love it but you didn't hate it!

Your first play date with Addison!

Family picture :) 

LOVE THIS TUSHY!

so cute.

so sweet.

cuddles with your toy!! 

17 weeks!!!

17 weeks - turning 4 months this week!!!!

We had a fabulous week. Fall is officially here and it's chilly!! Layla is slowly building a fabulous fall & winter wardrobe but I'm still sneaking in some dresses here and there on the warmer days.

Last week, we had a lot of fun shopping with Shari & Rachel on Tuesday. We spent the entire day at the mall and eating lunch - Layla was a piece of pie. Delicious, perfect, slept, smiled. The IDEAL shopping partner!!!

We celebrated Layla's first Rosh Hashana -- it was a great two nights with family. It's hard to keep her on schedule -- she always eats at 7 PM and again at 8:15 PM, bed by 8:30 PM - meaning we had to leave both dinners a little earlier then we normally would. It seems crazy but sleep is so important so I tend to keep her on nighttime schedule. I'm still trying to figure out when I'll start a nap time schedule (right now it's pretty much whenever she falls asleep) -- we'll see.

Friday, we went to the playground with Abbey & Max - it was a gorgeous day and Layla liked the swing!!

Saturday, we went to see Abbey's soccer game - she did amazing and Josh showed her some tips. He's so excited to coach Layla's team when she gets big enough. After the game, my sister watched Layla so Josh & I could go to the movies - it's so much fun to sneak away for a couple of hours every now and then. Later that night, we went to Shari & Brian's to watch the first Phillies playoff game (again, leaving early..) - we won, wahoo!!

Sunday was a LAZY day - after going out to breakfast, we all stayed home to clean, do laundry and watch football.

Layla still hates the bath - she cries every single time :( It stinks but I'm hoping she'll like it one day soon.

Lately (going on a week, tomorrow) - I've been having pain while breastfeeding. It's really frustrating - I went to the doctor last week and it seems to be a clogged milk duct (sorry if TMI) -- now it's hurting on both sides which stinks. I'm hoping the pain starts to subside soon - I refuse to give up breastfeeding anytime soon, I love it too much.

Layla will be 4 months on Thursday so I'll be updating again then -- I really need to dedicate more time to the blog but she's way too much fun ;)

xo
Courtney

16 weeeeeeks!!!

Another week, another season, another birthday.

My girl is 16 weeks!!

AND...moving right along! 

Layla is so incredible. A bright light. I don't know how else to put it - she's amazing.

Last week was my birthday and it was so special to celebrate with her and Josh. We went to dinner with some of my family on my birthday, we had cake with the rest of my family on Thursday, we did nothing but relax and eat pizza on Friday, I had an amazing girls night out on Saturday, we watched Football on Sunday, and before I knew it... another week had passed!!

Layla rolled over again last night but it isn't consistent yet. She did, however, sleep amazing last night (after a couple of nights of not-so-amazing)... she slept 8:30-8:30, only waking up ONCE to eat at 4:30..not too shabby at all! 

This morning we had music class for the 3rd time. She absolutely loves it - it's so sweet and I think we both really enjoy it. 

Tomorrow I'm SO excited -- we are going to the Philadelphia Zoo with Shari & Rachel!! I know Layla won't be able to appreciate it too much yet but I think it'll be a fun experience, nonetheless!!

This week is shaping up to be fun -- peanut's first Rosh Hashana, Shadybrook Farms on Sunday for some pumpkin picking - and of course lots of tummy time to perfect rolling over ;)

Nothing too exciting to report but we're having fun, ready for Fall and all the goodness October will bring (my best friend's wedding, a trip to Sarasota for a wedding, Halloween and L turned 4 months old!)

xoxo

Court

BEST FRIENDS!!! 

15 weeks and 28 years!

Are you in love with this face as much as I am?

Here we are.... 15 weeks (two days late) and 28 YEARS for me!!! ;) It's been a lovely birthday, thus far. I'm at work. I cried this morning while leaving Layla. I wish I could spend my birthday cuddling and playing but it just so happened that my birthday fell on a Wednesday this year. Oh well.

Another great week (is it getting redundant that I keep saying that? I don't care. ha!) -- last week included a big trip from Grandma Lisa. We have so much fun when she visits - I love seeing her with Layla. It is also really nice to have an extra set of hands around the house - Josh and I were able to sleep in and shower longer then usual, wahoo!

Saturday night, Josh & I went out to dinner to R2L - an incredible restaurant on the 37th floor of Liberty Place. The service, food, experience -- everything was top notch and I can't wait to go back!

Monday was our second music class - of course she loved it again. I'm so glad we joined. I haven't made any "mommy" friends yet but that's okay - I really enjoy going and I think the babe does too. Afterwards, we visited Josh at work, had lunch, ran errands and finally came home. I also got my dress altered for Rachel's wedding which is fast approaching - my best friend is getting maaaaaaarried!!  :)

Yesterday was possibly one of the most exciting days of Layla's life.....SHE ROLLED OVER!!! From belly to back - on the bed - THREE TIMES! Twice for me in the morning and again for Josh at night. I am so proud of her. I think she's clearly a genius.

She's very into belly laughs nowadays - it's the best sound EVER.

..... okay, better run. Here's hoping 28 is my best year yet! Cheers!
xo
C

14 weeks!!!

14 weeks and the most delicious legs I have ever seen. 

Another fabulous week.

Layla is now 14 weeks and really filling out. See exhibit A above. ;) I love her delicious legs, her rolls, her face. Her eyes are still blue and staying strong - the dark hair, pale skin and blue eyes is so insanely beautiful.

We had a great week.

Tuesday, we went to visit Mom-Mom Millie and have breakfast with her and my cousin, Allison. Layla was a great girl and we spent the rest of the day at home napping and cuddling on the sofa. Layla's favorite place to be is her house - she is the most relaxed and happiest here. It's so sweet. That night, Josh & I went on a dinner date so Layla & her new nanny, Brooke could get to know each other. They had a great time!

Wednesday was Layla's first day full day with Brooke. It couldn't have been better - Layla was "perfect" according to Brooke. They played, napped, ate and watched 90210 reruns together :) I was able to come home at lunch and nurse Layla and squeeze in some kisses. I feel really comfortable leaving Layla with Brooke which makes me feel much better about going back to work. I'm currently pumping at work 3 times and it's working well. She had to have 3 bottles of formula last week but otherwise all breast milk -- not too bad!

Thursday Layla went back to Mom-Mom and Pop -Pop's house -- she talked the day away and was able to play with her cousins Max & Andrew! The rest of the kiddies were off to school so my parents only have the 3 youngest on Thursdays.

Friday I worked until 10:30 AM (and for some reason cried leaving Layla in the morning... I hope this gets easier) and later that night Josh, Layla & I were Atlantic City bound for a mini-vacation!! After a 2 1/2 trip thanks to traffic, we made it safe and sound and had a lovely weekend. We swam, ate, gambled and relaxed. Saturday night was my best friend, Rachel's bachelorette party. I was so glad to be able to go to the dinner part while Josh watched the baby - it was so fun to have a girls night and I'm SO thrilled for Rachel's wedding next month!!

This morning, Layla and I went to her first Mommy & Me Music Class! It was AWESOME - Sandy is the leader. She is so sweet - she plays guitar, brings instruments and all the kids and parents sit in a circle and join in. Layla was loving it - she was looking all around, playing, smiling and laughing! I promptly joined the class for the next 10 weeks. Layla loves music and this will be so fun for the both of us! The class is at a dance studio near Josh's office so hopefully we'll get to see him for some lunches after class on Mondays!!

Now it's a beautiful afternoon. Layla is napping, I'm enjoying my diet dr pepper and sitting in our new office. Yesterday, I put away Layla's newborn clothes. It was unbelievably bittersweet. I'm so excited for our girl to grow up but I am NOT ready to let go. I just made her first book of pictures on our Apple computer - the first 3 months of her life. It's a wonder I didn't cry while making the whole thing. Time is flying by and I really just want to press pause.

But alas... too many exciting things coming up to get nostalgic!! Grandma Lisa is coming on Thursday, my birthday is next week, fall is in the air and there are a million memories to make.

3 months!

Your first trip to Florida - You, Your Great-Grandma (GG) and Dada

Your wonderful Great-Grandparents!

Layla, Great-Grandpa, Great-Grandma, Grandma & Max!

A little birdie with Grandpa!

So happy at your baby naming!

Layla & Great-Aunt Diane

Napping in your crib!

Love.Your.Face.

Tummy time in the Pack'N'Play!!

So teeny on our big bed.

I love this butt!

Tummy time, you're getting so good!

Rigby & Layla Practicing Tummy Time!

3 months!

Always happy, always beautiful.

Intense conversations with Mr Bear

3 month stats:

Weight: 11 pounds, 15 ounces (at her last doctor's appointment- I swear she grows everyday!)
Height: 23 1/8th inches
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day & every 4-6 hours at night with the occasional bottle of Similac Sensitive formula while I'm at work.
Clothes: 0-3 month and 3 month.
Diaper: Size 1 (Pampers Sensitive).

Dear Layla,

My darling girl, you are getting so big! Now 3 months old and no longer a newborn - you're in the next wonderful category, infant! 

Our lives are so full with you in it. We can't remember life before you and frankly, we don't want to. I wake up every morning to your beautiful, smiling face and big, blue eyes--I can't believe you are ours forever. 

You continue to be the happy, easygoing baby you've been seen you were born. You are calm, collected, silly and alert. Lately, you've been crying very loud (when you do cry) - it seems you've figured out the louder you cry, the faster we'll fix whatever is wrong. It breaks my heart to hear you like this, luckily it's not very often! You still love your pink chair best (so much so that we bought one for Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's house too!). You also really enjoy your swing, bouncy seat and crib (sometimes). Standing and swaying is your favorite and you're totally an outdoors girl - the second we step outside to rock on the front porch, you're relaxed. 

You like the car a lot and almost always fall asleep as soon as we start moving. You have two big flowers that hang on your car seat. They both have faces and you have intense conversations with them in the car. You still love music. 

You love your pacifier so much - the search for your thumb continues. You used to get extremely frustrated when you couldn't find it, but now you'll just suck on your fingers, fist - whatever you find first. I can't wait until you can put the pacifier back in your mouth yourself - sometimes when you're sleeping and it falls out, you cry out for help and we pop it back in. 

You are still sleeping really well, for the most part. We tried to have you sleep in your crib but it didn't go very well. It wasn't TOO bad, but you woke up a lot and you missed us. We decided to bring you back in our room (in the pink chair) and you're doing really well. Our bedtime routine is my favorite part of day. We feed you at 7:00 PM, again at 8:15 PM, I put on your sleep sack, I sing "You Are My Sunshine" and you go right to sleep, no questions asked! You tend to wake up around 3 AM and 5:00 or 6:00 AM. It's a little different the days I work but you are a trooper and go with the flow! Your nap schedule is still up in the air. You have been taking a lot of short naps lately with a longer nap in the afternoon. 

You take baths 2-3 times a week. You are starting to hate it again - you cry a bit and I try to finish as fast as possible. I am sorry you hate it so much but I LOVE that after bath smell! Your hair sticks straight up as soon as it dries. It's the cutest thing. 

You are getting really good on your tummy, able to lift your head and shoulders SO well. You have incredible head control, you love to keep your hands together and you are just starting to hold on to toys, your blanket, etc.

You love to have big conversations. You talk to me and Daddy for hours, it's so sweet and I think you will talk early. We make all sorts of funny noises at you and you laugh and smile wonderfully.

We still go on lots of errands together - most of the time, you're sleeping or taking in all the sights and sounds. If your belly is full and your diaper is clean, you're a happy camper!

This past month, you went on your first big vacation to Florida. You were amazing and had so much fun visiting your family. You've also been through your first earthquake and hurricane. Lots of crazy weather! 

I hate that I am back at work - you spend Wednesdays with a nanny, Thursdays with Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop and Friday mornings at home. I miss you so much while I'm gone but I rush home to give you millions of kisses. 

My little Layla, I love you so much. I can't wait to see what memories we make this month! It's my favorite season - I can't wait to spend lots of time outside showing you all that Fall has to offer!

I love you, always.

Your Mama