weeks 24 and 25!!!

24 weeks in KEY LARGO!

Thanksgiving in Fort Lauderdale!!

25 weeks wearing her new winter jacket for the first time!

Bad blogger, right here.

The past two weeks have been lovely.

I have so much to write but I'm boiling her toys to sanitize, I'm watching her roll from back to belly on the floor (woo!!) and I'm trying to stay awake all at the same time.

Music class ended :( Holiday session starts next week and we can't wait - we were so excited we tried going today only to realize it starts next week - duh mama.

Florida was fabulous -- we were there for a week and had lots of England family time, lots of friend time, a wonderful mini-vacation to Key Largo where Layla LOVED the beach and sand, we took her 6 month pictures, we played, we tried avocado (and didn't hate it!), we tried a sippy cup (and loved it) and more!!!

Last night we started crib/sleep training - when I say it was one of the worst things I've ever done, I'm not kidding. She went to sleep great at 7 PM - slept until 10:30 PM - and basically cried from 10:30 - 2:30 AM, non-stop. It was terrible, awful, no good. We took turns going in every 10 minutes (after the initial 3 and 5 minute wait) - it was just bad bad bad. Everyone I talk to tells me to stick with it, stay consistent, so that's the plan!!! I may need to medicate myself with some wine tonight. Uhhhh.

OK - it's cyber Monday, I have holiday shopping to do and a baby to play with!!

A longer entry next week - especially since my girl will be SIX MONTHS OLD!!!!! 

23 weeks!!

Happy bug ready for music class!

Layla or Elton John...? You decide.

Mama smooches.

I'm a bad blogger... this will be another quick entry.

We had a great week and we're getting ready for Florida on Friday!! Her 3rd trip in 5 1/2 months. Pretty insane and fabulous!

On Sunday, we introduced bananas. She doesn't love them but she doesn't seem to hate them either. I guess she is tolerating them? She loves her cereal - last night I managed to give her half a banana (I am just mushing it until it's liquid and adding a bit of water/formula/breast milk (whatever I have handy) and feeding. She LOVES her high chair and thinks it's really funny when she drops the toys I give her to play with off the high chair. Little stinker ;)

Monday was our last music class of fall semester..... 10 weeks FLEW by! It was so much fun and we will definitely be signing up for the holiday session (3 weeks) and the winter session starting in January. It's a great outlet for me and she is becoming more and more interested in the music, kids and teacher. Who knows, maybe she'll be a singer! Josh & I are constantly playing her music and she loves it.

Yesterday we spent the morning visiting Mom-Mom Millie and Mom-Mom Rose. It was wonderful to see them and it had been entirely too long since my last visit - I hope to see them more often moving forward. Layla loves them both and stayed awake the entire time, smiling and laughing while they kisses her cheeks!

A big shout-out to Mom-Mom Millie, my favorite blog reader <3 Thank you for keeping up with this week after week.... we love you so very much!!! It was so much fun singing "You Are My Sunshine" with you to Layla!!

I'm very much looking forward to our Florida trip - plans include seeing friends and family, eating lots, celebrating Turkey Day and realizing all we have to be thankful for!!

Layla slept from 7 PM - 5 AM last night without eating.. pretty good, however 12 -5 was spent in our bed. Post- Florida, let the sleep training BEGIN!!! It's been way too many weeks of constant interrupted sleep for this mama... I think I may be going insane.

On a side note... I'm proud to report I'm officially down 38.6 pounds. I have another 14.0 pounds to go until I'm back to pre-baby weight!!! (With an additional 10 pound hopefully weight loss on top of that). I'm down 8.0 from weight watchers... I'm keeping on keeping on! Hopefully I'll meet my goal of 2012 back to pre-baby weight but I doubt it.. we shall see.

Also... a huge and special congrats to my beautiful friend Amy on the birth of her son, Kole Michael today!!!! We are SO happy for you and can't wait to meet your gorgeous little man!! He looks just like Jordyn and I know your family of 4 is so full of love today!!!
xo
C

22 weeks!!!

My 22 week year old......

She eats cereal every night (a tablespoon of rice cereal mixed with 4-5 tablespoons of breastmilk).
She holds her own bottle.
She doesn't sleep a full night.
She smiles at anyone, anything and everything.
She squeals, laughs, growls, talks, coos and snores.
She had her first trainride to NYC on Sunday and did fantastic.
She is going to Florida next week for the third time.
She is perfection.


Her mama....
is tired.
is happy.
is moody, at times.
is frustrated with the hair falling out, the bad skin and the flab that is comfortably resting along her tummy.
is down about 37 pounds with about 15 pounds to go but can see her body is completely different.
is already planning her 22 week's 1st birthday party.
is OCD.
is ready for another baby. (ha!)

5 months!

5 month stats:

Weight: At her 4 month appointment, she was 14 pounds, 15 ounces (75th percentile). My guess is closer to 16 pounds by now!

Height: 25 1/4 inches (75th percentile) at her last appointment! Maybe 26 inches by now?? 

Eating: Still breastfeeding every 2-3 hours with about 4-5 bottles of formula a week from Brooke (Nanny) and my parents. Cereal for the first time this morning and will start eating more and more food everyday!

Clothes: 3 month (still fits although beginning to get small), 3-6 month and just beginning to wear 6 month!

Diaper: Size 2.

My Layla,

5 months and beyond amazing.  

It's crazy -- I CAN'T believe you are a big 5 months!!! You are so kind, sweet, loving, easy-going and full of smiles. 

This past month, we have seen the biggest changes in you. You are no longer a squishy little infant - you are a little person!! You love to play, relax, walk, stand, sit-up, all of it. Your Baby Einstein Exerciser (Daddy calls it mission control) is your favorite place to be. You have mastered all the toys on there including pressing the buttons, spinning the toys and moving around. It's incredible to watch you in there - you are very determined! I bought you a jumparoo a couple of weeks ago and you're not quite big enough for it yet -- we'll try again within the next few weeks. You are so good at head control, sitting up (assisted (barely!) and unassisted using your hands for support), and standing holding on to us. You have rolled over a few times (belly to back) but you don't do it often. You havent' yet rolled back to front but you get on your side. You also love your activity mat, bouncy seat, bumbo and crib (to play in, not sleep). 

You still sleep in our room, in the pink seat. I hate to admit it but you're becoming a terrible sleeper - I think it's teething combined with the pacifier falling out combined with the "4 month wakeful period". Mommy is very tired but pushing through. I am going to "sleep train" after we get back from Florida in 2 weeks. I'm nervous but I know it'll be better for me and you! You are napping better through the day which is a huge help - no set schedule but one morning nap and one afternoon nap. You have moved your bedtime up from 8:30 to 7:00! It's fun and you still go to sleep by yourself, very easily. You LOVE sleeping in our bed and seem to sleep best there (shocker!). You are so much fun to cuddle with though, how can I resist those sweet moments? 

You had cereal this morning for the first time - you LOVED it - it was so very exciting. You sat in the bumbo on the dining room table and Daddy fed you. You took to it right away - I am so proud! You also had a little taste of banana the other night twice and went crazy for it. I bought the Baeba baby food maker yesterday and plan to make all of your food (using organic fruits and veggies) - I'm excited! 

You're great in the car - we took out your infant padding in the car seat and it makes it much more roomy. You don't sleep as much in the car so we listen to your music and you smile and talk. 

You still love music class - it's so much fun! I think we will sign on for another 10 weeks - it's a great bonding time and we get to have lunch with Daddy afterwards! 

You are holding toys, grabbing anything and everything that you can reach - you are also teething so bad. I tried Natural orajel and you hated it (they gave it a weird taste). I've given you baby Tylenol 4 times and it seems to help. I feel so bad but you don't seem to be any fussier from it! Maybe a little more congested but that may be thanks to winter? 

You make the BEST noises nowadays - you talk, laugh, screech, giggle, growl. You are so sweet and stare right at whoever you are talking to - it's like we can all have Layla conversations!! 

You hate your bath but (not to jinx it) -- you were really happy the past 2 baths!! I'm hoping it's not a fluke. We gave you bath toys to play with and it seemed to distract you a lot - phew!! Maybe the days of screaming during the bath are behind us. 

You are so very special to us. You are the light of our lives and getting bigger and more beautiful everyday. Your hair is getting lighter but coming in thick! It sticks up all over the place and it's so cute. You also still have big blue eyes - SO weird as mommy and daddy both have brown, but we'll take it!! 

You've been to Florida (twice), Atlantic City (twice), countless restaurants, malls, stores and more. You make the best partner in crime!! We are going to NYC tonight to have dinner with Grandma and I think you'll really love the city!!! 

You have so many people that love you and we are so lucky to call you ours. Keep growing, playing, learning, singing, reading. 

We love you so much!

Mama (and Dada, Shluffy & Rigby)

Great Grandma and Layla 

Grandpa and Layla in Sarasota!

We love eating our shirt!

PUMPKIN PATCH!

<3

Always smiling!

Layla and her great-grandparents!

Ready for the SNOW!

We love to play!

Let me grab your face, ma!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 

Cutest cow!

MOO!

Daddy and Layla eating grass?

hahahaha

Funny ;) 

Ready for cereal! And a good book!

I LOVE IT!

num num num!

I won't waste a drop!

My favorite toy! "Mission Control"

amazing.

My snow bunny!

love!

21 weeks - Happy Halloween!!!

21 weeks!

Another week, come and gone...but not without a little bit of excitement!! 

On Saturday, we (PA/NJ/NY) got a snowstorm. In October. Out of no where. And not just a little bit of snow... A LOT. During the day, it was beautiful. I took Layla outside in her bumbo and she did really well and loved watching the snow. Short after, our power went out around 1:00 PM. And it didn't return until Monday at 4:00 AM. We decided Saturday night while we still had to light to pack up and head over to my sister's house - it ended up being a fun 2-night stay but alas, annoying and frustrating! Layla, of course, was a champ and slept beautifully while we were there (in bed with me, ha). My little lady has now experienced an earthquake, hurricane AND snow-storm and she's not even 5 months old!!

Not too much else -- Layla's sleep is still up and down. I'm going to start sleep training after our week-long stay in Florida for Thanksgiving. I'm not looking forward to it but I know it has to happen - plus I said I'd do it no matter what by the time she is 6 months old. 

She is amazing. She's really into toys and has been grabbing at anything and everything she can see. She sticks everything in her mouth and LOVES to play. She has tried her jumparoo a few times but she's not quite big enough. I have so much to say but I'll save it for her 5 month entry on SUNDAY!

We're also excited for Layla's first trip to NYC on Sunday night - Josh's mom is coming up for a girl's weekend so we're meeting her there for dinner at Picolo Angelo - YUM! I'm excited.

ALSO -- while I was pregnant, I volunteered to take part in an awesome experience - a photographer I have worked with in the past made an awesome calendar of all pregnant bellies. I am the apple (September) - all proceeds go to a great cause if you want to buy one! Click here to see how to buy one! :) (That's the photographer's blog)

Okay... while the babe is sleeping I am going to do laundry and read HUNGER GAMES! It's so good!!!

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!!