Summer.

Hi ya'll!!

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

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

A few things to note as of late...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi ya'll!!

Quick update...

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

hope you'll keep reading!!

xxx
C

Benny turns 5 months!!

5 months with your bear!!

love you.

Future golf pro?

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

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

5 month stats:

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

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

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

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

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

My Benny,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

I really, really regret not buying this hat!!

18 month clothes!!

Little thumb sucker ;)

FATHER'S DAY!!! 

Beating up your sister!!

I love this face!!!

2 years old.

One Day. One Year. Two Years.

Benny's BELLY! 24 months!

Smiles!!

Love you.

Giggle head!

Mr Bear. Still your favorite.

Love is Life!

Weight: Hovering between 25 & 26 pounds.

Height: 33 inches

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

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

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6-7 

To my dearest...

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

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

I can write for days about you. 

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

LOVING. LOVING. LOVING. 

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

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

I love seeing the world through YOUR eyes. 

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

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

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

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

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

Sesame Place with Dada!

Sesame Place on your birthday!

Always laughing with your favorite person!

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

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

3 of my favorite pictures of you.

Benny was ready for your Muppet themed birthday party!

my best girl.

Your outfit was so cute!!!

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

Our first tea party!!

Flo-Rid-A!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

A huge thank you to the troops that protect & serve our country.

Love this holiday.

Happy summer is here!!!

I'm sitting on the sofa writing a quick recap of my weekend while Layla colors & the boys sleep soundly. Happy to be back home with my little family!!!

Our trip to Florida was AMAZING - Benny, Kim, Remi & I had the best time. It was way too short (literally 48 hours plus traveling) but it was worth it. I would update with all the details but basically...

- We saw Josh's family which was great. I was so happy they got some extra time with Benny. I'm so lucky to have married into a family that loves me & my babies so much. They just light up when the kids enter the room - it's so great. We got to spend a lot of time with Josh's parents, grandparents & sister. Always special and fun.

- We took naps. Me & Kim and both kiddies. It was glorious.

- We got to meet the incredible OWEN!!!! I love that my best friends are now parents. Laura & Clay are the most amazing parents and Owen is beyond words delicious. He's about 6 weeks and too adorable. Perfect little features and the most amazing hair you've ever seen on a newborn. We spent some time at Laura's house - dropped Benny off at his grandparents house - and went out for a yummy dinner with Laura & Nicole!!! Remi was a perfect little babe while we were at the restaurant. It was a perfect night.. so nice to spend time with Laura & Nicole and I love that my sister gets along so well with my dear friends.

- Benny slept horrible that night. He also woke up hysterical and cried for over an hour without stopping. I knew something was wrong. He wouldn't nurse. He was extremely uncomfortable. I cried. He cried. It was a mess.

- Saturday morning, I decided I wanted Benny to see a doctor. And so the adventure began...after visiting 3 different walk-in clinics, we were referred to a pediatrician in Hollywood, Florida. It was a nightmare but the doctor was very nice. After 3 1/2 hours of waiting, driving, etc.. it was confirmed that Benny had a throat infection. Poor little bugger. No strep so it's viral -- treated with Tylenol. He also pooped 4 times that day so by that night he was MUCH better and back to my normal, happy babe. He also started nursing again once the Tylenol kicked in - PHEW!! I felt so bad for him but I was very happy that I followed my instincts and took him to the doc. Oh..and he now weighs 21.25 pounds!

- After doctor fiasco, we went to Laura & Clay's house and our day officially began!! We packed up all the babies and went towards the beach. Yummy lunch at Bimimi Boatyard (which holds a special place in my heart because all ate there the Thursday before our wedding). Then off to see Laura's mom's new condo on the beach. Just gorgeous - they were able to buy two condos next to each other and combined them into one LARGE, GORGEOUS, SPECTACULAR condo. I was in awe. It was so beautiful and decorated so lovely. We spent a lot of time there, and eventually decided it was time for ice cream. Yummo!!  Great way to end the night. Back to the hotel where Benny finally slept good (I mean.. good for him, haha). Tylenol is a blessing.

- Sunday, up early, packing then breakfast with Josh's family again. So great to see them one more time!!!

..and before we knew it, back to the airport. This flight was packed again. And the last 30 minutes included a lot of bumps and a lot of circling - uhhh. But we made it, safe & sound!!! Ending the night with a reunion with my favorites Layla & Dada!!!

SO --

Weekend was great. Now it's all about Layla's BIG 2nd birthday coming up next week!!!!!
Cheers and enjoy this amazing summer weather!!

(Sorry these are SO out of order...annoying!)

FaceTiming with my favorite little lady!!!

Baby Josh!! <3

The end of our trip..the only picture I took of the 4 of us! :( My favorite travel partners.

Grandma, Benny & GG!!

Benny & Owen...they were linking arms. I could melt. (4 months and 6 weeks)

Plane snoozing ;)

When there is no whole milk to be found, Remi gets chocolate milk.  

My Remi Leah!

Benny was ready to FLY!

Chatting with Laura & Owen... Love Love Love

My best friend. Her baby. My baby. Weren't we just in college...?

Picture above is 2004. Picture below is 2013. Too funny.. we're always chatting!

Benny & Clay!!

Waiting to see the doctor.. apparently happy?? ;)

Waiting for the doctor.. my poor big boy.

Baby OWEN.. so yummy 

My babies chatting!!

BSE - 4 months!!

This month's hat - his keepah from his bris! (It says Benjamin in Hebrew)

Bright Eyes.

This face. 

Hugs for your bear (name to be decided....)

Big squeeze!!

SO BIG!

love.

SMILE!

<3

Looking at Layla

Looking outside!

1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months

4 month stats:

Weight: I think we are officially at (or above!) the 20 pound mark!! We will find out at your doctor's appt next week. MY BIG BOY!

Height: Maybe close to 27 inches?? Again, we'll find out next week.
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2-3 hours during the day & several times during the night with the occasional bottle of Similac Sensitive formula.
Clothes: 3 month & 3-6 month is getting small (way) - 6 month for now... but I'm already buying you 9 month summer attire!
Diaper: Size 3 (Pampers Cruisers)

My sweet boy....

4 months? Are we SURE? Wasn't I JUST in the hospital, looking at you in the early morning light and thinking to myself how gorgeous you are? Didn't we just come from the hospital, terrified at how your sister would react - only to discover her deep love for you? Didn't we JUST go to the doctor for your 1 month appointment? I am in shock and yet time plays it's cruel trick and keeps going at super speed.

You, my little love, are so sweet. I can't say it enough. You are calm, easy, collected. You LOVE to smile and laugh - LOUD! Your giggles are the best sound in the world. You love to "talk" to anyone that will listen - these loud, high-pitched coos that sound like a dinosaur and make us laugh. You have been excellent at tummy time and I know the day will be here very soon when you're sitting up on your own. You love to lay on the activity mat and you recently started sitting in "mission control" (the exerciser) - you're so amazing and have already mastered how to work the toys and noises on there. You grab toys and chew on them. You love to have a blanket on you so you can chew on it - and you have one specific blue blanket/stuffed animal that you love to suck on. You still love the pacifier but only use it during the day. 

You sleep in the rock&play next to my bed but I think these days may be coming to an end. For the past 4 weeks or so, your sleep has been horrible. You are up several times a night (usually every 1-2 hours) with your longest stretch at the beginning (usually 4 hours) and the early morning (usually 3 hours). I am not ready to sleep train you yet and I don't want to move you in your room but I'm desperate for more sleep. I have introduced the sound machine recently and hope that this "4 month wakefulness" ends soon. Despite it all, you're SO HAPPY! You nap about 3 times a day (early morning, mid-afternoon, evening) and nap best on me. I'm trying to teach you how to nap on your own. I may start with naps in your room soon because your sister LOVES to wake you when you're sleeping. Poor guy ;)

You still don't love the car -- most times you're okay and will look around with your big, sparkly eyes and stare out the window - or you'll just pass out for a quick snooze - but if you're a bit fussy and we're in the car, you'll cry & cry. The pacifier helps and moving helps (red light? traffic? lots of tears) - it makes me SO sad when you cry in the car because I can't help. Your cry is the saddest..and you have these big fat tears that stain your face. Heartbreaking. 

You get about 2-3 baths a week - you seem to like them! I am going to stop using the newborn insert this week and try you in the regular baby tub. I think your big enough!!

Your chub.. oh my dear, your chub. It's the cutest thing and what people comment on the most. You are SO big and resemble an 8 month old instead of a 4 month old. You are off the charts for height & weight. Everyone says you'll have to play sports!! I wonder if you'll want to be a quarterback or if chess will call your name? Maybe music? Or art? Whatever you choose, we'll support you!! Who knows - you may end up being a little guy! But I doubt it.. your big and gorgeous and perfect.

This past month, we have had so much fun - I wish I could list off all of the things you've done!! You've been everywhere and are always happy. On Mondays & Tuesdays, you come with Layla & I to her classes (music on Mondays, tumble tunes on Tuesdays) - you are now starting to "participate" rather then sleep and it's so sweet. 

We are still together, just mama & Benny, on Wednesdays, Thursday mornings & Fridays. It's a special time - I love being able to give you my full attention. We snuggle and play and nap and chat. I can tell you know me and it warms my heart. 

You love the warm sun - being outside seems to really relax you. Today, I FINALLY bought a double stroller (the city mini double) and I can't wait to take you & Layla for walks!! 

Next weekend, we're going on our first vacation together - just you & I (along with Aunt Kim and Remi). We are going to Florida to see your future BFF, Owen. He's mama's best friend's new baby.. I'm so excited!! It'll be great for you to spend time with your Florida family as well. 

I think you will roll over soon. You get over on your side and your so close!!

Thank you for being so loving. So happy. So content. I know Layla can smother you in kisses, hugs and licks. You lay there happily and smile when she comes over. I love to see your relationship grow and know it's only the beginning. 

We love you so much - cheers to 4 months!!!!

I love you, always.

Your Mama

I love you so much.

Watching TV, hahaha

Let's go Heat!

Playing with Remi!

Snooze!!

Seriously. Cheeks. Lips. DAH!

Fun at the zoo!

To the MOON!

So great on your tummy!

Tell Layla a secret.

The cutest.

Sending Dada fun pictures while he's at work!

Laying with Andrew, Remi & Layla! Typical Thursday.

Always together.

First time in mission control!

My sweet boy.