Currently...

Happy Hump Day!!!

Right now, Benny is napping while Layla & I play/watch Little Mermaid.

Camp is officially over (as of Friday). Layla had a GREAT summer and enjoyed every day she was at camp!!

Now there are 3 weeks in between camp & school. So we are just going with the flow!!

Grandma left last night after a nice long weekend visiting.. we had a lot of fun and the kiddies LOVE when Grandma visits!!!

Yesterday was Benny's 6 month appt (even though he turned 7 months a week ago) -- he did great despite lots of shots. He now weighs a solid 24 pounds and is 28 3/4 inches long. Wowza!! I have to say I'm surprised it wasn't more - I think his weight gain has officially slowed. He was a bit of a crying mess overnight (which equaled two over night feedings...this hasn't happened in weeks) but once he had Tylenol around 2:00 AM, he was much better. He's been off again the past few days.. I hate these poop issues (constipation) he faces and I think his little belly really hurts.

SO..currently??

I am excited for....THE OUTER BANKS!!!!  We are days away from our first (of hopefully many, many, many) annual trips to North Carolina for some fun, sun and relaxation (impossible with 10 kids under 7 you say? I agree, ha!). I'm just excited for Layla. She will be in cousin heaven for one week.

I am liking...my Honest company diapers, wipes, soap and hand sanitizer. I think the diapers are great and the designs are adorable. The wipes are thick and nice. The hand sanitizer is good and the soap smells yummy. Overall, I will be placing an order again but I'm not convinced I'll switch over completely from Target brand (my favorite diapers). I still love Pampers but at HALF the price, Target is the winner, winner chicken dinner.

I am experiencing...Mirena! I had the IUD placed on Monday. Not going to lie- IT HURT. And since then, slight breakouts, slight headaches, cramping and some spotting (sorry, boys). BUT.. I'm excited. Five years of 99% success of birth control without having to pop a pill every day. Josh & I hope to have a 3rd baby one day but we're not there yet. This is giving me a huge piece of mind - bonus, my insurance covered it.

I am watching...RAY DONOVAN. Hello, new obsession.  It's a new series on Showtime and I highly recommend it!! Liev Schreiber may be the hottest man alive.

I am proud of...my ongoing obsession with the gym. I get there about 4 days a week and I really love it. Not every work out is amazing but I'm averaging 30 minutes of cardio (treadmill) along with some other machines/weights. I am 3 pounds away from Pre-Benny weight and 12 pounds away from Pre-Layla weight and 20 pounds away from college weight. Goal # 1 is 3 pounds away.. slowly but surely!

I am in shock.. that I am a LOUIS VUITTON OWNER!!! On Saturday, while playing at King of Prussia Mall, Josh informed me it was time to pick out my BAG. With the help of Josh, my mother in law (and Layla & Benny), I went with the Totally MM and I am really excited and, well..in shock. It's sitting in the box, in the bag, waiting to be used. I am forever in awe of Josh for working so hard and spoiling me so much. I promise to take care of my bag, babe.

I am equal parts happy/dreading...my 30th birthday. One month from today. ONE MONTH. My 20s are literally on their last leg and I will enter this next decade with smile, gratitude and a positive energy.

I am planning....our next big events. Traveling (Ft Lauderdale, Orlando (DISNEY WORLD!), Jamaica (AHHHHH) and Benny's 1st birthday (cake and location set!). We are so lucky and blessed.

I am dreaming about...my next massage and facial. I had them today thanks to a Groupon and I'm excited to visit Eden Organics in Doylestown again. It was fantastic!!

SO much more to write but with double nap time coming to an end... I'll bid you farewell. Happy Hump Day, ya'll!

Benny is SEVEN months!!!

7 month stats:

Weight: If I had to guess, roughly 25 pounds?!

Height: He is LONG. Way long. I don't know but if think around 30 inches??

Eating: Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours and two jars of fruit/veggies for dinner. Starting to add lunch in!

Clothes: 12 months. I am buying you 18 months for fall. My big boy!

Diaper: Size 5 - like your sister! ;)

My Benny Boy....

7 months. 7 Months of love, laughter, smiles, kisses.  

You are so sweet. You are so special. You, my little man, are exploring and learning and growing day by day. I'm in awe of you. Lately, you've been teething BAD and it makes me so sad. Your usual happy demeanor is being clouded by tears and crying (about half the time). It's so sad. I wish I could take the pain away. You are also just starting to have separation anxiety -- this is heartbreaking because I can't always be with you and I think that's what you want. Your favorite people are Mama, Dada & Layla..not shocking! 

You sit completely unassisted (with the casual tumble here or there) -- you don't crawl yet but you can make your way around a blanket or your crib. You scoot and stretch to get toys around you. You are FAST -- if I have you on my lap and a plate of food is within reach, watch you - you immediately grab it! You put everything in your mouth and suck your thumb constantly. Your big eyes are so intense - you stare (and rarely blink, haha) and I know you are drinking in every sight and sound. 

You are a sleeping machine... we are on a great streak right now. You go to bed roughly 6:30/7:00 PM and wake up around 8:30 AM every morning. It's crazy! Some times I need to wake you to take Layla to school and I feel so bad -- you love when Layla & I wake you up though - you smile SO big as she smothers you in kisses. You nap twice a day - best in your crib and for about 2 hours each time. We've got a good thing going with your sleep and it's clear you LOVE the crib. Every once in a while, we need to pat your tussy in the middle of the night to put you back to sleep and once this week I had to nurse you around 4 AM - not too shabby!!

You are doing great with foods -- you love all the veggies & fruits I give you!! We had major issues with constipation/hard poops but you're getting better with that, luckily!!! You also LOVE drinking water out of the sippy cup. It's so sweet and funny.  You are eating all organic foods but I have yet to make you batches of your own food but I will!  The one food you don't seem to love is bananas! Go figure...?! 

You have two teeth on the bottom and I suspect more will be popping through soon!! My poor teething monster :( It's making going out to eat hard because you just want to be held. My poor sweet boy. 

You love the bath - this month you are now sitting up in the blow-up tub and you do great!! You don't love when I wash your hair out (just like Layla) but otherwise love to splash!! I give you a Mohawk after the bath when you're hair is still wet and it's so cute. It's your look ;)

You go everywhere with us and really love the stroller. Minus the past few days of fussiness, you're so happy and easy going - love the car! You're officially in a "big boy" car seat and it's great. I can't wait until you're forward facing - a few more months. You still fall asleep a lot in the car - I don't know how with all the noise of your big sister!! 

Your laugh is THE BEST SOUND. I constantly tickle you just to hear it - it's deep and contagious and so sweet. 

We are going on a big family vacation to the outer banks in a couple of weeks - all of your cousins, aunts and uncles plus Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop. You'll love it as your cousins simply adore you!!!! After we get back from that, you & I are going back to Florida for a quick weekend -- it'll be nice to spend time just you & I!

Layla goes to camp/school Monday, Wednesdays & Thursdays so we get to spend time together. We go to the gym and you happily play in the kids zone. They always say how you're the best behaved and constantly smile. This is great because it allows Mama to get a quick workout in every other day!!

You are so handsome, so big, so gorgeous.. so special and so happy!!! We love you so much - 7 months already and I can't wait to see you grow!! We are your biggest fans. Layla is so in love with her baby brother - she tells everyone your name is "Benny Boy" -- the cutest!!!

I'm already starting to plan your 1st birthday party. Ideas are swirling!! January will be here before we know it!! As a special treat, you'll be going to Disney World 2 weeks after your birthday.. that's right!! Mickey here we come!!

We love you so much!!!
Mama, Dada & Layla

The kid LOVES food!

A casual date with Layla (our gorgeous neighbor)

Sleeping with his booty in the air!

Typical Shabbat at the Kushners!

1st time in a high chair at Ale House with Mom-Mom!

Always together, always holding hands <3

EYES & CHEEKS

Causing trouble ;)

One of the big kids! Hanging out with Marley, Layla & Ava!

On a date with Olivia!

Love.

A smooch from Aunt Leah!

Costco shopping!

haha I love his rolls!

BEST FRIENDS!

Nursing shot <3 

Playing on the pool table!

FOOOOOOD

Handsome!

Hanging out with MJ & Andrew!!

Talking to Mom-Mom Millie!!

Yes.

Mom-Mom Rose

On August 2, 2013... a beautiful Friday morning at 8:05 AM...

My beautiful, sweet, kind, lovely and perfect Mom-Mom Rose passed away.

She spent 13 weeks in hospice.

My visits with her were happy, lovely...sometimes I forgot why she was there.

We watched TV and held hands and she repeated "Oh, I love you."

My last visit with her was very different... I knew the end was coming. I kissed her goodbye and she finally looked up at me, caught my eye and I knew it was time to say goodbye. For good.

She died one week later.

I am so lucky to have had her my entire life. She lived until 88 (her birthday was last week).

She is survived by a huge family including 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Pretty amazing.

The past couple of days have been .. well.. LOVELY.  I'm not kidding.

The funeral on Sunday was sad, funny, touching and..silly?? I wondered if people outside of our family that were there thought it was strange that we actually laughed as much as we did. But that's just it.. I didn't care. Our family celebrated Mom-Mom. My Aunt Elaine, brother Adam & my Dad gave three speeches. They were perfect. They spoke about Mom-Mom's life, her legacy. It was great. Since then, my parent's have hosted Shiva and it's been so nice. The weather has been IDEAL and we've spent all day/night outside. The kids are all loving this time together running around playing. We are all loving spending so much time together.

Mom-Mom would have loved it.

And I guess that's how it should be, right?

I love you Mom-Mom Rose.

I'll miss you.

Mom-Mom & Layla in Fall 2011

Mom-Mom & Benny in Spring 2013

Mom-Mom & I at my wedding...4/24/10

Currently...

What is happening? 

I have 5 minutes of blogging before I want to dive into my book. 

I am currently....

Reading: Inferno by Dan Brown. I loved all of his books and so far this one is very fun! 

Watching: Newsroom. Project Runway. The Bachelorette (despite it being my least favorite season). America's Got Talent (love Howard Stern). Oh.. and every children's movie including (but not limited to) The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, Princess and the Frog, Monsters Inc, Muppets & more. 

Eating: My addiction to Dunkin Donuts is at an all-time high. I can't really survive my morning without my regular daily order which is SO high in calories and yet SO delicious. (sesame seed bagel toasted with cream cheese & a medium mocha-iced coffee with cream & splenda). It's bad. Like, really bad. But I ate it all through my pregnancy with Benny (decaf) and now I'm addicted. 

Craving: The GYM! Believe it or not, I'm officially BACK on the gym wagon and seriously loving it. I've been going 3-4 times a week. I love the kids club & bonus.. so do my kiddies. They never cry and actually happily go! It's great - free- and I feel fantastic. 

Excited For: The OUTERBANKS!! Our one major vacation of the year (minus all of our trips to Florida). It's fast approaching and I can't wait. I'm equal parts excited and terrified. A long car ride. And a week's worth of worrying about sleeping babies. 

Sleeping: Like poo. We're a little over a week into (Re) sleeping training Benny. It's going well but it's tough. He's down to one feeding a night. I'm working on getting rid of that feeding but he's not quite ready. I don't mind the feeding but it's much easier without having to go on and shush/pat him back to sleep. We'll get there, I know it.. teething is a monster. 

Planning: MY 30th birthday. Actually, I'm hoping Josh does it. I want to celebrate with my best friends and family. I want to not feel old. I want a spa day (like..hours at the spa without concern) and I want a Louis Vouitton. But alas... those are silly dreams and in reality I have everything I could ever want. 

Debating: What our next big house project should be. A deck? A bathroom in the basement? Painting the 3 bathrooms and hallways? Re-doing our master bathroom? I need an interior decorator. Stat. 

Staring at: My new landscaping! We finally had the front of our house beautified -- all the ugly and gross weeds were removed and bushes were planted. So nice. 

Worried about: The news. It's so depressing. Train wrecks (4?!). Building collapses. Wars in the middle east. It never ends. 

Praying for: My Mom-Mom Rose. <3

Loving: This time. These days. This summer. I am having so much fun with my little family. There are SO many moments I want to literally freeze time. Like when Benny & Layla climb on my lap and giggle at each other. Or when Josh & I put the babies to bed (I put Benny to bed and Josh puts Layla to bed, every night, same routine, same time) and we lay in bed talking about laughing about nothing. I just love this time and despite the heat and despite the lack of sleep.. I never want it to end. 

From Benny's newborn session - I love this picture.

Pictures, lately...

Oh these sweet summer days...

I want it to stay summer FOREVER!!!!!

We've had SO much fun. Every week flies by and we squeeze as much into the weekends as possible!!!

We're really in a great routine. 

So.. for all those wondering? 

It took me SIX months before I felt 100% comfortable with two babies (ha!)

(Um..not to say there aren't days where I want to crawl in a hole and wait until josh gets home)

We've had so much fun. Lots of outside time. Lots of movies. Lots of cuddles. Lots of dancing.

-- Benny's currently napping. He does great napping at home, especially in the crib. 

-- We started sleep training Benny again this week. Last night was the 4th night. He's doing great, eating once per night and waking once. We need to go in and pat his bum every few minutes but he's generally getting the hang of it and I'm confident I will sleep a full night one day soon (ish).

-- Layla is POTTY obsessed. I am not quite sure she's actually ready to start but she's certainly loving talking about it! I bought her a potty and princess panties. She's loving it - also Josh told her he'd buy her a bike if she pees on the potty and she remembers. We are having fun with it and  I think I'll officially start after the outer banks.

-- We are FAST approaching our big summer vacation to the outer banks!! I'm excited but extremely nervous about -- getting there (8 hour drive), sleeping there (if my kids don't sleep, we don't sleep), and overall how it will work out. but mostly? I'm excited.. what is better then a week with family!? And Layla will be surrounded by her 8 cousins. She's going to be in heaven.

-- Benny is a teething monster. Two bottom teeth officially with 869769 ready to pop through any second. 

-- Josh's 31st birthday is on Monday.. so exciting!! We had cake last night at my parent's house, we're going to Del Friscos (Steakhouse) tomorrow night and celebrating again Sunday & Monday. We love birthdays!!!

-- My 30th birthday is fast approaching. DAH. 

I have so many posts and things I want to write about it but never enough time. I have been going to the gym 3 times a week and I really love it. I feel good and I'm happy to be working out again. 

I'll write again soon - I must I must I must!! 

TWO TEETH!

Layla's camp picture... tell me she doesn't resemble a 4-5 year old?! BIG GIRL!

Brownie picnic on the living room floor with Ava & Marley!!

Dinner with Marley & Ava.. I love my girls. 

My sissy & my Benny. 

Abbey & Layla. When I say Layla shakes upon seeing Abbey, I'm not kidding. She is Abbey obsessed!

Swings!!!

Benny's first time on the swings - loved it,  naturally.

The first face I get when he woke up from his nap in my arms. I could melt. 

Drinking juice at the NAC!! Layla & Max <3

A fishy face after a bath!

First pickle for Benny..he loved it!

Current obsession - hand washing. 

Layla's first time at the gym's kid center. She's the little peanut in the middle. She loved it! And I was able to work out without worry!

Climbing at the playground!

Typical Tuesday. Food, naps and Little Mermaid.

Early morning manicure.

Layla & Benny!! (Our neighbor)

First time in the high chair at a restaurant!

Swingssss!

WEEEEEEE!

My boy!

Oh this face.

KISSES!!!