Bottle It Up.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

(I'm writing this in between episodes of Breaking Bad... do you watch? Holy amazing show. I'm half way through the 2nd season and flying through these episodes in between naps/bedtime)


SO.

How is everyone??

It's a lovely, gritty, cool (although a random 70 degree Fall day) and eerie Halloween. This is the first holiday that Layla is truly aware of.. I have to say, it's pretty amazing. I am not sure she fully understands the whole trick-or-treating part, but she loves the idea of yelling HAPPY HALLOWEEN and of course loves the dressing up part. Layla & Benny are Minnie Mouse & Mickey Mouse this year and if I could, I'd eat them up for dinner while they wear their costumes. So adorable.

I'm starting a new weekly update... titled Bottle It Up. There are so many moments in my life I'd love to bottle up and remember forever -- but with the days flying by and months turning into years, I need to remember the small moments. The every days.

Sometimes this stay-at-home mom gig is tough... I sit on the verge of tears because it's hard. Way harder then any job I've ever had. And it's literally 24 hours. There's no break. Nap time usually means my first chance to sit in quiet - but I'm always cleaning or doing laundry or balancing the checkbook.

But it's perfect, too. There are these small moments in the middle of the day where Benny climbs me like a tree and buries his head in my neck and I smile because if I were at work? I'd miss it. I miss those small, teeny moments.

So..
A few "bottle it up" moments from this week.

1. The other day, while getting ready for school... I asked Layla to put her boots on. Her response?
"Mama... 5 more minutes!"
I almost peed my pants.
Sassy little two year old ;)

2. Benny is getting really, really good at having a catch. His favorite toy by FAR is a ball - any kind...basketball, football..you name it. He will have a catch for a long time and is getting good at throwing & catching. Layla is also pretty amazing but at 9 months, Benny blows me away.

3. Bedtime is a science in our house (that's a post for another day)...and lately, after I get Benny to bed.. Layla asks me (over & over)...
"Mama, wanna read me Lorax?"
It's in the sweetest little voice. And I love it so much. 
Then Josh carries her into bed.. it's just a lovely minute.

4. Layla's obsession with her cousins. I mean.. it's a serious, sweet, adorable addiction to her cousins - specifically Abbey. If she sees Abbey, all bets are off....
Over & Over & Over.
"HI ABBEY! HI ABBEY! HI ABBEY!"
Swoon.

5. Every Monday, my Dad, Benny & I go to lunch. It used to be Layla - now that she's in school, Benny has taken over her spot. When he first started sitting in the high chair at restaurants, he was fairly miserable. Now that he eats real food, he's (usually) a breeze to go out to eat with. This past Monday was one of his finest afternoons ... he stuffed his face with eggs, hash browns, pickles, puffs... anything I put in front of him, he ate. He looked all around at the busy restaurant, people watched and was a perfect gem.
I love my sweet boy.

OF COURSE there were 5867699 million more moments and I can't remember any of them... my goal is to write them down as they happen.

Benny's up. Byebye!!!

Top 5!

Top 5 things on my mind....

1. I'm tired. I mean.. what mama of two isn't a little sleep deprived? After months of pretending I could get away without (re) sleeping training Mr. B, it was time to start again. It all began leading up to the Outer Banks.. and since then, Benny's sleep has been less then stellar. Some nights are better then others..but it is exhausting. It's my own fault for constantly nursing him at night to avoid the alternative (a crying, non-sleeping babe at 3 AM) -- so last night began the real deal of sleep training. He woke once around 11:15 and it took a little over and hour (and LOTS of tears) before he fell back asleep. We went in every 15 minutes to console him and eventually he gave in. I'm hoping it gets better as the week goes on and I can get in some long stretches of sleep.

2. Jamaica! In less then 2 months... the 4 of us will be en route to South Florida for our longest stay to date... we'll be with our Florida family for 2 1/2 weeks! Pretty amazing!! While we are there, Josh and I are escaping real life and heading back to Jamaica for 5 days. Plans include SLEEPING, eating, swimming, drinking..and sleeping some more. I'm SO excited but of course SO nervous. That trip will be the first time I leave Benny Boy and the 2nd time I'll leave Layla for more then a night. It also means  I will need to end nursing Benny. We will be a bit shy of a year of nursing (same as Layla) -- except this time, I'm SO SO sad to see it end. With Layla, I was ready to have my boobies back (ha!) but with him..it's different. I am not sure why? SO.. while I'm SO SO SO excited for this trip, I'm a bit sad too.

3. TV. I have ONE more episode of Parenthood to go... then I'm all caught up and able to watch live. This show is fantastic. The writing, characters and overall theme of the show is insanely good. I relate to it and I'm really bummed that I can't watch multiple episodes in a row anymore. On a happy note, it's time to move on to a new show... Breaking Bad! I know I'm late to the game but I'm excited to be in the BB family ;)

4. Money. Last week, I decided to write down a list of ALL of our bills and the total (per month) was insanely high. That amount wasn't including FOOD - whaaaaat? Without my salary, we need to seriously re-evaluate our spending and makes sure we're being smart. I never want to get into a debt situation and I always want to have a big savings for an IN CASE situation. As a side note.. we spend about $280 PER MONTH at Dunkin Donuts. That's insane.

5. Layla. Last night, we had my entire family over for dinner (minus Michael, Abbey & Danielle) -- it was so much fun and yummy (Josh & I made slow-cooker meatballs) -- while everyone was here, I watched Layla playing with her cousins and my heart grew. She gets SO SO SO happy and excited playing with the kiddos and it is so incredible -- we've had lots of play dates recently and I'm so happy and proud of the little girl Layla is growing into. I am teaching her to share, to be kind, to love and to be nice. She is going into time-out about 5 times a day but I think she's starting to learn it's important to be nice ;) Love her so much.

...and with that, I'm going to catch up on cleaning and rest a bit. Lots of love, until tomorrow!
xx
Court

Flashback to Layla ... can't wait for Halloween this year!!!

Benjamin turns 9 months old!!!

The real Batman.

What up, Ma?

A boy and his bear.

This face slays me.

9 months young.

Laughing at Layla!

Love.

Hi.

Benjamin Sawyer.

Little.

9 month stats:

Weight: 25.6 pounds (97th percentile - back on the chart baby!)

Height: 30 inches (95th percentile)

Eating: 3 solid meals a day. Breastfeeding every 2-4 hours.  

Clothes: 12 month. 18 month. 18-24 month. And the occasional 2T ;)

Diaper: Size 5.  

Pumpkin....

Oh my sweet, sweet boy. Another month has come and gone and here we are again. My big boy. You have grown leaps and bounds this month - I don't mean physically (in fact.. I think you're starting to slim out which breaks my heart) -- I mean you are a boy on the GO! You crawl fast and every which way. You climb in everything and stand up on anything you can (the couch, the fireplace, the wall). You love to hold things and throw them down over & over - especially in the kitchen. Loud, repetitive sounds are your favorite! You love to empty things full of toys (making a huge mess for mama!) and of course everything goes in your mouth. I watch you drink everything in with your big, brown eyes. You stare at me so intently (especially while nursing) and it's the sweetest look. 

While you are my big boy, it makes me so happy because you are still my little baby. You always keep an eye on me and while you are playing, if I call your name you immediately crawl over and climb in my lap. You love to be held - if it's getting to be bedtime (or nap time) you want to be no where but in my arms. Not always easy but I try to enjoy every second because soon you'll be running away from me!! Your hair is so light and pretty -- and LONG. I want to cut it but Mom-Mom is requesting I wait until your 1st birthday so it seems you'll have a mullet a little longer, my friend. I can't wait until I can put it in a Mohawk again! May need to use some hairspray to make it a super-hawk ;) People always comment on your big eyes - they really light up. 

Your new tricks include clapping, high-five and waving bye-bye. You love to dance (sway back and forth) when music comes on. You also "sing" along with Layla & I when we are singing out loud -- it's the funniest face. You open your mouth really loud and sing a deep note. I love it. You don't seem very interested in TV unless it's a sport. Pretty funny - Layla LOVED TV at this age and you would rather play! Your favorite toys are books, cars, remotes and ANY ball - you can seriously sit and have a catch with me. It's insane. You roll the ball directly to me and I feel like you would do it for hours if I let us. A future sports star, perhaps?

Sleep - the ever evolving topic. At the current moment, you're sleeping fairly well at night. You go to bed at 6:30 PM and wake up between 6:00 - 7:30 AM every morning. You still wake up once (sometimes twice) to eat. Every so often you'll sleep through the night and it's a great treat. I keep talking about how I need to sleep train you because I know you don't need the night feedings anymore -- one day soon, I will. You are an EXPERT napper. I don't know how we got so lucky. You nap in the morning for 2-3 hours and in the afternoon for 2 hours. It's incredible and I know I can't complain. You now sleep with a little guy lovingly named Brian -- we'll see if helps you sleep better at night. 

Foooooood - your favorite. You love everything!!! Every morning, you have oatmeal mixed with prunes. For lunch and dinner, it's a fruit or veggie puree. I'm starting to tear apart pieces of food and give it you - you LOVE cheese and bread and anything else I'll let you try. You also like puffs and teething biscuits. And of course - you love nursing. It's such an amazing bonding moment and I'll be SO SO SO sad when it ends. 

You have 6 teeth and I think more coming in - they're so cute!! 

We go to music class every Thursday and you're really enjoying it. You crawl around to all the kids (and parents) and smile at them. You like the music and you love to dance with Layla & I. 

I can't believe it's Fall - the weather is cooler and you look adorable in all of your long-sleeved clothes!!! I can't wait to see you all dressed up for Halloween and celebrate your first Thanksgiving!!!

With 3 months until your 1st birthday, I'm officially in planning mode. I have the date and venue picked out, the cake paid for, outfits bought for me, you & Layla (we still need to get one for Dada) - it will be the cutest mustache bash!! 

We love you so much my dear boy....

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Always together... soon to be Mickey & Minnie Mouse!

OVER IT! 

SAHM

Hi & Happy Friday!!

It's raining, it's yucky and there is an Autumn chill in the air.

While Benny naps and the house remains clean..

It's time to write about my new and very big change.

A little background on my professional life and what has led me here to this extremely difficult and exciting new position.

In May, 2005.. I graduated from The University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) with a degree in communicative disorders (speech pathology). My grand plan was to get my masters and work in a school or private practice.

While sitting on my porch in Orlando the summer after I graduated (my last weeks in Sunny Florida), I got a call from my sister that her Father in Law was hiring for positions working in pharmaceuticals, specifically at Wyeth. I knew very little about the pharmaceutical world but I had taken several science classes and felt it could be a good fit (plus the prospect of any job, let alone one that made a good amount of money was extremely exciting).

I came home (with Josh.. although we later broke up for 10 months..but that's another story for another day, haha) and interviewed. I got the job and thus my "career" began. I worked at Wyeth on a special task force for approximately 6 months before finding out the job would be ending. I quickly starting talking with co-workers and found out Merck Pharmaceuticals was hiring. I applied and landed the job working in data processing. I worked there for approximately 9 months and later found out Johnson & Johnson was hiring. This seemed like a perfect fit so I applied... and I landed the job.

I was a contractor for about 18 months before landing a permanent position. I loved my job. I worked on adverse event reporting and really began to learn my field, attempting to become an expert. I worked with some incredibly smart and talented people who taught me so much.

In September 2009 (about 3 years after landing the job at J&J) I got pregnant. In June 2010, I had my dear Layla Jules.

And it all changed.

I didn't want to leave her. The thought of someone else watching my girl seemed so strange and foreign. I was also breastfeeding and hated the idea of pumping. After a discussion with my manager and HR (as well as Josh), I was able to work part-time. Perfect!!! I spent 2 1/2 days with my girl and 2 1/2 days at work. It was a great fit. I looked forward to my time with Layla and equally looked forward to my time at work. I switched teams, learned a lot new line of products and felt confident and comfortable.

Then..surprise of all surprises -- in May 2012, we found out we were pregnant again.

I marched on and in January 2013, Benjamin Sawyer joined out little family. I went on maternity leave and decided we would extend to 16 weeks (rather then 12 weeks).

In the blink of an eye, the 16 weeks went by. There was NO way I was ready to leave Layla & Benny. Layla began school 3 days a week and I loved my days with Benny. I contacted work and asked for an extension of my maternity leave through summer. I was approved and ecstatic. It was mid-way through summer before I realized I couldn't go back yet... I extended again to October.

And then I looked at Josh and we discussed the possibility of me not returning to work. We had bounced this idea around before...it was (is!) a nerve wracking conversation to have. Could we make it work, financially? Will I be okay, emotionally? How will it all work?

And then we just decided... it was the best fit for us. Let's see how it goes!

So I officially gave my notice and last week I officially cleaned out my desk and returned my computer.

And now..

I am an official stay-at-home Mama.

It sounds weird to say it out loud.

I know how lucky I am. My babies will only be small for so long. They will only rely on my heavily for a short time. I have the rest of my life to work. I have the rest of my days to make money. Josh works SO hard to ensure we are okay. We save a lot of money. We don't go out to eat (as much). We don't shop as much. We are making changes.

It's worth it. The days where I am overwhelmed by dirty diapers and a dirtier living room are worth it.

My new job is hard. MUCH harder then any "paid" job I had prior. It's 24 hours a day. I am the one that is teaching my children (daily) how to learn, how to create, manners, love, listening.. all of it.

It's fun and it's exciting and it's terrifying. But I love it. And I am continuing to learn how to make it all work - how to balance my kids life and make sure I have time for myself. How to organize my days and make sure I'm using my time wisely.

Any SAHM ladies out there...any tips? I love reading and learning what I can do.

So here I am..my new job.

Raising my babies.

How lucky am I?

Currently....

Happy Monday, ya'll! 

Benny's napping and I'm a few minutes away from leaving to pick up Layla so I figured I'd do a quick update... what's currently happening in my teeny world?


I am excited for....Fall. The pumpkins we picked yesterday at a local little farm really put me in the mood for this lovely season. The leaves are changing. The temperatures are (slowly...) getting cooler. Halloween is fast approaching and then THANKSGIVING (my favorite - and we will be home this year for it!) and then Hanukkah and then before we know it, Winter and Snow and Cabin Fever ;) 

I am liking...anything and everything house related. I'm going to have my main floor, stairway and upstairs hallway painted as well as the three bathrooms. I'm ready to decorate and although we've owned our home for almost 2 1/2 years ..it's about 25% decorated. SLOWLY BUT SURELY :)

I am experiencing...a huge change in my life. Being a full stay-at-home mama is going to take a lot of organization and self realization. It feels strange to not have an office. When strangers ask me what I do, I still (sheepishly) reply pharmaceutical work. I answered honestly last week and the nail technician looked at me strange. I need to fully embrace my new fabulous position. 

I am watching...Parenthood. It's about Parenthood. This show is taking over my life. I'm on season 3 and I don't want it to end. I can seriously relate to this show (it's about 4 siblings, all with kids...hello). It's amazing. 

I am proud of...the meatballs I made last night. I put them in a crockpot and they were soooo yummy. We love Sunday Funday ;)

I am planning....our big trip to Florida at the end of December (including a trip to Jamaica!!), Disney in January and...a possible trip to New Orleans for our 4th (!!) wedding anniversary in April. WEEEEE!!

I am dreaming about...a baby that consistently sleeps through the night (last night he did it, praise the lord!), a toddler that listens to me (and she does, most of the time) and a date night weekly for Josh & I. 


Fastest entry ever... till next time ;)

30. 30. 30.

And here I am..
Once again, regretting my lack of blogging skills.
Now that I'm an OFFICIAL stay-at-home mama (more on that later...), I hope to greatly increase my blogging skills and write daily!!!

SO much is happening around here. Exciting, fun, new, different.

It's fall - and yet we are running around in dresses and shorts. (Hi, global warming).
Still, we are fully embracing the outdoors and have been to the zoo, playground and assorted other outside goodness. We are going to Sesame Place, pumpkin picking and apple picking soon.

Layla's rocking her first month at school - she's insanely smart and an update will be posted shortly on my little lady.

But let me do a quick recap of my 30th....

After much discussion, we had a small, intimate party at a local billiard shop (owned by my brother's friend).

The truth?

It was a small.
A lot of people couldn't come/cancelled.
And I was sad about it.

And then my best friend (since birth), Melanie, pulled me aside and said that the people that love me most are here to celebrate. And she put together the most beautiful table of food (along with my mama and sister and Josh) and decorated the room ..

And then Josh. My dear, sweet husband...hired a Pink Floyd cover band and they did 2 hours of INCREDIBLE music. I'm not kidding. And the group of us had a private concert. I mean, literally..a private concert with a light show and all.

It was the best way I could have imagined ringing in this decade.

Surrounded by my best friends and family. Dancing. Eating. And getting really buzzed off of 3 beers thanks to a pause in drinking (pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding will do that to you).

I'm so lucky.

A small glimpse in pictures....

My boy & I before bedtime...the last night of my 20's ;) Josh & I had a yummy Mexican date night while my dear friend, Jaime, babysat!

The morning of my 30th! Love them.

The cutest gift - my sister got all of us matching PJs!!

My CAKE! A giant 30 from Heshs.. the 0 is currently in my freezer and I stare at it daily.

My girly and I -- she came to the first 2 hours of the party ;)

My main squeeze.

My sister, mama & I. 

My sissy.

Happy birthdayyyy TO ME!

Best friends since birth!

Jaime & I <3 

The band "Think Pink Floyd"

Benjamin is 8 months!!!

So I shouldn't eat the sticker...?

Face.

All over the place nowadays.

Ready for a haircut!! Dada won't let me ;)

MA, are we done?

Hi. Nice to meet you.

I'm going to get you!

My baby boy.

8 month stats:

Weight: Roughly 24 pounds from your last doctor's appointment (2 weeks ago).

Height: TALL! Off the charts - my big boy!

Eating: Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours. Two meals a day. Going towards three.

Clothes: 12 month. 18 month. And I recently purchased him some new clothes from GAP - Size 18-24 month. Wowza!

Diaper: Size 5 baby!!

My sweets...

8 months old today. I think this past month has brought on the biggest change in you. You are suddenly a toddler-to-be. You learned how to crawl last week and it's been full steam ahead! You can now crawl to anything/anyone you want and quick. You love to explore and figure out how things work. You bang toys together just to hear the sound. You dump things out to watch them fall. You are so curious about everything around you. You see me and move your little body to get to me and then crawl right into my lap. You are very into Mama nowadays and I am loving it (even when I complain that I need to get things done). You cry when I leave the room and often just want to be held. You play so nice by yourself and with Layla but if you're sleepy or bored, you want me and FAST. You have perfected the feel-bad-for-me-i'm-crying-hard cry. My little drama-king ;)

With all the movement, I'm slowly watching your chubby arms and legs fade. I hate this!!! I know it's only days before your rolls will all but disappear. I kiss your chubby cheeks and don't want this sweet time to end. I love this stage!! 

Your favorite toys are shakers and blocks. You like things that make noise. You (of course) love any technology you can get your hands on. You will still sit in mission control and the jumperoo from time to time but your favorite place to be is on the ground surrounded by toys. You love music and are JUST starting to notice the TV. You seem to love sports (this makes your Daddy very  happy) and the show Jacks Big Music Show. 

We had a crazy month with our week long trip to North Carolina and our whirlwind trip to Florida last weekend (accompanied by your first ear infection) so your sleeping through the night came to a slight halt. You are slowly getting back to normal, generally sleeping 6:30 PM - 7:00 AM, sometimes waking once to eat. You are an AMAZING napper... you nap once in the morning and once in the afternoon for about 2 hours each time. It's fantastic. You nap two hours after you wake up in the morning and 2 hours after your wake up from your morning nap. You sometimes fall asleep in the car but sleep best in your crib. It's so great and allows me to get a lot done! 

You are a very good eater and recently were introduced to puffs - Yum! You're very good at feeding yourself and picked it up the first try around. Very smart cookie!! You have oatmeal mixed with prunes for breakfast everyday (finally helping with your belly problems!) and a fruit or veggie for dinner. Today you also had lunch (sweet potatoes) so I'm hopeful you sleep well tonight! You still love to nurse and I love it too. I'll be so sad to end this special time. 

After weeks upon weeks of teething (and miserable nights) you are the proud owner of THREE new teeth!! All on the top! That brings your total teeth count to FIVE!! So cute and sweet. You are still teething but I'm hoping we are on a little break from all the teething nonsense!!

We started music class on Monday and this was the first time you "participated" - we switched to Thursday mornings so Layla can join us. It's a lot of fun and I'm excited to share it with you!! It's a great way to learn and explore music!!! You love when Miss Sandy plays guitar! You liked when Layla ran around with the "big kids" and danced - soon enough you'll be joining them. 

In 4 short months, you'll turn one year old. How can this be?? Where is my squishy newborn? I booked your party (it will be a music class party!) and ordered your cake. Your mustache bash will be fabulously fun and we will spoil you the way you deserve!!

We have so many fun things coming up for Fall... apple picking, your first Halloween, playing outside, painting pumpkins and more. I can't wait to share it with you!! We have Florida in December and Disney World in January. So much fun and so exciting. 

I love watching you play with Layla and I love your big eyes and I love how verbal you've become (Dadada, Mamama, Lalalala, Babababa). I love it all and I love you to the moon, my sweet boy. 

xx

Mama

Fun at music class!

TWINS!

ALWAYS HOLDING HANDS! 

Let's go Dolphins!

At the doctor's office, happy as can be...we later found out he had an ear infection!

;)

Ready to fly!

Snuggles with his Great-Grandmother! (GG)

He was doing this for a good hour the first night we were in Florida.. poor little thing. haha.

Playing with Grandma!

Breakfast with Aunt Sydney!

Typical morning on the weekend with Dada.

My man.

The good & the bad....

Hi everyone & happy Friday!!!

I can't believe it's September. The temperature is beginning to dip down (ever so slightly...) and Layla has now finished her first full week of school!

It feels good to be back into a routine. I love summer - the warm air, the outside activity, the lazy days... but it's nice to have a bit of a schedule!!

Last weekend, Benny & I took a quick trip down to Florida for my dear friend Nicole's wedding to her fabulous new hubby, Chris. I was nervous to fly alone but we rocked it - Benny cried a bunch both flights (thanks to a pre-existing ear infection, I think) but while we were there he was perfect and we had so much fun. He's a trooper and his family loved to kiss him all over. Tomorrow he will be the big 8 months so I'll be writing his post then!!

I rarely use this blog to discuss anything but my kiddies but I needed to take this platform to discuss TWO businesses. One I can't stop raving about and one I can't stop ranting about.

Let's start with the bad....

WINNER PARKING

Familiar with them? Well -- if so, don't use them again.

They are a company that allows you to park your car (instead of using long term parking at the Philadelphia airport). We have used them 5-6 times A YEAR since approximately 2005. We have recommended them countless times. Despite minor issues here and there, we never had a complaint and loved the idea of them. You get there 20 minutes before your flight and they drive you (in your car) to the airport and pick you up (in your car) from the airport. Simple, easy, perfect.

Until this past weekend.

Long story short...

Benny & I checked in with Winner Parking on Friday, September 6th 2013. I always noticed they did oil changes (and other car work) as well as detailing. My mini-van was a royal mess so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to try out detailing. The man that checked me in simply asked what type of detailing I would like and sent me on my way. Easy. However - he never mentioned any policy regarding car seats.

After arriving back in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 8th 2013 at around 11:00 PM (by myself with an exhausted, crying 7 month old) I called Winner Parking and they arrived at the airport with my car around 25 minutes later. Ready to get home, I opened my mini-van to discover my car seats were NOT in my car. I asked the driver that arrived with my car where my car seats were and he pointed to my trunk. UM.. what? So here I am, with a crying baby in a busy airport at 11:00 PM lost and confused. How am I supposed to get home? Why did they remove my car seats? How do I reinstall my seats?? I called Josh in hysterics.

(Side note.. for those who don't have children. Car seats are the WORST. They are impossible to install and take a long time. Josh is in charge of this and sometimes it takes well over an hour to install one seat).

(Another side note - my oil change indicator light was also still on so I questioned if they ever actually did the oil change -- I later had to speak to Nissan who does the oil changes and they told me it was completed and they forgot to shut off the indicator. Annoying).

Back to the scene... I have to put Benny in the middle of minivan while he is screaming and somehow manage to install Layla's car seat forward facing (Benny is still rear facing) and get us home safe. It was a scary 1 hour drive home and I prayed we'd make it safe -- thank God we did.

This was a huge problem. Josh called Winner Parking that night and was treated EXTREMELY poorly. He was told to call back to speak to a manager the next day.

The next day, I called and spoke to someone, then a manager, and finally the owner of the company. With each frustrating phone call, I was told that I "assumed the car seats wouldn't be removed and it was their policy to remove them and NOT reinstall them". I was told "we are sorry but it's not our fault." I was constantly met with a huge defensive attitude and quite frankly RUDE tone from every person. Despite a steep bill of $240.00, I was never once told I would receive any compensation OR even an "I'm sorry this happened to you and we take responsibility." Instead I was constantly met with a rebuttal. I told the owner after countless attempts at explaining how awful this was that I would never use them again. He told me if this incident causes us not to use them then we are "not their type of customer." I explained that I have spent hundreds upon hundreds of dollars with them. He then told me "money isn't everything." Well..guess what buddy. Money is a lot. And it's what keeps you in business. And I will NEVER use you again and continue to speak to anyone that will listen about how poorly we were treated. You are rude. Ignorant. And as a father of three, I don't understand how you wouldn't treat me with more respect. You told me if your wife was in the same situation, she wouldn't know how to install the seat either -- yet you felt compelled to tell me you'd blame your wife for not telling anyone to not remove the car seats. Seriously man? Get a clue. I was a loyal customer and now I'm gone. I hope my small review of your small business teaches you a lesson in customer service.

RANT OVER.

Let's end with the good....

RENT THE RUNWAY (Here is the site!)

For Nicole & Chris' wedding, I decided to try out Rent the Runway. I am still not in my size 6 (pre-Benny size) so I determined that this would be a great idea. Why buy a dress that will (hopefully) be too big in the near future? So I stumbled upon this site. I browsed through the countless dresses and found a gorgeous Badgley and Mischka number (Here it is!) and knew it was the one. The dress came beautifully wrapped with complimentary hangers and garment bags. After finding a coupon online, the entire dress cost me $99 including shipping (this dress sells for $850) -- I picked two sizes and ended up wearing the smaller of the two.

Other then some (minor) fit issues up top, it was beautiful. I received many compliments and couldn't have felt better in it. What a fun, exciting idea!! I love how they send you two sizes -- I love how easy they make it. They included a pre-paid UPS package to mail the dresses back in. Early Monday morning, Josh's mom took it to a local UPS store for me and I was done!! No dry cleaning needed, no worries. Just a simple, easy way to get a fun dress for any event.

If the dress didn't fit, you have 24 hours to return it and get credit to use at RTR anytime.

We have another wedding in December for our dear friends Ross & Jaime and I cannot wait to order again!! Maybe this one?

SO..there ya go. I was not compensated from either company - these are my honest opinions!

A HUGE rant and a BIGGER rave!!!!!

Happy Friday the 13th - lots of love until tomorrow! ;)

OBX!

We are home. 

A week away. 

20 people in one mansion on the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (specifically, Corolla). 

My parents, my family, my brother's family, my other brother's family and my sister's family. 

20 total.

10 adults.

10 kiddies. 

Could have been a disaster but instead was a magical week. 

We left at 5:30 AM last Sunday. We packed up the car full of STUFF - clothes, toys, pack & plays, food. 

And we left. And I was nervous and worried the kids would go bananas and cry. 

but instead? 

I LOVED the car trip down. It was 8 hours total (including 4 stops). We passed farms, it was beautiful, it was fun. The kids did great. Benny slept a lot. Layla slept too. And we had fun. 

We made it....

and thus began the week of - 

Eating. Napping. Pool. Beach. Playing. 

Benny slept horribly at night but got better as the week went on. 

Layla was a champ and slept all night long (but woke up earlier as the week went on). 

I went to bed fairly early every night because I was up all night with Benny. 

Layla still hates the water. She went in the pool a bit but stuck to playing in the sand. She wouldn't go near the ocean. 

Benny loved the sand until he started eating it. Then he needed to be held. 

He's in a very big "mommy" phase right now and wanted to be held quite a bit - not an easy task but we managed. 

It wasn't exactly relaxing but it was perfect. 

How lucky that my entire family gets along so well? I know how blessed I am. 

The kids had the best time playing together. Layla LOVED waking up every morning surrounded by her cousins. 

For those wondering, we went through Twiddy (google them) -- you need a 4X4 to drive on the beach (our house was about 9 miles up the beach). It was easy to leave town (we left often for Dunkin Donuts, woo!). We rented a Ford Explorer and it was fabulous (we may get one after Josh's Mercedes lease is up). Our house had some issues (the hot water heater broke. twice and the hot water heater broke) as well as minor issues (the toaster not working, etc) but they were very accommodating. 

Our house was huge - i mean, really huge. 12 bedroom and 14 bathrooms. Crazy. It had a huge kitchen with double everything (two sinks, two refrigerators, etc). Huge table that sat all of us. They provided everything (dishes, pots, pans, etc) as well as linens and towels. It was nice. There were a lot of bugs, that was not nice. I mean...bugs in the house, bugs on the porch, bugs everywhere. Yuck. 

Overall, it was a fabulous week. The pictures below (out of order) speak volumes. I didn't take one picture with my real camera (uhhh) so they are all iPhone pictures. 

 I wish I spent more time relaxing and less time worrying ...next year I vow to sit more and just relax.

I guess summer is officially over - WAH!!

Heading to Florida on Friday with Benny for Nicole's wedding. 

Turning 30 in 19 days.

And booked Disney World this morning.

How did I get so lucky?

Ready for our trip... COSTCO!

Let the 8 hour car trip begin... <3

Our first stop!

Nursing monster ;)

We made it!! Playing while we wait for our house to get ready!

Our home for a week!

A stunning view. Pictures do no justice!

Pop-Pop in the movie room!

Our amazing "Jammalsbar" sign - Justin, Abbey, Max, Marley, Ava, Layla, Samantha,  Benny, Andrew and Remi

Marley, Layla & Remi playing in the outside shower. 

She sat here every morning and drank a Danimals - haha, her version of coffee!

Playing on the beach!

My man.

US!

Silly Marley!

One of our stops...an amazing farm! Layla loved it!

Afternoon nap. Yum.

I loved seeing my Mom relax and read outside.

All of our signs!! Summer 2013, Jammalsbar and Soloff,  Kushner, England. 

Early morning love from Taxi for Layla & Remi

Admiring the sunrise.

No vacation is complete without baby breakdowns ;)

Driving on the beach. So amazing.

Andrew & Layla looking at the horses!

We always found them together, playing and giggling. Layla & Andrew.

To avoid any tan, I clearly used a lot of suntan lotion. HA!

My bathing beauty!

Abbey, Ava & Marley ready for the beach!

Photobombed by Matt!

My babies & I

I think this was around 6 AM. We had very early mornings.

Adam tossing Layla!

My little Red Stripe lover!

Playing in the trunk!

Laying with Mom-Mom!

Naps on Mom-Mom. On the beach. Is there anything better?

Taxi & Justin!

He's buried!

My big boy!

Relaxing.

Running!

Late night with Andrew!

My loves.

Driving on the beach causes naps!! 

Benny with the wild horses in our backyard!

Baby butt

Sunrise!

The entire crew. My favorite picture from the trip.

Benny swimming with a crab, ha!

Yummy ice cream!

My boys!

My family.