A few things as of late...

HI ya'll.
My grand plans of blogging once a day are surely going to happen one day.
But for now, with warmer temps and summer being HALF-WAY over, I'd gladly be outside over inside on the computer.
So here's a quick little recap of some things going on in our lives.

1. Josh is back at his old job after leaving for a few weeks to try something new. While it didn't pan out, I'm glad he did it. He's rocking it at work and getting back in the groove. I'm so proud of him and he works so hard for the 4 of us. Being a full-time stay-at-home mama may be the toughest job I've ever had, but it also pays NADA. I'm hoping to get back to work this fall. Ideally, I need something part-time that I can work from home. Does that exist? I wish I could plan children's parties full time. Or write a children's book. Or do something I really love -- all the while being home so that I can take care of my babies when school is closed or someone has a fever.

2. Layla is half-way through camp and loving every single second. It's the same as her school but with less structured learning and more FUN! She gets to play outside in various sized pools & go on the "big kid" playground. She goes 4 days a week and is really doing well.  She loves talking about her friends (especially Isabel) -- her teachers (especially Miss Jenn).

3. In other Layla news -- the biggest news of all? She's almost completely POTTY TRAINED!!! After months of peeing on the potty, she finally pooped on the potty for the first time last week. It was so exciting. She did it at my parent's house. So awesome. We gave her the big girl bike I picked up at a thrift store a few weeks back as a gift. She loved it!! I'm really hoping that we can fully give up diapers in the next week (except at naps & bedtime).

4.  In OTHER Layla news, she was selected for an open-casting call with Wilhelmina Modeling. We went to it last weekend - it was a little overwhelming but she rocked it. She had to walk the runway - it was adorable, of course. Prior to her walk, they asked her what her name was in the microphone - she whispered Layla followed by screaming LAYLAAAAAA. They then asked where she was from - her prompt answer was "HOME!" - too cute. The next night, I received the email that she was selected for representation!! This is huge. 5% of the casting was selected. Very awesome. Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to work for us but it was an honor to be selected. Maybe one day her modeling career can officially begin!!!!

5. This week is Josh's 32nd birthday -- very exciting stuff. We had an awesome dinner last weekend at Ocean Prime with my sister & brother in law to celebrate. We are so lucky to call you ours, babe.

6. Today I'm finishing up a project I did - it was called 100 Happy Days. I took a picture for 100 days of the little things in my everyday. I really loved it.

7. My two projects for August -- I planned out our dinners for the entire month. It's an effort to save money & eat healthier. I'm excited to not have the "What do you want for dinner???" convo every single day!! My second project? BIKINI READY! We leave for Jamaica in about 5 months. I want to seriously wear a bikini the whole vacation -- so the best way to achieve that? Obviously taking pictures of myself on the 1st of the month while wearing a bikini. It will be a before & after -- no shame. The best part? Josh is doing it with me!!! I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week for over a year. I see very little difference. It's time to get crazy and lose this extra baby weight.

8. I started thinking about our 5th anniversary trip. I want to go to Europe. Bad. But I think we'll end up taking a Caribbean cruise. I'll see Europe one day.

9. Benny news?? HE'S THE COOLEST KID EVER! Even though today, he's tantrum city. He's fun and silly and awesome. He's becoming really adventurous and "boy like" - as in climbing, jumping, dare-devil. I love it. He loves sports so much. I introduced him to tee-ball today. He's the next Babe Ruth baby. He's really amazing. I'm dreading him starting school. I'm going to miss him so much.

10. Israel. It's bad. It's really bad. The war between Israel & Gaza - it's bad and getting worse. It's so sad and so hard and so devastating. I am really putting my love and prayers towards Israel.

11. A plane was shot down - Russia & Ukraine and fighting about who did it & why. What is the world coming to?

12. I want a third baby.

13. I want a new house but I want to take all of our neighbors with us. I'm in love with our street.

14. The show "The Leftovers" is SO SO GOOD. Why aren't you watching it??!!?

15. I'm going to the library tomorrow for the first time in YEARS - I need a new book and don't want to spend the money on buying one. Plus I think Benny will get a kick out of it.

16. I want to get a boob job after my 3rd baby. Don't judge me.



.... I could go but I'll stop at 16. Benny's up. woo!

18 months... happy half birthday, buddy!!!

18 month stats:

Weight: Between 29-30 pounds.

Height: I'd say 34 inches?

Eating: Growing boy = eating constantly.

Clothes: 18-24 months & 24 months, 2T and some 3T

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6.5 or 7

Benny Boy....

Well, here we are. Your officially 1.5 years old. Half birthday. Another month, a bit skinnier, taller, handsomer -- a regular toddler. I can't believe it. You are the cutest little stinker I ever did see. I find myself literally staring at you because it seems crazy to me that something so beautiful can exist. And best of all, you're mine. 

With the age of 2 fast approaching, I'm astounded at how smart you are becoming. You are discovering your independence and slowly relying less on my presence. This is a good thing, though it makes me slightly sad. You want to walk more then be carried. You want to run more then hold my hand. You want to jump, climb, explore, stomp and wonder while taking in every single thing around you. I'm only beginning to see the true "boy" side to you and it's adorable and a little nerve-racking. You fall constantly but rarely cry. You are tough. You are calm. You will push through. But if you're tired. Needy. Or otherwise in the mood, you're the first to climb into my arms and snuggle like it's your job. And I really, really, really love this about you. 

Now that summer is in full swing (and half way over!?!?) you're feeling good. This may be our longest run as a family without someone being sick. It's amazing what health does -- it allows us to travel, to play, to go long hours in the sun. It's wonderful. You still have tantrums from time to time but with your language exploding, they seem to be getting a little better. 

We have had a lot time this past month outside, especially in the pool. You LOVE the water -- you may be slightly timid in the beginning but you are basically ready to go in the pool from the second you spot it. We've swam in several different pools and it's so much fun -- I know when we move into our next house, we'll get a pool for sure!!! You love to swing, slide, play with bubbles, chalk and balls. 

You can say at least 50 words if I had to guess? And you're getting good with animals and starting to (slightly) recognize colors. You love to read and love to sing. You are a little talking and running machine and it's so much fun to see. 

You love Jack and your love of Sesame Street is beginning to come out -- you really get excited when you see Elmo & Cookie and shout their names LOUD at the TV.. but if you have your choice, you want random music on so you can dance your little bum off!!

You're still in the same sleep schedule. We had a week and a half of early mornings... not so fun for mama but you seemed unfazed ;) You go to sleep between 6:30-7:00 PM and nap in the afternoon for about 2 hours. When you're tired, it's hard to keep you awake so I try to avoid the car when nap time is approaching. On our way home from Florida, you fell asleep in the car, slept in the stroller, slept as I took you out to go through security, slept as we went to our gate and slept for another hour while we waited to board. Pretty amazing!! You flew perfectly this trip which was a huge help -- you were not the biggest fan of flying prior but this time around, you were golden!! If you have Brian with you, you're a happy boy. 

Eating, eating, eating. Your favorite thing to do, by far. You will try anything we are eating and love to snack. If you weren't constantly on the go, I think I'd be a little worried but you seem to be in perfect baby shape :)

With Layla in camp 4 days a week, we have lots of time together - just you & I. I LOVE IT. You are the best little partner in crime. We go to music class, Romp & Roll, errands, lunches, breakfast... we're always busy little bees, even if we are at home just playing. You are obsessed with chasing the cats, feeding the fish and playing with play doh. And of course, you can't get enough time with Layla & Dada!!!

We had so much fun in Florida this month -- you enjoyed all the time with your Florida family, playing outside and more. You're a joy to be around and everyone melts when they hear you're deep giggle. 

Happy half birthday my little man -- love you so very much and can't wait to watch you grow. With 6 months until your next birthday, I think it's time to start planning. I think the theme is going to be... "Have A Ball with Benny" - all things BALL RELATED!! ;) Let the ideas begin!!!

Love you!

Mama

Benny is 17 months!

Not picking his nose but rather saying shhhh ;)

Post-Picture taking milk break ;)

17 month stats:

Weight: Flirting with 29 pounds?

Height: I think roughly 33-34 inches?

Eating: All day, every day - luckily still willing to eat everything in sight!

Clothes: 18-24 months & 24 months, 2T and some 3T

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6.5 or 7

Mr. Benjamin - 

Another month, come & gone. There are times that I literally can't kiss your face enough. You are a mama's boy through & through and I cherish every second of you climbing into my lap and snuggling on my shoulder. Your bright brown eyes drink in everything around you but you'll always come running back to Mama - for this I am so very thankful. 

You are a gentle giant -- but your temper is starting to come through. The terrible twos are starting to show - it's hard but we are working through it. When I don't understand what you're saying or you don't get your way, you arch your back and scream with such fury but I can usually distract with you food. You are a running, giggling, dancing, singing and funny-face making machine. You mimic everything you hear and see (especially Layla) which makes for some of the funniest moments. 

Now that it's summer, we spend a lot of time outside. This is your favorite. You walk around, blow bubbles, color with chalk and play with the little play car we have. Your favorite is still any & all balls - as long as you have one to throw & kick, you're happy. We went through a rough patch last week - 5 days of you feeling awful and only wanting to live on my hip. I'm not sure if it was teething or a virus but it was terrible. You wouldn't play, you cried all day, everyday, you wouldn't nap. It was just a really tough time - I'm so happy to report you're back to your happy, playing, silly self. We went to the beach last week and you wouldn't swim or play with the sand - it was the pits. I hope to get you back to the beach ASAP so you can really enjoy it. I'm loving the warm weather and hoping to spend tons of time outside with you this summer. 

Your speech is really taking off -- you are now staying some 2-3 word sentences and I'm so proud of you. I've been working on your colors and you're slowly getting it. You love love love to build castles & read books which is really cool. Your favorite is Mr. Brown can Moo! Can You? (Dr Suess) - the other day you picked it up and immediately starting moo'ing - how smart! We are also working on your animal sounds which is adorable (most of the time, you say everything "Ruffs!!!") but you'll get it. 

You still love Jacks Big Music Show & Doc McStuffins -- but overall still not loving TV or movies. You'll watch if Layla's watching in the car but mostly you'd rather have music. 

Now that you're feeling better, we're back to you loving sleep. You go to sleep promptly at 6:30 PM and wake up anywhere from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM. You nap daily for anywhere from 2-3 hours. Luckily I have you & Layla napping at the same time in the afternoons. You love Brian & Teddy (your bears) more then anything. We have two Brian dolls now and I keep one with me at all times. You immediately calm down and suck your thumb at the sight of him. It's adorable, of course ;) 

I'm really happy that your appetite continues -- you love to try whatever we are eating which is hugely helpful. I have to keep you out of the pantry as you're constantly in there asking for a "nnnnnack" (snack). Your new obsession is Fiber 1 bars, ha!! I have to give you prunes every morning to help things moving but you're pretty good about me giving it. 

I'm trying to drink in every second of these next couple of months with you. Starting next week, Layla will go to camp 4 days a week (plus Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop's house on Thursdays) so we have ALL summer together. I hope we can do lots of trips to the zoo, aquarium, please touch museum, sesame place & more. I am dreading you starting school in September. I know you'll love it but I feel like it'll be a hard transition (for both of us!)

This next month will include trips everywhere, a vacation over 4th of July to Ft Lauderdale and lots of snuggles with you, my little friend. 

These past 17 months have been the best of my life -- you & your sister are simply the best things that ever happened to me. I often wonder when we will add another little babe into the picture - I know we will, eventually, but for now I am loving our time together as a family of 4. I just love you so much, my babe. 

xx

Courtney

First time in a booster!

This I ONLY WANT MAMA phase is going on & on... while a little tough, I LOVE it!