Big Girl Bed. Potty Trained.

Howdy y'all!

Here we are. One week since school has began. I'm currently sitting in my basement WITHOUT CHILDREN. As in, both of my little babies are at school and I'm sitting in my own house alone. This is a very strange & wonderful & sad & exciting time. Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday my babies are at school learning and thriving (or crying and crying and crying = Benny) while I am home organizing, running errands and doing things I never thought possible (eating lunch in silence!). It's been really nice to recharge my batteries but hopefully within the next few weeks I'll be getting back into the working world (at least part-time). I'm waiting to hear about some opportunities and it would be nice to make some money so that we can move within this next year.

SO I've been wanting to write about a few things going on lately in our world. I'm not an expert (um, far from) in this parenting world. Sometimes I can't form a sentence without breaking into the ugly cry because I feel like I'm failing as a mother. But sometimes? Sometimes I feel like a freaking QUEEN - like I'm actually raising two responsible, kind, respectful, and loving little humans that will make a positive impact on this world.

# 1 - Transitioning from crib to big girl bed:

I don't know about all of you -- but I was terrified of letting go of the crib. Layla really, really loved her little crib and I loved her in it. She was contained, happy and sleeping (95% of the time) like a perfect little pumpkin. Back in the spring, Layla went through a severe sleeping rough patch. She had a tough time falling asleep and staying asleep. This lasted about a week and it was awful. After asking several mommy/daddy friends, several people suggested maybe she was out growing her crib and going to bed too early. I decided to move her bedtime back 1 hour (from 6:30 to 7:30) and I ordered a (cheap) full sized mattress from amazon. I also ordered her some adorable Little Mermaid bedding and set up her big girl bed while keeping her crib. SO..for months, Layla used her big girl mattress on the floor for nothing more then jumping and playing. She continued to sleep happily in her crib. I would periodically ask her if she wanted to sleep in her bed and she always said no. Then one day, she asked if she could nap in her bed. Josh & I laughed thinking this would never work (she had been napping in our bed as a special treat for a while) -- but on this random Saturday, surrounded by all of her "guys", she slept. And slept hard - like the kind of nap that I wake her up because it's been 2+ hours. SUCCESS!! We later decide it's finally time to get the actual big girl bed - so off to Ikea we went! We chose a platform, low-to-the-ground bed that goes perfectly with her room. And then she asked to sleep in it at night. So we let her - and she did perfectly. Like a little professional, she slept soundly and happily. The next day, Josh took her crib apart and since then? She's been sleeping in her big girl bed. The first couple of weeks, she opted to sleep on her floor rather then her bed (I think it was more comforting? She did ask to sleep in our bed a few nights but we never caved - I always gave her the option of her bed or floor. Eventually, she always chose the bed and now she loves it. We've adjusted her bedtime routine to make sure she's happy and comfortable. One time, she's come out of her room in the middle of the night (I found her crying in the hallway, clearly confused and possible sleep-walking) but otherwise she's been perfect. I think my favorite part? We are continuing to use our Onaroo OK to Wake Children's Alarm Clock and Nightlight -- a friend recommend this to us when Layla was waking up early back in the Spring. It's a little adorable light and can be set like an alarm clock - we set ours for 6:30 AM. At this time, the light turns a bright green. Layla now knows that she can't get up until the light is green - so when she wakes up, she immediately looks to the light and if it's lit up, she yells "THE LIGHT IS GREEN! I'M AWAKE!" - and she waits in bed until one of us gets her. She doesn't get up out of the bed on her own - this makes it much safer, easier and better for us!!! Highly recommend!

# 2 - Potty Trained: 

We are now about 2 months POTTY TRAINED!! I'm so proud and will say nothing more then this - DON'T RUSH IT. We literally introduced Layla to the potty last summer. After realizing she clearly wasn't ready, we stopped. It took until this summer to see that she was in fact physically ready to learn to use the potty. We are now accident free for at least 8 weeks! Our biggest hurdle is poop. She is still wearing a pull-up at nap time and bedtime. She seems to be waiting to poop until these times. Annoying but true -- she has pooped on the potty quite a few times but it's not consistent. I'm okay with this -- I know she'll poop when she's ready ;) Overall, I'm really proud. My biggest suggestion? USE NUTELLA! haha - seriously, that was Layla's little treat for each successful potty trip. A little spoonful of nutella goes a long way!!

... so that's it. Fall is fast approaching. My 31st birthday is next week. The Jewish holidays are fast approaching and generally speaking, all good things. Lots of love and light to you all.

Goal - BIKINI!

HI

. 

Here we are again - I am a few days late but I took these pictures on the first of September.

It was a good month!! I worked out a bunch - I ate decent (but not perfect by any stretch) and if I'm being perfectly honest, my weight stayed exactly the same. BOOOOOO! However -- I do feel a bit better. I ran my first 5K (the color me rad run - LOVED IT!!!!!) - and I joined weight watchers!!! Tomorrow is my first official weigh in but I'm loving it. Weight watchers helped me lose a lot of weight I gained my freshman year of college and it's always my go-to when I'm ready to get back on track. I'm excited and feeling good. I've stepped up my work-outs and even met with a personal trainer to really learn some new things. I'm slowly getting there and vow to wear a bikini in Jamaica (luckily I still have 16+ weeks to get in shape!)

As for our month of dinner plans?? We rocked it - about 75% of the time. I really, really, really loved the idea of not having to think about dinner. I shopped ahead, we saved money and overall I think we ate healthier. Towards the end of the month, we gave up because my mother-in-law was in town and we got lazy. BUT -- I think we'll get back on track! I'm hoping to plot out our dinners for the remainder of September and really get into a good groove. 

As for our world? Things are moving and shaking!!! Layla's first day of school was today - Benny starts tomorrow. I am in shock. I've loved every second spent with Benny these past 19+ months. I can't believe our time together (constantly) is coming to a close but I KNOW school is the answer for my sweet boy. I firmly believe being around other children, learning new things, meeting new people is so so good for them. He'll be going 3 days a week along with Layla. As of now, I have no job in line so it looks like I'll have 3 days a week to get my house in order, run errands and gain back some sanity (ha!) - I'm feeling guilty and I know I'll find a job soon but I'm excited to be a stay at home mom while taking care of things I've been putting on the back burner for years. I'm feeling guilty about all the time by myself but I'm also okay with it. ;)

Lots of love and light to everyone as the new season fast approaches -- FALL! 

(Josh has no pictures this month because I forgot to take them - he'll be back next month!)

5 things on a Thursday.

I just posted Benny's 19 month entry - I was a week late. I'm sorry buddy. To be honest, I had the pictures & post done but it's nearly impossible to get to the basement computer and actually put everything together.

So here goes.

5 things on a Thursday.

1. Josh's mom left this morning - she was here for a week and it was awesome. The kids LOVE when she's here and it is always nice to have an extra set of hands. Yesterday was an amazing day. Layla, my mom, Josh's mom and myself went to NYC for the day. I planned this immediately after we went to NYC last month with my sister, sister in law & nieces to see Aladdin. It was such a blast that I knew I wanted to go again with Lisa. It was a perfect day. Layla was completely spoiled in the best way possible. Her 3 favorite women had her undivided attention and it was great. We took the train in, took a cab (Layla's first!), had lunch at Carnegie Deli (not so good) and saw Cinderella (adorable). It was really a nice day and one I'll never forget.

2. Layla's crib is officially gone - Josh took it apart and put it in the attic (how sad is that?) She has been sleeping in her big girl bed for 4 nights. The first 2 were great. The 3rd she woke up once, cried in the hallway and I took her back to bed. Last night, she begged and cried to sleep in our bed (something she has never done). After some convincing, I managed to get her to sleep on a towel on the floor in her room. Poor thing. She's been sleeping so great so I'm hoping it was a minor setback. We got her a brand new bed from Ikea the other day (she had been sleeping on a full sized mattress on the floor). Once he puts it together, I think she'll love it again. She's also FULLY potty trained! BIG GIRL STATUS! She has trouble pooping (she's gone about 5 times, otherwise waiting until she is in her pull-up for night and naps) but we'll get there. She is doing so great and I'm really proud of her.

3. We are almost done week 1 of 3 weeks off in between camp & school. It's tough and I'm trying to keep everyone busy -- it was really nice to have Lisa here but now I'm on my own! I am making some  plans but these past couple of weeks have been rough with the two kids - they've been a disaster on every shopping trip or restaurant. I have no idea why?! But I literally almost left them at Target the other day (kidding). Hoping to get back on good behavior!!

4. I threw out my back yesterday right before we boarded the train in the morning. I lifted Layla, turned and BOOM - I felt like I broke something. I guess I pulled a muscle? It literally hurt to breath - ibuprofen helped so I'm coping but GEEZ - I am bummed I'm not at the gym right now but I need to get better first.

5. The news is possibly the most depressing it's ever been. Isis in Iraq. Israel/Hamas war. Disaster in Ferguson (an unarmed boy was killed by cops). The list never ends. It's hard to watch. Sometimes you just need to pray for world peace. <3

Benny turns 19 months!

19 month stats:

Weight: 30 pounds - maybe even 31??

Height: I'd say 35 inches?

Eating: Food is your favorite!

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

Diaper: Size 5

Shoe Size: 6.5 or 7

Benjamin Sawyer: 

I literally did a double take on the calendar yesterday (see, I'm a day late!) --- can you be another month older?! Didn't we just celebrate your 18 month celebration. And just like that, when people ask now I need to say you are 19 months. It doesn't seem (too) insane for me to plan your 2nd birthday. The summer is fast ending -- this morning it was actually COOL outside (felt great!) and I realized fall will be here in the blink of an eye. 

You are loving life lately -- still ALL boy. Your favorite thing to do is basketball. We have a small hoop in the basement that you are always playing with (including right now!) -- we also put up our big basketball hoop outside and you LOVE when Dada lifts you up to make baskets! You hold on to the rim and hang there like a regular Michael Jordon! ;) I can't wait to sign you up for sports. I know you'll love it so so much - Layla starts soccer tonight and I wish you could play right along with her! You love to climb things, jump off anything high, use the steps, and throw yourself on the floor. You love when we yell 1-2-3 GO and run back and forth. But most of all? You love Layla -- you ask for her all day and want to snuggle up to her (or chase her) when she gets home. You also love love love the cats. If you're upset, we can quickly change your mood by putting you with Shluffy & Rigby!

You are getting over a little cold but you NEVER seemed bothered by it!! (PHEW!) I was nervous you'd get an ear infection but it never came (PHEW!) -- but I know with your upcoming school adventures comes many germs which equals lots of yucky sickness. I also know it's good for your immune systems so I'm trying not to get too caught up in the grossness of it all. 

You're doing pretty great with tantrums and slowly learning to listen better. You still don't understand time-out but you're put there quite often ;) You hit more then you should and you steal toys and don't share and all the while look adorable. I know school with be a tough lesson in sharing and learning but it'll be great for you. With your language growing by leaps and bounds, I think it helps with your frustration! 

You love to be outside so much - bubbles, pools, chalk, basketball, cars and more. It's so nice to spend time soaking it all in - you stare at the airplanes, birds and grass. You love to sit in the dirt and throw it. 

Your latest obsession is Planet Earth!!! Last weekend, Mama & Mom-Mom went to see Billy Joel in concert so Dada was in charge of bedtime. Both you & Layla begged for Mama so Dada quickly decided a distraction was needed - and thus Planet Earth entered our world! You love it and shout "EARTH! FISHES! ELEPHANT!" You love the animals and the water and it's a great learning tool. You still (rarely) like Sesame Street & Jack. You'll watch the movies in the car and you'll always be up for listening to music. Your favorite song right now is "Happy" by Pharrell. It's so cute to watch you dance!!

Forever happy to report you're still an excellent sleeper. Bedtime is now 6:30-6:45 and you wake up around 6:30-7:00 AM every morning. You nap in the afternoon for roughly 2 hours and happily love to snuggle in your crib with Teddy & Brian! I'm nervous for your naps at school but hopefully you'll adjust to the change well. 

Still willing to try and eat anything -- you are obsessed with black olives. So random and funny. You love noodles and sauce and meatballs.. and a million other things. The list is never ending and so great. Makes it much easier to feed you!!!

Today is Layla's last day of camp which means she's home with us for the next 3 weeks!! I'm so excited (and slightly nervous) to have you guys play. We have lots planned -- Grandma comes tonight for a week, we will do the zoo, Sesame Place, the beach, aquarium and more. I know you'll love having so much Layla time -- and then, school starts!!! I'm so nervous and excited for you. For the past 19 months, we have been together nearly every second of everyday. And soon you'll be with roughly 8 other kids and two great teachers, 3 days a week. I know you will have the very best time. I know it will be a huge adjustment. But know that I love you and I think this is best for you!!! I will forever cherish these months we spent together. The loud, the quiet, the snuggles, the kisses. It was all so special to me. 

You are my sweet boy. My baby. The little love of my life -- I love watching you learn and grow and can't wait for you to experience everything good in life.

With love and laughter,

Your Mama <3

August Challenge: Part 2.

SO..
First & foremost, thank you all for the love, support and overall kindness towards my last entry. That was far from easy to write (and did I really post bikini pictures of myself?!) but alas I did. I'm not held accountable. And so far, so good!!

The second part of our challenge for August is meal planning.

Josh & I are coming up on 12 years of dating come November. And in that time, I'd venture to say we've gone out to eat approximately 2,190 times. Maybe more. It's our thing - we love new restaurants, we love the same 6 restaurants, we love a quick and easy meal.

When Layla was born, I swore we would cook  more at home. And we did, but we still ordered in and went out way too often because, well, Layla actually love going out to eat. She was the perfect baby in a restaurant!!

Enter Benny into our world and until the age of 10 months? HE SUCKS - unless he was attached to my boob, he cried every time we entered a place for dinner (he was mostly good at breakfast & lunch).

SO back to the cooking board. But now that my baby boy is nearing 19 months and eating everything in sight, a restaurant is our new best friend.

It's enough though. It's enough with the money. The calories. The "what do you want to eat?" "I don't know? What do you want to eat?"  - it's boring and frustrating.

SO.
Enter the meal planning challenge.

I took a simple calendar and plotted out our dinners for the month of August. I included a few meals out and a couple of order in nights. I included my parent's house for dinner every Thursday. But mostly it is all about cooking at home - easy, healthy, yummy dinners. Because Layla is beyond picky we end up making her whatever she'll eat but Benny is always more then willing to try what we cook!

We are on day 3 and I'm happy to report SUCCESS!!!

August 1st was Friday -- and I obviously picked us heading to a restaurant that first night (ha!) - we chose Las Margaritas and had amazing Mexican with family.

August 2nd was last night -- we made TACOS! Using Organic low fat meat, we ate healthy and yummy tacos and it was great.

August 3rd is tonight -- and happy to report Josh is cooking! We did substitute what we were supposed to make with his pastatini (think pasta, chicken, garlic, tomatoes, etc) -- but that's fine! We'll switch and make changes and probably get annoyed but the ultimate goal is NOT to stray from the menu plan.

It feels so good to not repeat the "what's for dinner" question every day.

We're on our way to healthier, happier, skinnier Englands baby!!!!


What are your favorite recipes??? 

August Challenge: Part 1.

When I was in 5th grade, I went to play at a friend's house. We were tackling her extra large black dog when she told me she was going to blindfold me to play a game. I happily obliged and followed her until she took me in the bathroom, took off my blindfold and put me on a scale.

"Weigh yourself! Let's see who's the fattest!"

I think I weighed 85 pounds or so? Whatever it was, it was equal to my 2 friends that were there and thus we were all deemed "skinny" by the host.

This was the first time I realized that there was fat & skinny. I remember going home, sitting on my toilet and drawing a line down the middle of my thigh, wishing it was half the size.

Clearly, this stuck with me.

Years of yo-yo dieting, followed by extreme dieting in college (reaching my lowest weight of 124 pounds - at 5'5 and big boned, this was low). I have a clear memory of my size 4 pants being big. This was so exciting. (Now, I'm a size 8-10.) Post-college, I stayed around 135-140 and was happy there. My body was happy there. Around my wedding, I worked to get back down to 125 but my butt wouldn't budge and thus it seemed 135 was where I would stay.

Fast forward 4 years, two babies 19 months apart, 2 years of breastfeeding and my body is completely different. My whole shape has changed. I'm still adjusting to my new body - I'm learning (accepting?) that my new found wobbly parts are all thanks to carrying a 7.12 baby girl & 10.1 baby boy. I'm in awe that my body created & nourished these two perfect little humans.

But now. I've been working out for a year and noticing my body is not reacting the way I wish it would. My stomach still won't get flat. My thighs still touch. My arms jiggle more then I'm proud to admit. And this summer has been tough - I'm terrified to wear a bathing suit (let alone a bikini) despite our many trips to the beach & pool.

I don't want Layla to ever think that there is anything wrong with her body - I want her to see how proud I am of mine.

SO I'm making peace & giving myself a challenge --  a bikini challenge. On December 28th, Josh & myself along with my siblings & their husband/wives are going to Jamaica. I cannot WAIT - and I WILL wear a bikini.

SO today it begins. We have roughly 5 months and I hope to be comfortable in my own skin.

Below is a picture of myself in a bikini today. It was hard for me to take these but I really wanted to compare. Luckily for me, my amazing husband is also participating and let me take pictures of him in his bathing suit.

We both weighed ourselves and will continue this the first of the month until December (and I vow to NOT weigh myself in between).

I'm going to continue working out every other day (but increasing my work-out and trying new things!!) - I'm going to seriously get back to eating clean & healthy. I'm going to succeed.

Wish us luck as we take on our August challenge. Want to join in?? Take pictures and we'll do it together!!

This is only our first challenge - the next is MEAL PLANNING! I'll write that up tomorrow.

xoxo
Courtney

(I'm not putting our starting weights on here but I am keeping track and will note our weight loss)

Please excuse these pictures -- they are at 7 this morning in our bathroom while trying to keep Layla & Benny entertained ;) 

I'm not giving my cheat day Fridays. I love cheese enchiladas and I'm not afraid to admit it. 

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