Coffee Frap & a few minutes...

Welp. I'm alive and well.
I just keep forgetting to update my blog.
I keep thinking that i'll get an actual diary to keep rather then put it all out for strangers to read, but then I forget to buy one at Target & instead end up with a cart full of random stuff I don't actually need.

SO..
We went to Punta & Cana & Florida. We survived Spring Break. We thawed out from winter. And things are good...

Here's a small snippet of our lives, currently.

1. Mr. Benjamin Sawyer. Age, 2 years and 3 months (as of tomorrow). Will only wear dragon rain boots. Refuses to wear certain clothes for no reason (usually it's the first shirt I try, so now I save what I want him to wear for the second round of putting clothes on). Is unbelievably verbal (full sentences - including, but not limited to, "LAYLA TOOK IT FROM ME! LAYLA PUSHED ME! LAYLA, GET UP AND PLAY WITH ME!") Is extremely into hitting, pushing, punching and spitting (we're working on this daily). Has been waking up entirely too early since January. We have been getting better and now I'm not letting him out of his crib until 6:30 AM. We are working on this daily as well. He is a maniac in the very best way. He's constantly on the go -- he's a master runner and jumper. He loves Batman. He loves Egg Surprise videos on YouTube. He loves legos. He loves his friends at school. He's insanely protective of Layla - if someone bothers her, takes her toy or gets too close - he literally SCREAMS in their face "THAT'S LAYLA'S TOY!" He loves hippos. He loves any and all food. He makes me get him sprinkled munchkins or blueberry muffins daily. He wakes up every morning and demands a "PURPLE DANIMALS AND A GREEN JUICE BOX!" He is a cuddling extraordinaire. At the zoo yesterday, he made me carry him the entire day. He is HUGE and doesn't care. He still loves Brian. He still naps 2 hours a day. He now goes to bed around 7:30 PM which is one later then his original 6:30 PM bedtime. He sleeps with no less then 5 blankets and a stack full of books. He knows all of his colors and all the princesses and all the superheroes and all the animals and can count to 10. He's amazing and kind and loving and the very best by there ever was.

2. Miss Layla Jules, age 3 years and 10 months. Only wants to wear My Little Pony or Frozen shirts but will compromise if a dress is involved. However, she's becoming very particular on which dresses she wears. Unless she's in a non-caring mood which is the best kind of mood. She's emotional and sassy at times but is getting better. She refuses to poop on the potty. She tells me when she's "big like Ava and Abbey" she'll poop on the potty and swim with her head under water and get her ears pierced. She's unbelievably excited about her 4th birthday party -- it's a "Rainbow Dash party at Bounce U." She has a love/hate relationship with school - she loves her friends but gets sad when someone is mean to her. She has too many friends to count but is sometimes very content playing alone, which I love. She has trouble learning her letters but we are working daily. She sticks her tongue out and can be very mean to Josh, my dad and Josh's mom but later apologies and says she doesn't mean to be mean. She's smart - really smart. She loves to sing and make up songs. She loves any and all movies and can watch the entire movie from start to finish. She loves the library, the pet store, the mall and Target. She describes everyday as "yesterday" when talking about the past. She remembers anything and everything, sometimes from years back. She's kind and loves to share with Benny and her friends. She's really good at riding her bike. She still hates when I cut her nails but loves to have her nails painted. She's obsessed with her cousins. She loves a good dance party. She's sweet and loving and always wants "one more hug and kiss" and she's my best little friend.

3. Mr Joshua Seth, my hubby and the love of my life, age 32. He's doing fabulous and kicking ass at work. He's smart and kind and next week we celebrate 5 years of marriage. He's my very best friend and the person I love most in this world.

4. Mrs Courtney Brooke - me, age 31. Happy it's warm, still learning my new job, still planning 41 vacations at once, always missing my friends, always wishing my house was cleaner and I was skinnier, working out 3-4 times a week, really wanting to sell my house.

SO - that's my little family. In a 10 minutes update. Maybe I'll actually start writing more. Or maybe I won't. :)

What I'm....

What I'm watching: With the finale of Parenthood causing me a great deal of sadness (more then I'd care to admit) -- and recently finishing up the first season of The Affair (phenomenal), I've now moved on to The Missing (on Starz) - so far, so good. Although I will admit watching it on the treadmill doesn't really work. It's slow and therefore makes the 30+ minutes running/walking feel like 400 hours. I'm also obsessing over The Bachelor & Ellen's Design Show on HGTV (we happen to know one of the contestants, GO CARLEY!)

What I'm reading: Ha! Nothing. I mean, technically I'm still reading Jodi Piccoult's book but it's been weeks since I picked up my kindle. With Punta Cana fast approaching, I know my beach time will allow for lots of reading!

What I'm eating: Too much. I'm doing well with the gym (every other day, sometimes more) but my eating isn't great. I go through spurts - sometimes I'm doing really well and other times all I want to do is drown myself in cereal and coffee with extra cream. 

What I'm working on: My new job is keeping my quite busy. I'm enjoying it (and I think it's good for my brain) but I'll admit it's hard to adjust to my new schedule. My days are basically consisting of gym, school drop-off, work, work, work, errands, work, laundry, work, school pick-up. I'm hoping to start helping my sister-in-law with her photography business which will keep me a bit busier but again, extra money is extra money!

What I'm stressing: The house. The selling. The buying. All of it. We've run into some issues and it's only the beginning. I'm putting my faith in the process and I know that it will all work out. We'll find our perfect house and someone will find our house to be perfect for them. But man, oh man.. it's stressful to say the least. 

What I'm planning: Duh. I'm type A. I'm constantly planning something! I put together Valentines for the kids classes this morning (check!), I planned our 5th anniversary night away to Atlantic City (check!) and now it's time to start planning Layla's 4th (what??) birthday party. 4 months away which means it's time to find all things My Little Pony for my sweet little lady. We also have a deposit down for our new year's eve trip to the Bahamas. Very exciting stuff. 

What I'm excited for: A few fun things on the horizon!! Birthday parties galore (tis the season) including Justin turning 7, Marley turning 6, Abbey turned 8, Ava turning 9 (what???), Andrew turning 5, Remi turning 3 and Sami turning 3.  Plus all the parties from school! Also, Valentine's Day with my babe, Lisa visiting, our upcoming trip to Florida and of course Punta Cana! 



...that's all for now. Back to work I go ;) 

Lately.....

Here is a quick update of some things I'm thinking about today!!

1. It's snowing. And it appears it will not stop until sometime tomorrow -- wahoo!!! As long as we have power, I'm completely okay with being snowed in with my favorite 3 people. We have enough food and toys to last a lifetime -- feeling lucky and happy to have a warm house. Praying for those that aren't as lucky.

2. Today is my sister's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBS! I'm basically obsessed with her. She's 8 years older then me and I've completely learned I can't live without talking to her 567 times a day.

3. I started a new job!!! I'm a virtual assistant for an awesome company - I started last Wednesday. It's part-time and work from home, completely allowing me the flexibility I need. I'm able to go to the gym every morning, take the kids to and from school all while working!! It's awesome and the extra money we make will go directly into savings...

4. We pulled our house off the market a bit ago. We are regrouping and will be re-listing in a few weeks. I'm feeling confident that we will be able to sell and move into our dream home -- if we can figure out where exactly that is! We have narrowed it down to the neighborhoods we want (basically the first best school districts in the area).

5. Josh won a trip to Punta Cana from work and I'm getting REALLY excited about it -- we are staying at the Hard Rock and I'm so looking forward to lots of quality time with my boy. I went on a girl's trip to Punta Cana a bunch of years back along with Shari & Karen - we had the best time but I didn't love the area we were at. I hope this time is better!! He also won the "president's club" which means we were given TWO extra nights and TWO extra excursions (which means we are literally each getting 3 massages) - I'm freaking out and SO PROUD OF HIM!!! And equally as lucky to have his parents watch our babies again!!!

6. Speaking of babies... it's baby SEASON!!! I have several friends that are due over the next few months (I can think of 7 and I'm probably missing a few...). HELLO BABY FEVER. Josh is no where near ready to discuss a 3rd (which I understand, kind of.. ha!) - I hope by this time next year we can throw around the idea of completing our little family. I'm torn between wanted to adopt or wanting to be pregnant again. Both sound lovely and hard and crazy and fun. I'll write a whole post on this soon.

7. I'm obsessed with "THE AFFAIR" - like legitimately crazy about it. I just finished all 10 episodes (on showtime) and I can't stop thinking about it. Do yourself a favor and watch this (on the treadmill like I did.. it makes your workouts fly by).

8. I'm (very slowly) reading Jodi Piccoult's new book - it's very good but I never have time to read, lol.

9. I am once again booking a trip over NYE with my whole family (sans parents) -- after the amazing success we had this past time, it's no wonder I am immediately booking again!! This time we are heading to Bahamas!!

10. I've had to change Layla's sheets every single morning the past few days. Between pee, poop, and other bodily fluids, it's actually crazy the amount of laundry I've added to the never-ending collection.


... and that's that. Stay warm, friends!!!

BENJAMIN SAWYER TURNS TWO!

Weight: Just about 32 1/2 pounds

Height: 35 inches

Eating: All the food -- ALL THE TIME! 

Clothes: 2T and 3T

Diaper: Size 6

Shoe Size: No idea - HUGE!

My Boy. 

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MY SWEET BOY!!!!!! 

I am a big bag of mixed emotions. I am happy, proud, sad, shocked. I'm in awe & wonder of you. I often find myself staring at you, watching you, studying you. Wondering how someone so little and chubby and soft and sweet can be so smart, so in tune with the world, so.. perfect. 

I could wax poetic for days about how smart you are and all the funny and interesting things you do. 

Here's just a few...

1. When you count to 10, it always go something like this "ONE, TWO, SEVEN, NINE, SEVEN, NINE, SEVEN!!!!!!!"

2. You can't get enough of Peek-a-boo. You cover your face and giggle your little head off until we say "Where's Bennyyyy" and you finally move your little hands and yell "HERE HE IS!!"

3. Your laugh. Your infectious, loud, insanely amazing laugh. It's everything and the best sound in the world. 

4. Your running -- your jumping -- your climbing -- you yelling "FREEZE!" and "GO!" - your dancing - your insane spinning and always on the go. You're becoming wilder and rougher and love to wrestle your sister and you are all BOY. 

5. You love to have a catch. You grab a ball and yell "CATCH IT!!" until someone pays attention. 

6. You love the cats and call Rigby "Rigby BOYYYYY". 

7. Your language skills are amazing. You talk and talk and pop out with these 3-4 word sentences and I'm so proud. Yesterday you got TUBES!!! After what feel like 646068 ear infections, we scheduled tubes. It was a breeze - I was so proud of you. You rocked that surgery and bounced back (quite literally) with no downtime!! I'm hoping your language gets even better now!!

8. You love wearing your winter hat. 

9. You are obsessed with watching "Eggies" on YouTube. This is a video of a woman opening up plastic eggs with odd toys inside. It's quite weird but you love it. After your surgery yesterday, they warned me you may be enraged or crying or uncomfortable. Instead, you cried a bit, cuddled in my arms then screamed "EGGIES ON YOUR PHONE!" ha! 

10. Your cuddles. Your perfect, warm, sweet little body tucks perfectly into mine and I can't get enough of the top of your head. 

AHHHH - so much I could say and want to say and need to say. You are everything I never knew I wanted. You are the sweetest little boy who loves to dance to Pharrell's "Happy". You LOVE to eat (yogurt, eggs, cheese, pretzels, meatballs, beans, noodles, chicken) -- food is your fav. 

You are quite lovely, my dear boy. I can't wait to celebrate your birthday on Sunday -- all your friends & family will be there for your special Sesame Street party. You are having a party today at school complete with cupcakes and Mickey Mouse plates and Elmo & Cookie Monster decor. 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU. To the moon, like we say every night. 

xoxoxoxoxo

Happy birthday baby. 

Mama


As an update -- we had your social birthday party!! It was a bit of madness. We woke up to an impromptu ICE storm shutting down roads and causing major accidents. We almost had to cancel the party but ultimately we had the party (albeit a 30 minute delay) and even though half of the party cancelled, we had the BEST TIME - you loved it, we loved it and we had success. These winter parties are tough business man!!! 

Baby Benny

You were so so so teeny & cute

1 month old - look at that belly!

teeny monkey

Check out your BIRTHDAY CAKE!!!!

You & your sister <3 waiting for gifts from Grandma & Grandpa who visited for your birthday!!

Benny turns TWO!

You were so excited to sit at the head of the table - hahaha

We love you both so very much. 

The end of 2014....

SO.
Hello again. Hi to a new year. A new beginning. A COLD week.
But let me rewind...

The last few weeks are a happy, busy, crazy blur.

First -- Our Surprise trip to Florida for Thanksgiving!!!! And what a magical time it was. With the help of Grandpa (Josh's Dad), we managed to fly to Ft Lauderdale with anyone from Josh's family knowing. Our flight was mega delayed but we managed and made it (albeit very late at night) and completely shocked Grandma (Josh's Mom). It was beautiful and exciting and fun. We had a great week. It was much colder then anticipated but we had a great time. Spent a ton of time outside at the playground. The kids slept like CHAMPS. It was really nice and fun and relaxing.

Check out this playground kiddies!!!

Second -- Hannukah came & went like a swift breeze. It was SO lovely. I think Layla finally understood what was happening and Benny loved all the chocolate. I bought the kids gifts for each night and it was so much fun to light the menorah. We hosted a big Hannukah party for my family (we do a pollaynna for the 10 kids) and it was a great time. We also went to my Aunt Karen & Uncle Brad's house for their annual Hannukah party. It was a great time complete with yummy food.

Sporting matching Hannukah Mickey PJs! 

Third -- The next day, we were again en route to FLORIDA!!! The kids completely rocked the flight. It was awesome - Benny slept almost the entire time and Layla slept a good chunk too! It was relaxing and easy. We had a great time in South Florida -- we were able to see all of our college friends for a yummy dinner at The Office in Delray, we got to see Josh's high school friends one night, we read, we obsessed over Serial (the newest Podcast and completely addicting and fun). And then..Josh & I left for an ADULTS ONLY VACA!!!

Proof that we had a really successful flight down!

I ran every other morning while in South Florida...this was always my view. It was so lovely. 

Fourth -- JAMAICA!! What can I say? On December 28th -- Josh & I along with my 2 brothers, 2 sister in laws, sister & brother in law (so 8 of us all together) flew to Montego Bay. We then all shuttled the 1.5 hours to Negril where were spent an amazing 6 days at Couples Swept Away. It was SO relaxing, SO much fun, so perfect I wish I could re-do it ALL over!!!!!! We played a ton of sand volleyball, I paddled boarded, we ate SO much, we spent New Years Eve at an amazing buffet/party followed by lighting lanterns over the OCEAN. It was so good, all of it. We are already booking the next one.

We watched the sunset EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. So beautiful. 

Matt & I had the best time together :) I learned many things about my brother while in Jamaica. Most of them I wish to forget. 

SELFIE MAGIC!! Only one missing is Heather because she was in the gym!!

Happiness. No filter needed. 

Little drunk lovebirds. 

Check out these Bob Marley shots!

Matt, Danielle, Heather, Adam, Me, Josh, Kim & Michael on NYE!

Fifth -- After Jamaica, we were back in South Florida for ONE day before we were en route to DISNEY WORLD! We woke the kids at 4:30 AM and drove the 3 hours to Orlando where we spent a beautiful/crazy/hot day at Disney World. The kids loved it, we loved it, and despite all the insanity we had a great time. We then spent the night at the Art Of Animation -- the kids loved every second in the hotel and we were really happy to have gone. We left early the next morning and went back to South Florida for packing and playing. We were so ready for HOME!

This was her face when I got home -- the cutest little bean. 

One of the many princesses we met! HELLO ELSA!

Lunch with Tigger! Benny loved it!

End of the day faces hahaha

Love my littles. 

SIXTH -- I can't even begin to explain how awful of a trip we had home. My kids are ROCK STARS. Almost no crying/complaining despite a truly horrible trip. Basically? We leave the house at 9:45 AM. We board the plane at 11:00. We DE-BOARD the plane at 11:10 because of a two hour delay. We wait. We board (again). We fly 2 hours before we found out Philly won't let us land so we circle for 45 minutes. We RUN OUT OF GAS. We land in BALTIMORE. We sit on plane 1.5 hours. AH. We fly to Philly. We meet up with my parents (who waited for us at the airport for hours). We wait an additional 1 HOUR for luggage. We finally get home at 8:00 PM. NIGHTMARE! But we made it.

SEVENTH -- I wore a bikini all over Jamaica!!! I was uncomfortable at first but realized I could do it!!! They were a million girls skinnier then me and a million girls heavier then me and ALL of them looked happy and pretty in their bikinis so I decided to join the fun. I may have gained 47 pounds these past 6 weeks thanks to the holidays but I ran every other day while in Florida and I started back at the gym this morning and I'll get down to my goal weight by the end of this year.

boom!

EIGHTH -- I scheduled Benny's tubes for next Tuesday. I'm so done with the ear infections. I'm nervous but excited for him to be a bit healthier and not rely so heavily on antibiotics.

DESTROYER OF LOLLIPOPS!

NINTH -- Next Wednesday my little Benny turns TWO!!!! I'm so happy and so sad. I miss a newborn. I miss that little baby smell. But I love this age. He's so smart and independent and crazy. I'll write about him next week -- then next Sunday is his big birthday party! I can't wait!!

Love this little guy. 

TENTH: We are pulling out house off the market and re-listing in the Spring. I'm sad we couldn't sell but happy we love our house & neighbors so much. Our new house awaits us...

So that's the super fast update. Things are good. It's SO SO cold here. We can't sell our house so we pulled it and will re-list in the Spring. I'm signing the kids up for camp & school next year. I'm going to find a job. I'm seriously thinking about adoption but need to convince Josh. I want to move. We are going to Punta Cana in March. I'm planning my next vacation. I'm excited for this year. I hope to smile more, cry less. Give more. Of my time, my money, my brains. I hope to figure out what I want, career wise.

Happy new Year, guys.

SO MUCH TO WRITE!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR FRIENDS!!!!

... I have so much to write, it's actually insane.

I plan on writing ALL day tomorrow (or at least while Benny Boy naps) but here is a small list of what I want to write about!!!

1. Our Surprise Trip to Florida for THANKSGIVING!

2. Hannukah

3. Trip to South Florida

4. JAMAICA

5. Trip to Disney World

6. Disaster of Flight Home

7. I wore a bikini and didn't scare anyone to death!

8. I think I gained 47 pounds

9. Benny's getting TUBES in his ears next Tuesday!

10. Benny is turning TWO next week!

11. Benny's 2nd birthday party is next week!

... until tomorrow <3 

Benjamin is 23 months old!

Weight: 32 Pounds

Height: 36 inches?

Eating: FOOOOD! All of it. 

Clothes: 2T and 3T with a bit of 4T mixed in ;)

Diaper: Size 5-6

Shoe Size: 7.5

Benjamin Sawyer --

This month seriously snuck up on me. Yesterday I looked at my phone (an app called Time Hop) and it showed me your pictures 1 year ago and I realized - AHHHH! You're another month OLDER. You're another month closer to being two. You're another month sillier, funnier, bigger & lovelier. Now that two is approaching, your personality is getting bigger & bigger. You are so sweet and loving and determined and sensitive. You're emotional and angry and crazy. I am smitten with you, my dear. I can't get enough of your big cheeks and brown eyes. Your blond hair and chubby hands. You are the cutest little buddy and I'm so lucky you're mine. 

What you've been doing... 

Playing. Reading. Singing. Dancing. 

You are a BOY - I mean this in the best way possible. You run, spin, fall, climb, dance, move move move. Always on the GO and in the best way possible. You love to play with your new cars - you love to sit and read books to yourself (and especially love when I read to you). You love to play in the kitchen and cook me "chicken & water." You love to tackle your sister. You love to be tickled. You love to hold my phone and dance to music. You love to color. You love building castles. You love taking things out of their drawer (spoons, plates, tupperware). You are a BOY through & through. 

What you've been eating....

Any and all foods - I'm so proud of you for always wanting to try new things. You love lots of soups, meat, pasta, fruit (no veggies except carrots - to pickles count?) - you are a great eater. You love to hold on to things - last night I gave you pudding. You insisted on carrying it (unopened) and playing - 30 minutes later you were ready and sat at the table eating away. SO cute. You love donuts. And cookies. And cakes. And food. 

What you've been saying...

So many words - SO SO many!!! You repeat, you remember, you name, you listen. You can say all your body parts,  you can name all the animals/sounds. You can list all the letters in your name from your book - you can sing songs (Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row, etc). You love to count to 10 (except it goes 1, 2, 7, 9, 7, 9, 11!) You are so smart and wonderful. 

Sleeping...

Up until Saturday, you were my perfect sleeper per usual. Suddenly you fought your nap & bedtime on Saturday - my poor buddy. I'm almost positive you have ANOTHER ear infection - you were back to normal last night thanks to Motrin! Doctor appt in the AM and tubes consultation on Thursday!! Your normal routine is bed between 645-700 (bedtime consists of a glass of almond milk & 3 books). Waking up around 6:30-7:00 (5:15 this morning uhhhh). 

What you've been reading & watching....

The same few books (or stealing Layla's books!) -- you love watching Egg Surprise videos on You Tube, Sesame Street and Flushed Away (you call it Mouse) - still not very into TV which is okay by me!

I can't believe we are one month away from your 2nd birthday!!! I'm so excited for the next few weeks - Florida and DISNEY WORLD to celebrate your big day - then Grandma & Grandpa come to visit and it's time for your big birthday party!! We will celebrate you big because you deserve the world.

I love you little guy. Thanks for being you!

xoxoxoxo

Mama