My little family!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Follow my blog! :)
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5361779/?claim=wzhws3c5s9s">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
Benny, version 2.5
My Dearest Benny....
A BIG milestone for my BIG boy!!! You are TWO in every sense of the word. You are exploring, wrestling, wondering, soaking in, learning, running and zooming around the world. You are a free spirit. You are my little boyfriend, the one that keeps us on our toes, the sweetest, most loving little stud.
How you look... You are a GIANT. I mean this in the most loving way but HOLY COW. You are large and in charge - we laugh hysterically when we see you standing next to your class. You are a full HEAD above the other kids - and you are SOLID. Not my sweet, chubby little toddler - you're now a big kid!! I think you hovering around 34/35 pounds and you're TALL! You have gorgeous blond hair that could probably be cut every 2 weeks. It grows SO fast. You have big, gorgeous, bright brown eyes -- and your newest accessory is your awesome BLUE GLASSES!! You are doing awesome with them. It took about a week for you to get used to them and now you wear them without issue. I didn't think you could be any cuter but these glasses push you over the top!
Your Schedule....Because it's summer, you're now in camp 5 days a week!! You are really loving it -- your bunk is called the "water babies" and you're having lots of fun! You get to swim everyday, do awesome art projects and play with your friends! We love the weekends - we get to spend time doing all sorts of fun things! You go to bed around 7:30 PM every night. You sleep in your crib surrounded by Brian, Teddy, Superman Bear, Batman Bear and a couple of random stuffed animals. You also LOVE to be covered in a million blankets (but I try to limit it to 4). You like a dark room although lately you've asked me to open your shade a bit to let some light in. You use your sound machine. We rock in your chair, read 2-3 books, rock some more and in you go. You ask to be covered, be tickled and for "hugs and kisses, more mama, more!" -- it takes some time to get you snuggled but then you're a great sleeper. You wake up around 7 AM every morning. You are an AWESOME napper - I limit your naps to 2 hours. You do great napping at camp/school too! You won't nap at Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop's so mostly I'll pick you up and nap you here if needed.
Your Likes....It's all about the Superheroes. You love Batman, Superman, Spiderman, The Joker and more. You love talking about your 3rd birthday party ("Batman party at Chuck-E-Cheese!!!"). You love cars, play-doh, swords, bad guys, wrestling. You love to cook in the play kitchen ("Mama, do you want eggs and meatballs? OKAY!") - you love puzzles, board games and more. You're not a big fan of TV or movies but you'll watch Planet Earth and random cartoons at time. In the car, you love to watch movies (especially Lego Batman, Monster Vs Aliens, Hotel Transylvania and Frozen).
Your Dislikes: You don't love change. You like things to stay constant. When we were in Florida for vacation last week, you asked almost every single day (all 10 days) to go home. You don't like most of your clothes (you're very particular on what you wear and it's usually a rotation of 4 shirts). You don't like when we can't understand you (although your language skills are amazing). You don't like it when Layla ignores you. You don't like it when you don't get your way. You don't like when we forget Brian at home, when we can't get sprinkled munchkins and when you're bored.
Your loves: FOOD. Your grandparents. Your cousins. Your Uncle Adam. Layla. Mama. Dada. The cats. BATMAN.
Your Food: The complete opposite of your sister, you're a great eater!!! You love trying new foods. You are a CARNIVORE. You love chicken, meatballs, hot dogs, steaks, ribs, eggs, pork rolls. You love cereal (all different kinds), fruit (bananas, grapes, blueberries, apples, strawberries), bagels with butter, snacks (pretzels, chips, fruit snacks, popcorn). You love chocolate ice cream with sprinkles, cookies, cake. You're a rock star eater and sometimes I'm amazed at how much you can put down.
Your Thoughts: Your language skills are awesome. You are stringing together LARGE sentences and thoughts. You know your shapes, colors, animals. You repeat everything!! You love talking about your friends and family. You love counting. You LOVE singing (Happy by Pharrell is your favorite) along with Old McDonald, ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle and more.
I could write about you forever and ever. You are SO funny. You are ALL BOY - jumping, running, wrestling, climbing (a ball of energy!!!) but you also randomly will ask to play with barbies, wear a dress and wear Layla's bikini. You are always sucking your thumb (both!). You are OBSESSED with your sister ("Hi Layla! Want to play with me??"). You love to be at home and as soon as we walk in, you make everyone take off their shoes to ensure we are all staying. You hate leaving Mama (one more hug Mama!). You are obsessed with snuggling and laying on me and I love it so very much. I don't want to take one hug for granted because time is zooming by. You are excited to move into our new house (less then 3 weeks to go!) and I hope you adjust well. This age is tough but exciting. You are inspiring and loving and everything I could have asked for. You are my baby, always will be (even if we have another one day - you always ask for a baby girl but you're just repeating your sister!).
I love you forever buddy!!!!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Layla turns 4!!!
Disclaimer: I'm sorry this is SO late. I wrote your entire 4 year old post and it got erased. I was so mad I waiting 11 days before writing it again. Boo.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
We sat in our first house, our townhouse, and took a pregnancy test. It was negative. I left for work, came home, took the pregnancy test off the side of the bathtub and saw the very faintest of pink lines. In complete shock, I called Mom-Mom & asked if it could be accurate. Without hesitation, she told me that most likely I was pregnant but I needed to wait and re-test.
But I didn't need to. I knew it. I knew you were alive and growing - the size of a poppy seed and already so loved it ached.
(Obviously, I took another test that Friday and BOOM - two lines).
That was the day I became your mother.
I jumped, cried, twirled and hugged your dada.
And now here we are...
"Benny, when you get big like me - you'll be able to do REALLY cool things. Right now you're only two, but when you're big like me, you'll be able to get off of the chair all by yourself!"
FOUR YEARS OLD.
YOU ARE FOUR YEARS OLD.
Three? Three is baby status. But four is BIG GIRL ALL THE WAY.
A list of everything I love about you would wrap around the world one million times.
A list of everything funny you say would never end.
A list of the ways I would stop time just to freeze you in this very moment would go on forever.
But alas...
Below is an update on where we are.
1. You planned your birthday party over 6 months ago. This is mostly your mama's fault. She's passed on the insane planner gene to you - and I'll admit, I love it. You decided early on you wanted a "My Little Pony" theme but it's now morphed into Rainbow Dash, your favorite pony. Bounce U was decided last September after your cousin Max had his birthday there. You were SO excited for all of your friends and cousins to be in the same room, I thought you may explode. Overall, it was a fabulous party. We had over 30 kiddies, everyone bounced the morning away and you were loving it. I think you were a bit overwhelmed with everyone giving you so much attention. After celebrating all weekend, you've asked me (over & over) to cancel your 5th birthday party. Poor bug. You keep telling me you don't want to get big anymore. You want to stay little. I want you to, also.
2. You finished your THIRD year of school. That's so, so, so crazy to me. You're getting ready to enter PRE-K! You had a great year in the big class -- you learned a lot, you played and danced and sang and cried. Your dramatic side greatly emerged this year - I think it's a girl thing? We heard a lot about "so & so said they aren't my friend anymore" and "I don't ever want to play with so & so" anymore. But the next day? You'd tell me how everyone is your best friend. We are working on sharing our feelings with our friends and learning that you don't have to love everyone but you always have to be nice. And if a boy hits you? He probably wants to play with you.
3. Your scared of everything. I don't mean this in a negative way -- you're just timid. You're nervous about scary parts in movies (as in children's movies), you're nervous about water (you finally love the pool but won't go under - and forget about the sprinkler), you don't like rides (except for all the rides at Sesame Place and any carousel), you watch kids play at the playground on the bigger things and cautiously try them (before realizing you LOVE THEM AND WANT TO DO THEM OVER AND OVER AND OVER). Your fear is usually squashed by your love of playing.
4. You are a people LOVER. You love to make friends. Anywhere we go, everywhere we go, you spot a girl that appears to be close to your age, proudly exclaim "I'M GOING TO BE HER FRIEND!" and walk over, smiling beautifully, introducing yourself - "Hi, I'm Layla. I'm 3 and a half. Do you want to play with me" -- this is, by far, my favorite thing you do. I am so proud of your way to put the people around you at ease - it's a beautiful trait and I know it will carry you far.
5. You love a schedule. At least once a day, you say..."Mama, what are we doing when we wake up?" I usually reply with the same response.. "Dunkin Donuts for coffee, gym, school, play, bath, night-night" and you always reply with... "And what about after night night?" -- this could go on and on and one. I am excited for you to learn the concept of time (but really, who understands it anyway?) -- for now, in your perfect little mind.. everything that happened in the past happened "yesterday" and everything in the future happens "tomorrow". There's no understanding past yesterday or tomorrow and it's quite beautiful.
6. You love movies. I mean -- really, really, really love movies. You are constantly asking to curl up on the sofa and watch anything. I'd list your favorites but they're always changing!! Recently, you've liked to watch non-cartoon movies which is awesome. You love Little Rascals, Hook and the new Annie. We are big movie lovers in this house. You also like any TV show that's on and any You Tube video involving My Little Pony or make-up tutorials.
7. You are learning - slowly. You are really good at spelling words (Layla, Benny, Mama, Dada, Hi, Cat). You know all your colors, shapes, etc. You know how to count really well (getting better at counting past 20) -- but you can't quite pick up your letters the way I'd like. I know it'll click soon and I think school helped with this. I'm hopeful Pre-K will be a great learning opportunity. You'll start school 5 days a week in order to get ready for Kindergarten -- and I'm confident you'll excel in your studies!!
8. You are a performer -- if asked what you want to be when you grow up, it's a singer. If there's a stage, you're on it. Shabbat Girl involves sitting on stage with everyone watching and you LOVE it -- and the shows at school are too much fun for you. This is so beautiful because stage freight can be tough and it seems you've conquered this fear!
9. You LOVE your friends and cousins. You love spending time with them and talking about them and generally being around them. You used only want to spend time with the girls but now it's becoming more then okay to be around the boys too :) You love love love your time with Ava, Abbey & Marley but equally love your time with Sami & Remi. And fighting with Justin, Andrew and Max are the best!! Same goes for school - you love spending time with Isabel, Alex, Lydia, Avery, Maya, Liora, Gracie - the list goes on!! And you're always telling me about Craigy, Mason, Eli, Braydon and Andrew :) It's so cute.
Oh my Layla...
Of course I can't remember all the great things you say or do. The words that come out of your mouth make me giggle every single day. You have an attitude of a 14 year old. You tell me through tears "I want to be a good girl! I want to listen!" and I believe you. We're working on this. You have a fierce love of babies, your brother and your Dada. You are strong-willed, bossy and all girl which I LOVE. You love to sing, dance, do make-up, eat Pork Roll and play with your guys.
You're everything I wished and hoped for in a daughter and I'm so lucky to call you mine.
I love you my sweet girl. I promise to write more about all your accomplishments and silly "Layla-isms".
Forever yours,
Mama
I remember it like it was yesterday.
We sat in our first house, our townhouse, and took a pregnancy test. It was negative. I left for work, came home, took the pregnancy test off the side of the bathtub and saw the very faintest of pink lines. In complete shock, I called Mom-Mom & asked if it could be accurate. Without hesitation, she told me that most likely I was pregnant but I needed to wait and re-test.
But I didn't need to. I knew it. I knew you were alive and growing - the size of a poppy seed and already so loved it ached.
(Obviously, I took another test that Friday and BOOM - two lines).
That was the day I became your mother.
I jumped, cried, twirled and hugged your dada.
And now here we are...
Weight: Just about 32/33 pounds.
Height: Just about 40 inches.
Eating: Picky, picky, picky - with a side of pork roll, always :)
Clothes: 4T/5T
Shoe Size: 10
"Benny, when you get big like me - you'll be able to do REALLY cool things. Right now you're only two, but when you're big like me, you'll be able to get off of the chair all by yourself!"
FOUR YEARS OLD.
YOU ARE FOUR YEARS OLD.
Three? Three is baby status. But four is BIG GIRL ALL THE WAY.
A list of everything I love about you would wrap around the world one million times.
A list of everything funny you say would never end.
A list of the ways I would stop time just to freeze you in this very moment would go on forever.
But alas...
Below is an update on where we are.
1. You planned your birthday party over 6 months ago. This is mostly your mama's fault. She's passed on the insane planner gene to you - and I'll admit, I love it. You decided early on you wanted a "My Little Pony" theme but it's now morphed into Rainbow Dash, your favorite pony. Bounce U was decided last September after your cousin Max had his birthday there. You were SO excited for all of your friends and cousins to be in the same room, I thought you may explode. Overall, it was a fabulous party. We had over 30 kiddies, everyone bounced the morning away and you were loving it. I think you were a bit overwhelmed with everyone giving you so much attention. After celebrating all weekend, you've asked me (over & over) to cancel your 5th birthday party. Poor bug. You keep telling me you don't want to get big anymore. You want to stay little. I want you to, also.
2. You finished your THIRD year of school. That's so, so, so crazy to me. You're getting ready to enter PRE-K! You had a great year in the big class -- you learned a lot, you played and danced and sang and cried. Your dramatic side greatly emerged this year - I think it's a girl thing? We heard a lot about "so & so said they aren't my friend anymore" and "I don't ever want to play with so & so" anymore. But the next day? You'd tell me how everyone is your best friend. We are working on sharing our feelings with our friends and learning that you don't have to love everyone but you always have to be nice. And if a boy hits you? He probably wants to play with you.
3. Your scared of everything. I don't mean this in a negative way -- you're just timid. You're nervous about scary parts in movies (as in children's movies), you're nervous about water (you finally love the pool but won't go under - and forget about the sprinkler), you don't like rides (except for all the rides at Sesame Place and any carousel), you watch kids play at the playground on the bigger things and cautiously try them (before realizing you LOVE THEM AND WANT TO DO THEM OVER AND OVER AND OVER). Your fear is usually squashed by your love of playing.
4. You are a people LOVER. You love to make friends. Anywhere we go, everywhere we go, you spot a girl that appears to be close to your age, proudly exclaim "I'M GOING TO BE HER FRIEND!" and walk over, smiling beautifully, introducing yourself - "Hi, I'm Layla. I'm 3 and a half. Do you want to play with me" -- this is, by far, my favorite thing you do. I am so proud of your way to put the people around you at ease - it's a beautiful trait and I know it will carry you far.
5. You love a schedule. At least once a day, you say..."Mama, what are we doing when we wake up?" I usually reply with the same response.. "Dunkin Donuts for coffee, gym, school, play, bath, night-night" and you always reply with... "And what about after night night?" -- this could go on and on and one. I am excited for you to learn the concept of time (but really, who understands it anyway?) -- for now, in your perfect little mind.. everything that happened in the past happened "yesterday" and everything in the future happens "tomorrow". There's no understanding past yesterday or tomorrow and it's quite beautiful.
6. You love movies. I mean -- really, really, really love movies. You are constantly asking to curl up on the sofa and watch anything. I'd list your favorites but they're always changing!! Recently, you've liked to watch non-cartoon movies which is awesome. You love Little Rascals, Hook and the new Annie. We are big movie lovers in this house. You also like any TV show that's on and any You Tube video involving My Little Pony or make-up tutorials.
7. You are learning - slowly. You are really good at spelling words (Layla, Benny, Mama, Dada, Hi, Cat). You know all your colors, shapes, etc. You know how to count really well (getting better at counting past 20) -- but you can't quite pick up your letters the way I'd like. I know it'll click soon and I think school helped with this. I'm hopeful Pre-K will be a great learning opportunity. You'll start school 5 days a week in order to get ready for Kindergarten -- and I'm confident you'll excel in your studies!!
8. You are a performer -- if asked what you want to be when you grow up, it's a singer. If there's a stage, you're on it. Shabbat Girl involves sitting on stage with everyone watching and you LOVE it -- and the shows at school are too much fun for you. This is so beautiful because stage freight can be tough and it seems you've conquered this fear!
9. You LOVE your friends and cousins. You love spending time with them and talking about them and generally being around them. You used only want to spend time with the girls but now it's becoming more then okay to be around the boys too :) You love love love your time with Ava, Abbey & Marley but equally love your time with Sami & Remi. And fighting with Justin, Andrew and Max are the best!! Same goes for school - you love spending time with Isabel, Alex, Lydia, Avery, Maya, Liora, Gracie - the list goes on!! And you're always telling me about Craigy, Mason, Eli, Braydon and Andrew :) It's so cute.
Oh my Layla...
Of course I can't remember all the great things you say or do. The words that come out of your mouth make me giggle every single day. You have an attitude of a 14 year old. You tell me through tears "I want to be a good girl! I want to listen!" and I believe you. We're working on this. You have a fierce love of babies, your brother and your Dada. You are strong-willed, bossy and all girl which I LOVE. You love to sing, dance, do make-up, eat Pork Roll and play with your guys.
You're everything I wished and hoped for in a daughter and I'm so lucky to call you mine.
I love you my sweet girl. I promise to write more about all your accomplishments and silly "Layla-isms".
Forever yours,
Mama
 |
| The morning of your birth. |
 |
| A few hours old! |
 |
| A few hours old! |
 |
| One of our first pictures together <3 |
 |
| In the middle of the night, our first night together in the hospital. I felt completely lost and you just stared at me with this face. I loved it. |
 |
| Heading home from the hospital! |
 |
| BABY LAYLA! |
 |
| 1 month old! |
 |
| FUN WITH AVA! (Ava is 9 and you are almost 4 in this picture) |
 |
| Dancing machine!! |
 |
| Dancing machine!! |
 |
| Dancing machine!! |
 |
| Dancing machine!! |
 |
| Bathing Beauty!!! |
 |
| Your first birthday cake -- dinner at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's! |
 |
| So happy Grandma & Grandpa came to visit!! |
 |
| (one day day of) 4 years old!!! |
 |
| Shabbat Girl and her sidekick, Batman! |
 |
| All of your grandparents along with Mama & Dada at your Shabbat! |
 |
| Birth, 1 Years old, 2 years old, 3 years old! |
 |
| Birth, 1 years old, 2 years old! |
 |
| 4 years old!!! |
 |
| This sign was at your party - I hope to do this every year!! |
 |
| Ready for Bounce U! |
 |
| Happy girl with her gorgeous cake!!! |
 |
| Birth, 1 year old, 2 years old, 3 years old, 4 years old! |
 |
| So much fun at your party!!! |
 |
| Abbey & Layla! |
 |
| Cousins = BFF |
 |
| Mama & Dada love you so much sweet girl. |
 |
| No explanation needed. |
Friday, May 8, 2015
Lately....
HI!
Here is a quick snapshot of life lately. It's crazy, it's hectic and it's perfectly imperfect.
1. We bought a house. Not just a house. OUR DREAM HOUSE. It's 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, open and airy and full of sunlight and life. It snuck up on us and I knew from the second we walked through the front door it was perfect for us. Upon checking out the backyard complete with a SALTWATER POOL, HOT TUB AND GIANT SWINGSET, I told Josh I'd do just about whatever it took to make sure that house was ours. We put a bid in, wrote a letter to the sellers professing our love for their home and BOOM. WE GOT IT. We had inspection last week and besides some minor issues (and high levels of radon which are being mitigated), we are all systems GO!
2. The problem was said perfect dream house? We have yet to sell ours. We have showings. We have second showings. We have open houses. We lowered the price. Short of selling our souls, I'm not quite positive what to do next? My goal is to tell by May 13th (which is in 5 days) allowing our buyers a full 90 day settlement. I hope it works. I know it will. But this is terrifying.
3. I'm pinteresting and finding any and all fun decorations I can. I love this.
4. Layla's 4th birthday is fast approaching and a light has been switched. Her attitude, her sassiness is being replaced by a sweeter, more even-tempered little lady. I'm so proud of her for learning to control her temper. This morning, she woke up and Benny ran in and started moving her stuffed animals around. She calmly looked at me and said "Mama? I need a few minutes please. Can you take Benny with you?" and just like that -- we left and she was about to wake up in peace. So proud.
5. Benny's had a whirlwind of adventure lately - last week we thought he broke his arm. After a fast ER visit, we learned he dislocated his elbow and somehow popped it back in himself. Gross but true. He also has seasonal allergies. And now? We think he has a lazy eye. I've watched him go cross-eyed his whole life but lately, especially when watching a movie in the car, it's become much worse. I took him to the pediatrician and we were referred to a pediatric optomologist. We're hoping for a quick, painless and easy fix.
6. We celebrated our 5th anniversary last week. This deserves a post all on it's own but seeing as how I rarely have time to update, I need to just say I LOVE MY HUSBAND. He's amazing and this ride has been extraordinary with him by my side. We celebrated 5 years in Atlantic City (dinner at Bobby Flay, gambling, sleeping and snuggles). It was great and I'm so so lucky to have him by my side. (We called our Punta Cana trip in March our real trip!!) -- HAWAII FOR OUR 10TH????
7. This weekend we are heading to NYC to see Fish in the Water and dinner at our fav. Sunday is Mother's Day (YAY!) and the temps are warm and it's nice. Really nice.
Happy Friday, guys :)
Monday, April 13, 2015
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. :)
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. :)
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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 ;)
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 ;)
Monday, January 26, 2015
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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!!!
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. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)