[null, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a71L3aMzO3M/VtiKRoMrljI/AAAAAAAAFng/RI62mxsRj1w/s1600-r/1509964_10104077847582602_6121325352688509762_n.jpg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a71L3aMzO3M/VtiKRoMrljI/AAAAAAAAFng/RI62mxsRj1w/s1600-r/1509964_10104077847582602_6121325352688509762_n.jpg", "alt_text": "My little family!", "rendered_width": 960, "rendered_height": 638}, null, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3do9EmyR4hk/VBl7yYkX2RI/AAAAAAAAEl4/sv5YinFNOsA/s1600/image.jpeg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3do9EmyR4hk/VBl7yYkX2RI/AAAAAAAAEl4/sv5YinFNOsA/s1600/image.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvAOL5xQ_L0/VBl7vZCBSPI/AAAAAAAAElw/i5nsdPe-jtc/s1600/image_2.jpeg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rvAOL5xQ_L0/VBl7vZCBSPI/AAAAAAAAElw/i5nsdPe-jtc/s1600/image_2.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVUDILiZS-8/VBl77j_LAnI/AAAAAAAAEmU/hRLb-GeX6v8/s1600/image_4.jpeg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVUDILiZS-8/VBl77j_LAnI/AAAAAAAAEmU/hRLb-GeX6v8/s1600/image_4.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkdEsv_QZzo/VBl78qXmttI/AAAAAAAAEmg/jedwcNpDgF8/s1600/image_6.jpeg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkdEsv_QZzo/VBl78qXmttI/AAAAAAAAEmg/jedwcNpDgF8/s1600/image_6.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BwKcQ1IqrA/VBl8Djbh7-I/AAAAAAAAEmo/uW-1Zwl2flM/s1600/image_7.jpeg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BwKcQ1IqrA/VBl8Djbh7-I/AAAAAAAAEmo/uW-1Zwl2flM/s1600/image_7.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgqf4GD8_g/VBl8DiaMiBI/AAAAAAAAEms/9W98LL5yI4U/s1600/image_8.jpeg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qlgqf4GD8_g/VBl8DiaMiBI/AAAAAAAAEms/9W98LL5yI4U/s1600/image_8.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ELfOITsvzo/VBl8EQ0ZebI/AAAAAAAAEm4/yUV57ZKQbQo/s1600/image_9.jpeg", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ELfOITsvzo/VBl8EQ0ZebI/AAAAAAAAEm4/yUV57ZKQbQo/s1600/image_9.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, null, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHidmBBhVA/VBl71hrs0LI/AAAAAAAAEmI/1qruaObH5Mk/s1600/image_1.jpeg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHidmBBhVA/VBl71hrs0LI/AAAAAAAAEmI/1qruaObH5Mk/s1600/image_1.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glg-vf6-k2w/VBl70XTHTMI/AAAAAAAAEmA/mJK_4Pr1_l4/s1600/image_3.jpeg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glg-vf6-k2w/VBl70XTHTMI/AAAAAAAAEmA/mJK_4Pr1_l4/s1600/image_3.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 300, "rendered_height": 400}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_4zaOwy9aE/VBl77BArPCI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/e7xtsKtp1Fk/s1600/image_5.jpeg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_4zaOwy9aE/VBl77BArPCI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/e7xtsKtp1Fk/s1600/image_5.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 400, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jwHqINtRGE/VBL-2PT2duI/AAAAAAAAEkA/YmyhDdF6sPc/s1600/594A5034.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5jwHqINtRGE/VBL-2PT2duI/AAAAAAAAEkA/YmyhDdF6sPc/s1600/594A5034.jpg", "rendered_width": 266, "rendered_height": 400}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0_pLahh6T8/VAifCm77jpI/AAAAAAAAEjc/w5iIbkBb2BY/s1600/image-7.jpeg", "src": "http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0_pLahh6T8/VAifCm77jpI/AAAAAAAAEjc/w5iIbkBb2BY/s1600/image-7.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 250, "rendered_height": 320}, {"document_url": "http://misstomrstomama.blogspot.com/2014/09/", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsTo7VHTT14/VAifC9OcqmI/AAAAAAAAEjg/zNmzl8tUDFc/s1600/image-9.jpeg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsTo7VHTT14/VAifC9OcqmI/AAAAAAAAEjg/zNmzl8tUDFc/s1600/image-9.jpeg", "formatted_filename": "image", "rendered_width": 194, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, null]

Benny turns 20 months old! 20 month stats:
Weight: Hovering around 31.5 pounds.
Height: He may be close to 36 inches!
Eating: It's all about food ;)
Clothes: 2T and 3T. I put you in 24 months today and the pants were a bit short.
Shoe Size: 7
My sweet Benjamin --

Another month - of loving, growing, learning, jumping, singing, dancing, eating. You are an amazing, funny, sensitive and loving little guy and we are so very lucky to call you ours.

Now that fall is (just about) officially here, I'm hoping the cooler temps will help ease your struggle with school. Today is day your 5th day of school and you're having a VERY hard time. You cry at drop off, you cry at pick-up, you cry throughout the day, you cry & cry & cry until you're back home surrounded by all your things and in the arms of your mama. I feel so very conflicted about sending you to school. I am hoping it would jump start your little brain into a whole new world of playing, learning and meeting new friends. I am hoping it will help you grow a bit more independent but so far all my hopes and dreams for your first year of pre-school are being splattered in baby tears. It breaks my heart so very much but I pray that you will quickly adjust and learn to love school as much as your big sister. You have two amazing teachers (Miss Lizzie & Miss Jen) and they really love you. I never want you to feel alone or sad -- if in the next few months you can't stay happy, I may need to re-think school. You are just my sweet, sensitive little love and I adore you so very much.

My little silly boy - last night, Pop-Pop saw how funny you really are. You love to run from one side of the room to the next, jumping and playing. You LOVE to dance to music (your favorite tunes are "Happy", "You've Got a Friend In Me", "Elmo's Song" and "Let It Go") - you go into your own little world while dancing. You LOVE to have a catch with a ball (any ball) and you love to build castles. You love to play with play-doh and color. You love going to the library, music class, romp & roll and more. You love going to the zoo, sesame place and generally being outside. You LOVE to play with our neighbors and your cousins.

With age 2 fast approaching, your tantrums are apparent (including throwing yourself on the floor) but mostly I can distract you. Sometimes, if you get an idea (like going to the basement or going outside) and you don't get your way, you'll scream & scream (point taken buddy!) - I know you're strong willed and determined but I have no doubt that will calm down. Your language is getting better which helps me explain to you certain things ;)

You still love to watch Planet Earth along with Toy Story & Frozen. You like Sesame Street as well -- but overall, music is your favorite!! Sometimes when Layla is watching a movie, you cuddle up next to her to watch - I don't think you care about the movie one way or another, I think you just want to cuddle with your sister.

Bedtime and naps became a little rough this past month -- nothing horrible but you seem to going through a bit of an adjustment. We have learned to follow your cues along with Layla and this seems to work. First, you need a little bit of a routine nowadays with sleep. We now read several books and cuddle a lot before sleep. Second, we have moved your bedtime back from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This has made a huge difference! You are no longer waking up early and you are sleeping more soundly. Good job buddy!! Plus I love the extra time at night -- you are a complete goof ball. You love to play with my necklaces, giggle and dance before bed. It takes a bit of coaxing to get you to leave our room and head to your for bedtime, but mostly it's not a problem. You still LOVE to nap in your crib and snuggle so sweetly. At school, you're having some trouble napping but getting better!! One day last week, you basically slept the entire school day. I think you used sleep as a defense mechanism (haha) - smart cookie!

My big eater -- I'm trying to find good, healthy, easy recipes to make for you -- you love to eat and I'm going to expand your diet! Both you and your sister aren't fans of veggies but hopefully that changes too!!

September is many things - the Fall, pumpkin picking, Jewish holidays and more!! I hope to spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy it all before the cold winter approaches. I can't wait to see you all dressed up for Halloween (hello Prince Charming!) and of course all the other fun things we have coming up. I love you so much!!!! I think you will be having a Woody & Buzz (Toy Story) party because you're so cute and love them so much!!!!
I love you buddy!!!!!

I just got a text message from your teacher -- you're having a MUCH BETTER day at school! You ate all your lunch and painted with the other kids. Great job buddy!!!!!!!! Posted by Courtney at 8:21 AM No comments: 

Big Girl Bed. Potty Trained.


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.
Posted by Courtney at 10:10 AM No comments: 

Goal - BIKINI!

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!) Posted by Courtney at 1:20 PM No comments: