Mom Life

We got Chloe a toddler bed vs. a bigger bed! I didn’t understand the concept of a toddler bed because the crib I bought for Jake converted into a full bed(I had no idea what I was doing) so I bought a whole new mattress for Jake! Jake never ever liked his bed – it was too big for such a tiny human being. To this day we have a cot next to our bed that he sleeps in 80 percent of the time. With Jake we didn’t do the “cry it out”.. it’s all my fault, I don’t like to hear crying. So when he was 18 months old, and throwing up in his crib to get out, Chase and I thought it was time he moved into a big boy bed. Little did we know we should have let him sleep in his vomit! Sounds awful, but so true.

I thought for sure Chloe would sleep in her crib until she was FOUR {we have friends whose almost four year olds sleep in cribs}. About ten days ago, Chloe climbed out of her crib. I panicked and she slept in OUR bed for the next four nights – her bed arrived on a Monday and we assembled it Tuesday. Chase flew out to California for business Tuesday morning and said I must train her {ps I’m the most laid back person when it comes to letting our kids in our bed}. BUT because we fucked up so much with Jake and he still comes to our bed I got the message. When Chase gets home Chloe must be sleep trained.

Tuesday night – the first night she slept in her bed – was a disaster. I had no idea what I’m doing. I laid in the middle of her floor while she was in her bed. She fell asleep (took her forever to fall asleep, and my brain started flashing to our new beginning where I’d have to spend hours putting Chloe to sleep). After spending two hours in her room trying to hush her, I was exhausted so I just brought her to my bed! I asked all of you what to do and the best suggestion was to let her cry it out and get a gate!

Wed night- we have the gate in place and Chloe falls asleep fine. Then she wakes up every hour to make sure I’m in her room which means I run into her room every hour that night!  I’m a zombie – so exhausted! – and you all tell me to let her cry going forward.

Thursday night – I wait in Chloe’s room until she’s asleep. She wakes up at 9 pm and cries until 10:30. The director of Jake and Chloe’s school said that I should speak to Chloe through the camera so I do this and it works! She goes back to bed and sleeps all night until 6 am!

Friday night- Chloe cries and screams for 20 minutes and passes out!

Let’s see what happens tonight but I feel very accomplished! Lucky Chase came back at the perfect time! I am using this turtle that lights up at night with stars which I think Chloe really enjoys.

So my advice for a mom going through this is to make sure you get a toddler bed so that they feel cozy, a gate is a must, let them cry, try to speak through the camera telling them they are ok, and lastly get something that lights up!

Hope this helps!

xo

Jenny

Hi!
I am so happy to share with you our first family pictures! Do not even ask me why we waited this long, but better late then never right?! BUT we got so lucky today was the first real Fall day in Miami! So we were shooting pictures and the weather was amazing.

I am loving these pics of us that it was hard to pick a few to share. Our photographer, Amanda Osovitzki, began taking pictures after having her sons because she developed an eye for capturing the perfect memories for every occasion. All of these pictures were taken in less then 20 min. Photo shoots that include kids have to be super fast because they have little patience- ok Chase is included in this as well!

Amanda is doing 20 minute sessions for $150 in November and you get 20 edited pics. I highly recommend if you need to get your holiday pictures taken and you live in Miami. Her email is amandaosovitz@gmail.com.

If you are into mine and the kids outfits you can get them here:

Hi!

So everyone has different opinions on when their kids should start school and there is no rhyme or reason to it! Today is Chloe’s first day of school and, even though I’m quietly freaking out, I know it’s best for her. She will be going everyday for a half-day. I think she’s super-ready as she’s very social and likes to be around other kids. It’s been a little difficult to do play dates as everyone is super busy with schedules so this way at school she’s always playing with kiddos.

Since the beginning of the year (Late August) I have tried to take Chloe to Jake’s classroom and pop into hers so that she would feel more comfortable. Last week we actually went into her classroom and spent a little more time introducing her to her classmates and teachers, I swear she knew I would be leaving her there one day. Did she know it was five days later? PROBABLY NOT! She hung onto my leg so tight and wouldn’t let go – meanwhile in Jake’s classroom she was playing with other kids and toys. So interesting how they know at such a young age.

Jake couldn’t be more excited to have his little sister walk into school with him, he told me he would hold her hand and take her into her classroom but couldn’t carry her because she’s too heavy! I think this is when the age gap seems to feel so little.

Shop her first day of school outfit here & ps we’re obsessed with her high tops – just ordered them in another color:

xo
Jenny

And we are off to Colorado! We have traveled so much with both kids that I wanted to share helpful tips with you all! Over the years of traveling with kids I have heard so many excuses from people that they prefer not to travel at all rather than travel with their kids. The more you travel with your kids the easier is becomes. It’s just like the saying practice makes perfect. Also, I find the more and more you analyze it the harder it is. Just don’t think about it- it’s hours of your life!
Here are some tips:

1) The most important thing is the travel carrier for your car seats  – and there is no charge to check your car seats! I have linked it here. People have asked if I bring car seats on the plane and I have never done that. I fully take advantage that Chloe isn’t two yet so we don’t have to pay for her seat. She sits on my lap which works totally fine.

2) Yo-Yo Stroller– it folds up and goes in the overhead compartment of the plane so you don’t have to wait to get your stroller. It is worth every single penny! We bought it when Jake was 6 months old and have used it ever since.  Sometimes I wish I had two! Unfortunately I usually end up carrying Chloe through the airport and Jake sits in the stroller – but you could get the scooter that attaches to it.

3) Extra change of clothes for your little ones –  you never know when they could have accidents of any sorts! Also swaddler blankets are key: they are great to put down if you need to change a diaper.

4) SNACKS:  this is the most important.  I don’t analyze anything they eat on the plane.  It keeps them busy so they can eat as much as they want.. BRING extra snacks – puffs are a good option for Chloe & Jake. Our preferred bran is Happy Baby. Although, sorry airlines, they make a huge mess!  Another great option are the teethers– and they don’t make such a mess!

Bottles and sippy cups are extremely important because you want your kids to drink so that their ears don’t hurt.

5) IPAD – Chase and I forgot this on our trip a couple of weeks ago vising my sister and somehow we survived but it’s super-important. Don’t forget to download his/her favorite shows beforehand – it’s the easiest way to entertain.

6) Plan on walking up and down the aisles to get your baby to calm down – it works, I promise!

Happy Travels!

xo

Jenny