Well, it looks like we have some catching up to do, doesn’t it?! I truly do miss ‘chatting’ with you all more often, and I hope you’ve all been staying well <3 Let’s get right into it, I’ve got a bunch to fill you guys in on so I’ll break it up into some larger categories.
WORK & SCHOOL
1. I’m still working from home over here (so is Jay) and I honestly have no idea if/when I’ll be back in our office anytime soon. Our company was fortunate enough to really manage the working-from-home situation quite well, so it doesn’t seem like they’re in any rush to bring us all back in.
I’ve become quite accustomed to the minimal makeup + working in my cozies everyday routine, so while I do miss certain aspects of being back in the office (other human adults!) I definitely cannot complain.
My sweatshirt is from American Eagle and I am obsessed with it! Size down, it runs large (I ordered a small).
2. The boys have now officially finished up school for the year, and while I appreciated having that as part of a routine for us for a few months, I can now say thank GOODNESS for a break from remote learning! Lucas actually finished about a week and a half earlier than usual, since they didn’t have an official “spring break” in April like they usually do. His teacher was seriously the absolute sweetest, and came by for one last “see you soon” visit on their last day of school.
Alex’s remote learning finished last week, and officially ended on Wednesday with a sweet little “moving up” ceremony at preschool. I really appreciated the fact that his teachers worked so hard to still be able to give them their little ceremony, and it was a great way to wrap things up and say ‘congrats!’
3. Now that school is done, we’ve been able to piecemeal a bit of a daycare routine over the summer, which will help us out tremendously while working from home. Between part time daycare and both of our moms able to help out, we should be in pretty good shape. Plus, being able to give them a change of scenery really makes a huge difference, too!
BIRTHDAYS
4. Alex turned 4 years old this month!
So crazy to think that my baby is already 4…sometimes, it seems like it was just yesterday when he arrived into this world. Between some smaller celebrations with family, daycare friends, and neighbors, I think it’s safe to say that Alex really had a great birthday!
5. We also celebrated my mom’s birthday yesterday!
Oh yeah, in case you didn’t recognize her, yep, that’s her right there! Doesn’t she look just incredible?!
The boys helped her make the cake earlier in the week while they were over visiting one day, and I must say, the three of them do good work because that cake was deeeeeLISH.
FITNESS
6. I’ve still been keeping up a fairly decent fitness routine the past couple of months, and I swear, my love for strength training grows stronger everyday. My routines consist of a mix of HIIT and strength training videos, mostly from Fitness Blender and Peleton (I’ve been utilizing their 3 month free trial), and I’m averaging about 2 HIIT days and 3-4 strength days per week. I’ve been able to up my PR’s for a few different exercises, but I’m also going to need some new dumbbells soon because the highest we own are 35s!
7. My favorite gym, ANATOMIE, has been doing an amazing job with offering virtual classes during this quarantine, and just recently started to offer some outdoor, socially distanced classes. I’ve only made it to one so far, but it felt SO good to be back in person.
FOOD
8. I’ve taken very few photos of food over the past month, but I can tell you that it’s all been a whole lotta the usual suspects. I’ve been loving eggs for breakfast, and typically a big salad or wrap for lunch.
Dinners are usually quick and easy, with lots of grilling and crockpot recipes. I’d say my alcohol consumption has decreased somewhat slightly since the beginning of this whole fiasco, with an attempt to try and save them for weekends. Buuut, you know, sometimes when it’s just been a DAY and the weather is right, a nice cold one really does the trick.
9. There have also been plenty of sweet treats to go around, including birthday cake and this insaaaanely good cookie dough ice cream sundae that I snagged a couple of weeks ago with a few of my favorite girls.
LIFE
*This section varies from fun and uplifting to much more sad, so forgive me for the awkward transition from one to the other.
10. I’ve made a few fun little purchases here and there over the past few weeks/months (think Amazon finds, loungewear, skincare, etc.), and I was actually thinking the other day that I should share them with you all! SO, be on the lookout for that hopefully next week.
11. The nail salons in our area finally opened up last week (as part of our phase 3 reopening here in our region of NY) and I was so excited to get back to a fresh set. I went with a slightly different color from my usual, but if we’re being honest here, it’s pretty darn similar.
Still, I love it.
12. Unfortunately, we did have a bit of incredibly sad news this month. As you may have already seen on Instagram, I am so sad to say that we had to put down our beloved Cody.
Those of you who have been reading here since the ‘early days’ (10 years ago!!) know that Cody was like a first baby to us, who stumbled into our backyard almost 11 years ago. Many of you still remembered his days of playing fetch with the milk jug tabs(!), and he really was just SUCH a great cat. So calm, forgiving, and so, SO good with the boys.
Breaking the news to the boys was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do, and we all cried a lot of tears. I knew I’d be sad saying goodbye when the time came, but I honestly didn’t expect it to be THAT hard.
So on his final day, we all gave him lots of lovin’ and plenty of head “scratchies” because they were his favorite. We let him have one last romp around the backyard (because he was ALWAYS trying to escape outside!) and I’d like to think that made him happy.
We keep a lookout for him now when we’re outside, since Alex reminded us that Cody would now be a butterfly like Papa T (we call white butterflies that we see “Papa T’s spirit” checking on us), and we’ve already seen both of them plenty of times now.
So even though it’s nothing like a real Cody snuggle, the boys have found comfort in the fact that they think he’s still here with us. <3
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Well, I think that catches you up on just about everything that’s been happening. I miss you guys, and the regularity of this space, and hope to find some time one of these days to get back more often. So for now, I’ll wish you all an official ‘Happy Summer!’ and I’ll…
See ya when I see ya. ; )
Kimberly says
I was so excited to see a new post from you! Thank you for making my morning! Your Mom is just simply stunning. It must run in the family 😉 Her smile is luminous. I am saddened to hear about your beloved cat. It’s hard when they pass away. I hope you and your family have a fantastic weekend!
Courtney says
Aww, thank you Kimberly!! <3
Jen says
I had to do a double take when I saw your post pop up. I was so excited. You made my day. I’m so happy that you and your family are doing well. I am so very sorry about Cody. RIP. I am still working from home also. No rush to get back to the office. Lol. The boys are getting so big!! Thank you for the post. Enjoy your summer. Stay safe and stay well. Take care.
Courtney says
That is so sweet, thanks Jen! Stay well! <3
Lisa says
Oh, Courtney. I am so sorry about Cody. I am sitting here at my desk at work bawling my eyes out for all of you. I think it really hit home since my 13-year-old dog, Maddie, is suffering from 4th Stage Kidney Failure and won’t be around with us much longer. I absolutely dread the day that we have to put her down. Sending love and hugs to you and your family.
Mary Burns says
I’m so sorry for the loss of Cody! Hugs to you!
Happy belated Birthday to Alex! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Kaelin says
I commented on your IG post when you shared the sad news about Cody, but I just wanted to say again, it brings tears to my eyes to think of the sad goodbyes your family had with him. We lost our dog to Kidney Disease in the Fall. She was my best friend, my shadow, and it is still so hard to imagine life without her! I hope you are all doing well, remembering him and sharing your favorite Cody memories.
Take care!
Lindsay says
Oh no!! I’m SO SORRY about Cody! I always loved when he would make it into a post. Such a beautiful cat. I love that butterfly idea to help the boys cope with the loss.
On a more positive note, your mom looks amazing!!! I know you must be so proud of her.
Hope you guys have a great summer!
Lauren says
I missed that about Cody and am sitting at my desk crying. I feel so so terrible…at least you gave him a wonderful life <3
Glad to see a post from you, still the only blogger I really keep tabs on anymore! Looking forward to the Amazon post.
Shashashaqueefa says
Thanks for catching us up on everything Court! We’ve missed your posts but we understand that life gets hectic. I’m so sorry to hear about Cody. My ears welled up reading of his passing. I remember your posts since he was a wee tot. Thank you for giving him a loving home for 11 years. Hope to see you soon! ❤️
Donna mason says
Hi Courtney. It is ALWAYS so great to see your posts. I am so happy all is going well but terribly sad and sorry for your loss of your baby Cody. I cannot believe how big the boys are getting. They are just adorable. Your Mom and your Dad look AMAZING. Of course you and Jay always do!!!!!
Sending you a big virtual hug.
I hope your summer is spectacular.
Elizabeth says
I’ve missed your posts and was excited to see a new one today! I am so sorry to hear about Cody – its so tough to lost a pet. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Kimberly says
Your mom looks fabulous! Would love to know more about her weight loss journey and what she feels has helped her the most.
I’m really sorry about Cody. It’s so hard when they’re part of the family.
Kari says
When I saw your Instagram post about Cody, I had to step away from my desk at work and go in the bathroom. It truly got to me. We lost our 12 year old cat last year, so I understand how hard that is. They really are members of the family. Hopefully he’s making a margarita up there. LOL…I remember that post from many years ago. Don’t stay silent for so long……..we all miss your posts!
Becky Przy says
I still can’t get over that is your mom! The first time you showed a photo of her after her weight loss–I thought your dad had gotten new wife!
Happy Summer!!!
Diane says
Like the other commenters I too was thrilled when I saw a new post. Seriously the sweetest little family ever! So so sad about Cody. So SO impressed with your mom’s hard work. I would not have recognized her. Happy Summer!
Lauri says
It was great to see your post! Thank you for sharing!. Also, I am sending your family love. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet!.
Erin says
I’m sooo sad to hear about Cody! I always got a kick of him “creeping” in pictures!
Julie F says
Great to see your post.
So sad about Cody! I am crying. It is so hard to lose your fur baby
Steph says
Hi there! I was wondering if you can share some details on the grey cat-eye sunglasses you were wearing at the pool in one of the last pics of this post. I also saw them on you in your Instagram stories. I’m obsesses and want!!!!! TIA :)
Courtney says
Thank you! They’re from Target!!