Bye Bye BaBa

Operation Bye Bye BaBa = SUCCESS! Yesterday was Collin's first day without any bottles. We are now strictly sippy cups around here. He didn't even notice the change so it was a very smooth transition. The best part is I will not be washing 4 Dr. Brown's bottles everyday. Nice! After washing them all for the last time I stuck them high in the closet so Collin wouldn't be able to see them and realize they are gone. Seeing little kids drinking soda out of a bottle with their little silver teeth makes me cringe inside. That's when I knew no child of mine would have a bottle after his/her first birthday. Now if only potty training is this easy, I'll be one happy Mama.
Here is Collin at 8 weeks old holding his BaBa.

Valentine's Day

The fakest (I just made that word up but I think it fits) of all holidays. Nobody should need a day to tell their family and friends they love them. This is something that should be happening all the time. I grew up in a home where "I love you" was said every day multiple times. Like when you left for school in the morning, before getting tucked in at night, before you hung up the phone, when getting dropped off at a friends house, the ending to most emails with family... you get it now, don't you? We also had to say sorry and I love you after our fights when we were kids. That's just how it was and that is how it will be in my home. (I feel so grown-up when I say my home)

Everything in life is a little better when people tell you they love you. Who doesn't love to be loved? Are there ever times you feel like you say "I love you" so much it doesn't seem as important? There is one person I can think of that always says I love you so meaningfully. My Uncle Kevin. You can hear it in his voice. He doesn't sound distracted or like it is just another sentence. He never drops the "I" and just says love you like I am sometimes guilty of. He really means it. That's a good feeling and I think everyone should say I love you with meaning and purpose.

Hallmark may be making millions on this made-up holiday, but not from me. I will be sharing the love right here on my blog. I am vowing not to buy Valentine's Day cards because I hope the people nearest and dearest to me already know how much I love them. Starting with this guy:
Cameron, you are an amazing husband and father. I am blessed to have you and I am thankful for all you do to provide for Collin and I. Being a stay at home mom has always been my dream and you make it all possible. I couldn't ask for a better man to share my life with. I look forward to a lifetime of memories with you. I love you!


Collin, you make my cheeks hurt because you keep me smiling all day long! You are the best baby ever (and I'm not just saying that cause I'm your mama.) I love watching you learn new things every day. The excitement on your face brings me so much joy. I love you!


Dad, every girl wants a husband like their dad. I knew Cameron was the one for me because he is a hard worker and provider just like you. Thank you for always being there for us and thank you for being a great Papa to Collin. I love you!


Mom, there are so many qualities as a wife, mother and friend I have learned from you. Patience, love, energy, generosity, forgiveness. The list goes on and on. Thank you for your love and support in all I do and thank you for being Collin's Yaya. I love you!


My Bros, you may look nothing alike but you all have a heart of gold. If I ever need anything I know I can count on you guys. Jeremiah you have a great sense of humor, Josh you are such a hard worker and Goo you are an amazing husband and father. I love you!


Don & Joan, thank you for creating quite possibly the best man ever! I'm very lucky to be part of your family. Thank you for your love and support. Collin is blessed to have you as his Grandpa and Grandma JoJo. I love you!


Grandpa & Grammy, thank you for a lifetime of fun summer vacations, the savings bonds sitting in my safe, Valentine's Day cards with $1 I remember getting until high school, movie and lunch dates for childhood birthdays and trident gum. I love you!


Deeds, Mo & Auds, thank you for always being like sisters to me. What more could a cousin ask for? My day just isn't complete if I haven't heard one of your voices. The Jackson 5 makes me smile no matter what mood I am in. Thank you for showing so much love and attention to Gummy Bear. He loves his Aunties. I love you!


Natalie, you have been part if my life for 17 years! The best laughs, memories old and new, Zeni-ya lunches, rollerblading days I could ever have are spent with you. Friend, thank you for your loyalty. I love you!

Happy Valentine's Day! I am blessed with a large circle of family and friends and I love you all. It would take me a week to name all the people that hold a special place in my heart. If you aren't mentioned above just know you aren't forgotten.

Brody O'Neill Woods

Baby Brody arrived January 31st. He is 7 lbs 3 oz of perfection. Brody looks just like his big sister Maddi.



Proud Daddy and Yaya

Brody's first day home



Maddi wasn't so sure about him. We occupied her with rubber stamps. This is about as close as she would get. She said "I'm not ready yet."

Collin on the other hand was ready to wrestle with Brody and went straight for the face.

Since I am Maddi's favorite Aunt (that's what she told me, I'm just the messenger) she requested to stay with me when Goo and Ashley went to the hospital. We love having Maddi over. She is so sweet and has the funniest little personality. We went miniature golfing at Boomers and dinner at the basque. A funny little story. After dinner we all got a dish of rainbow sherbert. Deeds hates rainbow sherbert. When Madddi noticed she wasn't eating it she said, "What's wrong? You don't like sugar?" How funny is that?

We went to the park and the kids had a blast.






Congratulations Goo and Ashley! We love you.