The 4 Woos

This Parachute Is A Nap Sack!

2009-09-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hello again! Long time, no post!
I figure this would be a good day to start blogging again, as I could really use this time of peace and quite to vent.....
Today started just about like all others. Sadie is up at 7am and Cooper to follow around 7:45am. Breakfast, change into play clothes and get ready for a play date. I was really looking forward to this one because Cooper missed out on it last time due to rain. It is a gated in sprinkler park, full of water to play and splash in.
Everything was going good. He even went potty twice in the public restrooms, with me holding him over of course. There are just a couple of problems . #1- He is two years old , and #2- he has no concept of sharing.
It is a very long and frustrating story, but what happened is it's time to get dressed and go home.......
Imagine, if you will, an octopus desperate to get back in the water with 2 toy trucks that are not his. I have never been so embarrassed in my entire life! Arms and legs everywhere kicking and swinging. The word "NO" being yelled at the top of his lungs. People whispering and picking up their children. He didn't even look like himself. He had so much anger in him. I didn't know what to do, so I picked him up with one arm and dragged poor Sadie backwards in her stroller all the way back to the van. "Gently placed" him in his car seat and slammed the door. After I calmly screamed at him about how he will NEVER see that park or his precious Airplane Sunggie ever again, I broke down into a million pieces. Thinking about the way people were staring and the look in Coop's face.
He continued to whole drive home. I explained to him that his behavior was completely unacceptable and that he would go directly into his bed when we get home. His Sunggy will be MIA until tomorrow. I sat down and wrote an apology e-mail to everyone who was there today, even to the little boy whose trucks Cooper had.
Lord, I know there will be more days just like this one. I just pray that I can handle the next one better.

Sadie 27 weeks

2009-02-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Struck Me As Funny

2009-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

On Valentine's day, Tim and I stopped at an ice cream shoppe for a night cap. We found a bench and sat down to enjoy our dessert.
In front of us was a Sleep Number Bed store. In the display window I noticed that they now sell Sleep Number Beds for dogs. Now your best friend can have the best night sleep of it's life.
Now my question is , how on earth do you know what your dog's prefect firmness is. How would you know what their sleep number would be??

Last night, Tim and I went into Cooper's room to check on him before we went to bed. Tim started to play with Coop's air plane mobile and said when Cooper out grows this stuff, I want it.
I want to make my own air plane room.
I wonder how many rooms our next house will have??

Welcome Hailey Marie Woodruff

2009-02-06T07:51:00.001-08:00

6lbs 2 oz
19 inches long
As pretty as she can be!
Congratulations Scott, Mandy and Tyler

Monster Jam 2009

2009-02-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Tim and I took Cooper to the Dolphin Stadium for the Monster Jam show. It was 38 degrees and windy. Despite wearing 3 layers and gloves, we all had a great time. Cooper watched in amazement as the trucks flew through the air. He was surprised to see motorcycles there too!

We didn't get home until 1am. He stayed wide awake the whole ride home playing with his new monster truck and yelling "Varroommm"!

I realize he doesn't look happy in any picture. It is darn near impossible to get him to smile for the camera these days. Ah boys!

Baby Bump 23 Weeks

2009-02-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hangover???

2009-01-29T07:01:00.001-08:00

WOW!! I Am Really Behind!!

2009-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

I will try to make this fast, as I am on a tight time crunch with Cooper's nap. I made the mistake and fell asleep, leaving only 30 minutes to get everything done.

Binky Update.... It took a week, but it is over! His bedtime problems are no longer a problem. He now gets to choose a toy to take to bed instead of his beloved bink. It has worked like a charm!

They have all been placed into the trash, except one. That lucky one will be bronzed to commemorate his big achievement.

He has been spending most of his time outdoors with his new swing set. He has mastered all of the things on it, including the rock wall. He does really well on the big kid swing, although, he gets mad when I refuse to push him really high in it. He does have a baby swing that gets a lot of air time. BUBBLES! LOTS OF BUBBLES!! A new obsession. I have been looking for this bubble blower that looks like a dog that cuz Tyler has, with no luck. I went out yesterday and got him a non spill able bucket for now. He is happy with that.

He is currently getting aquainted with the potty.

He also sat and watched is very first presidential inauguration. I didn't even have to ask him, he did it on his own. There is something about Pres. Obama that he loves.

Sadie news..... We had an appointment last Thurs and all is well. She is weighing in at 1.5 lbs and is totally active. The doc had a tough time getting a good look at her. She is holding in the 58th percentile. She loves to dance around 3am. You would think after listing to classical music all night, you would be tired, but not her!

Bink Detox Day 1

2009-01-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

We made it through the first 24 hours. He was fine all day. He never did take a nap until we got to IKEA. At home, he stayed in his bed awake for 45 minutes. That is not out of character for him, so I don't think it had anything to do with the bink.
When it came to bed time, that was a different story all together.
I put him in bed at 8:00pm like always, and he cried and screamed to the point of insanity for a hour. I took him out and let him stay up until Tim got home (10pm). By then, he was no problem and went right down.
I never caved and am proud of it. This is all too familiar. We went through this in his early days of getting him to self sooth and put himself to sleep.
This truly sucks. I wish he never got on it in the first place. I hope Sadie will not need one. Cooper was born without a suck reflex, so hence the bink.

He and I were playing with Tim's RC helicopter today, and it flew under the couch. He went down on the floor to get it and came up smiling and saying Mama Mama and pointing. I looked and found a stray. CRAP!
I grabbed it and told him it was dirty and brought it to the kitchen. He never said anything else!

Happy Birthday Nana!!

2009-01-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to an Awsome Nana!!! We hope you have a Great day!!

Binky Detox

2009-01-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

Last night, Tim and decided that we would start the detoxification of Cooper's addiction to the bink.
I have noticed in the past few days, that he has kept it in his mouth ALL DAY!
Ya, that's not good.
I don't want him to be so dependant on it that I have a 3 year old with one hanging out of his mouth.
So at bed time last night, he was put to bed with out it. He looked at us funny when we gave him only his sippy of water and snuggie. When he realized that was all he was to get, he kinda freaked ( a little). It was hard on us to shake up his little world like that, but seriously, it would be much worse the longer we let him get attached. So instead of him going right to sleep, it took him 10 or 15 minutes to drift off. We shall see how his first day goes. I have had to do this to many other children before and out of sight out of mind has worked the best. Cold Turkey!
I need to have more faith in him. He has handled all changes way better than we thought he would.
I have collected the ones I could find and put them away. I hope he doesn't have any stashed anywhere!

Christmas and New Years 2008

2009-01-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

We had a great and busy and long Christmas again this year. Now that we live even farther away, it had turned into state wide road trip. Thank God Cooper handled the truck rides so well.

We started with Christmas morning at home. After gifts and breakfast, we loaded into the truck and headed to Rockledge. We had Christmas dinner with my grandparents, mom and sisters. The next day, Tim and I stole away and went out on a date for the first time in months. We had a Panera lunch and seen Marley and Me. GOOD TIMES!After the movie we rushed to Cocoa to see my Nana and Dad.

The next morning we loaded back into the truck and drove to Orlando and spent the day with Tim's dad. We had a great lunch and then watched Cooper play in piles of leaves in the front yard.

That evening, we are back in the truck and drove to Eustis to spend the night with Tim's Nana. That is always fun. She has some of the best stories I have ever heard! In the morning, we are found at Tim's mom's house for dinner. Scott and Mandy and Ty came. The boys were so cute opening up their Christmas gifts. We had a great dinner and then had to leave to make it home for Tim to be at work the next morning.

Here are some pictures of our travels....

Cooper opening his new PJ's on Christmas Eve

This is the best photo I got of him in front of the tree

Couldn't hack the Christmas light walk
Opening gifts on Christmas morning
Playing with Kyler at Great Grandma's houseAvery partied too hard!In the leaves at Grandpa Woodruff's house
Nana's House
Cooper and Tyler digging in
On their new rocking elephants

Jacqui and Delainey at the Westin Diplomat Hotel on New Year's Eve Cooper and Ise taking a dip

Sadie In 4D

2009-01-03T18:58:00.001-08:00

I personally think she looks just like Cooper in the first one and Tim in the third. This is at 20 weeks. She currently weighs in at 12oz. Every time we have seen her, her hand has been somewhere near her face. Good thing she wasn't hiding this time, or we would not have gotten these amazing pictures!

And They Shall Call Her....

2008-12-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

Sadie Ann Woodruff

We have finally come up with a name for our sweet baby girl!
Since Cooper has Tim's middle name, he wanted to keep that tradition going, so she has mine.
Now, we need a face to go with the name!
Our doctor is making a movie of my sonograms with the 4D. As soon as we get it, I will post a clip.

Mind Your Own Business

2008-12-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks, Cooper has decided that he would act like a total tool if he was placed in a shopping cart or stroller. I have so much Christmas shopping left because he will give me a whole 20 minutes of quiet before he blows. I can't blame him, now that he can run, why would he want to be strapped down?
We had a very bad experience in a Target parking lot the other day. He freaked out the whole way around the store, so when we were done, I let him hold my hand to walk to the car. He did a great job, until.....
I picked him up to place him into the car, he folded and fell to the ground throwing the BIGGEST tantrum of his existence!
I calmly picked him back up and "took care of business" in the privacy of my car. Mind you, I don't beat on my child, or do anything hard enough to leave even a red mark. I think he got the idea that I was very unhappy with his behavior and didn't speak a single word the whole way home.
That was the last straw!
I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a harness with a cute puppy back pack. I always thought these things looked terrible. I still do, but he loves it.
Tim and I took him back to Wal-Mart that night to pick up his Christmas present and used the harness for the first time. He did so good. For the first time, he could walk on his "own" and have enough freedom to be happy.
The sad part is , I can't even tell you how many dirty looks I got from other people. Why can't they mind their own business? It is hard to look past the looks but I would rather have a happy, quiet and safe kid.

What Else Could Go Wrong??

2008-12-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that I HATE my dumb car. It was not my choice to get it in the first place and now I'm stuck with it. In the past two months we have dumped so much money into it.
In all fairness, the last two mishaps have been operator error but still, I feel the need to rant.
The first thing done was Tim put 4 brand new tires on it for my birthday. They are beautiful and top of the line in all categories. He wanted me to be safe driving back and forth when I go home to visit.
Then the brakes started to squeal. LOUD! So he installed new brakes pads and shoes and drums.
We thought all was well until the battery light came on. We needed a new battery. After all, it was almost 5 years old.
Two days after that was put in, the light came back on. After many test, it showed that the alternator was not charging correctly. He and my 70 something grandfather had to dig it out from under the engine ( that's a Ford) and have it tested. So that meant brand new alternator.
Everything is swell for a few days, then I hit a darn pot hole and bent the rim and ruined my brand new tire. So my Dad and his friend find me a used one at a junk yard. Tim puts my old tire on the car and is now very upset and embarrassed because my tires no longer match.
Just when you think that is all, last night after a shopping trip to Wal-Mart I find that my dumb ass locked the keys that devil car!
We called a locksmith and he came an popped it opened for us. Can you believe he charged a pregnant girl that stood out in the rain with her 1 year old for a half hour, $130. I started crying while I signed the credit card receipt. Merry Freaking Christmas to you jack ass!
Oh ya, by the way, we just paid it off. Sigh!!!

Coop Up A Tree

2008-12-11T11:17:00.001-08:00

Next Order Of Business

2008-12-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

This is the part that is supposed to be fun and exciting, but when you are married to someone like Tim, you get to sharpen your zen like state skills.
The Name Game!!
He comes up with the weirdest reasons why he doesn't like a name.
Like Drake. I liked that for Cooper. He, on the other hand said it sounds like a dirty rake. Who comes up with something like that?!
But when I ask him to give me a name he likes he says something along the lines of "Bob, or Big Brown Bear"
I do have a name in mind that I will share at a later date, as I am warming Tim up to it. I only want a name that we both like equally. It is so unfair to just make a decision for someone. I could never do that.
My only qualm is that I don't want any common names. I like that I was the only Carol in my school every year, but one ( if you can believe I found another Carol Ann in NC).
Not too huge on naming after other people either, unless used as a middle name. Kinda feels like they loose their own identity in a way.
So, I will keep you up to date on what we choose as it comes.

OK Calm Down, Here It Is

2008-12-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

I have had MANY request for a belly shot. I thought it only made sense to post one when I actually started to show. Here we are at 16 weeks and 5 days. I refuse to believe she is a girl until I get another sono in a few weeks. Until then I have resisted the urge to buy a single stitch of clothing. Even during Black Friday!

In other news, as usual I have the 9 month stuffy nose. Only now for extra fun, I have a darn sinus infection with it. Cooper has it now and Tim is starting. I love how we share!!

So enjoy the baby bump...

Woo Hoo!!!

2008-11-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it!?
Just some info about November 26.....
I quit somking 2 years ago today
I found out I was preggers with Cooper 2 years ago today, and
I get this news today!

Try To Remain Calm

2008-11-20T10:51:00.001-08:00

This has been a day from Hell!
I went head to head with the "manager" at Jennifer Leather. Apparently, my furniture order has yet again been altered. The love seat that was supposed to be here in less than 6 weeks, will
now not be in until mid January! She actually said to me that she would rather loose a sale than have a upset customer. HELLO!! Loosing a sale is an upset customer Ding Dong!
Everything she said I was able to correct. Total contradiction lady!! I had this wonderful idea to go to Ashley Furniture with my invoice from Jennifer's. Find a set like the one I found and tell the sales person if they can at least match it, I would go with them.
So, I packed Cooper and I up in the car and click -click-click....
The damn car would not start!
Tim came home and $107.23 later my car runs and now Cooper is asleep!
I am hoping I can make it to Ashley's before the lady from Jennifer's calls me back!
I hope I am doing the right thing. I really love the set we picked and have to have the sleeper sofa here before Thanksgiving. Why can't Jennifer's throw in a free area rug or something to make me happy?

He Is Such A Dude

2008-11-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this is what happened today...
I was taking pictures of Coop on my phone. so I went to look at the ones I took and I saw something weird.
I opened it up and saw a naked Asian girl!! OMG!
I called Verizon and explained that my 1 year old had been playing with the buttons on my phone and somehow went on line and downloaded it! He laughed, but said he would remove the $8 charge.
Jokingly, I said " I wonder what else he bought?!"
The guy said, well, there was a Taylor Swift song downloaded today.

Why I Am Pretty Sure I Am Having A Girl

2008-11-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

There are a few things going on that make me think this is a girl.....

Not only is my nose stuffed up again, but now it is accompanied with constant sneezing
I want to eat fruit
I don't eat everything in sight
My morning sickness came and gone in 3 weeks without throwing up
I have pounding headaches
My mouth taste like metal

Cooper In A Suit

2008-11-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, Cooper and I drove down to Cocoa for Lauren and Darrell's wedding. As it was, Cooper had an impromptu part in the ceremony. He did a good job staying quite and looking cute, although he about broke poor April's arm with his weight. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of the ceremony because it was outside and Lauren forgot about day light savings time, so it was pitch black. It ended up being very beautiful with just the glow of candles.

Cooper and Maid of Honor Aunt Melony
A "Stewie" impression
Coop and MamaThe Wedding cake. Each was a different flavor.. vanilla,pistachio, and red velvet. SO GOOD! Hailie made the cake toppers!I gave up on keeping his shirt tucked in. Lost cause!Cooper and the Bride

I Have A Date!

2008-11-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

Today is Melony's BFF, Lauren's wedding day. I have know her since she and Mel were in Ms. Lovie's preschool class together. I was to go stag since Tim has been working like a dog 8am-11pm everyday. Except yesterday. He came home at 7:00pm so we can all be together. We went out to Outback and had an over cooked Bloomin Onion and French Onion soup that tasted like straight beef broth. On the up side, there was a balloon animal maker there who made Cooper a blue poodle!
Anyway back to the point...
My Dad and Laura were to keep Cooper while I went to the wedding to watch everyone else enjoy the open bar. They both got some nasty head cold and now can't.
So now I have a date!
I am waiting for him to finish snack and we are heading to the mall in search for his first suit!
Of course I am so practical that this suit will also double as his Christmas outfit.
Also, the other day he got his first pair of Stride Rites sneakers. I held off as long as I could. Those suckers are expensive! I found a pair on sale 50% off, so I felt it was OK. I got them 1/2 size too big, so as to get longer use. He is running now and those Wal-Mart and Target ones were not holding up well anymore.
I will have pictures up when I get back home, of him in his new cloths.
Also, as soon as we get our new furnisher, I will post some of the new house.

Catching Up On Post ( In Photos)

2008-11-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!

On his way to his first house Not even scared! ( Someone told him there is candy in there!)

One house down, tons to go!

Sinpits

2008-11-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

I took Cooper to Sinpits for his 2ND "real" haircut. I thought, since this place was meant for kids that he would like it better than the barber shop.

Indeed he did! This place looks like you walked into a Dr. Seuss book. The stylist gave him a sucker and you never heard a peep out of him! She even gave him Super Man hair color ( red and blue). At the beginning of the hair cut, the child is given a token to be used after you check out to get a prize. You put it into a machine and it starts to whistle and make allot of noise and a prize drops out. Cooper got a gummy pumpkin!

Waiting his turnSuper Man Hair!Cooper has got this thing with having clean floors. Here he is sweeping up his hair.

Pumpkin Pickin' & Carving

2008-11-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

At Rockledge Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch
Cooper lovin it!

The best photo we were able to take of the finished product

We Are All Going Through The "Change"

2008-11-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying, this is not a gloating party.
I do realize that there are many Americans who are very disappointed today. As it has been since we had the right to vote, there will always be one who falls short.
Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or like me an Independant, you will always think your man deserves the chair.
Even though Obama got my vote, I am concerned many voted for him to make a point. I am proud that my country has grown up and can look past physical differences for the good of themselves and country. I hope and pray that he was voted in by all who believe he can make a difference like I think he can. One the other hand, I'm sure there were many who voted for McCain to make a point as well.
On another note, I wish McCain could have made a speech during his campaign like the one he did last night. He spoke so eloquently. He may have gotten more votes.
How amazing to be alive to see history made. Congrats Obama, I believe in you!

Moving Day Is Upon Us

2008-10-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today is my 28Th birthday and so far feels no different than yesterday. My day has been spent early voting and packing. Tim did however have a chocolate chip fudge cake delivered for me. That was a nice surprise!
Tomorrow is our big moving day. We are going to try to get the truck packed and drive it down all in the same day. We do have a lot of help loading in the morning, thank goodness! We will be down south until Monday morning. My mom and step dad will be there with us to help unpack and then we are meeting up with Scott and Mandy for the Dolphins/Bills game on Sunday. We will be living in a empty house for a week until 11/1 when Melony and her family move in. Tim also found out that his office here will be open for another month, so we will be here sporadically through Nov. At that time we will be living at my grandparents house ( out of garbage bags).
OMG how unsettling!!! Just in case you are wondering, I am dreading this!!!!!

A Night At The E.R.

2008-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

The day started out like many others Sundays. Tim cut the grass, Cooper and I hung in the house watching him through the windows. We were all excited about visiting the Brevard Zoo for their "Boo at the Zoo". Cooper would get to wear his new dragon costume and get candy.
First we had a dinner to be at with one of Tim's co workers. Cooper would only eat Ritz crackers. That would normally be weird, but he was in a new house with a bunch of people, and was distracted.
After dinner, we headed down to Melbourne. Cooper was acting very winy and uncomfortable. We assumed it was because he was sleepy. We get him in the stroller and to the gate, and PUKE!!!
We went in anyway thinking it was out of his system. He continued to through up all over the zoo so we called it a night.
While in the car, he continued still. Tim remembered that Cooper fell off of the couch earlier in the day and was worried about a concussion. I called the night nurse from his pediatrician and told her everything that was going on with him. She instructed us to take him to the ER immediately!
By the time we arrive he has now thrown up 6-8 times!
As soon as we are checked in and put in a room, he is back to his old self! Of Course!
As a precaution they wanted a CT to rule out any swelling or hemorrhaging. They gave him a sedative that took FOREVER to kick in. Finally, he falls asleep and is taken to radiology.
An hour later, the doc tells us his brain looks great and we are free to leave!
First of MANY visits to the ER, I'm sure!

Our Surprise Going Away Gift

2008-10-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

We have the best friends ever!

It all started with a long ride in the Lexus. Lauren instructed us to put on blindfolds. We had no idea where we were going, we only knew it could be in the Orlando area because when we had to go blind we were on 417.

An eternity later the car stops and we are helped out. After some pictures of us looking really stupid we took off our blindfolds and.... TA DA!! Medieval Times!!!

Never saw that coming, literaly!

It was a lot of fun! V got really into it and was thrilled that he got "Knighted" byt the king!

Our kinght was killed but we had fun anyhow!

Sir VV eating blind at the Waffel House

Oktoberfest In Celebration

2008-10-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we met up with Norm, Scott, Tyler, Mandy and her family in Celebration for their Oktoberfest street party. Cooper had fun picking out and decorating a little pumpkin. He also got to watch the "falling" of the fall leaves in the streets. He also got to meet a scarecrow selling balloons. He was totally freaked out by him, but still wanted the balloon!

Before we left, we hit up the pumpkin patch for some pictures.

Some serious decoratingCooper and TylerWatching the leaves fall
Cooper and Grandpa

Down On Green Meadows Petting Farm

2008-10-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Tim and I took Cooper to Green Meadows Farm. I have been wanting to take him there for a long time. He loves all animals and can make the sound of many farm animals, so I thought he would have fun.

The day started out hot but good. We made it about half way through the guided tour and then it poured!!! Luckily for Cooper, he had his covered wagon. I went running for shelter and poor Tim got drenched! We took that opportunity to eat lunch and by the time we were done, so was the rain.

Obliviously, a farm is nothing more that animals and dirt. This led to Cooper discovering mud puddles! He loved jumping and splashing in them. By the end of the day he was covered in mud. It was GREAT!! It was so cool to see him act like such a boy! He also got to milk a cow, ride a horse, take a hay ride and pick out a pumpkin among many other things! We will most definitely be going back!

And now for some pictures of our fun day....

Milking a Cow named "Sweetness"

On his first hayrideMud Puddlin'
Opps! My wheels got stuck in the mud!First horse ride on "Topper"On the train

Coop's Ears Got Lowered At Rick's Barber Shop!

2008-09-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, we took Cooper to get his first REAL hair cut. My Dad found this old time barber shop in Cocoa Village, and has been wanting to take him there for months! We felt this was a good time to go since his hair was growing over his ears! I had hope that he would do great, as I made sure he took a good nap and had a snack. Just to be sure, I packed his bink and beloved "Snuggy".

He looked so cute in the chair and did real well at first. Somewhere in the middle he started to get freaked because he couldn't find his hands under the cape. It just went down hill from there! The barber said he actually did well considering the kids usually scream at the sight and sound of the buzzers. He will smarten up by the next time he needs a trim!

As you can see from the pictures he did OK. The fade in the back makes him look like a "Cool Dude"

Veggie Tales

2008-09-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Someone has got to explain to me how children are programmed not to like vegetables. Out of no where, Cooper has decided that he will only eat lima beans ( on occasion). This is the same child that only a mere few months ago, chose to eat his green beans over his chicken nuggets. I thought it was too good to be true. I thought to myself " what kinda kid does that?"
Well that is over.
I am going to try to trick him tonight at dinner. I am going to make Mile High Taco Pie and mix the corn in with the refried beans. We shall see if that works. I will also be purchasing that cookbook that Jerry Seinfeld's wife wrote, on hiding veggies!
In other news, Cooper is totally off formula and bottles!! He is also working on keeping his plate on the table and trying to remember to use his fork and spoon. He is getting real close!

FYI

2008-09-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let everyone know that Cooper didn't have bottles yesterday!
I think we are done with them!!
Also, his appetite is on the up. His notorious "beer belly" had deflated from being sick. I kinda miss it.

Daily Double

2008-09-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Four days ago Cooper started to get a little runny nose. No big deal, a little wipe, done!
That little runny nose then turned into a little cough. No big deal, 2cc of Delsum, done! Doesn't take a MD to know that you can't do nothing more for a cold. Tim and I felt OK leaving him with his Granny while we went to Orlando for a while for a friends birthday. Keep Coop in doors with plenty of fluids, DUH.
When we got home that night we learned that while we were driving home our little man was puking his brains out! Not so much a cold anymore!
He woke up at 10pm screaming and continued until 3:30am. He did however take a half hour intermission around 2am while he and I drove laps around the neighborhood.
He fell asleep and as soon as the front tires hit the driveway, the break was over and the screaming returned.
Tim and I were out of ideas. Finally at 3:30am, after 5 miles of walking circles in the living room, he was out!!!!!
The next morning (Monday) he was not much different except now, he has learned how to sneeze 2 green snot rockets at a time into his mouth. Getting him to eat has been a blast! NOT!
He only wants ice water out of a sippy cup. I do think that is a blessing in disguise. I think this may end up being the end of bottles!!!
Long story short, as of this morning he has been DX with a double ear infection, sinus infection and a stomach virus!
He is one sick little boy! I am truly rethinking the idea of having 2 kids so close together. I kept thinking all night and day, " How on earth would this be possible with 2 kids under 2?"
I know it can be done, but man if I was stretched so thin with just him!
Keep Coop in your prayers for a quick recovery.

Happy Reading!

2008-09-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know posting has been very vast lately. As you may already know, we are starting a new chapter in the Woo Life. As of November, we will be residents of South Florida. Tim's company has closed up shop here and is sending him to work in the Corporate offices in Hollywood. I know, I know it sucks and it will be hard to leave our home, but I am actually looking forward to the new adventures it will bring. There are a great many programs and opportunities for Cooper and I to get into. I got myself a GPS navigation so I will know where to find things. I'm not gonna lie, this is a HUGE culture shock for us but I will make it a point to visit once a month and we are getting a house big enough for anyone to visit us.
The next few post have been added today but happened through out the month. Happy reading!

Tyler's First Birthday

2008-09-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Cooper's cousin Tyler had his first birthday 3 weeks after his. It was held at Logan's Roadhouse. There were lots of family and friends and gifts and cake!! I believe Cooper is under the impression that every day is a birthday, as we have sung Happy Birthday and ate cake every week this month! Good for the soul, not so much for the waist line!

Ty showing his walking skillsBirthday Boy, Prince Ty-TyThe boys eating dinner
Not at all loving the singing! Were we really that bad?He surrenders to the cake!"More for me!"

Hey Jacqui, Is This Great or What?!

2008-09-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Looks like Djibouti is a vacation destination!

Miami Metro Zoo

2008-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cooper and I made a trip down south for a few days while Tim was there working. I have read about the Metro zoo before and that it is one of America's top 10. Also, it is a cage free zoo, so you always get a good look at the animals. It was 90+ degrees and that place is the size of Texas! Coop didn't seem to mind, he was just so happy to see all of the animals!

Cooper LOVED the camel ride!
Cooper fell in love with all of the turtles. Here he is pointing out a Box TurtleI was amazed by the gorilla's feet. So human like. Coop feeding his favorite animal!

What We Did During Fay

2008-08-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

While everyone at home was stuck inside during the never ending Fay, Tim and I hung out in Johnson City, Tennessee! Tim was there on business and I, for pleasure!

On our first day there, we found a place called "Appalachian Caverns". It is a cave that you can tour 3 different ways.

1.You take the 1 mile Walking tour

2.You can take the 2 hour Explorer tour, where you get a little dirty from walking off the path, or...

3.You can take the 3.5 hour Wild tour, were you get completely filthy! You test your mental and physical endurance climbing over and under the rocks, in and out of the mud and so forth

Obviously, we wanted the Wild tour!! Unfortunately the next one was late at night so we opted for the walking tour. It was not a total loss because the guide let us do the practice crawl! We had to crawl under a 10 inch gap on our belly! It was unexpectedly hard to do, but now we know we can do it the next time we visit!

Tim was working during the following days so I, equipped with Mitch's GPS "Karen", hit the open road looking for fun! I found the East Tennessee State University Natural History Museum. There you can check out fossils from the Ice Age that were dug up right there at their excavation site! I also took the "Poop" tour! Very interesting!
I also spent some time in Jonesbrough. Very cute city! They host the "Story Teller" where story tellers from all over come to speak and tell their stories. I never got the opportunity to listen, but I will make sure to on our next visit.

Lastly,

Tim and I went to the Bristol Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Truck series race.We had a great get a way! Enjoy some photos of our adventures....

Us and the "Gnome"

The Test CrawlSee, our brains are the same sizeThe "crack" batA prehistoric tapiarThe Poop ExhibitThe dig site. They have found many prehistoric elephants and rhinos here!Our race tickets!Bristol Motor Speedway!!
My honey and me!!

Tons Of Photos From Coop's B-Day Bash

2008-08-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

The house is all decorated
Tyler, the Party Animal!
Josh, V, Cynthia, Kelly, and Scott (Coop's peeps)
The shirt Tim and I made

Cooper's first birthday cakes

Singing Happy BirthdayHand fulls of cake!!
"I don't want my party to end!"Coop on the carousel at Sea World"I got a Shamu!"

Happy Birthday Coop!!

2008-08-02T20:48:00.001-07:00

Cooper Ryan Woodruff 1month

Cooper,

This year was so wonderful! You are the sweetest, most funniest kid I know. I am so blessed that God chose me to be your Mama. Your Dada and I love you so much! We hope you will always know that. You have taught me so much.

Love, Mama

Fun With An Air Compresser

2008-07-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

Fork Fun!

2008-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

My Little Cookie Face

2008-07-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Cooper's First 4th Of July

2008-07-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy but fun long weekend. It is always a treat when Tim is home an extra day, so we tried to make the most of it.

It all started with the Rockledge Picnic. We met up with Dad and Laura, Nana and Uncle Jim. There, Cooper got his face painted for the first time by our friend (and local artist)Eric. Later that day, Cooper's Grandpa Woodruff came over for dinner and then we headed for Cocoa's River Front Park for the fireworks show. We got there really early to find a good place to sit, so we got to listen to the Brevard Symphony Orchestra concert. Once the fireworks started Cooper didn't cry. He just sat there and watched. Every once and a while he would clap and smile. It was cute!

On Saturday, we got up and dressed and went to the Brevard Zoo. Cooper loves to see all of the animals. After that we went home to change for Cooper's first baseball game. The Brevard County Manatees vs Daytona Cubs. He loved it! The game went into overtime and he still stayed awake until the end!

On Sunday we all slept in until 11am! Got to the beach by 2pm. For the first time, Cooper actually like the waves!

Here are some pictures of our packed weekend..

Cooper and Eric

He smudged it a little!No matter what, he wouldn't let go of his flag!Family shot!!

Cooper and Grandpa at the parkWatching fireworks with DadaChecking out a baby deerLets GO Manatees!!
Posing with Maney The Manatee

He's Back!....CRAP!

2008-07-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Barney made his first TV debut in 1988. Just in time for the arrival of my youngest sister Andrea. For years I was subjected to this dumb ass show. After about 8 years of his super happy cheerfulness she decided she had enough and moved on to her Zelda video games.

Fast forward to the present....

A few weeks ago,Tim told me that Cooper accidentally changed the channel on TV to PBS while Barney was on, and that he sat on the couch laughing and dancing for the WHOLE half hour show! I thought he may have been exaggerating and tried it myself. Sure enough he was elated to see the characters dancing around the screen. Whats worse, I was able to sing along, word for word, all of the songs! OMG!!!

Now, everyday at noon, you will find Cooper rocking to the beat!

Introducing Mr.& Mrs. Scott Gibbons

2008-06-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Scott and Kelly,

You two were absoulty beautiful today. We are so very happy for you two. I hope it was all you ever dreamed of. Thank you for being such great friends.

County Line After Party

2008-06-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

P.S.

I am fully aware that I am wearing the same dress as the last wedding!

Cynthia's Birthday At White Wolf Cafe

2008-06-23T14:45:00.001-07:00

Bride and Groom to be!
Got ya Mitch!

Scott and Lauren

Attack By Dog Cage

2008-06-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

I have told him not to go into the office by himself because something bad could happen.
This is what happens when you don't listen to your mother.
I guess he will learn from his mistakes.....

At The Park With Miss.Delianey

2008-06-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Today Cooper and I got to meet baby Delainey. She is the tiniest thing I have ever held. You wouldn't believe the lungs she possesses. Without those pipes you would never even know she was there! Our friend Christine was there also with her 3 kids. I can't believe we are all parents now! The 3 of us all met in elementary school, were girl scouts and did cheer leading together.

Jacqui called Ms.Rowlette (now Mrs.Ranu) the best high school teacher ever, and she brought her 2 kids.

The kids played hard on the playground. Then we cooled off in the water fountain. Cooper takes a while to get brave enough to go near it. Once his ball rolled into the water and no one offered to get it for him, he sucked it up and got it himself. He was fine from then on! After that we found some shade and ate lunch. The kids started dropping like flies, so we called it a day. Cooper passed out as soon as he was in the car!

This is Noah and Griffin

This little sweet thing is Riley

Cooper loved Ise

Here is lil Delainey!!!
Cooper and his Aunt JacquiDelainey and her Aunt Carol!Cooper and Bernidette

Happy Father's Day DaDa

2008-06-16T08:40:00.001-07:00

Here is the gift I had made for Tim for Father's Day.

I love how the artist captured the huge gap in Cooper's teeth. It was originally thought it would be hung in Tim's office, but since Cooper loves to look at it so much, it will grace the walls of the house!

Happy 1st Father's Day Timmy!

Kelly-Pa-Looza!!

2008-06-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Here we are at phase 1... Sleep over at Cynthia's house.

Phase 2... Cocoa Nuts at the Beach!

Phase 3... The Melting Pot for dinner

Phase 4... All night dance fest at Red Heads!!

Ta Da!

2008-06-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night the 3 of us took a trip to Orlando to meet up with one of Tim's customer and friend , Harald. He had just made the long trip from Germany and we all were going to go out for dinner. We had a reservation at Texas De Brazil. I was very excited about this. I had always wanted to go there. If you like meat, I highly recommend it. You start out with this crazy huge salad bar that has EVERYTHING you could possibly think of and then some. For dinner they give you a paper disc,one side green and one side red. On green, servers come from everywhere with different kinds of meat on skewers and give you as much as you want until you flip over to red!

Cooper was getting board, so I took him over to the bar area where there were couches. The bartenders loved him and were giving him lemons and cherries to snack on.

At desert, I had my favorite Creme Brulee and shared it with Cooper. This is where he shocked me!

I had a tiny spoon for my coffee and handed it to him. He actually fed himself correctly with it!

Also, saying Mama is a frequent thing for him now!!!

Cooper showing us his wine "tasting"

I Need A Dx Please

2008-06-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, for 2 weeks now I have been getting these unbelievable muscle and joint pains. They are completely crippling. I am currently fighting an episode right now. I am hoping the movement from typing will help loosen my wrist up. On Sunday morning, I asked Tim to take me to the ER ( I never, ever want to go there for anything, so just the thought of me asking was scary.) I should have known that it wold be a colossal waist of time. They took a CBC and said we can't see anything from this. Go home and take Ibuprofen and call your primary care. Biggest waste for $250! I should have known better.
My doc got me in the next day and set me up for a Thyroid ultrasound( my results were a smidgen low). I also had blood work done to check for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Lupus.
I will put this pain into prospective..
It is as if I did a complete ass kicking workout for the fist time in my life. Every muscle and joint from my jaw to the bottoms of my feet are in enormous pain. I couldn't stand on my own. Just lying still hurts. Tim had to do EVERYTHING for me Sunday morning. Then it just goes away!
I never know when to expect it back. I was great when I went to bed, but this morning, I couldn't pick Cooper up when he was crying. Tim has been missing work to help me with him.
I need this to be fixed. Please pray for me.

What To Do?

2008-06-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

I need some advice.
Today, I received a call from my office manager from Dr. Widick's office.
She called to ask me to come back to work for them. Anyone who knows me, knows that I loved working for Doc Widick. Now I am faced with the decision on whether to help our family financially, or miss out on quality time with Cooper. I love the idea of actually having a "real" job again and being part of a great team. But then it almost breaks my heart to leave Cooper in the care of a daycare worker until August when my grandmother comes back. Then what do I do with him when she has to leave again??
I know it would be good for Cooper to be around other kids his age, but I will miss out on so much. He is learning all kinds of things now and I don't want to be all surprised when he does something new and then find out he has been doing it for a week and that someone else taught it to him.
On the other hand, it would be a huge relief on Tim if we had more money coming in.He works very hard for us and in that sence I feel like such a loser not being able to help out with it.
I am VERY torn and could use some of your thoughts.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lewis

2008-06-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Your wedding was as beautiful as the two of you. May you always be in love and as happy as you were this night. We love you both and could not be more thrilled for you.

Congratulations!

Bring On The Bachelorette!

2008-05-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Melissa's bachelorette party at Howel at the Moon....

When Your Sliding Into First And You Feel Something Burst..

2008-05-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, diarrhea.
Well at least his fever is gone!
His blood test this morning showed all of his numbers going up. She also found an ulcer in the back of his throat. That confirmed the virus. But now he is back to that happy, playful little boy.
Me on the other hand, still feels like crap. I am tring to take it easy today as I am going to my friend Melissa's bachlorette party tonight.
So, that it all as of today.

Delainey Rose McDowell

2008-05-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here she is, my new baby niece! She was born May 27,2008 at 8:55am; 7lbs 1oz.

Isn't she the most beautiful thing you have ever seen!?

And might I add Cooper's future girlfriend/wife!!

Congratulations Luke, Jacqui and the new big brother Ise!!!

We love you all and can't wait to meet Miss. Delainey!

Poor Cooper

2008-05-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

While spending the day at our friends Scott and Lauren's house yesterday, we noticed Cooper was acting a little out of sorts. He wasn't the happy, smiley boy we all know. He was very whiney and clingy. Nothing could make him happy. We just figured he was tired.

We got home and put him to bed. Then he woke up at 4am. Then 6am. Then 8am. At 6am he felt a little warm, so I gave a some Tylenol. Tim was with him at 8am and told me Cooper isn't acting right. We took his temp and it was 102.3! OK time to call a doctor!

They did a throat culture, because I have had strep this week. That came back negative.

Then they did a WBC. That came back a little low, obviously. He was one unhappy camper.

So now he is asleep. I got his fever down to 101.0

It is so awful when he is sick. It is very weird that to him, being with me makes him feel better. Very amazing the magic healing powers you acquire when you are Momma!

Oh ya, by the way..

Apparently he said Momma 3 times yesterday and I missed it every single time!

Sea World 2008

2008-05-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my Dad, Step mom, Cooper and I took a trip to Sea World. Despite the heat, humidity, and rain we had a blast. Cooper missed the sea lion and otter show, as he got freaked out by the loud noises.He loved watching the sharks and fish swim around their tanks. Shamu didn't really impress him as much as looking at the hundreds of people in the stands.

After a much needed nap he was energized and ready for some fun! We took him to Shamu's Happy Harbor to ride some rides. He rode the carousel all by himself! He and his Grandpa took a spin in the Swishy Fishy ride. Then, with some uncertainty on our part, he rode a crab ride that takes you up in the air and then drops you fast over and over. He was so brave and didn't cry and actually liked it! He got lots of high fives from other guest at the park who couldn't believe he rode it (including the ride operator)!! He did look funny as heck sitting there with the harness covering all of him but his feet!

Enjoy some pictures of our day!

Grandpa tells Cooper the name of EVERY fish!Cooper sees a shark!!

Taking a spin with GrampsMy brave boy!I told you he looked funny!

In a Land Far Far Away

2008-05-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful wife and precious son:

Today I had a long and interesting day. I had 22 hours of sunshine, I saw the frozen lakes of Canada, the snowy mountains of Alaska, the shores of Russia, and the rice fields of Japan. But despite all of that, I couldn't stop thinking about the two of you. I miss you both very much, and I love you more than I could ever describe. I look forward to seeing you on Friday. Give each other lots of kisses from me.

Love,

Tim (Husband and Dada)

(A picture of my plane just before boarding)

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!

2008-05-16T14:34:00.001-07:00

Can you believe the day has finally come?
There are only a handfull of us that can really appreciate this. Everyone else will continue to think we are HUGE NERDS!
I am happy to see that Joey has kept his hat with the top cut out. I made one myself with my Debbie Gibson hat. I wish I would have held on to it. That style may come back!!
Donnie is still that sexy bad boy I remember.
For the first time ever, I can sing at a higher pitch than all of them!

Need Some TP Do Ya?

2008-05-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

I knew he would find it someday!

Cooper Update

2008-05-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

Cooper has been learning tons of new things these past few weeks that I would like to share....

1.His vocabulary consist of "DaDa, BaBa, and Yea!!"Still no MaMa to be heard! :-(

2.He gives five for a job well done.

3.He waives hi and bye. While yelling "Yea!"

4.He claps for just about anything. While yelling "Yea!"

5.He can't say it yet, but if you ask him to find his ball, he will!

6.He pulls himself up on anything. (Including the dog)

7.And... he now has five teeth!!!

This is getting to be bitter sweet. I love to watch him learn, but it is hard to watch him turn into a kid.

Here is some photos of Coop in action

Brevard Zoo

2008-04-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Grandma, Andi, Cooper and I took a trip to the zoo! Cooper had tons of fun checking out all of the animals. I got to know the animals VERY well as I was bitten and pooped on by two different birds. As well as peeded on by a monkey! Fun huh?!
We helped baby dinosaures find their mommas and took a train ride
Cooper loved the giraffes. He recognized them from his favorite part of his Baby Einstein video.He got to pet him and feed him crackers.We watched the sea otters eat their lunch and swim around. Cooper also touched a milk snake!!

The walk ways of the zoo is paved with bricks.I made on when I was in grade school and have been looking for it for about 20 years. Well, I finally found it!!! The blue jewel I put on it has broken off, but you can still read it!!!

Does This Freak Anyone Else Out?

2008-04-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I Love My New Snack

2008-04-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

God bless Gerber for inventing Graduates finger food puffs!
Did you know, you can eat 65 pieces for only 25 calories?!
My current fave is the new peach , although the strawberry is good also!
Oh ya, Cooper loves them too!

Tim Is 30!!!!

2008-04-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday baby! We hope you had a great time at the Fantasy Of Flight!

We love you

Carol and Cooper

Here are some photos of the beach party held in Tim's honor last weekend and some from our trip to the aviation museum......

Ok, so I under estimated the amount of pictures a little! You only turn 30 once!

As you can see, Cooper totally LOVED the airplanes.He makes his DaDa so proud!

Five Things That Are Lame,Followed By Five Things That Don't Suck...

2008-04-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

Things That Are Lame

1.Tupperware Dishwasher Fill Up

This is when you open the dishwasher, only to find that ALL of the containers you put in, are now all right side up and filled with water.

2. Teething Infants

Baby, I know it hurts, but if you won't open your mouth to eat you will starve.If you won't open wide enough for ANY kind of medicine to go in, it will continue to hurt.

3.Wal- Mart Employees

We all know that you don't get paid enough to care, but if you don't do some work and help me find something I'm looking for...well....... I guess it don't matter, you will still have a job.

4. Spring Snotty Noses

Every friggin year I get a cold that just will not go away.

5. Teaching An Old Dog..Tricks She Has Forgotten

We just got Avery back from my grandparents after 2 years.She has completely forgotten how to stay of the couch.

Things That Don't Suck

1. Tim

He is so wonderful. I can even look past the sarcasim. He is so dedicated to Cooper and I. When we first met, he said he never wanted kids.He turned out to be Super Daddy(and has wanted another one since Coop was 2 months old)

2.Cooper

I can't even begin to start. You are amazing. You can really ware me down at times and just as soon as I want to loose it, you start to laugh at me and completely fix it!

I love to hear you say "DaDa". I'm not dumb, I knew you would say that first! It kills me when you give five! Yesterday morning, when I came to get you out of bed and you were standing there waiting for me, Wow! I love you!

3. Wal-Mart Prices

No matter how many times I say it,there is no way I can stop shopping there. You really tick me off, but you save me thousands of dollars each year. Your commercial says so.

4. My After Baby Bod

I know I complain, but I am thankful for no strech marks. Thanks God

5. 11:30am Church Service

We have been going to church now for a few weeks that we both like.It is perfect for 4 reasons..

late morning service
1 hour long
awsome preacher
great message

Happy Birthday Jac

2008-04-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

To my dear friend on your 27th year!
You will always be my BE FRI as I am ST ENDS!

Happy Birthday Jacqui!!!!
We hope you enjoy your day.
Love,
Tim, Carol, & Cooper

Beautiful Boy

2008-04-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Taken by Cooper's Aunt Elizabeth

XOXO

2008-03-31T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 365th day of our marriage! To celebrate this, we had put together a great mini vacation in Orlando. Tim got us this huge 2 bed, 2 bath condo at the Blue Heron Resort in Down Town Disney! We were on the 20th floor and could see all of Orlando, all the way to the airport.After we checked in we had dinner Christinis'. Wow!! It was so beautiful and the food was delicious. After that we hurried to catch our show, Cirque de Soleil La Nouba. We handed our tickets and the lady said,"These were for yesterdays show."! Oh well, nothing we could do so we walked around Pleasure Island and then back to the hotel.

We still had a great time just being together.I am so blessed to have found someone who cares so much for me. The first two verses in our wedding song rings so true...

I never understood before, I never knew what love was for. My heart was broke, my head was sore what a feeling. Tied up in ancient history, I didn't believe in destiny. I look up, you're standing next to me what a feeling. What a feeling in my soul. Love burns brighter than sunshine. Let the rain fall I don't care. I'm yours and suddenly your mine, and its brighter than sunshine.

I never saw it happening. I'd given up and given in. Just couldn't take the hurt again, what a feeling. I didn't have the strength to fight, but suddenly it all seemed so right. Me and you what a feeling.

Thank you Tim for everything you do. I love you more today than yesterday! Happy 1st Anniversary!

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Like any other holiday, things were busy. Saturday day time we met at my grandma's house for a "Turkey Dinner Lunch". Cooper colored an egg blue and then broke it in his mouth! He got to play with his aunts,Grandmas and grandpas.After we ate we headed to Orlando to spend the night at Tim's dad house. Easter morning, surprising to all of us, we had showered,eaten and watch Coop make a huge mess on the floor with Easter grass all before 9:30am!!! He was adorable tearing into his very first Easter basket. The Easter Bunny was so smart to put child proofing locks in his basket!

That morning we went to church with Norm. Cooper has never gone to church before. I was unsure how he would act. Just like him he slept right through the singing! As soon as service started he felt the Lord and made up his own hymns!! It was cute.

After church we drove to Eustis for a cookout with Tim's mom and family. Tons of good food and conversation! Little Robert gets major props for his delicious deserts he prepared with Nana!I would have to say, we had a very nice Easter!

Phil partied too hard!

Just In Case There Was Any Question

2008-03-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

( The sticker reads "infant" )

War Bird Air Show 2008

2008-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend Cooper, Tim, Norm and I went to the War Bird air show at the TICO airport in Titusville . Tim has been looking forward to bringing Coop to this for months. We took a walk down the flight line to get an up close look at the planes that are used in the show. My favorite is the bi-plane, there were three of them there! Cooper loved the ones that had some sort of flag on it. (And the ones that had ladies around to gush all over him!!) The show was super cool. The F15 and F16 were so loud! We had ear plugs for the little one, in case you were wondering. It was exciting to see the planes that were used to protect our freedom. The old pilots had to be having a blast playing up in the sky! Cooper was a trooper to be hanging out in the hot sun for so long. He and his grandpa took many walks around the place to calm him down.He totally sacked out when we got in the truck.

Vacation With Kelly

2008-03-12T13:47:00.001-07:00

My cousin Kelly came down to Florida for her spring break. Unfortunately she brought the cold weather with her! We made it to the beach once where she got the sunburn she came for! We went to Kennedy Space Center with Grandma, Melony and Jeremrey. I have not been there since 8th grade. It was interesting. I think I liked the I MAX the best. Cooper actually sat through it for the whole 45 minutes. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't nervous about him making a scene but he did real good! The shuttle launch experience was OK. Not what it was hyped up to be.

Tim, Kelly and I also drove down to Titusville at 10pm and set up camp on the side of US1 to watch the shuttle launch. For about 5 hours we hung outside with a good 100 people until the 2:28am launch. It was unreal!! It has been since the mid 80's since I did anything like this. It totally lit up the night sky as if it were the middle of the day. Beautiful!!! The only thing was that it only lasted a few seconds until it went up into the clouds.

Here are some photos of our "vacation"

Big Boy Bath

2008-02-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

I remember seeing an old picture of myself in the bath. I was sitting in this ring thing that was suctioned to the floor of the tub.I was trying to explain this to a 17 year old boy at Toys R Us. He had no clue as to what I was trying to say. So instead, I got an inflatable tub. I do believe that this was a better idea anyway. Cooper LOVES it!

He has so much room to play now.

Also, in other news..

I decided it was time to retire his swing. This was much more harder on me.I loved that thing. It kept me sane during the times when he was inconsolable.I'm sure that if I actually looked at the owners manual, he most likely went way over the max weight limit a long time ago.I was too afraid to look. Once he was able to reach the animals that spun around the top, and his feet were practically hanging over the front, I broke down and told Tim it needs to go into the attic.

Good bye old faith full helper, I will be seeing you when we have another little one.

An Afternoon at Lake Eola

2008-02-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, we met Scott,Mandy and Tyler at the lake for an afternoon of chillin and feeding duckies! Coop and Ty had fun playing and tring to figure each other out. They can both sit on their own now so that makes it much more fun to watch! Tyler thought feeding the birds and ducks was the funniest thing he has ever seen! He was so cute cracking up as Mandy threw bread in the air for the birds to catch.Cooper on the other hand was getting kinda freaked out watching them fight in mid air over the bread. There wasn't too many melt downs on the boys part so in all it turned out to be a nice outing!

Off The Wagon....Almost

2008-02-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

This teething thing has affected me almost as much as poor Cooper. I barely made it out today for our "work out". If I leave his sight, you would think I pulled his arm off. He is only happy when he is being carried or asleep (that is a job in itself). I know the little guy is in pain and I wish he didn't have to feel it. It is making us both crazy and tired.I know Tim hates missing out on Coop's life during the week, but I will gladly trade with him right now! I need a NAP!!

Coopers Got Toofers

2008-02-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Cooper and I met Tim at his office for lunch. Coop had been acting weird ( by weird, I mean totally cabby) all day. He was not into eating babyfood at all. I was getting worried that he was getting sick.As we leave Kelsey's pizza in the rain Coop grabbs my finger and bites the heck out of it. I felt a little razor blade in his mouth! No way!! Tim comes over and confirms that he has not one but his two bottom teeth on their way in!
Now, ever since we made this discovery,Cooper will not let anything near his mouth but his bottle.He still won't eat food from a spoon either. You have to look hard in the bottom picture but they are there.
Also,If anyone has any advice to ease the pain or can tell me how long it takes for teeth to make it all the way out please let me know.

Beauty Tips By Audrey Hepburn

2008-02-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

For attractive lips
Speak words of kindness

For lovely eyes
Seek out the good in people

For a slim figure
Share your food with the hungry

For beautiful hair
Let a child run his fingers through it daily

For poise
Walk with the knowledege that you will never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored, revived, reclaimed and redeemed, never throw out anyone

I'm Bringing Sexy Back...Yea!!

2008-02-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Ok, it has been a month since my last check in with Operation Skinny Jeans and let me tell you I have been totally dedicated to it. Every single day Cooper and I walk 2 miles in the morning.If there is a rain delay we make it up in the evening and if we miss it all together we make up the laps the next day.Thanx to Kelly Rippa I have a squat exercise. I hold my stability ball out in front and squat while "writing" the alphabet with my arms. Man, what a work out on the bum!! I have also found a way to curve my need for sweets. I keep a can of Ready Whip in the fridge and if I need a sugar fix, I squrit a shot of it. My lunches have changed too. I love the 100 calorie or less Progresso soups. I will usually have that with a Yoplait or a piece of cheese. So here is the progress made in just 4 weeks.....

Last month
150 lbs
35 in waist
23.5 in thigh
40.5 in bum

Currently
143 lbs
33 3/4 in waist
22.5 in thigh
40 in bum

Can you believe it!! Oh ya, last Friday I added a new goal. I will not stop untill I look good in boy shorts again!
Wish me luck for next month

Our Fun Filled Weekend

2008-02-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun this weekend.It included alot of first for the Coopster.It all started on Saturday morning when we headed down to the river for Cooper's cousin Kyler's first birthday party. There he got to go down a slide for the first time! He didn't seem to care as much as we did. After the party we went to the beach for the rest of the day. Cooper had fun even though the water was too cold to go swimming in.He got to play with his Auntie Cynthia and watch as Daddy blew tons of bubbles! He didn't take a nap all day and when we got home he barely made it through his dinner and bath!On Sunday we headed to Melbourne for a Super Bowl party at V's house. Cooper absoulty loved playing "football".He almost made it through the whole game! Thank God for weekends like this!

Happy 50TH Mom

2008-01-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday my mom turned 50. Melony, Andrea, and I conspired to throw her a surprise party. I have never done anything like this before so I was nervous about it not coming together. I wanted to do this because to my knowledge, she has never had a real party. At least not since she was in school, so I thought she would really love it! I wanted to make the whole day special. There were surprises through out the day. Starting with a " Over the Hill" award pin that she was instructed to wear all day.When she left for work at 4am she would find it in her car.Then as she pulled out of the garage she saw a "Debbie is 50" sign in the yard with balloons that Tim and I placed there around midnight! After her lunch break at work, Andrea and I delivered black flowers and a balloon to her. Then while she was working,we completely destroyed her van. I'm talking about balloons shoved in the inside and writing on EVERY window and streamers all over! All of this leading up to the party! I told her we were taking her out to dinner and she was to pick us up. Then Surprise!!!!! I even had my grandma from Tampa drive over to be there! Here are some pictures of the fun....

Little Miss. McDowell

2008-01-23T15:37:00.000-08:00

Today my friends Jacqui and Luke learned they are expecting a GIRL in June!!! I have been checking her blog ALL day long for the news and I couldn't be happier for them! I immediately had this huge urge to go shopping! I am so happy to have my boy, but there is still this tiny itty bitty thing in me that longs to buy little pink dresses. Now I get to! WOO HOO!!
Congrats Jac, Luke and Big Man Ise, we are so happy for you! Ding Ding Ding.... time to bring on the name wars! We love y'all

A Run Down While I Wait for Tim To Get Home

2008-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I was completely shocked to learn that a pickle is actually a cucumber.
I hate cucumbers.
I love pickles.
No matter how much I hate to admit it,my mom has been right on a few occasions.
I didn't start getting along with Melony until I turned 19 and moved out.
Did you know an airplane can't fall out of the sky due to turbulence?
Jacqui and I have remained friends since 1985
I have known her longer than I have known my sister Andrea
I have made a few bad calls on guys I have dated
I still can't believe I found Tim
Anyone who knows him should consider them self lucky
My favorite food is spaghetti, I could eat it everyday
I would make it tonight if I didn't already make it the other day
The hospital actually let ME take a newborn home! Yikes!!
I am so happy I got the hang of it
Cooper is not happy today,he got shots :(
I don't know any current songs on the radio
I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen
OMG I'm my mother
I promised I wouldn't let that happen either

2008-01-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

I am trying very hard to get back to my old habits of good eating practices. A book titled "Skinny Bitch" was my inspiration before. I think I should break it back out! This weekend I kept up with my two laps around the entire neighborhood.Tim even joined in. We also played tennis. Cooper never lets us play very long, but we played long enough to break a sweat. Mainly due to running after the balls. We are not very good! Also, I wanted to share a cool website I found.In honor of Operation Skinny Jeans, it ask a few questions about your body size and problem areas you may have and gives you a list of jeans by brand and style that suit you best! give it a try! www.zafu.com

A Message From Cooper

2008-01-13T14:50:00.000-08:00

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With Love, Cooper

Um Duh.....

2008-01-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

My bad! I never blogged about our Christmas! We have had allot of request! Christmas eve morning we went to Orlando to visit with Norm,Scott,Mandy,Tyler and Nikki. We had lunch and then gave gifts.Cooper opened his first present ever,a high chair! He was so funny ripping it to bits and then eating the paper!Tyler on the other hand wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to do! That night we headed back to Cocoa to go to Cooper's GiGi's house and had dinner and gifts with my dad,step mom and uncle.Christmas morning we had my mom,step dad,grandparents,sisters,brother in law and Tim's dad over for breakfast and more gifts.And finally that night we drove to Eustis to Nana's house for dinner and more gifts with Tim's mom,step dad,nana,aunts,uncle and cousins! We had a very busy yet totally fun couple of days.Here are some photos...

I Am Requesting a Do Over

2008-01-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

OK maybe it was a bad idea to start Operation Skinny Jeans during the Christmas season. I blame my mother in law and nana in law for being the best desert makers known to man! No,seriously I didn't even set a goal. I have to get it in my head that the pounds will not come off as easy as they used to before Cooper.Really I have been through allot in a short amount of time.Quitting smoking,having a baby and birth control did a number on me.So here it is.....

My Goal:
125 lbs
30 in waist
21.5 in thigh
35 in bum

Currently:
150 lbs
35 in waist
23.5 in thigh
40.5 in bum

Gerber Baby

2008-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Coop started on stage 1 baby food. I was very excited about this.I love watching his face as he discovers new things.It went WAY better than I thought it would.He ate bananas,peaches and carrots. He is a pro already!

Tonight I added mashed potatoes to the menu.He couldn't get enough! Most definitely my kid!!

We're Not Conceited

2008-01-06T17:34:00.001-08:00

Tonight Tim and I had this discussion about what we think is our best feature.I think Cooper's best feature is his bright blue eyes. I said I like it that I have green eyes and the toes on left foot are very uneven,but everyone knows that!Then Tim said he thinks his face is his best feature! I said I agreed but asked why he thinks that.He said "because it's symmetrical". Only my engineer would come up with that! I love him so much!!

Thought You Would Like These Pictures

2008-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

Here is our Cooper playing on his enormous new puppy dog that Tim just had to get for him.This monkey has turned into his favorite tag a long companion.Thanx Aunt Betty for the super cool monkey! The second one was an accident,we were getting ready for his bath and I felt so inclined to take it! Look at big boy sitting up by himself!

No More KFC

2007-12-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday,I went to Sally's Beauty Supply to purchase what Cynthia calls "sticky boobs"for some shirts I got for Christmas. I asked the woman working there if they are returnable.She said no and that I should check the size.I told her the size it is,is the size I wear.Then she said "Well aren't you"as she rubbed her belly.I'm like "Uh...no"Then she tried to play it off that she thought my shirt looked like a maternity top.I'm rethinking my lunch decision!