Because of the Brave!!

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

These are a few of the brave men in my life who I would like to thank today. 

 Kevin Woods

My Dad 

Served in the United States Army 1986-1994

Veteran of Operation Desert Storm

 Howard David Ferrin

My maternal Grandfather

United States Navy U.S.S Kittyhawk

 1962-1966

Kenneth Puckett

My amazing husband

United States Navy

My Father in law (United States Navy 1977-1999) and Step-father (United States Army 1977-81) are also veterans. I'm so proud to be related to so many brave men. 

To all Veteran heroes and she-roes I am eternally grateful for you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice
and your courage.

Thank You!!

Wordless Wednesday

Adventures in Big Boy land

My baby boy turned 7 months old yesterday. I can not believe it. I fully realize that every day is a blessing, every milestone a miracle, but a part of me wishes I could just stop time. Stop him from growing bigger, keep him my little baby boy forever. Two days before we went on our trip we received the go ahead to start Kevin on solids (rice cereal, baby food, etc.) However, I was nervous with his tummy issues (which on a side note he has an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist on the 26th of this month to further look into his GERD)  about starting something two days before we were set to travel in case he had a reaction. I also didn't want Ken to miss out on Kevin's first time trying big boy baby food so we waited until we came back. Then Kevin got sick so we are just barely getting around to it. Wow, I am so good at getting distracted from the main point it's horrible anyway here are some pictures of his first food experiences.

 In his bumbo chair trying rice cereal and squash.

 I think he likes it. 

(Please excuse my hideous "Hoarders Corner" we cleaned out our storage and I'm still in the process of putting stuff away...or finding room for it.)

 "OH thank you Jesus it's real food"!!!

 The best part is the cute mess they make right?

 Tonight in his brand new highchair trying carrots..yum!!

 I think he has the "open up" part down.

Such a beautiful boy he absolutely melts my heart!!

Along with his new big boy eating habits he is now sleeping in his own room in his crib. Lately he has been getting up when Ken does at 5:30, eating and going back to sleep until 8. We decided that he might be ready for his own room. We have tried to take as many naps in his crib as possible so that when we did this transition it wouldn't be a complete surprise and I am happy to report that last night was his first night and he slept in this morning until 7:30. Tonight is his second night in his big boy crib and he put himself to sleep when we laid him down. I'm hoping that the transition continues on a smooth note. 

Happy November Everyone!!

You know you're in Idaho when....

(lawn mower rides with Great-Grandpa...priceless)

 Kevin and I spent some time with my Grandparents while in Idaho. I have absolutely no clue why I didn't snap any pictures last time we were there of the three of us but I made sure to get one this time. My Grandparents are amazing and I honestly don't know where I would be without them in my life. They have been a constant support system in my life, and an amazing example of what true love and acceptance is. I appreciate and love everything they have done for me.

BTW My Grandparents have been married for 54 years and they are still absolutely head over heels in love!!

 

Our fall trip to Washington

 On our 7th plane ride!! Yep he is pretty much this happy the entire time.

On September 25th Kevin and I set out for another trip back home. We landed in Portland that night and stayed with my sister in Vancouver, Washington for the next 2 1/2 weeks. It was a really special trip back because I was surprising my dad for his birthday and he loved it. We hid in his bedroom closet and Kevin cooperated very well, making sure he didn't make a peep. Then my dad's girlfriend asked if they could talk and brought him in. We waited a couple of minutes and opened the door and yelled "surprise". The look on his face was priceless!

 Spending time with "Bampa". Ken refers to this as Kevin squared. 

 Blowing out the birthday candles on the pies.

 My Dad with all of his Grandchildren.

 Our three generation photo.

While on vacation Kevin learned to share. (seen here snuggling with Uncle Kaleb)

 He learned how to match. (My dad and I found these super cute Carter outfits at Costco and had to get them for our boys)

Mommy learned how to multitask.( While I was feeding Kevin, Kaleb came up and insisted on having a story read to him.)

After all of the playing, visiting, sharing and traveling he was so exhausted.

 

 And again we were able to take a picture of my sisters and I with our babies. 

(10-11-2010)

And last time we took one.

(5-31-2010)

My baby is getting so big!!

It is so amazing to be able to go back home and spend time with everyone. Ken and I have decided to stay home for the holidays this year but are planning a HUGE trip in the spring so we can celebrate Kevin's first birthday with everyone. After our 2 1/2 weeks in Washington we spent 9 days in Idaho and I will post about that later.

ZOO BOO

Today we had such an amazing day. Kevin was finally acting 100% so we went to ZOO BOO at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. It started at 10 am but when we tried to go last year we realized the parking lot fills up very fast so this year we arrived at 9:30, got really great parking and stood in line. At first it seemed like we were the only parents dressed up but after a while more and more enthusiastic parents like us showed up which was awesome. My favorite thing about the day was seeing all of the kids in costumes. Some of my favorites were a dad dressed in all yellow as the man in the yellow hat complete with a curious George (his son). A little girl dressed as mother nature, she won the costume contest for infants to 2. There were some amazing home made costumes. It was so much fun. We also went on the train ride which had character performances going through out the zoo. This is definitely something we are going to be doing next year. I highly recommend it for families!!  And now here are some pictures!

 On the train ride.

 A performance by peter pan and captain hook.

 The sorceress and her pet spider.

 Right before the costume contest.

 The zoo volunteers had some of the best costumes, I loved it.

The sorcerer, sorceress, and spider.

 

 Animal pumpkin smashing... so much fun to watch.

 In order for his spider hat to stay on we had to secure it with one of my black headbands, which doubled as a fun teether. Haha

It was an awesome day. I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween!!

Leave of Absence

Well I had an amazing time on vacation and I will have to blog about it at another time because as soon as we arrived back little man developed an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. In other words it has been very chaotic in the Woods-Puckett household. Along with Kevin's illness Ken started to not feel well last night and came home this morning from work. I also had unpacking to do, and since we emptied out our storage unit all the contents filled a corner of our living room which made me feel like I belonged on an episode of Hoarders so I have also been tackling that mess, and going back to work. Whew... I am one tired Momma. As soon as I get an extra 20-30 minutes I will start blogging again. Wish me luck that my boys start feeling better!!