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Happy Birthday Davis!

Davis turned 1 today! Yesterday I had mixed emotions all day. I was excited for the little guy because 1 is such a big milestone, but I was also sad that he would no longer be considered a baby. It seems this past year went by TOOFAST! It's true with the 2nd baby you don't have as much time to capture every moment, sit on the floor as often and just play, read as many books, sing as many songs or do group activities as much as you do with the 1st one. Jack is very lucky that he had so much Mommy and Daddy alone time for his 1st 17 1/2months. Unfortunately, Davis didn't get as much one on one time because 2 kids is definitely double the work... BUT Davis has a wonderful big brother to look up to and he will always be the"baby". I'm excited to get some personal time with my little guy soon. Jack has started school 3 days a week for 2 hours, so that will be my time to bond with Davis. I still can't believe he is 1!! I feel extremely blessed to have such a happy beautiful baby!

We celebrated his birthday in New Jersey this year with 80 family and friends! Aunt Janie really out did herself helping plan Davis' birthday party. She had a special vintage airplane smash cake made, balloons, hats, gifts and the most wonderful food spread you could imagine. Maria Bolton made a 100 cupcakes for the event - so sweet! It was a special event since this was the first time many of the extended Woods family got to meet Davis. My Dad (Granddad) and Uncle Chuck came up from Baltimore for the special occasion. Everyone had a great time!

The next morning we finally opened the generous gifts people brought... or should I say Jack opened all of Davis' gifts for him :) The boys had a great time playing with all the new toys and reading the books. It was a successful NJ birthday.

Jack, Davis and I flew home from NJ on the 7th, so on the 8th we celebrated by opening a few more presents and eating cupcakes. Daddy sent a basket of balloons and a few special toys since he couldn't be there on the actual date.

I'm still sad that my little guy is 1 and that a year has gone by so fast, but I'm also excited for the many new milestones that this year will bring. Happy Birthday Davis! Love, Mommy

Jack feeding Davis

Jack has been feeding Davis regularly now which is very funny considering Jack never eats and Davis is always eating! I guess we will just say it's brotherly love!

Off to the park...

Now that Davis is walking everywhere both boys are enjoying an afternoon at the park! Davis is interested in all the different activities and loves to climb up the slide. I remember this fondly with Jack. We have a great time whenever we go to the park even though we have a "park" in our backyard :)

Wiggles Concert

Jack had a special date with Mommy to see the Wiggles live in concert. Everyone knows Jack is the Wiggles #1 Fan, so to say he had a good time is an understatement. Jeff, Sam and even Captain Feathersword walked by Jack in the aisle! He was star-struck to say the least! We had a great time and I can't wait to take the whole family back the next time they are in town.

Day out with Thomas

By now you all know Jack LOVES trains! He is always playing with his trains! Trying to make the longest train possible and pushing it around the track. He could spend hours at his train table or on his portable train table... so it made sense to me to purchase tickets to Day out with Thomas at the Illinois Railway Museum. What a special event for any little boy! The highlight of the day was riding Thomas. Jack was in awe of Thomas and looked for him throughout the day. This is so funny because we rarely ever watch the Thomas the Train show. Both boys had the best time on the 20 minute train ride that had Thomas as the engine. Davis was really having a good laugh with the ladies in behind us and was flirting a ton! I think we will definitely be back next year!

1st Day of Pre-School

My little boy is all grown up and as I'm typing this tears are running down my face...

I'm so proud of him and can't believe he is now going to pre-school! These past 2 1/2 years flew by!! Everyone warned me and I knew they were speaking from experience, but when you are in the "moment" or a "phase" you feel like they will never grow past that difficult stage and grow up and then when they do, you wish they were still your little baby. Sadly, my little guy has grown up even if it's just to the next stage - preschool... I shouldn't say sadly because I'm also extremely happy for him and so excited for this next chapter of his young life.

I guess Jack knew something was happening today because at 8:15AM he was still sleeping! I had to go in his room to wake him up so he wouldn't be late on his first day. Who knows he may have slept right through. We've been talking about school for awhile now and there has been a nice transition that the school sets up. First, the teacher visits the students home for a little one-on-one time for 30 minutes about a week before school starts. Then the day before Jack's 1st day, I go to school with him for an hour to get him acclamated to the room and teacher again. Finally, it is time to let go and my little guy walks into Zion Lutheran ready for a full 2 hours of preschool! We walked into the classroom, washed his hands, gave me a kiss and said "bye"...

and he did AWESOME! No tears. He got a little upset when the other parents were picking up the kids and I wasn't there yet, but still no tears. He was excited to talk to me about his day and to say goodbye to his teacher. Then throughout the day while we were home he often asked for Mrs. Smith. I hope next Wednesday brings the same results.

Just a few tidbits...

• Jack's school is Zion Lutheran in Hinsdale (Grant Street and 2nd)
• Mrs. Smith is his teacher and Ms. Nicole and Mrs. Leslie are the assistants
• He goes from 9am-11:15am MWF
• They have music, art, outdoor play, a snack and reading time everyday
• He is in the 2's program to move up to the 2 1/2 program he has to be potty trained... not really worried about that right now :)