Dear Littlest Woo,

I love you.  I can not imagine my life without you. I can’t believe that exactly one year ago today, you came clawing and bighting your way into our world, which is now, for all intensive purposes, your world.

When we first met, I was afraid to hold you because I didn’t know what the heck you might do to me. You came out with such a force, no drug (atleast not the drugs I had) could mask your strength and power to get get the heck out of dodge.  So when the doctor layed your precious little soul next to my heart, you can imagine my surprise that such a sweet tiny thing, could be so strong.

I mean Phoebe, really, who fractures their shoulder during birth and continues on with life, with only a few whimpers and moans? Seriously kid, I wish you could have told us instead of being so stoic.  Sorry it took us a few weeks to figure that whole thing out, but you hung in there like a champ. The kind that gets their ear bitten off by Mike Tyson, and then beats his a**.

Your strength has shown itself, in a million different ways every single day since you’ve lived here with us.  Like how, your only 12 months old, and you’re never afraid to go to sleep by yourself.  Or how when your sisters put their faces in your space, you pull their hair out.  Or remember the time you nearly bit off Bella’s finger for sticking it in your mouth? Or was that Soledad? Maybe it was both. Well, that was priceless. Way to be on guard.

But through all the craziness, the tears, and the laughter, you ~ my love, have shown such strength and determination. And I am so very blessed to be able to call you my daughter.  Thank you for gracing me with your presence and for loving me with all your heart.  I promise, to never take it for granted and to love you every minute of every day, till the end of forever. I love you.

Happy Birthday Queen of my heart,

Mommy

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To be honest, I’ve only known Phoebe for 12 months, so I’m not sure what her favorite type of cake is. So sue me.

But I do know this, I LOVE CHOCOLATE, and the rest of the Woodards looooooovvvvvvveeeeeee Brownies, so that’s what we are going to bake today. 

In my most humble opinion, brownies made from the box are delightful and supremely delicious.  Usually, I like my baked goods from scratch, but in my book, not much is better than a boxed brownie. Except for this recipe, a few added things that turn up the volume, just. a. notch. Yummy, yummy brownies, with nuts, and fudge, and chewiness.  I’m sure she’ll love these, she’s a Woodard afterall.

Birthday Brownies

Ingredients:

Box of Brownie Mix (I like Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
2 eggs
1/4 cup of milk, warmed
1 rounded teaspoon Instant Coffee
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 tablespoon cocoa (optional)
1 cup nuts, chopped

Directions:

1. Grease a 13 X 9 inch pan. and preheat oven to 350 for a glass pan, 325 for a metal pan.
2. Dissolve instant coffee into warm milk.
3. In a medium bowl, mix brownie mix, eggs, milk mixture, oil, vanilla, and cocoa. Stir until mixture is fully combined, about 3 minutes.  Mixture will still be slightly lumpy.
4. Add nuts and mix well.
5. Pour batter into pan and cook for 25 minutes.
6. Let cool. Cut and serve.