Did anyone else absolutely love the format of the ending of the vlog? The baking, the cleaning, the chatting - literally like spending an evening with a best friend
I love seeing Flynn so grown up writing letters and remembering when he was a tiny baby (the same will go for the twins I expect) 🥰 thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us
Felicia- former pre-school teacher. That was awesome writing and sounding out for Flynn! For fun,you can put sight words around the house and it will help him learn to recognize common words.
Colleen’s casserole is a rotating staple for my husband and I. Also Colleen just propping us up while she cleaned her living room and chatted was so great, it felt like we were right there with her. I love the longer vlogs , I could watch a whole TTQ video.
Omg yes I was thinking the same thing! Is it weird that I totally loved just watching her clean and answer TTQ 😂 maybe that’ll motivate me to clean my living room! Haha!
My best friend and I do that all the time on facetime when we clean to get to talk while holding each other accountable for not getting distracted and ditching the cleaning all together lol! It made me feel like it was a facetime call with Colleen 😂
From a pre k teacher, one thing I love about Flynn's name is how easy it will be for him to write it once he is ready to write his name! He will be doing his whole first name before you know it, mama!
@@katiescarboro248 it's actually not that hard! Once they get a hang of doing all the other straight lines, most kids can catch on! I can see the concern tho!
@@annanewman4394 oh, ok. I was thinking of it like if he just sounded it out and tried to write it, but yeah if Colleen teaches his whole name like how she taught the F then he'll do it easily
My daughter is almost 4yo (in a few weeks!) and have already learned a little while ago how to write her name, and recognize the letters from her name, I was so shocked and impressed when I saw it the first time! She sometimes mess up the order of the letters (Chloé is simple, but the h and l gets her a little confused), but I find it so impressive! She definitely loves the ''é'' because whenever she sees one somewhere, she mentions it. It's fascinating to witness their little brains develop!
TTQ: From the last part of this vlog, it reminded me that Erik struggled with Postpartum Depression earlier this year. How is he feeling and can you share how you helped him & what you learned to be a supportive partner for him?
wouldn’t it just be depression? i thought PPD was specifically for the birthing partner (not trying to be obtuse just curious as i’ve never heard it be used for the non birthing person!)
@@Corn22 No I believe Colleen even googled it at the time when Erik mentioned talked about his feelings in the vlog. She read and confirmed that both parents can suffer from the condition.
@@Corn22 Men can also be diagnosed with Post-partum. Male partners actually have their hormones fluctuate during a birthing person's pregnancy also! plus the trauma of seeing your partner go through an emergency c-section and then adjusting to chaotic life of two newborns is a cocktail for depression or depressive feelings
TTQ: Ive just recently been diagnosed with ADHD and a BFRB after having it for all my life and never knowing. Ive found that to be really difficult and I know youve talked about your struggles with ADHD and dermatillomania so i'm just wondering how you felt when you were first diagnosed did you find it really validating or really overwhelming? Cause im experiencing both and dont know how to cope
While I’m not an expert in the topic at all, I will say a few things. First, everything you feel about getting a diagnosis is valid. It’s an emotional roller coaster. My biggest advice is to think about the good, validating parts of it when you can. When I can’t think of the good, I like to think about how a diagnosis can really only help in a lot of situations. Yes, it’s scary and emotional and a lot, but it also opens up a realm of possibilities for treatment and an easier future. Plus, the diagnosis doesn’t change or define you. You are the same person you were before you got diagnosed. The diagnosis can be a lot, at least for me, because it brings a degree of reality to the situation. But it’s important to remember that that reality has already existed for you. All the diagnosis does is open up more opportunities for help
I know you’re asking Colleen. But I thought I’d give you my two cents, because I went through the same thing (so you’re not alone!!). For me, it was super validating at first. I attribute that to me having had to convince the people around me that I was not okay. I was really good at hiding my symptoms, and because I had super high anxiety, I was reaaaally good at masking. But when I hit my lowest, nobody believed me because I was STILL masking, and I wasn’t someone that “looked” unwell. Just goes to show that disorders can be entirely invisible and we need to treat everyone with respect because we never know what a person’s going through. So the moment I received my diagnoses and had the words and labels to describe what I was going through, I felt immediately validated and I was super relieved to know that it wasn’t all in my head. A little while later, I’m still super thankful to know the words to describe the things I struggle with, but of course that brings along feeling overwhelmed. There’s a surplus of information we have left to learn about these things and we’re learning new things every day, and there’s no one correct answer to the problems we face. For that reason, the diagnoses are overwhelming. There’s a lot of trial and error involved in our lives and it can be incredibly frustrating to not know how to fix our problems right now. Point being, feeling both at the same time I think is super justifiable. Your feelings are valid, and you are definitely not alone. I don’t know if any of this made sense because it’s basically just word vomit from another adhd-er. But I hope you know you are supported, you can do this, and it’ll feel more manageable soon ❤️ sending hugs!!
I have ADHD, dermatillomania, anxiety, and depression. When I was first diagnosed, I felt overwhelmed because like you, I never knew that I had any mental health issues. But after working with a psychiatrist and a therapist to work through all of my emotions, as well as come up with a cohesive plan to manage my mental health issues, it became less overwhelming and much more empowering. I was able to understand myself and get to know myself on a deeper level as well as learned and developed new skills to help me manage my mental health. So in the end, it has been a blessing in disguise for me. Although it is scary and overwhelming once you first receive a diagnosis, it gives you a starting point to being able to understand yourself better and it enables mental health professionals to be able to better assist you to get to a place where your mind and your daily life becomes much more manageable. We are all unique individuals, and our journeys are all different, but that is what my experience has been thus far. I don’t know if you have a therapist currently, but if you don’t, I highly recommend getting one. They can help you to process your emotions around being diagnosed, as well as help teach you skills and tools that you can use to manage your ADHD and BFRB. I am proud of you for having the strength and courage to share what you are going through with others. I wish you all the best and know that you aren’t alone. 💞
i struggled for years with undiagnosed adhd be just as i was beginning to look into adhd myself, Colleen opened up about her own diagnosis. i actually cried watching her explain her symptoms and how it was affecting her life because it was the first time EVER i heard another woman say that the struggled in the same ways i did. i used to share my experiences with girlfriends in my life and they just never understood but Colleen was hitting everything perfectly in a way that i felt so SEEN. she gave me the confidence to seek out help and eventually my own ADHD diagnosis! things are still hard sometimes but watching her live a full and happy life with her symptoms helps me know that i can do it all too!
TTQ: You and Eric always seem to have such a strong relationship. What’s the biggest fight you’ve ever had and how did you overcome it? I admire you guys so much thanks for sharing your life with us!! Love from Kansas!
100% agree with Mike! It’s one of the reasons I’ve stuck around so long - your upfront honesty about your feelings and the way you articulate them is super helpful. Also, when you were going through words that start with “F” with Flynn, I thought for SURE you were going to say “fart” 😂
I felt like I really needed to hear that message at the end of the video. If I could teach my younger self anything, it's that suppressing your feelings doesn't make them go away. Feelings aren't right or wrong, they just are. And they will punch you repeatedly in the face until you acknowledge them. Thanks Colleen for talking too much. It's my favourite.
Being a young teen girl I just want to say thank you for making vlogs. I found your videos in 2020 when I was having a hard time mentally and with my appearance. Watching your vlogs has brought me comfort and taught me so many things. You have taught me that it is ok to have emotions and that some days you just need a really good cry on the floor. Your whole family brings me happiness. Thanks to your vlogs I have started watching and listening to your, Rachel’s, and the Balingers videos and podcasts.
this girl will never fail to make me smile and feel heard, im so happy she feels safe on this platform to express her feelings because it makes me feel like i can too, also tortilla talk question: have you and erik ever thought about flynn taking charge in the podcast? like he could host and it could just be you and erik going alone with it, love you !!
I love how expressive and articulate you are about expressing your emotions and you make me feel like its okay to be "dramatic" and have loud feelings and that feeling things deeply isn't bad!
I love how 100% real she is! Most people on the entertainment even moms aren’t as honest as you and I love your personality and I look up to you so much
Literally whoever said Colleen's emotions make them more comfortable with theirs, SO TRUE. this is why we need this candid honesty. you share all aspects of human life
I feel really insecure about expressing my emotions too because people in my life as labeled me " too negative " but genuinely I really think your channel has helped me to value how okay it is to be sad when I need to and emotions are okay to have. People don't only have to show happiness only all the time, other emotions are value too
I’m so thankful that you express your emotions freely. Motherhood can be lonely, even with a great spouse, so I love hearing from another mom. Thanks Colleen!
I absolutely Love that I was introduced to you by my kids when they were in their early teens and in Love with Miranda!!! They would walk around literally doing that voice all day and I started watching your videos!!! To see you now just makes my heart so happy that you're so happy and have such a beautiful family and share all these amazing moments with us!!!! Thank you for being so open and available to us!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I LOVED this vlog, Colleen! It's more chatty, not so much edited. The moment when you were tidying up the living room and just chatting to us was so great! I felt like I was right there with you. TTQ: Does Flynn know any more letters and has he practised his writing any more? That ''F'' looked so good, I was really proud of him too! haha Love from Poland xx
I AGREE W MIKE! Thank you Colleen so making a safe space for emotions. Especially as a young woman (I’m 19), it is SO important to have examples of women with emotions who are strong as hell and incredibly successful in many aspects of life. Thank you for being that example for me and some many others out there (women, men, and everyone). You are such a queen 💜
Love you Colleen!!! I can’t thank you enough for the amount of help you have given me. The happiness you and your cute little family have brought to my phone screen. You really are an inspiration to all! Thank you thank you thank you. Again love you so much, Poppy ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m the “dramatic” family member and friend too. It’s honestly something I’ve been super insecure about most of my life. Watching you over the last few years, I have admired you so much as a woman. I realize the exact traits that I admire about you are the things I fault myself for. Such as being transparent and vulnerable with your emotions. I have grown so much as a person and have learned to love myself so much better since watching your channel. I’m so thankful for your friendship!
Honestly you have no idea (no judgment, just a figure of speech) how much you have helped me, I'm constantly told that I look like a b word because when I'm sad my face looks unfriendly so I get judged constantly for it, but watching your channel has helped me so much to express myself and explain how I'm feeling and feel okay about doing so. I'd go into more detail but it would take forever, just know that you totally make a huge difference to so many people ❤❤❤❤
I’m super “dramatic” too, have gotten it my entire life. It hurt having everyone make fun of me for just expressing my big emotions and not bottling them up. Your vlogs have made me feel less alone, I feel like it’s much more normal having those big emotions. Through my struggles with clinical anxiety, antidepressants, and everything else people made fun of me for making it up. You make me feel okay, and these videos are my safe space. I owe so much to you Colleen, I love you so much. ❤️
colleen! i completely agree with the last tortilla talk question you read, even as a woman who is about to start my senior year of college. I’ve been watching your vlogs basically everyday basically since Flynn was born, and seeing you open up about mental health and your life has truly helped me in my own life grow and become more aware of my emotions and how i process them and even how i communicate with my own family and friends. You’re truly such an inspiration to me in your strength and openness! Keep doing what you’re doing. I hope you know the impact you have on so many people! Much love, kate
I love it when guys feel safe to express their emotions!! My husband comes to me when he needs to have a cry and he doesn't do it much but he has done it and I'm always saying "just let it out its okay"
I think the fact that you're so open with your feelings has really been evident in your kids. I see Flynn's sweet emotions and vulnerability in these videos and it makes me excited for the wonderful human he's turning into. I love that you're teaching your kiddos, especially your boys, that there's nothing weak about expressing your emotions. Quite the opposite really. Thank you for sharing!
Tortilla talk: I remember in a podcast before the twins were born you said there were two names you guys loved but didn’t want to use because you didn’t want them to be matchy. I was wondering what those names are!!!
I also have ADHD and one of the places I struggle the most in life is creating vulnerability in relationships and friendships so in a way I feel like this is also a safe space for myself, reminding me that it's okay to open up, it's okay to be dramatic, it's okay to feel the things I do, and I don't need to apologize to others for being the way I am. Thank you Colleen.
I can’t believe Flynn is writing and understanding what F stands for . It’s so mind blowing ! Also I loved the tortilla talk watching you clean up ha . The kids are def siblings . They all look so much alike to me
I love Colleen’s vlogs, Flynn has gotten soooo big I remember when Colleen told us she was pregnant with Flynn. Also Flynn’s relationship with his siblings is so adorable 🥰.
This was one of my favorite vlogs of Colleen's. I feel like I could cry. There are just so many things going on in the world and in life in general and coming here is just a break from that and it's really nice and refreshing and comforting.
Colleen, I love watching you raise your kids. You make me so excited to be a mother someday! And I know you said every mother has a completely different experience, which definitely is true. I’m just seeing how mentally healthy your raising your kids and I aspire to be like that. I suffer with mental illness. Your teaching me that it’s ok to have self-struggles and validate your own feelings while also trying to be the best mother to your kids and validating them as well. Lots of love and I’ll see you in Boston ☺️
colleen thank you so much. recently i realized that people call me dramatic. and as a man it’s looked down on. and my family says it all the time. and you telling me that you have the same respose from family and freinds helped. and hearing you talk about society telling men thag they can’t have emotions really did help. thank you so much colleen! tortilla talk question: do you and eric ever get mad at eachother in front of the kids? like is it a “we can talk about it later” or is it imbrased???
This vlog couldn’t have came at a better time. I’ve been really stressed and struggling with my mental health and just life each day and the only thing that will make me even feel okay and happy are these vlogs. I love you sm Colleen and just know that you’ve helped me every day and never stop spreading love bc when you have heart to heart conversations with us it feels like I also have a safe space within this community. This is my only place I feel okay. Love you so much and never stop doing what you do Colleen you’ve helped so many others but especially me. ❤️
Omg Colleen, I totally relate to your family/friends calling you emotional... People in my friend group growing up used to tell everyone that I feel everything, sometimes at the same time. I've tried to reclaim that description as I've gotten older because I would way rather express myself than lock it all up inside, which I def considered when people "made fun" of me (even though it wasn't meant maliciously). Yay to expressing yourself! Feelings are meant to be felt!!
I love how you left off on how important mental health is to talk about. I have always been made fun of for how sensitive I can be ( I literally have your “I cry a lot” shirt and I’m obsessed) but it seemed like I would never be able to open up about how I felt. My mom and cousin have ALWAYS been judge free and been my shoulders to cry on but any time other than that I just try to suppress my feelings and move on.
I can’t tell you how excited I am that you read my message. My husband says thank you for wishing him happy birthday ❤️ also, the reason I asked if Maisy could have red/strawberry blond hair is because of her eyebrows! (I also have auburn hair) Thank you Colleen! 🥰
i feel the same way as the person who commented mentioning her emotions. i feel like watching colleen through so many years and stages and events has really helped me mature. she talks so openly about how she feels and what led her to feel that way. i think i’ve learned how to process and go through emotions because of colleen and im really grateful for that. especially since i’ve been watching her since it was like 11 and now i’m 18 and have learned so much solely from colleen. love you so very much xoxo
I watch your videos with my kids and it helps me show and explain myself so much more with them cause they can see that it’s not just me that cries or breaks down trying to explain myself. Thank you for being such a great mom.
Tortilla Talk : Colleen I want you to know You are strong. Don’t listen to the doubts. To the voices telling you that you don’t do enough, that you don’t matter, that nothing will ever change, that what you’re doing day after day after day won’t make a difference. Those aren’t true statements Let me tell you truth. Pulling up the covers and kissing a little one goodnight after the hardest day of your life matters. Smiling when you have tears in your eyes matters. Searching for bugs in the hot sun with Flynn when you have a list of things to complete matters. Making shows for our entertainment matters. Walking into your office editing for hours matters. Walking out the doors so that you can buy that grilled cheese and applesauce matters. Pumping milk for the twins and baking bread and vlogging everyday matters. Changing the laundry load and scrubbing the counters and listening to stories from the day and going to bed exhausted because you gave and gave all matters. I bet I can go on and on about how you matter to everyone around you
You have helped me so much with my emotions. I now have a journal where I write done how I felt that day and what I thought those feelings meant. Thanks for showing us how to not be afraid of our emotions
I love that Colleen feel good about showing her emotions because it does help me to show emotions and make me feel like I don’t have to hide like like most men or boy do so thank you
hi colleen! i just wanted to say how much i (and so many others) love when you just talk to your camera! it honestly brings me so much comfort and we learn so many little things about your day and life with your perfect family!! your vlogs truly make my day better and i’m so grateful for you!!
Love the comment about expressing your emotions. I am a 55 YO woman and have come to realize that I struggle to express my emotions and holding them in has been a source of pain and mental anguish over the years. I grew up in a home where expressed emotions were scary, and seeing someone talk through tears and anxiety in a healthy way has been really helpful. Thank you.
Mike’s comment makes so much sense. Watching Colleen’s vlog or Relax are my ‘comfort’ before bed watches. You just make me feel better because you’re real and so likeable.
Tortilla talk question: remember when your were making pretzels a couple of vlogs ago and you said I can just show you my recipes for free, could you like actually do that 😂😂😂😂I remember making your blueberry chicken in quarantine and it was incredible and would love to try more of your recipes, love youuuu xxx
I love this vlog today! I watch almost every vlog and love all of them, but I really liked the format of watching Colleen spend her alone time at night, baking and cleaning and just kind of hanging out in her house. So fun and relaxing!
i have been watching your channels religiously since i was in 4th grade and now i’m a sophomore in high school. you’ve made me who i am today and really influenced my life and saved me. it’s been so cool to get to grow up with you and now watching your kids grow up has been so sweet. i love you so much and thank you for always being so open about your anxiety because it’s really helped me feel more comfortable and less insecure. love you!!❤️
I love how expressive you are it makes me feel like I am not the only person who like shows their emotion and really shows it and it made me happy when I first found your channel and I was like oh she’s really expressive just like me it helps me grow because if you feel comfortable enough showing your emotions in front of thousands of people it helped me show more of my emotions because I was locked up and all I wanna say is that you really helped me love Claudia also I really hope you read this you probably won’t but if you do it will make my day
I know you say those kiddos look just like their dad, but I see Ballinger through & through! Miss Ma'am Maisy has your nose right down to the NOSTRILS, my friend, & it’s just delightful! I've been watching your vids for 10 years now and have never commented -- this is how you know I'm serious! So much love to you & your beautiful fam!
I think this is the first time I have ever watched a video and felt right away that you said something that completely got to me and I understand. My whole life I have been told I am too emotional and it was always said in a bad way. Now that I am older I have learned that I have a lot of empathy for people and there is no shame in that. I have learned that it’s fine to feel my feelings and not to be ashamed of them. Keep being who you are, love your videos! 💕
I love that too! My little boy is only a month older than the twins and that's one of my big goals as a mom is to make sure he feels comfortable being completely himself, expressing his emotions, crying when he needs to, and all of that. I'm not always sure what the best way is to do it but it's something I really want to make sure he understands so he can have better mental health and cope with anything life throws his way. I really appreciate seeing how you do that with Flynn and how you'll do that with the twins too. I was also always very emotional and felt things very strongly my whole life, just like you, and just like you it was something that I was made to feel ashamed of, like I was too much and I shouldn't feel so strongly, but I think it can be powerful if you can express things the right way instead of trying to bottle them away, and I'm very conscious that my son might also feel very big, strong emotions like me and I want to make sure he has the space to feel them, and is able to accept them and appreciate them. Thank you for sharing!
Not a question but I have some advise! I'm a part time teacher and I teach children how to read and recognise the alphabet. I noticed that when you and Flynn were writing the letters you called it an F ("Eff"), which can be confusing to younger children. You should start off with phonics, and thus he will find it easier to spell and pronounce words one day! For example instead of spelling cat as "see-ay-tee ", try spelling it "kuh-ah-tuh".
I absolutely agree with the comment that said you sharing your feelings makes the other commenter more comfortable with their own feelings; I’ve always been really self conscious about my emotions and feeling like they were too much but seeing someone else have big emotions and be unashamed of them has been healing for me, and I’m sure countless others, as well. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with us!
TTQ: You buy soooooo many things from Amazon. Have you ever considered buying things from a more ethical company. Also, the rampant consumerism is so detrimental to our environment. Would you ever consider cutting back your purchasing in general?
TTQ!!! When you first told Flynn the twins names, what did he think of them? Did he like them or want to name them anything else? (Other than Buttus and John of course!) 🤣 love you!! 🤍😘
thank you for continuing to be you each and every day and sharing your life. i have been subscscribed to your channel for many many years and continue to love watching your videos each day! we appreacite you colleen! you are an awesome mom and even better human
You betta recognize the strongest thing in the world people 🙌 I appreciate so much that Colleen takes the time to point these things out ❤️🔥And I too hope for a future where all humans can feel free to express their emotions 💜
Colleen, I don’t think you realize how awesome it is to be able to be part of your vlogs and you being part of our lives. Vlogs like this make me feel like talking to one of my besties. Thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing your kids and their milestones with us. You definitely make our lives happier and these videos feel like a warm hug. Also I LOOOVE your recipes ✨🤍 . Greetings from Costa Rica, big fan of your daily vlogs and hopefully I’ll be able to attend one of your shows next year. 🤞🏽 ✈️
Yay Flynn! You are so smart dude!! I've kinda been in that position w my family and my emotions too, I think mostly because I'm the youngest...so I sort of relate to what you have shared. Thank you for being so open w us! Love from my family to yours. Have a great weekend!
Dear Colleen, I'm praying you see this. My sweet friends just got kicked out for coming out as the beautiful couple that they are. They are both chronically ill and have nowhere to live. I tweeted to you and sent a direct message because I feel like I know you, I know your heart would break along with mine, and I'm just really hoping that you see this so that you will see my tweet as well. 💜
omg i never notice that, but a 100% you make me feel more emotional, everytime something good or bad to you i get auoer emotional, and the same thing could happened to me and i wouldn’t feel anything. thank u for making this such a wonderful space
I love Colleen's talk about emotions. I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have felt like I have had to hold it all in. It had made me and my family have such a hard time. I appreciate all she talks about and it also makes me feel like I can express my emotions more!
Did anyone else absolutely love the format of the ending of the vlog? The baking, the cleaning, the chatting - literally like spending an evening with a best friend
Yes! I love it.
The unbridled joy Colleen showed when Flynn came up with "food" as an F sound all on his own truly warmed my soul
I love seeing Flynn so grown up writing letters and remembering when he was a tiny baby (the same will go for the twins I expect) 🥰 thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us
Thinking of when she posted the birth video to now, I’m shook 😭
@@jasmineroot1788 where did the time go?
Rubbish spelling
@@oliverthemotivator9705 oh shush. you pinecone.
😭Omg seems like yesterday when they took Flynn to the aquarium so he could make the fishy sounds and tomorrow he will be graduating as valedictorian 😭
Felicia- former pre-school teacher. That was awesome writing and sounding out for Flynn! For fun,you can put sight words around the house and it will help him learn to recognize common words.
Good idea
YES! index cards on things like the door, sink, toilet, and even big toys will get him familiar with the words and letters almost by osmosis lol
This also works if you're trying to learn a foreign language!
this is such a good idea! i might do this in my future classroom
@@urturningviolet - I did this with a Greek Family to help the daughter learn English!
Colleen’s casserole is a rotating staple for my husband and I. Also Colleen just propping us up while she cleaned her living room and chatted was so great, it felt like we were right there with her. I love the longer vlogs , I could watch a whole TTQ video.
Omg yes I was thinking the same thing! Is it weird that I totally loved just watching her clean and answer TTQ 😂 maybe that’ll motivate me to clean my living room! Haha!
100% Agree!
@@steffanymoffitt6608 It's in this vlog, starts @ 4:18 th-cam.com/video/q98E4f63ENM/w-d-xo.html 🤗
Same my husband requests Colleen's casserole all the time too! 😂
My best friend and I do that all the time on facetime when we clean to get to talk while holding each other accountable for not getting distracted and ditching the cleaning all together lol! It made me feel like it was a facetime call with Colleen 😂
I feel like such a proud aunty watching Flynn write his letter and pronouncing words with F 🥺❤️ so smart!!!!
are you related to colleen?!😊
@@polsss.el.denton no, she just said that’s what it feels like lol
As a teacher, I am very impressed by Flynn’s phonemic awareness. Way to go, Flynn!
From a pre k teacher, one thing I love about Flynn's name is how easy it will be for him to write it once he is ready to write his name! He will be doing his whole first name before you know it, mama!
The y part might be a little tricky
That helped my eldest with a 4 letter name
@@katiescarboro248 it's actually not that hard! Once they get a hang of doing all the other straight lines, most kids can catch on! I can see the concern tho!
@@annanewman4394 oh, ok. I was thinking of it like if he just sounded it out and tried to write it, but yeah if Colleen teaches his whole name like how she taught the F then he'll do it easily
My daughter is almost 4yo (in a few weeks!) and have already learned a little while ago how to write her name, and recognize the letters from her name, I was so shocked and impressed when I saw it the first time! She sometimes mess up the order of the letters (Chloé is simple, but the h and l gets her a little confused), but I find it so impressive! She definitely loves the ''é'' because whenever she sees one somewhere, she mentions it. It's fascinating to witness their little brains develop!
Flynn always has me cracking up especially when he said “I LOVE PACKAGES!”
TTQ: From the last part of this vlog, it reminded me that Erik struggled with Postpartum Depression earlier this year. How is he feeling and can you share how you helped him & what you learned to be a supportive partner for him?
wouldn’t it just be depression? i thought PPD was specifically for the birthing partner (not trying to be obtuse just curious as i’ve never heard it be used for the non birthing person!)
@@Corn22 No I believe Colleen even googled it at the time when Erik mentioned talked about his feelings in the vlog. She read and confirmed that both parents can suffer from the condition.
@@Corn22 Men can also be diagnosed with Post-partum. Male partners actually have their hormones fluctuate during a birthing person's pregnancy also! plus the trauma of seeing your partner go through an emergency c-section and then adjusting to chaotic life of two newborns is a cocktail for depression or depressive feelings
@@Corn22 nope. Men get PPD
@@kaytheo6218 that’s really interesting. thanks!
TTQ: Ive just recently been diagnosed with ADHD and a BFRB after having it for all my life and never knowing. Ive found that to be really difficult and I know youve talked about your struggles with ADHD and dermatillomania so i'm just wondering how you felt when you were first diagnosed did you find it really validating or really overwhelming? Cause im experiencing both and dont know how to cope
While I’m not an expert in the topic at all, I will say a few things. First, everything you feel about getting a diagnosis is valid. It’s an emotional roller coaster. My biggest advice is to think about the good, validating parts of it when you can. When I can’t think of the good, I like to think about how a diagnosis can really only help in a lot of situations. Yes, it’s scary and emotional and a lot, but it also opens up a realm of possibilities for treatment and an easier future. Plus, the diagnosis doesn’t change or define you. You are the same person you were before you got diagnosed. The diagnosis can be a lot, at least for me, because it brings a degree of reality to the situation. But it’s important to remember that that reality has already existed for you. All the diagnosis does is open up more opportunities for help
I know you’re asking Colleen. But I thought I’d give you my two cents, because I went through the same thing (so you’re not alone!!).
For me, it was super validating at first. I attribute that to me having had to convince the people around me that I was not okay. I was really good at hiding my symptoms, and because I had super high anxiety, I was reaaaally good at masking. But when I hit my lowest, nobody believed me because I was STILL masking, and I wasn’t someone that “looked” unwell. Just goes to show that disorders can be entirely invisible and we need to treat everyone with respect because we never know what a person’s going through.
So the moment I received my diagnoses and had the words and labels to describe what I was going through, I felt immediately validated and I was super relieved to know that it wasn’t all in my head.
A little while later, I’m still super thankful to know the words to describe the things I struggle with, but of course that brings along feeling overwhelmed. There’s a surplus of information we have left to learn about these things and we’re learning new things every day, and there’s no one correct answer to the problems we face. For that reason, the diagnoses are overwhelming. There’s a lot of trial and error involved in our lives and it can be incredibly frustrating to not know how to fix our problems right now.
Point being, feeling both at the same time I think is super justifiable. Your feelings are valid, and you are definitely not alone.
I don’t know if any of this made sense because it’s basically just word vomit from another adhd-er. But I hope you know you are supported, you can do this, and it’ll feel more manageable soon ❤️ sending hugs!!
I have ADHD, dermatillomania, anxiety, and depression. When I was first diagnosed, I felt overwhelmed because like you, I never knew that I had any mental health issues. But after working with a psychiatrist and a therapist to work through all of my emotions, as well as come up with a cohesive plan to manage my mental health issues, it became less overwhelming and much more empowering. I was able to understand myself and get to know myself on a deeper level as well as learned and developed new skills to help me manage my mental health. So in the end, it has been a blessing in disguise for me. Although it is scary and overwhelming once you first receive a diagnosis, it gives you a starting point to being able to understand yourself better and it enables mental health professionals to be able to better assist you to get to a place where your mind and your daily life becomes much more manageable. We are all unique individuals, and our journeys are all different, but that is what my experience has been thus far. I don’t know if you have a therapist currently, but if you don’t, I highly recommend getting one. They can help you to process your emotions around being diagnosed, as well as help teach you skills and tools that you can use to manage your ADHD and BFRB. I am proud of you for having the strength and courage to share what you are going through with others. I wish you all the best and know that you aren’t alone. 💞
i struggled for years with undiagnosed adhd be just as i was beginning to look into adhd myself, Colleen opened up about her own diagnosis. i actually cried watching her explain her symptoms and how it was affecting her life because it was the first time EVER i heard another woman say that the struggled in the same ways i did. i used to share my experiences with girlfriends in my life and they just never understood but Colleen was hitting everything perfectly in a way that i felt so SEEN. she gave me the confidence to seek out help and eventually my own ADHD diagnosis! things are still hard sometimes but watching her live a full and happy life with her symptoms helps me know that i can do it all too!
TTQ: You and Eric always seem to have such a strong relationship. What’s the biggest fight you’ve ever had and how did you overcome it? I admire you guys so much thanks for sharing your life with us!! Love from Kansas!
yassss kansas love
I love this question. I would like to hear this answer as well 😊
well remember the Christmas decorations one 😂
100% agree with Mike! It’s one of the reasons I’ve stuck around so long - your upfront honesty about your feelings and the way you articulate them is super helpful. Also, when you were going through words that start with “F” with Flynn, I thought for SURE you were going to say “fart” 😂
I love this vibe of just watching her do her day to day real life clean up while answering questions. I love how relatable it is.
Hopefully her life continues to be full of wonderful moments with her kids
I felt like I really needed to hear that message at the end of the video. If I could teach my younger self anything, it's that suppressing your feelings doesn't make them go away. Feelings aren't right or wrong, they just are. And they will punch you repeatedly in the face until you acknowledge them. Thanks Colleen for talking too much. It's my favourite.
Being a young teen girl I just want to say thank you for making vlogs. I found your videos in 2020 when I was having a hard time mentally and with my appearance. Watching your vlogs has brought me comfort and taught me so many things. You have taught me that it is ok to have emotions and that some days you just need a really good cry on the floor. Your whole family brings me happiness. Thanks to your vlogs I have started watching and listening to your, Rachel’s, and the Balingers videos and podcasts.
yuuuuup
this girl will never fail to make me smile and feel heard, im so happy she feels safe on this platform to express her feelings because it makes me feel like i can too, also tortilla talk question: have you and erik ever thought about flynn taking charge in the podcast? like he could host and it could just be you and erik going alone with it, love you !!
I love how expressive and articulate you are about expressing your emotions and you make me feel like its okay to be "dramatic" and have loud feelings and that feeling things deeply isn't bad!
I love how 100% real she is! Most people on the entertainment even moms aren’t as honest as you and I love your personality and I look up to you so much
Literally whoever said Colleen's emotions make them more comfortable with theirs, SO TRUE. this is why we need this candid honesty. you share all aspects of human life
I feel really insecure about expressing my emotions too because people in my life as labeled me " too negative " but genuinely I really think your channel has helped me to value how okay it is to be sad when I need to and emotions are okay to have. People don't only have to show happiness only all the time, other emotions are value too
It reminds me of the main message in the movie "Inside Out".
@@Ohthemarvelousmusic I love that
I’m so thankful that you express your emotions freely. Motherhood can be lonely, even with a great spouse, so I love hearing from another mom. Thanks Colleen!
I absolutely Love that I was introduced to you by my kids when they were in their early teens and in Love with Miranda!!! They would walk around literally doing that voice all day and I started watching your videos!!! To see you now just makes my heart so happy that you're so happy and have such a beautiful family and share all these amazing moments with us!!!! Thank you for being so open and available to us!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Can we appreciate Colleen for being such an amazing Mama ❤
honestly she's amazing 💕
@trump should die 💀 well some do however Coleen knows how to make hers fun and enjoyable for her kids 😊
I LOVED this vlog, Colleen! It's more chatty, not so much edited. The moment when you were tidying up the living room and just chatting to us was so great! I felt like I was right there with you.
TTQ: Does Flynn know any more letters and has he practised his writing any more? That ''F'' looked so good, I was really proud of him too! haha
Love from Poland xx
Wesley and Maisy, Flynn are adorable love to see all of them smiling and being so happy love your flogs
I AGREE W MIKE! Thank you Colleen so making a safe space for emotions. Especially as a young woman (I’m 19), it is SO important to have examples of women with emotions who are strong as hell and incredibly successful in many aspects of life. Thank you for being that example for me and some many others out there (women, men, and everyone). You are such a queen 💜
Love you Colleen!!! I can’t thank you enough for the amount of help you have given me. The happiness you and your cute little family have brought to my phone screen. You really are an inspiration to all! Thank you thank you thank you. Again love you so much, Poppy ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m the “dramatic” family member and friend too. It’s honestly something I’ve been super insecure about most of my life. Watching you over the last few years, I have admired you so much as a woman. I realize the exact traits that I admire about you are the things I fault myself for. Such as being transparent and vulnerable with your emotions. I have grown so much as a person and have learned to love myself so much better since watching your channel. I’m so thankful for your friendship!
Honestly you have no idea (no judgment, just a figure of speech) how much you have helped me, I'm constantly told that I look like a b word because when I'm sad my face looks unfriendly so I get judged constantly for it, but watching your channel has helped me so much to express myself and explain how I'm feeling and feel okay about doing so. I'd go into more detail but it would take forever, just know that you totally make a huge difference to so many people ❤❤❤❤
Loved watching the clean up part while the tortilla talk questions were answered lollll
I’m super “dramatic” too, have gotten it my entire life. It hurt having everyone make fun of me for just expressing my big emotions and not bottling them up. Your vlogs have made me feel less alone, I feel like it’s much more normal having those big emotions. Through my struggles with clinical anxiety, antidepressants, and everything else people made fun of me for making it up. You make me feel okay, and these videos are my safe space. I owe so much to you Colleen, I love you so much. ❤️
colleen! i completely agree with the last tortilla talk question you read, even as a woman who is about to start my senior year of college. I’ve been watching your vlogs basically everyday basically since Flynn was born, and seeing you open up about mental health and your life has truly helped me in my own life grow and become more aware of my emotions and how i process them and even how i communicate with my own family and friends. You’re truly such an inspiration to me in your strength and openness! Keep doing what you’re doing. I hope you know the impact you have on so many people! Much love, kate
Idk why but I love the baking parts of Colleenz video. I can just watch her cook all day
I love it when guys feel safe to express their emotions!! My husband comes to me when he needs to have a cry and he doesn't do it much but he has done it and I'm always saying "just let it out its okay"
I think the fact that you're so open with your feelings has really been evident in your kids. I see Flynn's sweet emotions and vulnerability in these videos and it makes me excited for the wonderful human he's turning into. I love that you're teaching your kiddos, especially your boys, that there's nothing weak about expressing your emotions. Quite the opposite really. Thank you for sharing!
Tortilla talk: I remember in a podcast before the twins were born you said there were two names you guys loved but didn’t want to use because you didn’t want them to be matchy. I was wondering what those names are!!!
I also have ADHD and one of the places I struggle the most in life is creating vulnerability in relationships and friendships so in a way I feel like this is also a safe space for myself, reminding me that it's okay to open up, it's okay to be dramatic, it's okay to feel the things I do, and I don't need to apologize to others for being the way I am. Thank you Colleen.
I can’t believe Flynn is writing and understanding what F stands for . It’s so mind blowing ! Also I loved the tortilla talk watching you clean up ha . The kids are def siblings . They all look so much alike to me
I love Colleen’s vlogs, Flynn has gotten soooo big I remember when Colleen told us she was pregnant with Flynn. Also Flynn’s relationship with his siblings is so adorable 🥰.
Awww Macey and Wesley so happy and enjoying them selfs and love there big bother Flynn and so cute and most Adorable babies xoxo 😚
I love that Colleen is making her ✨ expensive ✨ brownies in a bowl with bugs on it 😂
Also loved the emotions/mental health talk! You’re so right
This was one of my favorite vlogs of Colleen's. I feel like I could cry. There are just so many things going on in the world and in life in general and coming here is just a break from that and it's really nice and refreshing and comforting.
The last question really got me, cus my fam dose that with like every emotion I have. It makes me want to cry more.. And I love your vids.
I love that we are seeing the late night baker in Colleen again I missed it
It makes me happy that Colleen is raising a few of our future men. It gives me hope.
Colleen, I love watching you raise your kids. You make me so excited to be a mother someday! And I know you said every mother has a completely different experience, which definitely is true. I’m just seeing how mentally healthy your raising your kids and I aspire to be like that. I suffer with mental illness. Your teaching me that it’s ok to have self-struggles and validate your own feelings while also trying to be the best mother to your kids and validating them as well. Lots of love and I’ll see you in Boston ☺️
colleen thank you so much. recently i realized that people call me dramatic. and as a man it’s looked down on. and my family says it all the time. and you telling me that you have the same respose from family and freinds helped. and hearing you talk about society telling men thag they can’t have emotions really did help. thank you so much colleen! tortilla talk question: do you and eric ever get mad at eachother in front of the kids? like is it a “we can talk about it later” or is it imbrased???
Hi collen! Tortilla talk: Where do you get most of your clothes? I love your style! ❤️
You have the happiest babies Ive ever seen!!!
This vlog couldn’t have came at a better time. I’ve been really stressed and struggling with my mental health and just life each day and the only thing that will make me even feel okay and happy are these vlogs. I love you sm Colleen and just know that you’ve helped me every day and never stop spreading love bc when you have heart to heart conversations with us it feels like I also have a safe space within this community. This is my only place I feel okay. Love you so much and never stop doing what you do Colleen you’ve helped so many others but especially me. ❤️
Lmaooo when Colleen knocked on that shelf when asnwering ttq I was just like huh 😂😭
TTQ: Whenever you meet a younger fan in person do you feel like you have to be more family friendly in your videos?
@@hippychick420 I’ve noticed that as well but I was just wondering if it makes her think of her audience differently
Omg Colleen, I totally relate to your family/friends calling you emotional... People in my friend group growing up used to tell everyone that I feel everything, sometimes at the same time. I've tried to reclaim that description as I've gotten older because I would way rather express myself than lock it all up inside, which I def considered when people "made fun" of me (even though it wasn't meant maliciously). Yay to expressing yourself! Feelings are meant to be felt!!
When ever I have a bad day it always makes it better when Maisy laughs! Love your little happy family!
Me toooo her laugh is so funny so cute ☺️☺️
I love how you left off on how important mental health is to talk about. I have always been made fun of for how sensitive I can be ( I literally have your “I cry a lot” shirt and I’m obsessed) but it seemed like I would never be able to open up about how I felt. My mom and cousin have ALWAYS been judge free and been my shoulders to cry on but any time other than that I just try to suppress my feelings and move on.
I can’t tell you how excited I am that you read my message. My husband says thank you for wishing him happy birthday ❤️ also, the reason I asked if Maisy could have red/strawberry blond hair is because of her eyebrows! (I also have auburn hair) Thank you Colleen! 🥰
i feel the same way as the person who commented mentioning her emotions. i feel like watching colleen through so many years and stages and events has really helped me mature. she talks so openly about how she feels and what led her to feel that way. i think i’ve learned how to process and go through emotions because of colleen and im really grateful for that. especially since i’ve been watching her since it was like 11 and now i’m 18 and have learned so much solely from colleen. love you so very much xoxo
You are such an inspiration. Thank you for everything you give us!
I watch your videos with my kids and it helps me show and explain myself so much more with them cause they can see that it’s not just me that cries or breaks down trying to explain myself. Thank you for being such a great mom.
Tortilla Talk :
Colleen I want you to know You are strong. Don’t listen to the doubts. To the voices telling you that you don’t do enough, that you don’t matter, that nothing will ever change, that what you’re doing day after day after day won’t make a difference. Those aren’t true statements
Let me tell you truth. Pulling up the covers and kissing a little one goodnight after the hardest day of your life matters. Smiling when you have tears in your eyes matters. Searching for bugs in the hot sun with Flynn when you have a list of things to complete matters. Making shows for our entertainment matters. Walking into your office editing for hours matters. Walking out the doors so that you can buy that grilled cheese and applesauce matters. Pumping milk for the twins and baking bread and vlogging everyday matters. Changing the laundry load and scrubbing the counters and listening to stories from the day and going to bed exhausted because you gave and gave all matters. I bet I can go on and on about how you matter to everyone around you
Flynn’s getting so smart it’s adorable!!
You are such an amazing mom! The kids are absolutely adorable!! Lysm!
You have helped me so much with my emotions. I now have a journal where I write done how I felt that day and what I thought those feelings meant. Thanks for showing us how to not be afraid of our emotions
I love that Colleen feel good about showing her emotions because it does help me to show emotions and make me feel like I don’t have to hide like like most men or boy do so thank you
I love how you are so encouraging of Flynn in his development and learning. x
hi colleen! i just wanted to say how much i (and so many others) love when you just talk to your camera! it honestly brings me so much comfort and we learn so many little things about your day and life with your perfect family!! your vlogs truly make my day better and i’m so grateful for you!!
Love the comment about expressing your emotions. I am a 55 YO woman and have come to realize that I struggle to express my emotions and holding them in has been a source of pain and mental anguish over the years. I grew up in a home where expressed emotions were scary, and seeing someone talk through tears and anxiety in a healthy way has been really helpful. Thank you.
You are literally the best mom evEr. Your kids are sooooo lucky to have you!
AGREED
I want to be reincarnated as one of Colleen’s kids
@@elizaszkotak6637 sameeeeeeeeee lol
@@urdad5607 I’m glad at least one person on this planets agrees with me 😂
@@elizaszkotak6637 omg yess 😂😂
Mike’s comment makes so much sense. Watching Colleen’s vlog or Relax are my ‘comfort’ before bed watches. You just make me feel better because you’re real and so likeable.
Same!
Same, I love watching the vlogs before I go to sleep 😊
Tortilla talk question: remember when your were making pretzels a couple of vlogs ago and you said I can just show you my recipes for free, could you like actually do that 😂😂😂😂I remember making your blueberry chicken in quarantine and it was incredible and would love to try more of your recipes, love youuuu xxx
Hopefully she sees this because I really want to try all of her recipes as well! ☺️
would love a PDF to follow lol even if a fan made it!
I love the cleaning and answering TTQs. I hope you do it more!
I love how Colleen always finds a way to be so positive
I love this vlog today! I watch almost every vlog and love all of them, but I really liked the format of watching Colleen spend her alone time at night, baking and cleaning and just kind of hanging out in her house. So fun and relaxing!
I love Coleen she is such a hard working great women
i have been watching your channels religiously since i was in 4th grade and now i’m a sophomore in high school. you’ve made me who i am today and really influenced my life and saved me. it’s been so cool to get to grow up with you and now watching your kids grow up has been so sweet. i love you so much and thank you for always being so open about your anxiety because it’s really helped me feel more comfortable and less insecure. love you!!❤️
I love how expressive you are it makes me feel like I am not the only person who like shows their emotion and really shows it and it made me happy when I first found your channel and I was like oh she’s really expressive just like me it helps me grow because if you feel comfortable enough showing your emotions in front of thousands of people it helped me show more of my emotions because I was locked up and all I wanna say is that you really helped me love Claudia also I really hope you read this you probably won’t but if you do it will make my day
I know you say those kiddos look just like their dad, but I see Ballinger through & through! Miss Ma'am Maisy has your nose right down to the NOSTRILS, my friend, & it’s just delightful! I've been watching your vids for 10 years now and have never commented -- this is how you know I'm serious! So much love to you & your beautiful fam!
OMG HI COLLEEN HOW ARE YOU also I have been waiting for the octopus ever day I get excited for your Volga love you bestie
I think this is the first time I have ever watched a video and felt right away that you said something that completely got to me and I understand. My whole life I have been told I am too emotional and it was always said in a bad way. Now that I am older I have learned that I have a lot of empathy for people and there is no shame in that. I have learned that it’s fine to feel my feelings and not to be ashamed of them. Keep being who you are, love your videos! 💕
Imagine Flynn's already writing letters when I'm still in his dardar phase. They grow up so fast. 😭
I love that too! My little boy is only a month older than the twins and that's one of my big goals as a mom is to make sure he feels comfortable being completely himself, expressing his emotions, crying when he needs to, and all of that. I'm not always sure what the best way is to do it but it's something I really want to make sure he understands so he can have better mental health and cope with anything life throws his way. I really appreciate seeing how you do that with Flynn and how you'll do that with the twins too. I was also always very emotional and felt things very strongly my whole life, just like you, and just like you it was something that I was made to feel ashamed of, like I was too much and I shouldn't feel so strongly, but I think it can be powerful if you can express things the right way instead of trying to bottle them away, and I'm very conscious that my son might also feel very big, strong emotions like me and I want to make sure he has the space to feel them, and is able to accept them and appreciate them. Thank you for sharing!
Not a question but I have some advise! I'm a part time teacher and I teach children how to read and recognise the alphabet. I noticed that when you and Flynn were writing the letters you called it an F ("Eff"), which can be confusing to younger children. You should start off with phonics, and thus he will find it easier to spell and pronounce words one day! For example instead of spelling cat as "see-ay-tee ", try spelling it "kuh-ah-tuh".
I absolutely agree with the comment that said you sharing your feelings makes the other commenter more comfortable with their own feelings; I’ve always been really self conscious about my emotions and feeling like they were too much but seeing someone else have big emotions and be unashamed of them has been healing for me, and I’m sure countless others, as well. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with us!
TTQ: You buy soooooo many things from Amazon. Have you ever considered buying things from a more ethical company. Also, the rampant consumerism is so detrimental to our environment. Would you ever consider cutting back your purchasing in general?
Ttq so my family just started fostering twins and I wanted to know some advise you would have for taking care of twins
TTQ!!! When you first told Flynn the twins names, what did he think of them? Did he like them or want to name them anything else? (Other than Buttus and John of course!) 🤣 love you!! 🤍😘
thank you for continuing to be you each and every day and sharing your life. i have been subscscribed to your channel for many many years and continue to love watching your videos each day! we appreacite you colleen! you are an awesome mom and even better human
You betta recognize the strongest thing in the world people 🙌 I appreciate so much that Colleen takes the time to point these things out ❤️🔥And I too hope for a future where all humans can feel free to express their emotions 💜
You can just tell how smart Flynn is, its the cutest thing🥺
Colleen, I don’t think you realize how awesome it is to be able to be part of your vlogs and you being part of our lives. Vlogs like this make me feel like talking to one of my besties. Thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing your kids and their milestones with us. You definitely make our lives happier and these videos feel like a warm hug. Also I LOOOVE your recipes ✨🤍 . Greetings from Costa Rica, big fan of your daily vlogs and hopefully I’ll be able to attend one of your shows next year. 🤞🏽 ✈️
Yay Flynn! You are so smart dude!!
I've kinda been in that position w my family and my emotions too, I think mostly because I'm the youngest...so I sort of relate to what you have shared. Thank you for being so open w us!
Love from my family to yours. Have a great weekend!
Tbh, i could watch Colleen do the same mundane activities every single day. If she wanted to cook and show us her cooking brownies every day, please!😂
I appreciate you are so much Colleen and you are so amazing I love you Colleen 💖✨💖 and momma
Dear Colleen, I'm praying you see this. My sweet friends just got kicked out for coming out as the beautiful couple that they are. They are both chronically ill and have nowhere to live. I tweeted to you and sent a direct message because I feel like I know you, I know your heart would break along with mine, and I'm just really hoping that you see this so that you will see my tweet as well. 💜
I’ll keep your friends in my heart and thoughts
@@elizaszkotak6637 tysm 💜🙏
@@rachelallison6651 no problem and I will keep you in my heart too
omg i never notice that, but a 100% you make me feel more emotional, everytime something good or bad to you i get auoer emotional, and the same thing could happened to me and i wouldn’t feel anything.
thank u for making this such a wonderful space
Side note: emotion suppression isn't just boys. I was raised to not express emotions by a military father. Food for thought. ♥️ You.
I love Colleen's talk about emotions. I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have felt like I have had to hold it all in. It had made me and my family have such a hard time. I appreciate all she talks about and it also makes me feel like I can express my emotions more!