Happy Birthday Bailey Marie!
Ahhhh, one sweet year with you! Your daddy and I have been talking about all the great things we were up to last summer. I had an unquenchable thirst to go and do things. We spent twenty days in Washington DC, which overlapped 4th of July. We went to several concerts, including Pat Greene 5 hours away in Maryland. We ate out all the time- usually with friends. We canoed the river beside our house and had friends over for supper. I think I knew that a newborn baby would limit these activities. So every evening last summer, when Daddy walked in the door he asked, “What we were going to do tonight?”. And I always had a plan set.
Last summer I started most mornings by walking about a mile. I cleaned out the house and had many friends over for lunch. I remember everyday was joyful. It was as if we were holding our breath, waiting for you. And because we knew something huge was about to happen in our lives, each activity was magnified. It was a top-knoch summer.
And then the day came when you were finally ready. You were due on August 25th. When I was asked my due date, I always said “The end of August”. I didn’t want to be impatient if you were late. But as much as I mentally tried not to focus on the date, I was. I woke the morning of the 26th disappointed that you hadn’t come yet. I wasn’t physically miserable; I was just ready to see you! I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I was wearing a purple shirt and jeans. I remember walking through Target parking lot feeling a contraction thinking “That wasn’t too bad.” That day about 4:00 I went into labor, and at 1:30 the next morning you were in my arms. We looked at each other as if we had known one another our entire lives.
I love being your momma. I love watching you and Daddy together. I am thankful you are apart of our family. Sometimes I watch you play across the room, and I thank God that he chooses you to be with us.
You are a very special girl. You are very loved. I am thrilled to see what the future has in store for you, Miss Bailey. You are full of God’s goodness.
Thank you for a wonderful first year of being a mom,
Momma
Bailey,
If you are wondering why there are not any good pictures of you this month, well it is because I can’t get a good one. Anytime you see the camera (or cell phone, computer, video camera, etc.) you go crazy trying to get it. You get a determined look in your eyes, and you make great effort to get it. I love that you are motivated to get around, but the effect is your pictures look funny!
It has been a tough month for all of us. We are getting settled and finding our new grove. You have had a little trouble sleeping, which means Dad and I have too. Adjusting always takes a while, but there is so much goodness here that we know we are in God’s hands.
You have gone through some tough stages in the past, teaching me that you have “cloudy” days when you are discovering something new. As you process and become more aware of your surroundings, you are grumpy. As a result of your latest “cloudy” time you are making new discoveries with your old toys. You interact your toys in a new way. It is fascinating to watch this take place. Almost like watching the light come on- things are clearer for you.
Something else that you noticed is my helper. You are SOOO sweet about it. It started on the changing table. One day I was changing your diaper, when I felt your hands gently reaching for my left elbow. When I turned to look at you, you smiled a tender smile. This has happened twice since then. You watch me do things- paying particular attention to my left arm. I remember when you were 4 or 5 months old and you loved watching my hand. I would hold out my arms straight in front of me, then move my right away and around. You stayed focused my hand. Then when I did the same thing with my helper, you watched my hand, but didn’t move your eyes to follow my helper. Lynee asked me when I though you would notice. I said that I didn’t think you ever would notice a difference- just as I don’t remember noticing her eyes were blue. But I should have known that you are an observer and would realized that we are different.
Speaking of looking tenderly- you love your daddy! When he holds you, you stop and look him straight in the eyes- as if to say, I know who you are and I am glad you are holding me. When he talks or moves about the room, your eyes are right on him. I love to watch the two of you together. When you are cranky, we pop you up on Daddy’s shoulders. You are good to go. As if we just walked into a candy store, you are happy as can be. You grab his hair and ears. Sometime you even lick his stinky hat- smiling ear to ear!
You are a good reader. This month you learned to turn the pages in the book. It was an interesting process for you. We went through about two weeks where you needed the books to be on your feet. I let you do that, and got another book to read while you had the books under your feet. Then one day you decided you had this thing figured out, sat back in my lap, and started turning the page. Honestly, it was just one day with one book you figured it out and there has been no turning back. You could read books all day!
You are not fully crawling yet. You can get anywhere you want. I have spent HOURS videoing you because you are so close. I know it will be any day. But instead of having a video of your first time crawling, I am ending up with some very boring video. I make your daddy watch it anyway. You do initiate standing. You are motivated and proud. Sometimes I wonder if you are going to skip crawling and go straight to walking. Won’t surprise me, you have marched to your own drummer for 11 months now.
And great news- you are a good eater again! You figured out you can feed yourself crackers, and that is all you want to do. You eat all your fruits and veggies in big chunks. I am so proud of you. Bay, you have proven over and over that you do things when you decide. Motherhood is teaching me a deeper level of patience and acceptance. I am thankful that the Lord uses all things in order for me to grow.
You are absolutely perfectly and wonderfully made,
Momma
Sweet Pea,
We are in Mobile now. It has been a good move for all of us. You made the 20+ hour drive well. Only the last 75 miles did you get impatient. Daddy and I enjoyed your sweet personality as you sat in the back cracking yourself up. We were in the front seat, so who knows what you were enjoying so much- but we enjoyed you! You seem to like your new home. Your room was completed first. The first night it was ready you looked around and then exhaled continently. I think we all did.
A side effect of being in transition is you have grown very attached to your pacifier. Before, it soothed you and then you were done. Now—it is like a good friend. You love to play with it- tossing it back and forth between hands, banging it like a toy, putting it in and out of your mouth. Oh no........
You and I go to music class. We have a great teacher, Mrs. G. She has wonderful instruments like bells and maracas- perfect for a wiggle-worm. The class has 12 kids plus their moms. It is a little overwhelming for you. You like it when you and I play together best.
You are very interested in crawling. It started a few days after we got here. It was like a switch was flipped- from no interest to the only thing you want to practice. Once you started to show interest, Daddy started helping. He put you on your hands and knees to show you what it will be like. In observing this, I see God’s perfect design in family. I wanted to wait and let you figure it out on your own. But you have really taken off since he started helping. I am so glad that you have a balance of patient and push in us.
You have always had an opinion, Bay, but this month you are getting more of it. You tell me when you want to be left alone, or when you want to play something different. You show frustration when you can’t manipulate a toy or your body the way you want. You learn through it, so I think it is a good thing.
You also have quite an opinion on food. From the beginning you have shared your thoughts on food. Now you LOVE to eat yogurt. You don’t like cinnamon and sometimes won’t eat fruit. In last months letter I told you I was going to get serious about getting you to eat more solid foods. I try your favorite foods in the processor, but you won’t have it. You still hate it... You don’t cry any more. You just sweetly protest. Last week I was eating a bagel with cream cheese while holding you. You were very interested in me eating. I tore off a chunk and you ate it! Only one bite... but progress. When I tried the next day you didn’t like it. You will come around on your own time. Eventually we all eat solid food, and your day will come. As for the sippy cup- you think it is a joke. Literally, when I give it to you, you laugh. You like the way the water feels in the cup when you shake it. It is nothing but a good toy to you. Well, at least it doesn’t make you cry.
Your play has moved to a new level of exploring. You have always been curious, but it only increases. You soak in new things watching me demonstrate it. Then you will cautiously explore- grab, scratch, rub, shake. And before I know it you are full of joy as you play. It is an amazing process to watch. It happens with all kinds of toys- bongo drums, a cold teething ring or a quilt we hid under together. This month you seem to be more aware of what is going on and ready to play.
When we play on the floor, the rougher I am the more you laugh. No matter what is going on- hunger, frustration, tired- I can make you laugh in a split-second by tossing you around. We have all kinds of games we play on the floor- most of them are you bouncing or upside-down and all of them full of kisses.
You started initiating kisses this month. Nothing makes me happier. Your slobbery open-mouth kisses melt my heart. I have waited and waited for this, Bay. You make your momma SOOO happy.
Time is flying by. Soon you will be one-year-old.... Today we were in the car, and I looked back at you in the mirror. All I could see was arms and legs- you are so big. I remember when the seat swallowed you. It came with an insert to go around your neck and it was still too big. When you were ten-days-old, Lynee put her hand beside your head to keep your poor little head from wobbling. So today as I sat at the stoplight watching you play with your ball I was full of emotion. You have changed so much in ten months. Every month I think- “Ahh, this is THE best.” And then you go and do something else enjoyable.
I do love you Bailey Marie. You keep my life spicy! (You get that from your daddy.)
I’m crazy about you,
Momma
Bailey,
As I wrote your last letter, we were just starting our transition from New Jersey. We are still in between homes, and will be for another week. Bailey you have been nothing short of amazing. Because I want to see so many people, we leave most mornings and don’t return until mid-afternoon. You’re a trooper. I keel thinking one day I am going to put you in your car seat and you are going to scream- “Mom, I was JUST here!” But you don’t. You are happy and continent whatever we do.
The great thing about you is that you are flexible, and I can take you anywhere. But the side effect of me carting you all over South Jersey is you don’t nap in your crib anymore. I am not sure what I am going to do about it because you don’t cry. Instead, you lay there and kick- shaking your crib and giggling. But when I pick you up, you tell me that you are frustrated that you can’t sleep. You are really so sweet about not napping!
You are getting older, and awake more these days. You usually only take two naps. It has definitely made our days smoother with your awake-time extended. Here is what a “typical” day looks like:
5:30 am- 4 oz. bottle, I am not sure why- but you are consistent in requesting it
8:30- wake up
9:00- 4 oz. bottle and 1 jar of fruit
12:00 pm- nap (in the car probably)
1:00- 4 oz. bottle and 1 fruit and 1 veggie
4:00- nap
5:00- 4 oz. bottle and 1 fruit and 1 veggie
6:30- bath
7:00- bed
10:00- 6 oz. cereal bottle and diaper change for the night
It is a good day with you, Bailey. You are NOT interested in eating anything but jarred baby food. I give you a blueberry, strawberry or orange and you cry. Honestly- cry! As if to say, “Mom, get this out of my mouth!” I haven’t tried too hard since we have been out of our house. It is a goal of mine when we get to Mobile. But Bay, you have taught me over and over in the past nine months that you do things when you get ready. You will do what you want until you are ready to change. I love the strong, I-know-what-I-want-for-myself side of you. I do find it challenging, but it is a beautiful characteristic God has blessed you with. He has a mighty plan to use it for His glory.
New things- You are full of them. First of all- you got your ears pierced!!!!!! It looks BEAUTIFUL on you. I LOVE it! Daddy gave this to me as a Mother’s Day gift. There is nothing else that would have made me happier. One of my favorite new things is you have learned to stretch out your arms when you want me to hold you. You have had other indicators for a while- like falling over towards me or just crying. But now- you reach! I love it. You are not really a snugger- more of a mover. So you don’t do it all day. It makes my heart warm every time! Talking isn’t really new, but it has increased dramatically. You have a low, quiet growl you make out of joy and contentment. So sweet! But you balance that with an ear-piercing scream. You move your tongue and practice new sounds while doing it. It is hard on everyone’s ears. You are not upset, just experimenting. Daddy notice that you do it when you are some place new- like you are testing the acoustics. Your favorite “words” are ‘geee’, ‘keee’, and ‘daddy’. You don’t seem to know what ‘Daddy’ means, but it is beautiful to hear.
Things you love- Your hands! It is going on 5 months that you have been studding these hands, Bay. Amazing to me. You love yours or someone else’s. You watch as I use mine. You think so hard as you use yours. They are just as interesting to you as the day you found them. You like to hold your feet- but they are not fascinating! You still enjoy lights. You like the shadows and reflections. Ahhhh, the best toys for you are always around! Your other favorite toys are rattles. You are such a wiggle worm, so anything that makes noise as you wiggle is the best to you!
You are a blast. You change so quickly. I look back at your newborn pictures and think of all that you have learned. I love watching you grow and change. Your sweet personality is a joy to get to know. I am so thankful for you and all that you add to our family.
I love you, Bailey Marie,
Momma
Bailey and I are settled in here at the Sullens’ house. They arrive home tonight from their vacation to FL. We have been praying for them as they shared illness with each other on the trip. What a rotten time to get sick!
The Sullens have been blessed with a wonderful home. I feel like I live in a modern mansion! The space seems huge with just the two of us. I am looking forward to some company that can chat. Jeff (Sullens) and Ben have gone to DC together in December and February. Each time I was busy with family and didn’t get to spend time with Cynthia. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to enjoy each other’s company...but it wasn’t in the books for that to work out. I am always amazed how God answers the desires of our hearts greater than we ask, because this time that they leave I get to soak up all time with her. What a blessing!
Ben left for Mobile on Monday and arrived yesterday. He was able to get the key to the house and get electricity & water set up before our goods arrive today (Wednesday). He called me about 2:00 yesterday just 30 miles from Mobile. His voice was full of excitement as he proclaimed that he felt like he was home- he just saw an armadillo on the side of the road! Ahhh, the little things!
Ben will spend the next few days getting boxes unpacked, furniture arranged and the pantry stocked. He flies back on Saturday. Bailey and I are ready to see him. She has been saying “dada, dada, dad” none stop. She is doing so well- laughing and talking most of the day. Just a pleasure to spend the day with. ......Speaking of, she is just getting up from her nap. My little alarm clock tells me it is time to stop!
Month Eight
Tell me Bay, how could seven months be my favorite age yet? So much happened this month.... You changed- not transitioned, but changed... overnight.
You have been a good baby since we brought you home. Last month I told you about your spirited side of your personality. I didn’t tell you that it kind-of threw me for a loop, because when I was pregnant you were very different. Laid-back, easy, continent... all the time. Then when you were born you showed us another side of you. I was just a little surprised how often we saw your spirited- sometimes wild- side. Dad and Lynee will remember (maybe) that nursing you was like nursing a bucking bull... you could just be wild sometimes. So Saturday night we put you to bed and everything was the same. Then on Easter Sunday your daddy had to work. So it was just me getting ready for church... I wish I had a witness... but Bay, you woke up a different baby. Laid-back, easy and continent. Now you stay up later- like 6:00 or 6:30. You sleep-in better. You go with the flow better. You nap in your car seat better. If we are out and you don’t eat for 4 ½ hours, you don’t care. You can play by yourself for 20 or 30 minutes. You anticipate the games we play. You like to be tossed and rough-housed. You will even ask me to wrestle in your own sweet way. Don’t get me wrong, Bay, you didn’t become perfect- but you are the baby I carried for 9 months; you are the little girl I dreamed of long before I met your dad.
You have teeth! Unbelievable. Your daddy was changing your diaper and saw them- TWO of them. We had no idea. You have been chewing your fingers and drooling for months. You were not cranky or clingy. You are totally yourself. As of right now you have four teeth. And with everyone of them you got diaper rash. You never had that before. Poor girl, the diaper rash is more painful for you than cutting the teeth. But even at that you don’t complain much. You are One Tough Girl!
We moved out of our house this month. You are awesome. We brought your bed to the Sullens’ house, and you never skipped a beat. You love it here. I am so proud of you! We took you to New York City. Not for you, but because Dad and I thought it would be fun to have you in the city with us for one more trip. You took it all in and the City loved you. Everyone loves a cute baby. A guy filming a TV show had to stop and talk to you. A woman walking her dog wanted you to meet the pup. And at dinner, the people on both sides of us couldn’t stop looking and talking to you. On man even told his wife to stop starring and leave us alone. We enjoyed it, though.
You are a blast, Bailey. You are a blessing. I thank God each night that He trusted us with you.
I love you,
Momma
P.S. I forgot to tell you about your crazy legs. They can kick and you get the most joy from it. I am downstairs right now and you are up in your bed- with the door shut. You just woke from your morning nap, and I can hear you slamming your feet into the mattress and squealing. You have always had strong legs... it makes me wonder what God has planned for you!
Oh Sweet Bay, where do I start? It seems like only yesterday I was writing your 6-month letter, yet so much has already changed. Your personality is the perfect combination of opinion and chill. You let me know your opinion- like when I offer you milk. You don’t always want to drink, you sometimes want to go straight for food. And you have a way of telling me. But you are so laid-back about other things. The nursery workers at MOPS tell me that you are good with the other babies. You are the youngest in the class, and the other babies think you are very interesting. You let them touch your clothes and bows. The ladies are impressed with how calm you are around them. I have witnessed this as well. Emerson Canney is 4 months older than you. Just this week she was taking out your pacifier and giving you kisses. You thought it was great. You have a sweet little personality unfolding.
You now are able to sleep at night without a swaddle. I think you are finished with your little growth-spurt because you get your last feeding at 10 and don’t wake up again until 6. Daddy gets up at 6 for work, so he feeds you and I get to stay in bed until you get up at 8:30...if we don’t have to be anywhere. It is so nice. I am very proud of you. You have grown and made these achievements on your own. We just needed to wait until you are ready, and with your opinion, you let us know what you want. Thanks for being patient with us as we learn!
You are figuring out that your hands are pretty useful. You hold your stuffed animals very well. You are able to pick up your animals when they fall beside you. It is amazing to watch you learn this! I know everyone had to do this at some point, but to see this has been a new experience for me. This month you found your feet. You looked at them for a few weeks and now in the last couple of days you have started reaching for them. You don’t quite grab them yet... but you think it is the funniest thing when I kiss your toes!
My favorite new thing you do is cut your eyes. You do this when you are examining something and thinking hard. It is hilarious! You do it to people, the clocks on the wall and always to the light fixtures.
It is still up for debate- and everyone seems to have an idea, yet no one really knows- what your color your hair and eyes will be. I think you have red hair and blue eyes, just like your daddy. I can’t wait to put your beautiful hair in some pig-tails! Your hair started growing THIS week! It is getting longer...but it is still hard to tell what color it will really be. You are just full of mystery!
The best thing about this month is that you have learned to put your head on my shoulder. Funny thing to have to learn, but Bay- you are a strong girl- just a wiggler and shaker. If you ever thought about resting your head, you buried your nose and shook your head “NO”. It wasn’t comfortable for either of us! Now when you’re tired, you will turn your head and rest. Oh Bay, it is SO sweet. I could hold you like that for a long time, but I don’t. I put you down, because I know that is what you really want- to go to sleep.
I love you, Bailey Marie. I love being your momma. I have learned so much from you already. I am thankful for the challenges that God has laid before me. I am thankful that He is guiding your dad and me through. I am thankful that your daddy is patient with me as I learn how to be a mom. I am thankful that you are my first child. You are teaching me well.
I love you through and through- yesterday, today and tomorrow TOO!
Momma
Bay,
Oh Sweetheart, you are growing right before my eyes! You are becoming a sweet, sweet girl. So much has happened this month. You started sitting up on your own. You can’t do it for too long, so no one would leave your side yet. But you can do it!! You also enjoy your tummy more than ever. You even play with toys while on your tummy. I am so proud of you! You continue to be an observer. You are an intense focuser. You notice details just like you Momma and Papa do. When you get something new you become very serious as you study and examine it. You love to watch our cat Jax. And now that you don’t scream as much, Jax will come around you more.
You still LOVE food. You open your mouth in anticipation for the next bite. You went through a time when you wanted your fist and spoon in your mouth at the same time. It left me in a tough spot feeding you. But you are over that now. Just a phase. You did eat green beans and peas, but you are under silent-protest right now. Hopefully you will start again next week.... You love carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and applesauce. All things sweet. Taking after your Daddy, are you?
You and I still read a lot of books. And I give you lots of kisses. You love to get kisses. My hair tickles your face. You close your eyes, clench your fists, hold your breath, and smile as your wait for the next kiss. I love watch you.
Well, Bay, you are our first child. And you will come to find out that we will make mistakes with you that your other brothers and sisters won’t have to endure. But good news- I am not reading parenting books any more... for now. I really frustrated both of us this time. I decided you needed to stop sleeping in a swaddle. You were not giving me any indication that you were ready to stop- I just read something and immediately stopped. You did not appreciate this. We were both miserable for a few days while I was strong headed and insisted that you grow-up before you were ready. I learned my lesson and you are back in the swaddle. The side effect is that you are not longer sleeping through the night. Bummer for all of us. Well, you have been a good sleeper since we brought you home from the hospital, so I am sure this is just around the corner again.
We spent a lot of time in Texas this month. I learned that you are quite the social gal. You are not one to be the center of attention with your smiles and coos (you save those for your daddy and me). But you love being with people. If I could get you to nap for a cumulative hour during the day for the two weeks I was lucky. It plum wore you out. It was so neat to see that side of your personality revealed. You are a sweet girl, everyone agrees.
We came home to New Jersey and your daddy came home a few days later. You had not seen him in 20 days. You gave him THE biggest smile. He scooped you up and you stared at him. You kept smiling. Oh, it was the sweetest moment. Time at our house just stood still. It was perfect. For the rest of the day you wanted only Daddy. I tried to put you to sleep, but you couldn’t get comfortable until he held you for a few minutes. And the next day, it was the same. Just you and dad. He fed you, bathed you, clothed and diapered you. He wanted to be with you just as much as you desired him. He was still off work the following day, and the two of you had a date to the doctor’s office. You were SO happy when you came home. You got some great time together!
We have good news, Bay! We are moving to Mobile, AL. It is going to be a great move for us. Your daddy has found a wonderful house for us to live in. He is excited that he will get to teach you to ride a bike on this street.
Well, the next month or two maybe rough as we are in transition, but you are going to do just fine.
Your Momma Loves You,
Momma
Sweet Bay,
Oh goodness, you are growing and changing! I just can’t believe what all happened this month. I don’t know how you can get any better, but as your personality is revealed I find I fall in love with you more and more.
Now, don’t go and get a big head. Not every day is peaches-n-cream. This month started off a little rough. You had an incredibly big emotional and physical growth spurt. You were tired, cranky and clingy. Poor girl. It was tough to watch you go through it. But once you were on the other side, I’ll tell you what, you were a whole new girl. You had to go through the tough stuff to get discover and grow.
You have found your hands. They are the best toys around. You love to look at them and put them in your mouth. You started by discovering you can separate your thumb from your fist. Pretty tasty! Then you found your index finger equally appealing. On certain days you like your right hand and other days your left. Over all I think you favor sucking on your left hand.
You like my hand as much as yours. I have shown you my helper, but you don’t see it yet. I kind of wonder if you ever will notice, or if it will just be something you always know. I can’t wait to find out!
I started using sign language this month. You love to watch me do it. Because of your interest in hands, I think it was the perfect time to start. I make the ‘milk’ sign to you a lot. The other day I was feeding you and you started signing ‘milk’! At this point it is only imitation, you don’t know what you are saying yet. But you are so observant and I am so proud of you!
Speaking of food, you started eating solids this month. You love it! This is the first time I can actually say you are a good eater! You love peas and green beans.
You also learned to roll over this month. You worked hard to learn. I have seen you roll from your back to tummy on both sides and tummy to back once. You enjoy tummy time more and more. You are getting stronger, so you feel a little safer.
One of my favorite new things is your squeak. It sounds like it is going to turn into a laugh one day soon. Usually you squeak with joy when I am teasing you. I roll you around (in my arms or on the floor) and you love it. Your mouth opens wide with the biggest smile and you give a little squeak, as if you can’t catch your breath. It is so sweet. I look forward to hearing more of it.
When we are out, people generally comment on how alert you are. I think this is because you are a good sleeper. They usually notice how you don’t sit still well. Your daddy says that we are going to have to watch out when you start crawling because you will keep us on our toes with how active you are.
Oh, Bay, I have loved this month with you. I have found peace with your 45-minute naps, and you have yourself on a good schedule. You have also started sleeping through the night. I love knowing that I can feed you at 10 and you won’t ask for food again until 7 the next morning! A full night of uninterrupted sleep for Momma makes everybody happier!
You are noticing a lot more of your surroundings. You see Jax when he walks by. I have noticed that you pay a lot of attention to men. You pick them out in a room, and you seem very continent when they hold and talk to you. I think that means you are going to be a daddy’s girl.
Our favorite things to do haven’t changed. You love to sit in your bumbo seat and read books. I usually read 5 before you are ready to do something else. We read the same books each time: The Going to Bed Book, Baby Colors, Brown Bear Brown Bear, Bright and Beautiful, Hickery-Dickery-Dock. You like the familiarity of them. Diaper Bunny kisses make you laugh almost every time. We sing a silly eating song while you eat cereal and veggies. You get so excited when I dance and sing. You still love Dragonfly and “his” rendition of the hokey-pokey in the bathtub. (Which, by the way, a bath is your favorite time of day.) Your swing is still one of your favorites. But you would be fine if I left you alone on the floor practicing your latest trick.
Here is an average day's schedule:
7:00 wake-up happy and telling stories
7:30 drink and eat
8:30 nap
9:15 wake-up
10:00 drink bottle
10:30 nap
11:15 wake-up and drink bottle
12:15 nap
1:00 wake-up and drink bottle
2:30 nap
3:30 wake-up
4:00 drink and eat
4:30 bath
5:00 bed
7:00 wake to drink
10:00 wake to drink and good-night
I love being your Momma. It is a privilege to watch you grow and share in this time of your life.
I love, love, love you,
Momma
Dear Bailey,
You are four-months-old today. This last month has been the best yet. You are growing and changing so quickly. Your daddy and I enjoy watching your sweet personality unfold. You are content and patient- just like you were when I was pregnant with you.
You are long and skinny… an absolute beauty. You have a smile that melts my heart. You have started responding to my kisses. When I lean in towards you for a kiss, you open your mouth and then your face lights with delight. We do this over and over. You respond the same way each time.
We spend a lot of time together, and I am growing fonder of you each day. You are an observer and a thinker. I was sharing with my aunt Debi about you, and she told me that I acted much the same way growing up. Boy, does your daddy have his hands full if he has TWO thinkers in the house!
Last Christmas I went to Texas, and I told your daddy & everyone that I was pregnant. This Christmas was even better than that! We spent the holiday in Washington D.C. because your daddy was working. Lynee and Papa came and spent it with us. Then Grandma, Pops, your aunts, uncle and cousins came too. It was very special. I am so glad they got to share this great season with you.
This year we were listened to the nativity story at the Gaylord on Christmas Eve. One of the songs was Oh, Come All Ye Faithful. The phrase “Oh, come let us adore Him” took on a whole new meaning for me. I see how people love to adore you. There is something magnetic about babies. People who usually would not talk- do. They notice you and are full of comments “She is beautiful.” “How old is she?” “Look at those bright eyes!” It made me wonder- how much greater those questions were asked to Mary and Joseph. There is something special about a baby, but Baby Jesus must have been majestically breath taking. How could He not have been?!! I am so thankful for the great ways that God uses my time with you to draw me closer to Him.
God seems to save special messages for me at Christmas. I can remember some wonderful things he has taught me in past Christmas season. This year has been an extension of what he has been laying on my heart since you were born- Thankfulness. I am thankful He gave you to us. My eyes have opened to new discoveries. I am more aware than ever of His generosity to me in great ways and small.
I Love You,
Momma
This post seems out-of-date... since next week is Christmas. But tonight I came home from a wonderful evening with friends and feel overwhelmed with gratitude for my life.
I am thankful for people like Cynthia and Melissa who invited others into their homes. I am thankful for friends like Joe & Megan and Regan who watch Bailey while we get out for a while. I am thankful that I have friends like Kelly and Lauren who have little boys Bailey’s age to remind me that the challenges I face are normal. Most of all, I am thankful God allowed us one more year in New Jersey with these great people and so many more.
I am thankful that this year we get to spend BOTH Thanksgiving and Christmas with our families. Though I am disappointed that Brady and his girls wont be joining us, I am so glad that he married Loryn and gets to be with her family for Christmas. I am thankful that my parents enjoy both of their children’s in-laws. It is a blessing to be a part of a harmonious family and extended family. Not that it is perfect, but that it is good.
I am thankful for Ben- that he still kisses me like we are dating. That he tells me I am a good mother. That he calls me every night when he is gone. That he wants to share his day with me. That he trusts me with his struggles and successes. That he makes home a good place to be.
I am thankful for Bailey- who has changed my life for the better. I appreciate each smile and coo and then I hang on for more.
I am thankful for my home, Jax, the live tree on the porch, clean sheets, homemade bread and cookies, ribbon and hair bows, baby legs that go on Bailey’s legs, lipstick and lotion, Christmas plays, coffee and flavored creamer, Granddad’s stories, NJ in the fall, DC at Christmas, NYC in the spring, the anticipation of a new adventure and home, and the memories of a life time.
It has been a good year. I have so much to be thankful for.
Bailey,
You have stolen my heart. I love being your mother. I don’t know how many kisses you get in a day- but I just can’t get enough of you.
You are growing so much right now. You have started what others call “cooing”, but I know you are talking. You tell me great stories! Sometimes you will stop nursing, look right at me, and say “Thanks for feeding me, Mom”. The other day I took you to Bethel Prep to meet the boys and girls I taught when you were in my belly. On the way home you told the baby in the mirror all about your experiences. I just sat in the front and listened to you. You have a beautiful voice.
You are getting more control of your arms and legs, but you still love to put your little fists by your ears. You are a good kicker. You will aim at Ladybug or Zebra hanging over you, and when you hit it you get so excited! Your eyes get very wide and you pump your arms and legs in celebration. Oh- you are proud of your achievement! You also grab on to things like Diaper Bunny and your snuggly. It has been fun to interact with you and your toys. You have started to stay awake more... which I think means you are not napping well. (I am having trouble figuring that one out right now.) Either way I do enjoy spending time with you.
When we go out many people comment on how long you are. The doctors say the same thing. But I am afraid, Honey, that you do not have the genes to keep your height. People also talk about how alert you are. They love your bright eyes. When we get in large groups you get quiet and still. You seem to concentrate- as if you want to remember every minute of your experiences.
You are a good baby. You have had several babysitters so far. Lynee and Papa kept you a couple of times while Dad and I went out for dinner. I have taken you to the nursery at MOPS and church. Every time I go to get you, someone different is holding you and doesn’t want to let go. We also asked friends from the Coast Guard and church to watch you while we went on a date. It is so nice to have friends we trust to take good care of you. We always get rave reviews of your behavior when we pick you up. Others agree, Bailey Marie, you are a good baby.
I love being your mom. You have blessed your dad and my life tremendously. I am not sure what we spent our time doing before you came... but I know that it wasn’t half as fulfilling as caring for you.
I Love, Love, Love You!
Momma
P.S. We did make it to the grocery store. It was easier than I thought.... but you are a good baby. I should have known.
Bailey Marie,
You are sleeping right now. You are a good sleeper. It is hard to believe that you have yet to have a fussy night. You wake up hungry, eat and then go right back to sleep. I love the 30 or 45 minutes we get to spend together in the sleepy hours of the night. It is just for us and I think it is precious.
You have kept us on our toes this month. Many days I have said “Every day is a new day with Bailey”. We never know what new smile or sound you will share with us. We also don’t know what new quirk we may uncover. It is a beautiful process to learn about you as you reveal each new piece. I enjoy dreaming about all the future has in store for you as Daddy and I watch.
You and I went on a big trip this month. It started by the three of us traveling to Kentucky to my cousin Andy’s wedding. You did a great job on the 12-hour car trip. Then you and I flew to Texas with Papa and Lynee. We stayed in Spearman for 12 days. It was hard for Lynee and Papa to say good-bye to you after getting to be with you so long.
Then we went to Clyde to see Pops and Grandma. Julie was there, and you got to meet Debra and Leroy. Your cousins were so impressed with you that they couldn’t keep their hands off. Aaralyn loved holding you, and for the most part you enjoyed her lap as well.
Julie took us to Dallas where you got to meet the Yarboughs. Avery is two months older than you. Y’all already act like good friends- like you have known each other your whole life!
Last we flew back to DC where Dad was working. He was very ready to see us after 2 weeks apart.
I was very proud of you. You got to meet so many people, and you showed them your best side. Dad and I love to make trips, so I am glad to see you travel well.
I love being your momma. You remind me that every day is a blessing.
-I Love, Love, Love You
P.S. We still haven’t gone to the grocery store by ourselves... maybe next month....
Bailey,
This has been the best month of my life. Learning about you is exciting, fun and challenging. I am so happy I get to share this special time with your dad. He is a great dad- just a natural. He is patient and good with you. He can read your needs so well. He listens as I discuss what I observe and need. You are blessed to have such an amazing man as your father.
I love to watch you sleep; you look so different with your eyes open.... And you are beautiful both ways!
In this month you have had many visitors including Lynee & Papa and Grandma, Pops, and Julie. We have taken you many places. At first you didn’t like your car seat, but that has changed in the past few days. It is great to take you places without crying. I haven’t gone to the grocery store since you have been born. I can't quite figure out where you are going to go while I shop. I am making a plan, so I hope that next month we can figure this out.... Until then your dad is doing all the shopping, and I am not complaining!
Daddy and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of God’s blessing since your birth. He has provided for us in ways we couldn’t have thought to ask for. We know He has a special plan for your life. We feel more than privileged that He has chosen us to give you to.
-Your Momma Loves You