Bailey's Christmas Surprise

One of our families traditions is to open our new Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve, and this is what Bailey found when she opened hers...

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and we wish you all a Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Bailey

I just realized that in the midst and craziness of having a baby a year ago today I never actually documented Bailey's birth story. So I decided that today, her "birth"day, would be a perfect time to document the story for her and for me. It might be a long one so read if you want, and enjoy! Her 1 year post with party and updates will come in a couple of days once we get back home.

I was exactly 41 weeks and was getting ready for a doctor's appt. to check and make sure that everything was alright with the baby, and I noticed that I was feeling kind of crappy. I felt like I was going to start my period, which was a little weird after not having one for awhile, but I went on with my morning thinking it would go away after I ate. Around 9-10am Clint and I headed off to the doctor's and I was feeling what I thought might be actual contractions. Once at the office they hooked me up to the monitor and my midwife, Janice, confirmed that those were indeed real contractions and that she would probably see me later that night to have a baby! So Clint and I headed home to have a some lunch (had to get as much energy as possible for the night ahead) and to do some walking. While walking through the neighborhood I noticed that the contractions were getting stronger (still bearable), and I was having to stop every once in awhile when one would happen. After walking I decided to try and rest for an hour or two, to see if that would help my body relax.

It was now around 5pm, and I was done resting and having trouble finding a comfortable position. About a half an hour later I was leaning over our bed "relaxing", and I felt and heard a pop and then there was water! I ran to the bathroom, where conveniently Clinton was using the toilet, and I just remember saying "move, move, move." He stopped what he was doing, and later asked why I didn't just go into the shower. I'm sorry my water just broke and I am having your baby, next time I will try to think more! We called Janice and told that my water broke and that everything looked good, and asked when she thought we should come in. She said to come in whenever I felt like it, and to know that the contractions would be getting a lot stronger now. We waited around the house for another hour and a half, but I felt my contractions really low in my belly & more in my quads and hip flexors which made standing, kneeling, sitting, you name it uncomfortable. We had decided that we wanted to have a natural birth and to do most of my laboring in a birth tub, so we headed to the hospital.

We got into our room around 8:00pm and got checked...I was dilated to a 4.5, and for the next 5 hours labor consisted of getting monitored on the ball for 15 minutes then back to the tub for 45 minutes. That tub saved my life, I was able to relax so much once I got in the tub. Never once did I think that labor was too painful, but at this point my body was tired and I didn't know how much longer I could go. Around midnight I was in transition, and feeling more pressure so it was time to get out and see how much progress was made. My one fear was that I hadn't progressed and I was going to have to keep laboring, but I was dilated to a 9.5 and it was almost time to push. To get to the much wanted 10 centimeters I walked around the room, sat on the toilet, and tried to push. Finally, around 2:00am the real work began! I pushed and pushed and pushed for over an hour. I remember thinking at one point that there was know turning back now...it was too late, and every time Janice would say just a few more pushes...how many is just a few more! My little one did not want to come out and Janice said that maybe we need to think about an episiotomy. I did not want an episiotomy, and asked her if she was sure I needed one. She told me I had two more pushes, and on the third push Bailey Holloway entered the world at 3:21am. Our little girl weighed in at 9lbs. 1oz., was 21 inches long, and was perfect in every way.

I had a amazing labor, and am so happy with the decision we made for a natural birth. I am thankful for Clint for going to 13 weeks of Bradley classes and being a perfect coach. But really I am so thankful for Bailey and for the opportunity I have to be her mom. So Happy Birthday Bailey, and thank you for making this last year one I will never forget. Your dad and I love you so much, and can't wait to see what the next year holds!

Fun Flashback

One year ago today I looked like this...

and still had 10 more days to go!

Day at the Park

Bailey and I have been venturing outside more now that it has started to cool down, it is now in the high 80's (it's November....really AZ)! Now that she is walking I figured she need some practice walkinig in shoes & outside, so the other day we headed down to the park, and I am sad to say that this was her first trip. She is still having a little trouble walking in the shoes, but for the most part she really liked the park. We played on the swings, which she didn't really love, bounced on some of the toys, and played in the sand. The sand was a BIG hit, and I think she would have played in it all day long if I had let her. I love that she is walking so much and I am so excited for all the adventures that await us.

***Only 14 days until the BIG 1st Birthday!!!***

Fall Fun Update

The month of October flew by way too fast, and now I have to start thinking about Christmas & Bailey's 1st B-day. But before I get too ahead of myself let me share what FUN the last month has been! As mentioned in an earlier post my mom was here for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the month, and we had lots of projects to keep us busy & good intentions to get them all done. We did get some done, but sickness hit the Holloway house and so projects got put on hold. Before the sickness hit we were able to somewhat organize our office & my sewing/craft room, did ALOT of canning, refinished a table for my porch, and started decorating for Halloween. I didn't get a lot of pics with my mom this time around....need to be do better next time!

The "Fruits" of our Labor...literally! We canned 24 jars of Peaches, 20 jars of Peach-Raspberry & Peach-Strawberry Freezer jam, 12 jars of Applesauce, and 5 jars of Applebutter.

Got the domino for a $1.00 at a store going out of business...I love cute $1.00 decor

About a week after my mom went home Clint's parent came out for a visit, and it had been awhile since they had been out...so it was great to have them! While they were here we took Bailey & Finn to the Pumpkin Patch to get our pumpkins & some fun pictures. I was so excited to get cute pics of Bailey sitting in the pumpkins, but she had other plans. She HATED it, and no matter what we tried she would not smile. I can only imagine what pictures with Santa are going to be like!!

The rest of the month was spent decorating the house, making costumes, and enjoying all of the Halloween activities. As for Halloween night & Bailey's 1st Trick or Treating experience...well it was pretty low key. We stopped by 4 houses and although she didn't want to walk up to the door by herself, she would take the candy out of the bucket (I guess she got much figure out). After that we headed back to our house to pass out candy to the tons of Trick or Treaters in the neighborhood (we went through 5 bags, and about 300-400 pieces of candy).

I love Halloween Decor...so Fun!!

Our CUTE Bumblebee at the Trunk or Treat

Family Fun Carving Pumpkins

Bailey's 1st Trick or Treat...Happy Halloween!

One MOre MOnth...

That's right, Bailey's 1 year mark is only 1 MONTH away....CRAZY! I have been so bad this month about taking pictures around the house, so I don't have many pics to show for Month 11. There has not been a lot of changes this month, but there has been some BIG ones...so here is the list.

• Will "woof" when you ask what a doggy says or when she sees Bronco...sounds like "woowoowoo"
• Is trying & actually eating some BIG people food (apple slice, french fry)...this is a big step for us
• Has 6 teeth
• Dances when she hears music, but Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Little Einstein are still her favs
• Baby talks up a storm, and trys to say certain words...but they just aren't that recognizable yet
• Loves to open & close the shutters
• Will say what sounds like whoa or oooh, with the cutest rounded mouth
• Loves to open & close things, and is starting to put things in & take them out
• Points at things she wants
• Loves going on bike rides
• SHE'S WALKING!!!!!

(Sorry the lighting is a little funky)

This last week she has been two or three steps, but she was still a little nervous to really let go and WALK. I don't know what changed, but yesterday when we got home from church she decided it was GO TIME! All of a sudden she was taking 8-10 steps at a time so we pulled out the video camera to document this momentous occasion. I think my favorite part about this is that she claps for herself after she falls down...so proud of herself. She is definitely crawling more then walking, but as Clint would says, "It's only just begun!"

When we became us...

He asked...

I said YES...

and 6 years ago today we became US...

he makes me laugh at least 1 time a day

we have lived in 2 states - CA & AZ

we are a happy family of 3 (and bronco)

number of apt./houses we have lived in = 4

for 5 years we have watched A Christmas Story every December

it has been a GREAT 6 years...and I am so excited that it is for FOREVER

Happy 6 years to US...oh how time flies when you're in LOVE!

Coming out of Quarantine

I will hopefully have an update soon, but for now here are two new things and why the posting was put on hold. A week after we got back from Utah Bailey woke up around 1:30am with a fever of 101 degrees. After a rough day I decided to take her in to the doctor's and as luck would have it the double ear infection either came back or didn't go away the first time. So we got a stronger medication and went on our way, but when she had a fever of 102-103 for the next three days we paid the doc another visit. He thought she was okay, but just to be sure he sent us to get her a chest x-ray to rule out pnemonia. The results came back, and sure enough she had it. What would make this situation even better you wonder....how about you throw in a case of mastitis for me (awesome!!!). All this was happening while my mom was visiting too, which was great to have the help in the middle of the night, but sad that we didn't get more time for projects. Anyways, we have been medication and are all feeling better, so like I said hopefully I will be able to get some posts up soon. Until then here are a couple fun things...

• Now that the weather has started to cool off a little here we took Bailey on her 1st Bike ride
• She started clapping today...so fun!

Double Digits

Bailey turned 10 months on Saturday, and I seriously can't believe it. There hasn't been a lot of new things happening, but there are a few...so here is a list, some pics, & a video!

• Waves Hi & Bye
• Loves to be chased (my new favorite)
• Had blood drawn for the 1st time
• Gives kisses
• Got her 1st & is currently on her 2nd double ear infection (seriously? YUCK)
• Will fake laugh back to you if you do it first
• Loves her books
• Makes a surprised face & a fish face
• Does laps around the ottoman & walks with her little walker
• Lets go & balances for 5-10 seconds
• Tried taking 2 steps...but it only happened once!

Kisses for the Camera

Happy even after Bloodwork

Our CUTE 10 monther!

Weekend with Great Grandma...and some others too!

Bailey & I flew up to Utah last Thursday so that she could visit with Great Grandma Millward. We made a trip up in the spring because my Grandma got very sick, and I wanted her to have a chance to meet Bailey...but she was so in and out while in the hospital she didn't really remember her very much. So when my parents said they were driving down for the weekend I decided we needed to come up too. We had a great seat on the plane that had tons of room for Bailey to play which made the plane ride very easy!

Our flight got in before my parents arrived so our friend Kiara, who used to be in our Ward in AZ, drove up from Provo to pick us. We got to spend the afternoon with her which was great, since we hadn't seen her since May. Thanks again Kiara and CONGRATS on the BABY on the way!!!! Friday afternoon we met up with some more old friends...the dancers from Ririe Woodbury. I love those guys so much & miss them tons! It was so fun visiting with them & we even got to watch them run through a few dances from their upcoming show. Bailey watched for a while & my nephew Gabe was totally into it...at one point he even got up and tried to imitate what the dancers were doing. The dancers leave soon for France & I can't believe it has been almost a year & a half since I was over there with them...so much has changed!

Aside from seeing old friends Bailey had tons of time to play with her cousin Gabe. I think Gabe had a little more fun with her this trip since she is more mobile & interactive, but sometimes he is still not too sure. He will talk about her, but won't talk to her & he loves to bring her things...toys, paci, etc. I loved watching them & can't wait to see them at Christmas. To keep the kids busy we took them down to the big splash pad at the Gateway Mall & to the Children's Musuem. Gabe loved the water, and Bailey charged it too...but then the water shot up and hit her in the face, and that was the end of that. The Children's Musuem was a ton of fun, and Gabe LOVED it. I can't wait for Bailey to get a little older so that I can take her to do all that stuff. We had so much fun with Gabe & can't wait to see him in December!

The rest of our trip was spent at Great Grandma house or taking the ladies out to eat. It was so fun watching Bailey interact with my Grandma & Great Aunt. They loved how much Bailey smiled & how happy she was all the time. She didn't want to be held a lot, but we were able to get a few good pics. I love these ladies so much & am so glad for the time I lived in UT and got to spend with them. Bailey doesn't have many Great Grandparents left, so I hope we are able to visit them a lot so that she can remember that relationship & how much they love her. Families really are the BEST...thanks goodness they are FOREVER too!

Grandma Knew Best

Sleep...does a good night of sleep exist once you become a parent? This is the question I have been asking myself for almost two weeks. Now I know that I have had it pretty easy so far & that Bailey has been a pretty good sleeper since we brought her home, so what do I really have to complain about? I guess I feel that after not getting enough sleep for any amount of time you're entitled to a little bit of complaining...now onto why this lack of sleep is occuring.

Bailey got a cold the last weekend in August and it lingered around for almost the entire week. I am always so sad when she gets sick, because she just seems so helpless. There is one good thing that happens when she is sick, and that is that she wants to cuddle. A little selfish I know, but my little independent girl could care less about cuddling, and has been that way since birth.

Labor Day weekend rolled around and she seemed to be feeling better she just had a little bit of a cough left. I thought we were on our way back to the normal sleep schedule, but boy was I wrong! The beginning of this week she started waking up 4-5 times a night, and it wasn't just waking up and being a little fussy...it was waking up and screaming like she was in pain. So we tried Tylenol, then we tried Motrin, and then I thought maybe she had more teeth coming in up top so we tried Ambisol, but NONE of them worked! So what do you do when you are SUPER tired and don't know what is wrong with you baby...you call your mom! After telling my mom about how she was acting she said that she thought she might have an ear infection. I didn't really think she did, but I guess I had tons of them when I was a baby and my mom said that I never had any of the normal symptons...I just didn't sleep. I figured what do I have to lose (besides the $10 co-pay) if anything we can rule out one more thing if she doesn't have one. So yesterday morning we headed to the doctor and wouldn't you know it a DOUBLE ear infection. I guess after 20+ years of not having babies my mom has still got it, now it's just called "grandma's intuition." I am so glad I listened to her and went to have her checked out...thanks again Mom! I guess now we just wait for the medicine to kick in and the sleep to return!

Mommy's Little Helper

I had about 1/2 the laundry folded when I went to take some chicken out for dinner, and when I came back I found this...

Unfolding must be more FUN then folding...thanks for your help Bailey!

My Favorite Month....#9

Miss Bailey is 9 months old (yesterday), and has made a lot of changes this past month. We had her check-up today with the doctor, so here is the list of her growth changes...

• Weight - 18lbs 3 1/2oz (39%)
• Height - 27 1/2 in (49%)
• Head - 17 1/2 (65%)

This past month has been full of changes and so far it is my FAVORITE! I have to imagine that it only keeps getting better from here too...walking, talking, etc. Bailey is FULL of personality, is LOUD just like her parents (see previous post if you don't believe me), and LOVES her new found freedom. Here is the list of Bailey's new tricks...

• She Crawling (hands & knees on the carpet...hands & feet on the tile)
• Has curly hair...just like mom
• Pulls herself up on everything
• Is much more interested in Bronco & his toys then her own
• Sits with her legs crossed (even in her carseat...SO cute)
• Drinks out of a sippy cup
• Gives kisses when you ask for them
• Will look for Bronco when you say his name or Doggy
• Throws with her left hand (Daddy is so proud)
• Top 2 teeth just broke through the skin
• Loves to sit on the seam where the carpet & tile meet and shake her legs (I think she is comparing the difference between the two)
• Is Eating Solids...at least pears, sweet potatoes, squash, & carrots (full story & diagnosis to come after a visit with some specialists at Phoenix Children's Hospital)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this little girl and her BIG personality. I just can't believe that her 1 year mark is now less then 3 months away...let the party planning begin!

Scream Machine

(Warning - You may want to turn your volume down just a little!)

We seriously CAN'T get enough of this little girl, especially during moments like this. She is NOT lacking in the personality department that is for sure, and I don't think a "QUIET" home is anywhere in our near future! You just keep screaming and being you Bailey...we LOVE it!

Where's Bailey...

A few weeks ago Bailey finally decided to venture off the carpet and into uncharted territory, aka the tile floor. She quickly discovered a whole new exciting world to explore and here was one of her first adventures...

It was fun for awhile, until she wanted to get out and couldn't figure out how to get her head back under the chair. I probably should have been helping her, but then I wouldn't have this picture after she did finally break loose.

Belated Update & Birthday

So now that Bailey is 8 1/2 months I figured it was time to give her 8 months update...to be honest I don't remember a ton, she changes so much everyday. So it will be a short list, but here are a few of her accomplishments from the 8th month....

• Had her 1st real belly laugh, and has been laughing a ton ever since (thanks cousin Reese for getting it all started!)
• Moves around the room in her own non-traditional way
• Pushes up onto all fours, aka the Mogley crawl
• Can push herself up to a sitting position
• Still no solids
• Loves to splash in the bathtub, and tries to splash the water into her mouth

I feel like a super bad wife, because this is a very belated B-day post for my hubby. On Aug. 1st Clint turned 29, only one more year til the BIG 3-0, when did we get so OLD? To celebrate his big day we went out to lunch to Famous Dave's, which was delicious and then later that night he had a night out with the GUYS! Nothing says 29th Birthday celebration like a Monster Truck Rally...the guys had a blast and I am glad he was able to do something fun on his day. We celebrated with friends and family the next day with a BBQ at our place which was a blast, but I didn't even get a picture of him blowing out the candle...go figure! Happy late Birthday Clint...your girls LOVE you so much and are so blessed to have you in our life! Love ya!

And So It Begins....

Bailey has been mobile for a while, but there was nothing traditional about the way she moved around the room. We knew it was only a matter of time for the real crawling to start, and Tuesday was the day. She only did it once that day, but I was able to catch a little on video.

Crawling for the 1st time must have tired her out, because when I went to get her after she woke up from her nap this is what I found...

Poor girl slept so good she didn't even notice she had fallen asleep on her little hands! As for the crawling...it has been two day and she is already everywhere. Her favorite thing to go after right now is Bronco's toys, yuck! Time to baby proof the house!

Feelin' HOT, HOT, HOT

What do you do when it's 112 outside.....

7 mOnths, family, phOtO shOOts, and firewOrks

Bailey turned 7 months on June 26th so as you can see I am a little behind, but with a sick baby and flying out of state it is bound to happen...right? So here are a couple of new things for B this last month...

• Has her 2 bottom teeth
• Will roll over from her stomach to back again
• Is throwing up her Rice Cereal (more of this story to come)
• Says Mamama and Dadada, and I think she knows that I am Mamama
• Giggling more and is ticklish under her arms
• Will find and play with her teddy bear in her crib when she wakes up
• On the verge of crawling, she rocks on her hands & knees but still moves backwards

(Finally, a pic of both tEEth...and yes her tongue is always out)

We got Bailey's 6 mOnth pictures taken...the day before she turned 7 mOnths, and they turned out GREAT! We wanted to use the same photographer that took her baby pictures, because we loved them, but she wasn't available til the end of June. So sure they were a little late, but she was still technically 6 mOnths! We also want to say THANKS to Amanda for such AMAZING pictures...and we can't wait for more when she is 1!

On the 29th of June Bailey & I boarded the plane and headed up to WA to visit the family! She did great on the plane (she is a pretty seasoned flier though), but I can see how it will be more challenging the more mobile she gets. We flew up to WA for a few reasons...1 Visit friends & new babies, 2 Sealing of my Grandma & Grandpa, 3 My Mom's B-Day, which is also the 4th of July! Our week in WA started at the Temple for my Mom's family Sealings. My Grandpa Kasper passed away over a year ago, and was not a member of the church so we had a great opportunity to do some of the Temple work for him and some of his family. We were able to do the Sealings for my Great Grandparents, my Grandparents, and then my mom and her two siblings were Sealed together with their parents. It was such an amazing experience to be in the Temple with so many family members and to feel the Spirit that was there with us. My grandparents loved each other so much and my Grandpa lived without my Grandma on this earth for about 10 years so you can imagine the Spirit that was there when they were Sealed...they will be together forever and I know that is what they want! I am so happy for my mom and her family, and I feel so blessed to have shared this moment with them.

The other reason we went up there was for the 4th of July, which just so happens to be my Mom's Birthday. We started out the 4th by heading out in the morning to Pasco for the annual parade and pancake breakfast. Bailey enjoyed watching all the cars, horses, floats, and people walk by...but it quickly became naptime.

After naptime we took a dip in the pool waiting for my brother to get off work, and once Gary got home it was time for presents. About a month before we went up there Ashley and I had planned to get Gabe & Bailey's pictures taken as a gift to my Mom. They turned out GREAT, and she cried so we know it was a successful gift! Here is the picture that we framed for my Mom, and some of my favorites that were taken.

We ended our day in typical 4th fashion with some fireworks! Since it doesn't get dark until after 9:00pm up there we had to do some of the little fireworks and sparklers early before the kids went to bed. Bailey didn't care to much for the sparklers, but she loved watching the fireworks. We had a great week up there, and as usual it went by way too fast! Until our next trip...thanks Mom & Dad we love you and miss you already!

HP6

7 more days til....

Is anyone else as excited?????

Happy Father's Day

Happy 1st Father's Day Clint...Bailey and I are so lucky to have you in our lives! You are such a great husband and an amazing father, and we love you so much. Although she likes me right now, I'm sure she will forever be Daddy's Little Girl. We hope that you have a great dad's day and that you know how much we appreciate you! We LOVE you! -Love, Your Girls

I also want to say Happy Father's Day to my Dad! He is a man of many talents and has taught me so much about life, love, and a little about math! He has always been my #1 fan, and I am so lucky to have him as my Dad. I love you Dad and hope that you have a great Father's Day! -love, Your Peanut

She's Growing Up

Bailey has a TOOTH!!! I saw it yesterday when she was eating her cereal & sweet potatoes before church. When she was taking a bite I noticed that her bottom gums looked a little whiter then usual, so I put my figure in there and sure enough a tooth had broken through the gums. I don't have the 1st Official picture yet, because every time that girl's mouth is open her tongue is out covering that LITTLE tooth. I've even tried holding her tongue back, but so far no luck with that either. I will keep trying and hopefully it will get easier as the tooth comes in more, but I had to make sure I got the post up here so that I can remember the date for Bailey's book. When I found it yesterday I have to admit that I was actually a LOT sad...she's not a baby anymore. I kind of feel like her getting teeth was the last thing I had to hold onto before she moved on from the baby stage, and now she has a tooth :( I've been SO excited for her to get bigger, start moving, talking, etc, but yesterday I guess I realized that she will never be this little again and it made me sad (it is actually making me tear up a little now thinking about it...can I still blame the emotions on baby hormones?). I guess that's why we have more BABIES though, right? More pictures to come of my growing girl!!!

Breakfast at Bailey's

Who knew starting solids would be so difficult...Our 1st attempt at rice cereal was last week and it was NOT successful, mainly due to the fact that I had the consistency all wrong. So after a few adjustments we tried again this time using just water...she wouldn't eat it. With some advice from friends and more adjustments we tried again with formula...she wouldn't eat it. So on Sunday morning I pulled out the pump and figure if this didn't work I was in trouble....

SHE ATE IT!

So she's a little high maintenance and will only eat her cereal with breast milk. It is a little inconvenient but I think I can manage, at least she's eating right? Even though we have had a couple of successful days I still don't think she's in love with the flavor of rice cereal, so today I decided to add Sweet Potatoes in the mix and they were a BIG hit!