The Holloway's

Other October Happenings

2011-04-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know that it is April but I am determined to get this blog up to date...so if you are reading just bear with me. My mom bought the cutest apron for Bailey, and she would not wear it for the longest time. Finally one day the promise of cupcakes was enough for her to put it on, and now she wears it everytime we bake & sometimes just because!

We painted with pudding

We went on lots of walks

And we had lots of SISTER time

Best Friends in the making...I hope!

The Great Pumpkin

2011-04-03T16:16:00.002-07:00

While preparing for the Halloween festivities we decided that Bailey is still a little too young to be carving a pumpking this year, so Clint & I carved while she finger painted! She had so much fun painting the pumpkin with every color we had, and the end result was a "scary" masterpiece!

The Holloway Pumpkins

Bailey's favorite part of Halloween was NOT wearing a costume or trick or treating...it was watching The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. She asked for it everyday, and I am pretty sure we were watching it til Christmas time rolled around! I was so bummed Halloween night, I wanted a Halloween redo! I made her tutu about a hour before our Ward party, and she dressed up and looked adorable but of course we didn't take pictures that night. So we tried again on Halloween, but a very late nap resulted in one unhappy witch who didn't want to do anything! At least our chubby pumpkin was happy!!

Better luck next year!

Our Fall Fun...still catching up

2011-01-30T14:46:00.005-07:00

I love fall and how it is the beginning of the best time of the year...in my opinion! This year I was so excited for all the fun fall has to offer and to watch Bailey loving every, well almost every, minute of it. This year we started off our fun at the Phoenix Zoo's Pumpkin Palooza, and it was a lot of fun. Bailey had fun petting the animals, walking through the "corn (hay) maze," and most of all watching the animals eat their pumpkins!

After the zoo we meet up with Blake, Liz, and Finn at a nearby pumpkin patch to let the kids pick out their pumpkins. Last year Bailey hated the pumpkin patch, she seriously cried the entire time we were there. I was keeping my fingers crossed that this year would be different and for the most part it was. Bailey and Finn had fun running around and picking up all the pumpkins!

The Search for the Perfect Pumpkin

Let's be honest one trip to the pumpkin patch isn't enough, a few days later we headed back with Sam, Kristy, and the boys to really play at the pumpkin patch. We walked through a real corn maze, pet animals at the petting zoo, rode a "train", high speed biking with daddy, and much more. We had lots of fun and are training Bailey everyday for Halloween...trick or treat!

2, 3, 4, and 5 months

2011-01-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

Life with two kids has been crazy, but wonderful. My poor little Reagan has been neglected in my lack of posting so here's what has been happening in her life the past 4 months...

2 Months

Weight - 13.5 lbs putting her in the 96%
Length - 24.5 in putting her in the 97%
Head - 16.25 in putting her in the 93%
She is super smiling and I love it
She is sleeping through the night...love this girl
Loves bath time
Doesn't take a paci, but sucks on her bottom lip until she falls asleep
Is wearing 3-6 month clothes
Talks ALL day long
Loves to be held, by mom...sorry daddy
Doesn't like tummy time
Still spits up
Is wearing size 2 diapers

3 Months

1st Halloween
Moved up to size 3 diapers
Loves going on walks
1st visit to the zoo
Is wearing some 9 month clothes

4 Months

Weighs - 16 lbs putting her in the 90%
Height - 25.5 in putting her in the 87%
She started waking up once at night around 3am...I still can't complain
She is wearing 6-12 month clothes
1st Thanksgiving
She is happy ALL the time (unless it is time to eat or sleep)
She can roll to her side, but won't roll over
Holds her head up while on her tummy
Loves sitting in the bumbo
Giggles at lots of stuff...my favorite is her laughing while watching Bailey walk downstairs

5 Months

1st Christmas
Still gets up one time at night
Still not rolling over
Can sit up for a little bit, until she gets too excited
1st trip to California
Her bottom teeth are starting to break through...so sad the gummy smile is leaving
She likes to sit in the exersaucer
Tries to grab on to anything your holding
Prefers her hands or arm over any teething toy
She got her 1st cold
Loves to watch Bailey and giggle at her

Reagan has some similairities to Bailey, but she is already showing her OWN personality! She is a chubby happy baby and I wouldn't have it any other way. I mentally prepared myself that life with two kids would be crazy hard, but she has made it very managable. She is super easy going, likes to be held (which is opposite of Bailey), tries to grab everything...which makes me wonder if she is going to be our mischievious one, smiles at pretty much everyone, and can fall asleep at a high school basketball game with the band playing right behind us. She is starting to interact more with Bailey which I love to watch and hope that they continue to love each other. We love you Reagan so much and are so glad your joined our family!

Christmas isn't over yet....

2011-01-01T08:24:00.002-07:00

start off the New Year with these two stylish gals and these give aways! www.meandjilly.blogspot.com

Day 5

2010-11-05T23:43:00.002-07:00

Today I am thankful for good friends that love my children, and more importantly they love them too!

Day 4

2010-11-04T22:17:00.002-07:00

Please don't judge, but today I am thankful for having the internet on my phone. I didn't want it to begin with, because I figured I didn't need to have one more thing to distract me! But I have to admit it has been a nice companion during those 3:00am feedings & it is giving me the oppurtunity to blog from the comfort of my own bed! Let's be honest, you really can't complain about that! So now I will say goodnight & thank you modern technology!

Day 3

2010-11-03T21:59:00.005-07:00

Today I am thankful for my neices & nephews, and we are excited to welcome the newest one today! Welcome to the world Chloe...we love you and can't wait to meet you!

Super Fun Blog

2010-11-03T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone check out this blog, and their current giveaway...love these pumpkins!!!

www.meandjilly.blogspot.com

Day 2

2010-11-02T21:34:00.003-07:00

Today I am thankful for my calling at church. I am one of three Beehive Advisors in our Ward's Young Women group, and I LOVE it. I have gained such a testimony of the Young Women & Personal Progress Program over this past year. I was not the most active member during my YW years and I never fully had the chance to participate in all the program had to offer. Now I realized I missed out on SO much. This program is truly inspired and is so important for all the women of the Church. Over the past year in my calling I have gained a stronger testimony of my Divine Nature as a daughter of God, and I know that he knows me individually and loves me. For this I am truly thankful!

WE ARE DAUGHTERS of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. WE WILL STAND as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith * Divine Nature * Individual Worth * Knowledge * Choice and Accountability * Good Works * Integrity * and Virtue

WE BELIEVE as come to accept and act upon these values, WE WILL BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep scared covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

30 Days of Thanks

2010-11-01T21:53:00.003-07:00

Day 1

I have so much to be thankful for, but today I am thankful for Clint's new work schedule. He started working 10hr. days which means he is home later everyday (not so great), but he has every Monday off to spend with his girls! Thanks for all of the hard work you do for us babe...I love you!

Little White Dress

2010-10-13T10:41:00.006-07:00

We had the opportunity to give this sweet little girl a name and a blessing on Saturday. Due to family traveling schedules we held the blessing at our home, which turned out great. Most of our family and friends were able to attend, which we are very grateful for, and we missed those that could not be there. Clinton gave a beautiful blessing, that was truly inspired by the Spirit. I am so thankful to have the Priesthood in our home, and to have a husband worthy to use it.

Men in Reagan's Circle

I think what has made my girl's blessing even more special is that both of them have worn the same dress that I wore for my blessing. My mom kept mine and gave it to me during one of Bailey's shower, and I am so glad she did. I love that this little white dress can be passed down generation to generation.

Our Little White Dress

I love my girls SO much, and am so thankful everyday that Heavenly Father has trusted me with these choice Spirits. The Spirit I felt this weekend reminded me of just how sacred parenthood is, and how these girls are relying on us to lead them home again. I pray that I may do my best to lead them and guide them with both hands holding fast to the iron rod. We love you Reagan and are so blessed to have you in our family!

You know you live in AZ when...

2010-10-07T21:28:00.003-07:00

you're swimming on September 28th!

The girls and I met up with Kristy & the boys, and we headed down to the pool to try to cool off! This was Reagans first trip to the pool and although she was dressed for the occasion she didn't actually get in the water...sleep was more important. After swimming we headed back to the house to relax and watch Peter Pan. I guess the morning was a little too much for Bailey, because after about 30 minutes of the movie this is what I found...

Here's to the end of summer (hopefully), bring on fall!

One Month (plus a few days)

2010-09-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

(Newborn Pics courtesy of Amanda Crookston)

On the 15th of this month Miss Reagan turned one month old, and I am sad to I have very few pictures to show for it. Trying to wrangling to kids, and a dog, leaves little time to document our life. I guess as some say we are too busy living it...and by living I mean feeding a baby every few hours, trying to clean the house, giving baths, going on walks, and occasionally a play date with some friends. Life has been crazy with two kids, but we are making it work one day at a time. Reagan is doing great and like Bailey is a great baby! She is a big girl and might pass her big sister up if she continues growing at this rate, but we couldn't be happier to have her in our family! Here are a few things Reagan's been up to this last month...

She eats every 3 hours, and on occasion throws it all back up (Bailey never spit up so that has been are biggest adjustment...spit up is NO fun!)
She just started smiling at us and cooing a little
Wears size 1 diapers, but we will be switching to 2's once this pack is gone
She is taking good naps during the day, and is giving me anywhere from a 4-6 hour stretch at night...I know I am lucky!
According to our scale at home she is weighing around 12-12 1/2 pounds, like I said big girl
She is wearing 0-3 months clothes, and depending on the brand some 3-6 months...so much for her and Bailey sharing clothes
She loves taking baths
She has already been to her first QCHS football game
She has had a terrible case of baby acne, which is still lingering a little
She has been to church twice, and down pretty good
She doesn't like to burp, hence the spit up, and gets violent hiccups
My favorite - made herself cry because she was pulling her own hair...classic

Sleeping...her favorite past time

The girls with Grandma & Grandpa Millward

Bailey has been adjusting pretty well to having a little sister and I can say that she is more interested in her everyday. We have meltdown for sure, but she is nice to Reagan and I can't ask for more then that. She loves to hold her, touch her hair, point out all of her body parts, help change diapers, says she has the hiccups or that she's talking to you with every little sounds Reagan makes. I can't wait for Reagan to get bigger and for these two girls to start playing together...I really hope that they are best friends in the making! Happy 1 month Reagan, we love you!

Reagan's Story

2010-09-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Our story begins on Thursday, August 12th...

Being 41 weeks pregnant we headed into the doctor's office for a check-up & NST (non-stress test). Miss Reagan decided this would be a good time to sleep so her heart rate was a little lower then normal during the NST and she had one decel during the contraction. So my midwife & the OB decided I needed to go to the hospital for another NST and a BPP ultrasound (Bio Physical Profile), and if things didn't look good there I would be getting induced tonight. Cue Breakdown! Even though I was a week overdue I was not mentally ready to have a baby tonight, I was suppose to go into labor on my own. After calming down a little I asked Clint to give me a blessing before we headed into the hospital. It was exactly what I needed and it became something for me to refer back to and rely on over the next couple of days. We headed off to the hospital and everything looked great...heart rate was perfect and the ultrasound was too. My midwife wanted me to come in the next day to be induced, but I beg for one more day at least. So she said I had to go back in for another NST on Friday, but if nothing happened Saturday would be D-day!

Friday, August 13th

Since I was granted an extra day to get labor started on my own I was determined to make it happen. Keep in mind we had tried literally almost everything to induced labor on our own up to this point, but I wasn't willing to give up yet. So I started the morning off by walking about 1.5 miles, then I headed off to the massage therapist for a pressure point massage. They said to help the massage work I needed to walk, and walk some more...so that is what I did. Being that it was almost 110 degrees outside I decided to head to the gym where I walked another 2 miles on the treadmill (praying that my water wouldn't break there). After the walk I went back to the hospital for the NST which again came back perfect, so I was sent home with a induction time of 11:00pm the next day. Feeling a little defeated I headed home to sulk and walk another mile thinking it would maybe help (but it didn't).

Saturday, August 14th

I woke up Saturday morning knowing that most likely I would not go into labor on my own and the getting induced was inevitable, but a scripture came to my mind and became my mantra for the next 24 hours. D&C 101:16 - Therefore, let your hearts be comforted...for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. The last part of the scripture went right along with what Clinton said in the blessing he gave me a few days earlier...he said that Heavenly Father knows me and my concern, but that he knows what is best and to trust in His plan. So I guess you could say that I gave my will over and tried to "be still." We spent most of the day hanging out and getting last minute things together, but really I should have been sleeping. After dinner out at BJ's, Clint & I headed to the hospital to meet our little girl.

Sunday, August 15th

They began inducing me around 12:30am by using PG gels, that help soften the cervix. How it works...they put the gel in and I am hooked up to the monitor for 1 hour, then I am allowed to walk for 40 minutes, and then back on the monitor for 20 minutes. They will do 3 rounds of this, unless your body goes into labor then they stop and let you labor how you want, and if you don't go into labor you move onto other methods of induction.

I was dilated to a 3 when we got to the hospital, and after the first round of gel I was still a 3 and my contractions were only 3-5 minutes apart so we moved onto round 2. After the second round I was definitely feeling them more and was hoping this was enough for them to stop the gels and lucky me it was. I was dilated to a 5 and my contractions were 2 minutes apart and it was time to get into the tub. I spent the next 2 hours laboring in the tub, and it was great a little too great. I could still feel the contractions, but I could tell that they were not as strong so it was out of the tub and time to walk again. By this time my midwife had shown up and so she checked me and I was a 6 1/2, but to be sure things kept progressing we decided to break my water (this was around 10am). After she broke my water we set off to walk some more to keep the contractions going, and that is exactly what they did. We did two more laps around the L&D floor and my contractions went from totally manageable to "Oh Shoot I am in Labor" intense! Clint and I headed back into our room and I labored by swaying back and forth with my head on his chest, aka the labor dance, for about a half an hour. Then it was time to be monitored again so we moved the ball to the side of the bed and I sat on that with my head laying on the bed. Things were pretty intense at this point, and I just kept telling myself...your in transition, things are almost done, and why did I want to do this again! After about 20-30 minutes my midwife asked if I needed to push, and I said that I feel some pressure but don't need to push. She decided it was time to check me again so I got up on the bed and I was an 8-8 1/2. My first thought was...really an 8, that is it? I have to keep doing this for two more centimeters, I don't know if I can. But those thoughts were quickly brushed aside, because with my next contraction I let everyone know that I was pretty sure I needed to push NOW! My midwife came back over from setting everything up and said yep, she is complete! Basically, my cervix just melted away with that one contraction and now it was time to push. I have to admit that after pushing for over an hour with Bailey I was a little worried, but 4 or 5 pushes later Reagan was born and lying on my chest!

It was an incredible labor and experience. Everyone says that every labor is different and mine sure were, but I couldn't have asked for anything more. I was able to labor the way I wanted to, and I am so grateful that I finally let myself "be still" and trust that Heavenly Father listens to me, has a plan for me, and knows me individually!

Bailey's 1st Mustache

2010-09-09T21:51:00.001-07:00

With the summer heat still a blazin' we made some kool-aid popsicles to stay cool, and while we waited for them to freeze Bailey got her 1st (of many) kool-aid mustache!

She's Here...Finally!

2010-08-21T22:19:00.003-07:00

Introducing...

Reagan Holloway

Born: 8/15/10

Time: 12:19pm

Weight: 9lbs. 10oz.

Length: 21 inches

She was a few days late, 9 to be exact, but she is here now and we couldn't be happier!

Reagan's Visitors at the Hospital

So happy to be going home

(Thanks Aunt Melissa for my perfect going home outfit!)

Reagan's Birth Story is coming soon as well as pics from her 1st week at home!

Quality Time

2010-08-09T13:44:00.003-07:00

While running all over town trying to get ready for Baby #2 I quickly realized that I only had a couple more week with my little girl...as just the two of us. Don't get me wrong, I am so excited to have two girls and to watch them grow, play, & become friends. But, for me and Bailey it will never be quite the same. So I decided we needed less errands and more "quality time!"

Snack Date at Yogurt Jungle

Afternoon at the Splash Pad

I love you Bailey, and the last 20 months we have spent together. I know you will be a great Big Sis, and I can't wait for all of the fun times and memories that are in store for the 3 of us girls!

40 Weeks

2010-08-06T21:45:00.002-07:00

Yes...I am suppose to be having a baby today, and No...I am not smuggling a basketball under my clothes. Bigger belly now or then, you decide! Here's to hoping a baby comes soon!

Red, White, & Blue

2010-07-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July spent having LOTS of fun with friends & family, it was perfect! We went to church in the morning, ate some yummy food as a family, and then headed over to my cousin's house to watch some fireworks. My cousin Sam & his family moved closer to us a couple months ago, and I couldn't be happier to have them only 10 minutes away! As luck would have it, their new house is right next to the Gilbert Field of Dreams Baseball Stadium and the city was doing a firework at the stadium....Perfect!

We started the night off with big wheel rides around the cul de sac, with our very experienced driver Ethan at the wheel!

Then we started getting hopped up on sugar...

Whatever is in that cup must be real good...

Then we cuddled up to watch the big show (she loves her Aunt Liz, Uncle Blake, & cousin Finn)...

After the show we headed home for some much needed sleep, but the morning after we were able to meet up with Blake, Liz, and Finn for some 5th of July breakfast...delicious! These two are cuter then words & love each other almost all of the time!

Happy 4th of July!

The Saga Continues

2010-07-06T11:08:00.002-07:00

So I know I am a little behind the hype, but I finally finished The Twilight books about a month ago. I did read the first two books before seeing the movies, and finally decided with Eclipse quickly approaching it was time to find out what becomes of Edward, Bella, and Jacob! I like the books, but am not a Twilight junkie...but I was pretty excited to see this movie.

One of the YW in our ward was selling tickets as a fundraiser for an 8:15pm showing the day before it actually opened, so I got one! A few of us joined in the Twilight fever and even made shirts (Stacy I totally stole your idea from New Moon...thanks)! I have to admit I was stopped quite a few times with compliments on the shirt too! It was a great movie, a good time with friends, and way better then sitting outside in 110 degree weather waiting to see it at Midnight!!!

(mine says - Renesemee, Heidi's - Forks, Emily's - Edward prefers Burnettes)

Our Little Fish

2010-07-02T08:20:00.001-07:00

Bailey and I just finished our Parent & Tot Swim class last week, and it was so much fun. Bailey did great and really liked almost everything we did, with the exception of floating on her back. She learned how to do big kicks, big arms, blows bubbles, floating on her back or stomach (with help), and her favorite part of class was jumping off the wall. We were even lucky enough to have a friend in the class too. The dance teacher I work with at the highschool was there with her daughter Addison, and her and Bailey loved seeing each other and holding hands while they walked into the pool. Most of the pictures are from our last day of class when they had the splash pad turned on and gave us some free time to play. We had a blast and will probably be signing up for another session soon...got to get some one on one time with Bailey before her little sister comes! Happy Summer!

Gone Camping

2010-06-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

We packed up the tent, chopped the firewood, got the marshmallows ready for roasting and headed up to the mountains. This was our first time camping as a family, and taking an 18 month old while being 31 weeks pregnant I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Our camping adventure was spent with Blake, Liz, Finn, Clint's mom Sandi, and our two dogs Bronco & Molly. We found a great little campsite at Sharp's Creek Campground which was about 25 miles north of Payson.

Day 1 started at pretty good...the guys got the tents up, dinner was on the fire, and then it took a turn for the worse. Bailey choked or swallowed a grape wrong and it decided to come right back up. She started getting really clingy after throwing up and didn't want to eat or drink much after that. A little later in the evening she eat some of a hot dog for dinner, but that came back up too...and after changing her into her pj's she decided to throw up one more time just for good measure.

Day 2 was going to be great...we got the kids to take a pretty good nap, and then we were heading up to a nearby lake. Bailey had other plans & I was at this point ready to go home. She slept in the air conditioned car the whole time at the lake, and still wasn't eating or drinking. So I decided we needed to head back to civilization for an hour or two and it was the best thing we could have done. A stop at Del Taco was all it took! Once Bailey got into the AC, had her own chair to feed herself in, and a yummy quesadilla she was a changed girl! I was so happy that she had something in her system, and decided it was going to be okay to stay one more night. So back at camp we made S'mores, Banana Boats, and called it a night.

Day 3 was leaving day so we spent most of the morning packing up camp, but Bailey finally seemed to be enjoying herself and the whole camping thing. I was glad she finally came around, but I was also glad to be going home. For our first camping trip I think it was pretty successful, but next time I plan on not being pregnant and packing a lot more children's Tylenol.

I love the outdoors and camping, and I know there will be many more camping adventures to come...just hopefully with a little less throw up. Our family is getting bigger and I can't wait to make even more memories with them...successful or not! Happy Summer!

18 Months...Come & Gone

2010-06-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Well this is about a month over due, but on May 26th our little Bailey turned 18 months...CRAZY! She is the cutest, sweetest, and sassiest little girl I have ever met and I love her to pieces. It has been awhile since our last update (just keep scrolling if you want to see pics), so here are a lot of new things that have happened in Bailey's life and I am sure there are plenty more too...

She has 16 teeth, and loves to eat almost anything & everything with them
She weighs 23lbs., is around 32 inchs tall, and her head is somewhere in the 70% still
She loves animals & can recognize and do corressponding sounds to a dog, cat, birdie, elephant, tiger, lion, snake, lizard & iguana, chicken, rooster, bear, sheep, cow, bunny, zebra, fish, whale, and probably more.
She LOVES being outside, sliding, swimming, and going on walks
Talks up a storm and says tons of words...too many to name, and understands most of what we are telling her.
She loves candy and will stop anything she is doing and run to you if she hears the candy jar open
Walks or slides up and down the stairs by herself
Likes you to sing songs to her while she does the hand motions...she does Patty Cake, Popcorn Popping, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Crocodile Song, & Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes
Loves her tongue
Goes to nursery and loves it, and so do mom and dad
She loves to color, play with mom's makeup brushes, and put on any jewerly she finds
Her favorite show, and don't ask me why, is Shrek 1 or 2
Loves to dance, especially when dad is beatboxing
She know what she wants and is not afraid to tell you NO or throw herself on the floor in a fit any 2 year old might have
Has the cutest way of saying HI when you go to get her in the morning or from a nap
She is super independent, listens (90% of the time), so sweet, loves to laugh and tickle, and puts a smile on our faces everyday

Photoshoot after her 1st day of nursery

She is a bundle of energy and fun and I LOVE her to death. She keeps me on my toes, surprises me with what she learns everyday, makes me laugh, and makes me so proud and happy to be her mom. Love you Bailey!

Conspiring Cousins

2010-05-17T20:49:00.003-07:00

We have the pleasure of watching Finn (my nephew & Bailey's cousin) twice a week while Blake & Liz are at work. I love having family so close and having the opportunity for Bailey to be close with some of her cousins. Bailey and Finn love each other and for the most part they play really well together...they even find time to cause a little trouble!

Relay for Life

2010-04-25T21:00:00.001-07:00

On April 23rd we had the opportunity to be a part of the Queen Creek Relay for Life Cancer Walk and it was a blast. A good friend of mine in our ward was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma about 2 years ago, and I am happy to say that today she is cancer free and has been for a while. So Team RBug was formed in her honor while she was going through treatment, but this year she was walking in person as a survivor! Rashelle is such a sweet gal, such an inspiration to me, and I am so happy to be her friend!

The QC walk is only about 5 years old and so it is only a 12 hour walk rather then a 24 hour one. The walk began at 6pm and after opening ceremonies our little family took to the track and walked our hour from 7:00-8:00. Bailey rode like a champ in her stroller lap after lap, while Clint & I kept trying to decided which delicious treat we were going to buy on the next go around. After our hour of walking we hung out with the team, danced to the live music, and ate some good food. Bailey and Clint stayed til about 10:00pm...but then it was time for the little Holloway to get to bed.

After they left we were entertained by a hypnotist, more dancing, raffle drawing, and some karaoke!!! I stayed til about 1:30am and then decided to call it a night...light weight I know! Next year I have decided my goal is to make it the whole night, because why wouldn't a 30 year old with two kids want to stay up ALL night!!! Really it was a blast hanging out with all the girls and being a part of such a great cause. On top of fundraising with the team I got to help Rashelle with some of the decorations for the Survivor Dinner they have at the walk. So about 4 days before the walk I was on Puff Ball duty! I made over 100 tissue paper balls (had some help with fluffing them) and made them into chandeliers that hung over the dinner tables. It was a TON of work, but they looked great and really that is all that matters right...at least I did my part!

Our Team Captain Rashelle (and my puff balls) &

Rashelle & I with two of our Young Women

One of my favorite moments from the walk was the hour when they turned off all the lights in the stadium and lit all of the luminaries. It was so beautiful! On one side of the stadium the bags spelled out CURE and on the other side it said HOPE, and then they had individual bags lined around the track that people dedicated to friends and family members they have lost from cancer. It was a great reminder that life is so precious and we really need to enjoy every moment we have been blessed with! So here's to my friend Rashelle & my mother-in-law Sandi...two cancer survivors I am blessed to still have in my life!

Precious in His Sight

2010-04-17T22:08:00.002-07:00

Tonight we went over to Blake & Liz's house for dinner, and while we were eating Bailey was chatting away as usual. Then out of nowhere I hear Liz say, "Yes, that's Jesus." I look over and see Bailey pointing at this picture on the wall saying, "Jeejus...jeejus."

My heart melted immediately! We have a couple of books for Bailey about Jesus, and I always tell her who Jesus is when we read them and she will say his name back to me...but she has never recognized & said his name on her own. Tonight reminded me just how close to the veil her little spirit is, and of the scripture in Matthew that says,

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them...And said, verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven...Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

I feel so blessed to be a mother and I pray that I can learn to become like the little spirits we have and will be blessed to have in our home. I love my Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus is my Savior and that he lives, and I hope Bailey will continue to recognize their love for her throughout her life on this earth so that she can return to live with them someday.

Easter & a Visit from Grandma & Grandpa Millward

2010-04-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

So I have given up on back tracking, from this point on I will hopefully be better at updating & recording our lives...so here is a little of what we've been up to lately. We headed out to California a couple weeks ago for Easter and to meet our new twin nieces, Saylor & Ruby. The weekend went by way too fast, but we had a lot of fun relaxing and spending time with family. On Saturday, the grandkids colored Easter eggs with Nana and had an Easter egg hunt in the neighbors yard across the street. Bailey loved coloring the eggs, but slept through the Easter egg hunt...so unfortunately we don't have a any pictures to document her big Easter experience this year.

We continued the weekend with a few fun Holloway traditions...none of which I got pictures of, lame I know! Saturday night the boys went to Priesthood, and we met up with them after at Paul's Place for dinner. This tradition started long before I was around, but ever since Clint and I started dating I remember going to Paul's Place after every Priesthood session. We love that place & wish we could find a place like it out here in AZ to continue the tradition. Sunday was Easter & we just hung out all day watching conference and eating great food! We ended the night watching Ten Commandments which is another tradition of the Holloway household.

Our other reason for heading out was to see Saylor & Ruby, our nieces that were born back in Febuary. We wanted to see them before they got too big, but they have already practically doubled in size. They are the sweetest little girls, and we couldn't be happier for Kevin, Melissa, and Reese. I seriously don't know how they are doing it with two babies...I could barely handle one! Bailey wasn't too sure of them at first, she would point & say baby but keep her distance. She quickly warmed up to them & would run over to them everytime they were in the room wanting to touch & kiss them. We are so happy we got to meet them, but are so sad that they live so far away!

Bailey kissing Baby Ruby

Baby Saylor

After too short of a visit to Cali we headed home to get ready for my parents to come the next day! We had a great time with Grandma & Papa, and are so happy they came to visit & to celebrate my birthday. We shopped, ate great food, went to the zoo, played at the park, and much more! On Friday we met up with my cousin-in-law, Kristi, and her two boys, Ethan & Blake at the zoo. It was so fun to see Bailey start to recognize the animals and make their sounds, it makes the trip so much more fun. The zoo has a kid area with a playground & petting zoo for the little ones, and Bailey LOVED it. We took the kids to the petting zoo to pet some goats, and I wasn't too sure how Bailey would react. I'm mean our dog is bigger then most of them so she shouldn't be scared, and she wasn't. She walked right in, started petting them, and calling all of them doggies. We had a great time with the Kasper's & can't wait to go again!

One of the days we headed down the street to this great park with a duck pond, playground, and splash pad. We tried to feed some ducks, but they didn't really want to come over...maybe because Bronco was there. Bailey is loving the playground right now, she will go down the slide all by herself and loves it. Once she gets to the bottom she turns around, says "agen", and starts climbing up the slide! It was super windy that day at the park, but one little boy was at the splash pad and so I told Bailey to go get the water...really just to see if she would do it or not. Sure enough she did! She loves the water and I can't wait to go to the pool this summer.

I turned 29 on April 11th, and did not take one picture from any of the celebrating we did. But to be honest we really didn't do to much, I'm holding out for the BIG one next year! My good friend Heidi made me this AMAZING shirt for my b-day, and I L-O-V-E it! The saying is a little inside joke with my other Young Women Leaders...love those gals.

We had a great couple of weeks and I can't say it enough, but I love our families and feel so blessed to have so many great people in our lives! I miss everyone already and can't wait to see them again!

Back Tracking...but we are still here

2010-02-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

So I admit that it has been awhile, ok forever, since I updated our blog and I don't have a great excuse for it, but a few people have told me to get back on top of it so here is my attempt. I have missed a few big posts so I am going to go back a few months and try to catch up from there. I want to make a book out of our blog so I need to post these, so if you don't want to read I understand, and I will try to hurry and get back to the present day (bear with me)!

Back in November, we had a BIG event take place...Miss Bailey's 1st Birthday (what a great mom I am right...birthday post 3 months later)! We had a party here in AZ a week before the big day with friends and family. It was such a blast, Bailey LOVED her cake and opening all of her presents. Big THANKS to everyone who came to celebrate with our little girl!

Thanks to my Aunt Ashley for my super CUTE b-day shirt!

She didn't really attack her cake like I was hoping, but she did throw a serious fit when we tried to take the cake away. Maybe she was scared at how big her cake was...let's be honest it is the biggest cupcake I've ever seen, I would be scared too.

We headed out to California for Thanksgiving which was also Bailey's Birthday, so naturally we had another party for her out there. I was really bad at taking pictures while we were out there, so I guess I should be thankful I captured a few from the party.

How did a year go by so fast...our little Bailey is a sweet & ever so sassy girl, and I love every bit of her. She is a pro walker, a great talker - although her words aren't the most understandable, and she has become an amazing eater. If you have read past post you will know that eating was something we struggled with. Bailey has a rice allergy that took awhile to diagnois, we are hoping she will grow out it, but she didn't seem all that interested in real food for quite a long time. Now she is eating us out of house and home...love it! So Bailey, Happy Birthday, your mom & dad love you so much and are so glad we have you in our lives!

Bailey's Christmas Surprise

2009-12-27T21:04:00.003-07:00

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

2009-11-26T21:47:00.001-07:00

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

2009-11-16T08:34:00.001-07:00

One year ago today I looked like this...

and still had 10 more days to go!

Day at the Park

2009-11-12T21:02:00.003-07:00

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

2009-11-02T21:01:00.005-07:00

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...

2009-10-26T20:38:00.009-07:00

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...

2009-10-18T21:45:00.002-07:00

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

2009-10-10T21:40:00.003-07:00

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

2009-09-29T21:48:00.006-07:00

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!

2009-09-24T16:26:00.003-07:00

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

2009-09-11T22:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-03T15:55:00.007-07:00

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

2009-08-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T21:35:00.005-07:00

(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...

2009-08-14T07:58:00.003-07:00

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

2009-08-11T21:15:00.005-07:00

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....

2009-07-30T07:51:00.005-07:00

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

2009-07-17T15:12:00.002-07:00

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

7 mOnths, family, phOtO shOOts, and firewOrks

2009-07-11T07:26:00.003-07:00

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

2009-07-08T10:05:00.005-07:00

7 more days til....

Is anyone else as excited?????

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T15:46:00.003-07:00

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

2009-06-15T21:47:00.003-07:00

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

2009-06-11T14:42:00.004-07:00

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!

A Week of FUN

2009-06-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

This is probably going to be a long post so sit back, relax, and enjoy! Bailey had her 6 month check-up last Friday and apparently she decided to slow down a little early...here are the stats.

Weight - 16lbs. 5 oz. (56%)
Height - 26in. (50% and only a 1/2 in. from 4 months)
Head - 17in. (70%)

What she lacks in height growth she has made up in personality...she is so much fun and so darn cute. I love that she takes after her dad and is happy pretty much all the time and that she smiles at almost everything we do. She has changed SO much in only 6 months and I know that the next 6 months will bring even more changes and I can't wait! So here is a quick list of some new things that another month brought.

Sits up so well and plays with her toys ALL of the time
Will only roll from her back to her stomach over her left shoulder
Wears 6-12month clothes
Sleeps from 7:30-8pm to 6-7am getting up 1 to nurse in her own room
Smiles for the camera
Loves to cuddle and hold her blanket when going to bed
Only wants Mom (hopefully this won't last too long)
Still loves to make raspberries and make high pitch squeals, especially in public
Went to the beach for the first time
Sleeps on her left side
Starting to say what sounds like dada and sometimes mama when she babbles
Pushes herself backwards when on her stomach
Met Mickey Mouse!

Over Memorial Day weekend we headed out to Long Beach to visit Clint's family and for a little vacation away from the AZ heat. On Friday we met up with friends we hadn't seen in awhile, met their new babies, and ate at the AMAZING Taco Surf (oh how we miss it). Saturday, I started out the day by stocking up on ribbon and tulle from Fabric Barn and then we headed to the beach with Blake, Liz, & Finn, Donovan, Tawny, & Rylan, and Shannon, Drake, & Sloane. It was a little chilly by the water, but that didn't stop us from making sure Bailey got a true beach experience. Hopefully I can come out again later in summer when it is warmer and we can see if her feelings change.

On Monday we decided to brave the crowds and headed off to Disneyland. There were a lot of people and the lines for all the kid rides were so long. We were able to get someone to sign us in (thanks Hannah) so we weren't too worried about getting on everything. Clint's mom came with us and watched Bailey which allowed Clint and I to get on Space Mountain and Tower of Terror (Thanks Sandi)! I finally got to use the Disney Baby Center, which I have been waiting to do since Miss Disney herself (Megan Hess) introduce me to it, and it was so FUN! Don't worry, we didn't have all the fun we saved some of it for Bailey. In true Disney fashion went took Bailey on It's a Small World and she loved it. She loved seeing all the lights and characters, and we loved watching her. After Small World we headed off to Toon Town to visit Mickey's House. There were so many fun things in the house to take pictures with, especially Mickey. She wasn't scared of him, but she was very interested in his nose. All in all it was a great trip and we can't wait to take her back when she gets older and can recognize all the characters. It really is the Happiest Place on Earth!!

We came back to AZ on Tuesday and on Wednesday Bailey and I went to the zoo with my good friend Lehua and her little boy Oliver who were visiting from Utah. It was HOT, but we had so much fun walking around and catching up with each other. Lehua, if you are reading this you need to move down here soon!

On Friday Reese celebrated her 3rd Birthday a few days early with a Princess Party and it was so CUTE to see her all princessed out with all her friends! Once the girls arrived they put on a little tutu that Melissa made and then went to the hair and make-up station to get a princess updo w/ glitter and then pretty princess make-up...SO FUN! Reese looked so cute and it was so fun to celebrate with her and to see how excited she was with all her presents, especially her new bike. I can't believe she is 3 already and I can't believe that they have already moved back to CA. It has been so much fun being with her this last year and we will miss her and Kevin & Melissa so much. Hopefully these next 3 three year will go by fast, and hopefully they will come back to the AZ soon! We love and miss you guys!

6 Months Down!

2009-05-26T20:35:00.004-07:00

Bailey is 6 months old today, and I really can't believe it! She has her 6 month check-up on Friday so you will get the full 1/2 year update then, but for now here is a sneak peek at our Memorial Day weekend and how Bailey celebrated!

Best Friends Already

2009-05-18T09:41:00.003-07:00

I love that they already LOVE each other, at least until Bailey tries to pull his ear off! One day they will be the best of friends, and I can't wait!

Happy Mother's Day and AZ Anniversary!

2009-05-15T06:48:00.001-07:00

I know it is a little late, but here's MY Mother's Day post. So Mother's Day marked our 1 year Anniversary in AZ. That's right one year ago on Sunday we were driving out to our new home in the desert, and a fun little fact for you...we were also telling my family that we were expecting are little Miss Bailey (crazy how time flies). After a year and one AZ summer while pregnant I can tell you that we love it out here. The summers are a little warm, but we live in a great neighborhood and are in an amazing ward. It is a great place to raise our family and we can't wait to make many more memories out here!

Onto our Mother's Day activities...my Aunt and Uncle were visiting this past weekend, and that included their 7 (minus 1 on the mission) boys with spouses and kids...crazy, but so fun! So needless to say we had a full house for Mother's Day. My day started with finishing up the final touches for my talk, that's right Clint and I had to speak in church on Mother's Day. You would think that they would find a more experienced MOM for Mother's Day, but I think we did pretty good. After church we relaxed at home and got ready for the Kasper crew to arrive for dinner. Sometime before dinner Clint set out some gifts from him and Bailey which I saved to open right before I put Bailey to bed. After a few tears from reading Clint and Bailey's cards I opened up the gifts, and made out pretty well. The gift card was from Clint and the necklace was from Bailey...I love them both and I have to admit I was VERY impressed (props to the hubs). I love being a mom and especially Bailey's. She is such a blessing and I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has trusted me to be her mother! I know that I have only been at this motherhood job for about 6 months, but I also know that we as mothers and women don't always get the validation that we deserve. So I will leave you with one of my favorite qoutes from my talk...Happy Mother's Day again to you all!

*For Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail. -Sheri L. Dew

I LOVE being her MOM!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:58:00.003-07:00

It has been a crazy weekend, but I wanted to get on and give my mom a quick shout out for Mother's Day. Exactly one year ago today my mom opened her Mother's Day gift telling her that she was going to have another grandchild. Now one year later I am celebrating my first mother's day and have come to appreciate my mom more then I could ever imagine. She has always supported me and taught me to follow my dreams, but more importantly she has taught me how to be a good righteous mother. I am so greatful for her example and the sacrifices she has made on mybehalf...I love her so much and am thankful Heavenly Father put her in my life. Happy Mother's Day Mom...I love you!

Because She Can

2009-05-06T21:28:00.006-07:00

Bailey was watching me do dishes the other day, and when I looked over at her this is what I saw...

I guess she decided she needed to try to fit the entire paci in her mouth...love this girl!

A Week with Grandma & a 5 Month Update

2009-04-30T20:56:00.004-07:00

Last week my mom came into town to visit us, and we had fun keeping her busy! Thursday evening after my mom arrived we took Bronco to the dog park. Friday, we met up with Melissa and Reese at the Basha High pool so that Grandma Liz could take Bailey swimming. If you don't know already my mom is a swimmer so swimming with the grandkids is a must. It wasn't as warm as the 1st time Bailey swam so she wasn't as big of a fan of the colder water. We had a great day in the sun, and look forward to many more this summer (just wish Grandma lived closer to take her). Saturday, we took the family to the Phoenix Zoo. We had a great time walking around looking at all the animals...I even think Bailey enjoyed it too. We got a membership for Clint and I so I think there will be many zoo days in the future. Sunday was a typically day of much needed rest for everyone, but me! Monday, Bailey, my mom, and I met up with the Bradley moms and their babies for breakfast at Joe's Farm Fresh, which was fun and delicious. After breakfast we spent of the rest of the day shopping for stuff that we probably didn't need to buy, but that's what moms and daughters do right? Tuesday was Grandma's last day in AZ and it came way to fast. We had a great time with her here and can't wait for her next visit...hopefully Grandpa will get to come next time too!

Bailey also turned 5 months on the 26th, and I seriously can't believe that she has been with us for almost 1/2 a year! So to keep this post from becoming a novel I will give you a quick list of the new things that have happened this last month.

Rolled over from her back to her stomach
Had her 1st good laugh...and it was at the dog of course (doesn't she know she has pretty hilarious parents)
Found her feet and then quickly got over them
Makes the "raspberry" sound ALL OF THE TIME!!!
Can balance standing in 1 of Daddy's hands (pictures to come)
Went swimming for the 1st time & loved it
Sleeps in her own room (yeah I know she's 5 month, but whatever works right?)
Can sit up on her own...until she gets too excited then she knocks herself over

Happy 5 months to our little one, we love you!

Our Little Fish

2009-04-20T06:56:00.005-07:00

All of the Holloway's were in town this past weekend for Finn's baby blessing, and it was so great having all of the cousin together for the 1st time! Saturday we all went swimming at this super fun pool that is nearby, and Bailey LOVED it. This was her 1st time swimming, and the water didn't phase her at all. She loves the bath tub so I kind of assumed that she would like the pool, but you never really know. It's a good thing she likes it, because let's be honest we live in AZ and she really doesn't have a choice...we WILL be in the pool all summer long!
I bought her a little 3-6 month bikini on sale thinking she could wear it a couple times, but when I tried it on her she had rolls coming over the top of the back strap. She wore her rash guard suit the whole day (which is probably safer), but I put the bikini on just so we could get a quick picture of how cute she is!
Sunday we went over the Blake and Liz's house for Finn's Baby Blessing, and it was wonderful! Blake did such a great job and gave a very sweet blessing. We ate some GOOD food, had some good family fun, and TRIED to get some pictures of all of the grandkids (maybe it will be easier in the future, but then again maybe not).
Finn, the Man of the Hour...he was really hungry
Grandma & Grandpa Holloway with all the grandkids
We had a great time having everyone here, and it makes me wish that we all closer (maybe one day)!

Week in Review - Babies, Backyards, Blankets, Birthday, Bonfire, & Bunnies!

2009-04-13T07:28:00.015-07:00

Okay, so April has proven to be a busy month and it does not look like it is going to slow down anytime soon! So before much more happens I better get a post in or I may have the longest post in blogger history. It all began last Saturday when I babysat these two fun kids...note to self don't have twins, I really don't know how people do it.

For those of you who didn't know Clint and I chose to do a natural birth with Bailey and we took the Bradley Method birth class to make that happen. So on Sunday we had our Bradley class reunion so that we could meet everyones babies and hear everyone's birth stories. I was really inspired by all of the stories and call me crazy, but when we left I felt a little baby hungry (but don't worry we will wait a little longer).

After the reunion we headed to Blake's house to celebrate his Birthday. I didn't get any pics of the Birthday Boy (sorry), but I did snap a shot of these super cute twin cousins!

Tuesday while I was nursing Bailey in the afternoon Bronco was outside barking like crazying, and I just thought he was barking at the lawnmower (which happens on occasion). But when I went ouside I actually found this...

Just imagine water shooting out of the pipe on the wall, and this guy bouncing through it. We thought it was his fault, but the pipe came loose on its own and he just enjoyed every second of it.
Wednesday I went to a GNO, with Bailey and my good friend Jenny, to a sewing class. The house that we went to was incredible and she had an amazing fabric collection which resulted in a super soft and super cute blanket for Miss Bailey.

Thursday night we met up with Blake, Liz, and Finn and headed out to see the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple. It was so great and you could totally feel the Spirit there which was nice as we headed into the Easter weekend. Sorry, no pictures from that night...we got there an hour ahead of time thinking that would be early enough and boy were we wrong!

Saturday was my 28th Birthday and it was a pretty typical day since Clint had to work, but it got better once we went to dinner. We went to this place...

Meet up with these fun friends...

Ate to many of these...

And blew out a Marshmallow since a cake wasn't handy

Happy Birthday to Me!

Easter morning we got up and went to church and had a really great Sacrament Meeting, and after Blake, Liz, and Finn came over for dinner and it was great (Thanks guys for making some good food). Bailey also got a visit from the Easter Bunny and here she is in her Easter dress with her all goodies (Thanks Grandma Millward for my Sheep)!

It was a great week and we've got another good one ahead. Clint's family gets in on Wednesday, and I'm sure I will have a lot to post about...but until then I hope everyone had a great Easter!

She can ROLL!

2009-04-08T16:33:00.005-07:00

I have some posting catch up to do in the next few days, but I had to post this right away in my excitement. Bailey has rolled from her stomach to her back a few times, but not a lot...she just isn't that in to it. BUT...a few days ago she started arching over her left shoulder while on her back, so I would help and pull the bottom arm out to help her make it over. On Sunday she rolled over with our help, but TODAY she did it all on her own (4 times), and I was even able to get it on tape...please enjoy!

Bailey's Hunting Easter Eggs (sort of)

2009-04-04T15:29:00.010-07:00

This morning our little town of Queen Creek put on a big Spring Celebration at one of the parks, and it including Easter egg hunts, bouncy toys, live music, and a lot of fun! Now I do know that Bailey can't actually hunt and pick up the eggs, but as I told Clinton many times...that's not the point. The point is that it is her 1st Easter and we need to at least have pictures of her celebrating it for the 1st time. So we went to the park and met up with Blake, Liz, & Finn, and Melissa & Reese for the Easter Egg Hunts. The 0-2 age group was first and yes I did run with Bailey and her Easter basket to the back of the field to grab her a couple of eggs. I don't have any pictures of that (though I'm sure it was a sight to see), because Clint was back watching the stroller and I took the camera with me. I thought maybe I could find a spot with a few eggs to sit her down and have her try to grab one and I would take a picture, but let's be honest the hunt was over in about 30 seconds and I was lucky I got her 5 eggs at all! We stayed to watch Reese do the next hunt and she made out pretty good! Melissa ran with her and I followed to take pictures...we got some good shots and she had a great time! Watching her made me even more excited for when Bailey is old enough to understand and do all of these things! But until that day we will be cheesy parents taking our child to these activities even if it is just for the pictures!

Top Left - Yes, she is holding her basket with one hand & one foot
Top Right - Capt. Finn sporting the eye patch found in one of Bailey's eggs
Bottom Left - Our Happy Family
Bottom Right - Super cute Reese filling up her basket

Doctors & Dancers

2009-03-29T20:31:00.007-07:00

This past Thursday Bailey turned 4 months, which meant it was time for her 4 month check-up with the doctor! At 4 months Bailey wieghs 14lbs. 2oz. (67%), is 25in. long (90%), and her head is 16 1/2in round (78%). From the looks of it so far we think she has inherited my grandma's genes which will make her tall and skinny...I'm sure she'll thank me later! It has been 4 months with her and I can say that I really do love her more and more everyday, she is becoming so much fun and I know that will just keep getting better! Here are a few new things happening in Bailey's life...

She had a schedule and then decided it was time to change it...so she is now eating about every 4 hours.
Has found her upper octave and serinades us with high pitch squeals
Can roll from her stomach to her back, but doesn't do it very often
Goes to bed around 8:30pm, gets up once and then goes back to sleep til around 7:00am
Pushes from her elbows up to her hands while doing tummy time
Smiles so big every time she hears hers daddy's voice
Still wears 3-6 month clothes, but the 3 month stuff is getting too short for her long legs
Started playing in her exer-saucer and so far so good (she needs to be just a little taller and she will be bouncing away)
Loves facing outward in the Moby wrap...she loves to explore and watch the world around her (especially her dog Bronco at the dog park)
Will finally let me rock her to sleep while listening to her Baby Mine lullaby cd
Loves to take naps with daddy

Friday night I had the chance for a night out without the little one to see some old friends dance. This last year before Bailey came I had the oppurtunity to dance with the Ririe Woodbury Dance Company based out of Salt Lake City, UT. I was a part of a special tour that they do featuring the work of choreographer Alwin Nikolais. While dancing with them I got to perform in Wickenburg, AZ, St. Louis, MO, Philidelphia, PA, Durham, NC, and 3 cities in France! Obviously, since I had a baby I would not be able to dance with them again this year, but as luck would have it their tour brought them to AZ. The company got in on Tuesday and I picked them up in the minivan on Wednesday to meet Miss Bailey and dinner at In-N-Out. It was so great to see them all and their concert was beautiful...it made me want to get in shape so that I can start dancing again. I had such an amazing time dancing with the company and they have become some of my best friends and given me AMAZING memories!

Has my life really come to this...

2009-03-24T18:26:00.004-07:00

That's right, I am a proud owner of a MINIVAN! I really never thought that this day would ever come...okay I guess I knew it would come just maybe not this soon. Two Saturdays ago we traded in the Equinox and bought a Honda Odessey minivan. We quickly realized after the trip to Cali for Christmas that the Equinox was not big enough for our family of 4. We talked about getting a full size SUV, but the van allows room for Bronco to roam around while driving and let's be honest it is all about the dog. In all honesty though I really do love the minivan! It gets great gas mileage, it is super easy to get Bailey in and out of with the automatic doors, has tons of storage room, a DVD player for when Bailey gets to turn around in the bigger car seat, and he may not admit it but even Clinton likes to drive it! So I guess I have officially become a mom and I even have the minivan to prove it!!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-17T20:53:00.005-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone! Our day wasn't super eventful, but around 1:30 I decided that we needed to do something fun for this Irish holiday, so I called the family to see who could come over for dinner. Melissa and Reese would have come but were home sick and Kevin was in school, so we had Blake, Liz, Finn, and Liz's mom Cheryl over for a "green" dinner. We had our traditional Irish dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage on Sunday at Blake's house, which was delicious, so I decided that tonight we would have green colored food (it was more difficult then I thought it would be). Our menu for the evening included green salad, green apples with green fruit dip, cheese raviolis with chicken in a green pesto sauce, and mint green chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. It turned out great and was fun to have people over to celebrate with.

Our "Green" Meal

Bailey had a couple of St. Patty's outfits so we did a little photo shoot in each and the results are pretty cute, if I do say so myself! Love this little Irish baby!!!

3 Months of Bailey

2009-02-28T14:37:00.005-07:00

World's Cutest 3 Month Old Baby Girl

3 Months already? I really can't believe that Bailey turned 3 months on Thursday and even more then that I can't believe how much she has changed and learned. I think that the picture above sums it all up...Bailey is the cutest and happiest baby and I love her so much. So here is a list of some of the new and exciting things Bailey's doing...

Recognizes and smiles at Mom and Dad 99% of the time
Holds her head up when she is one her tummy, and sometimes will lift both arms off the mat and her head stays up - I like to call it baby yoga
Loves to hit and grab onto the things hanging from her tummy time mat
Sleeps for about 7hrs at night, wakes up to nurse and then goes back down for 3hrs
Loves the TV and Baby Einstein (she is daddy's little girl)
Sits up like champ with the assistance of her Bumbo
Balances sitting up while Daddy holds onto one of her thighs, and he is already starting to try and have her balance standing up
Is wearing 3-6 month clothes and size 2 diapers
Likes Patty Cake and Wheels on the Bus
Talks your ear off in the morning

We hope you enjoy her as much as we do...sorry I couldn't figure out how to center the video!

Oh BABY....it's time to catch up!

2009-02-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

So its been awhile and a lot has happened, so let me catch you up......Bailey and I flew up to Washington the last week of January because my little bro, Gary, and his wife, Ashley, were going through the temple and then getting sealed to their little guy Gabe! If flew up on Tuesday and Clint wasn't coming until Friday so it was just me and Bails at the airport. Thanks to some recommendations from Kendall I got a new wrap carrier, which made going through security and everything else a breeze! Bailey did great the whole trip, even with our plane getting delayed over an hour. Really she should be used to flying considering she flew to Pittsburg, France, and North Carolina all while still in the womb...maybe I should try to get her some frequent flyer miles!!! While up in WA I got to catch up with a few good friends from high school, one on which had her 3rd baby that Friday morning we were up there so we got to go see the "not so little guy" Friday night.

Mom and Bailey on her "1st" flight

High School friends Sophia, Allie, and her 9lb. 10ozer Cooper

The rest of our WA trip was focused on my brother's family. Gary and Ashley went through the temple Thursday night and then were sealed to Gabe on Saturday. It was such an amazing experience and there was such a great spirit in the sealing room, especially when Gabe came in. I am so proud of Gary and Ashley for the choices they've made and way they have dealt with the challenges in their lives. There really isn't any better place then the temple and I am so glad that they made the decision to go and that we got to be there with them. Families CAN be together forever and being there with them and my parents just strengthened my testimony even more. We love you guys tons!

Cute little Gabe in his Temple outfit

Gary, Ashley, and Gabe...Forever a Family

Our whole family after the Sealing

What a CUTE face!

The day after we flew back from WA little Bailey had her 2 month check up. Bailey weighed 12lbs. and was 23.75in long, so that puts her in the 77th percentile for weight and the 88th percentile for her height. She also got her 1st set of shots, and let's be honest that is not something you want to watch your baby go through. A little bit of crying and a somewhat fussy night and our happy baby was back to normal the next day. Some of my favorite things happening right now are the smiles I get when she wakes in the morning and when you say her name, and the morning conversations we have...she is one chatty cathy!

Our little trooper

My last bit of catch up is super exciting...the last two Holloway cousins have arrived. Blake and Liz were over at our house on Valentine's Day when her water broke. So as you may assume our plans were cut a little short, cause someone had other plans. At 4:46am little Finnegan Holloway made his way into the world. We've been up to see them a couple times and are glad to see Liz's recovery so well. They should be out of the hospital today and we can't wait for them to get settled so Bailey and Finn can start playing. Then on Monday in CA Jason and Shannon welcomed a baby girl to even out the score. Sloan Stoddard makes the 3rd granddaughter and we can't wait to meet her!!! So as you can see A LOT has been happening in our family and it is all exciting stuff! I feel so blessed to have been born into such an amazing family and the one I married into is pretty great as well...I am so glad that we all get to be together FOREVER!

Baby Girl Stoddard

Bailey and her cousin Finn (why does she look like a giant?)

I LOVE YOU FINN!!!

*I will try not to wait so long til the next post!!!

All you need is LOVE...

2009-02-14T19:46:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all our family and friends, we hope that your day is filled with lots of love!

Baby Meditation

2009-01-25T15:47:00.003-07:00

Hope you're enjoying your day of rest...Happy Sunday!

What a Weekend!

2009-01-22T19:26:00.016-07:00

This last weekend we had both families here in Arizona for Bailey's baby blessing, and since everyone was out here we also had my sis-in-law Liz's last baby shower. My family arrived Wednesday evening and were so excited to see how much Bailey has changed since they last saw her in November. My sis-in-law, Ashley, and nephew, Gabe, were also able to come down to meet her for the first time which was really great. My little brother was not able to come down, which was a bummer, but we get to see him next week up in Washington (missed you brother)! It was great for us to see Gabe and Bailey together, and to see how much Gabe has changed since we haven't seen him since June. Clint's family arrived late Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon is when the festivities began!

Gabe meeting Bailey for the 1st time

Snuggling with Aunt Ashley

Grandma and Papa Millward with the Grandkids!

Liz's pirate themed baby shower turned out super cute, and she was able to get most of the big stuff that they still needed before their little guy comes in a few weeks. I made her a diaper cake that we also used as decoration for the food table. The cake turned out great, but once Melissa added the decorations she brought you would have thought that you were on a pirate ship! It was great catching up with everyone there, seeing everyone's babies, and celebrating with Liz. Only a few more weeks and Bailey will have a playmate, and she told me she can't wait! Saturday evening we all got together at Kevin and Melissa house for dinner to celebrate Brent's upcoming birthday. We had burgers and homemade french fries (fries curtesy of my dad), and watched the boys try to play the Wii fit. It was great to hang out with the family and my personal favorite was watching Blake try hula hoop and do step arobics on the Wii!

Pirate diaper cake...so cute!

Sunday morning came very quickly and I awoke early to make sure that we were not late on this special day. Bailey was blessed by her dad and all of his brother, her two grandfathers, and our Bishop stood in the circle with him. Clint and Bailey did such a great job! He was a little nervous, seeing as how he hates speaking in public, but he gave a beautiful blessing and our Bishop assured him that kids 2 through 6 will be much easier. SIX? Maybe he knows something we don't! Bailey was asleep until Clint took her up, but he said that she just sat there and looked up at him like she was listening (he also said that his hand shaking underneath her probably helped a little, because she might have thought she was in her bouncer, but I like her listening better). After the blessing we had everyone over to the house for a delicious lunch and lots of socializing. We also got to get some great pics of cousins and grandparents together...these are the memory makers!

Bailey's Blessing Dress (it's the same one I wore for mine, thanks for keeping it mom!)

All the men in Bailey's Blessing Circle

Our little family

Holloway Cousins - Rylan, Resse, Drake, and Bailey

Nana and Grandpa Holloway with the grandkids

Our little angel!

Bailey has blessed our lives so much and we love having her in our family. Heavenly Father has blessed our lives so much in the last year and we know that he has a plan for each of us. We can't wait to see what Bailey's journey will bring! We love you Bailey and will always be here for you...Love, Mom and Dad!

Our Holiday Happenings

2008-12-31T17:45:00.015-07:00

I can't believe that December is almost over and that our little one has been with us for 5 weeks already! I figured that before I post about New Years I better get Christmas up so that I do not fall too far behind. We started off our Christmas fun by meeting Blake and Liz up at the temple to look at the lights on the 20th, and as luck would have it we both forgot our cameras so the picture we did get was taken on our phones. The lights were beautiful and the temple was packed...it is great to see so many people there celebrating the true meaning of the season. The next day we took Bailey to church for the 1st time so that we could see the Christmas Program, and I have to say that her dress was pretty darn cute! Later that night we had Blake and Liz over for Sunday dinner (sorry we missed you Kevin and Melissa), cookie decorating, and the annual Clinton Christmas tradition of watching The Christmas Story. This year is The Christmas Story's 25th anniversary and my parents got Clinton a gift that included the movie, a Christmas Story apron, cookbook, and cookie cutters. We didn't quite get all of the cookies frosted, but the ones that did were pieces of art! Then it was off to Long Beach for Christmas.

Me and my bundle of joy enjoying the Temple Lights

1st Sunday at Church and looking like an angel

Our Christmas Story Cookie Extravaganza

On Christmas Eve we opened our traditional Christmas PJ's, sorry the pictures don't have us in the pajamas, I'm not very good at capturing every moment yet! Christmas morning was very fun watching our niece and nephew open and play with their gifts, it is so great seeing Christmas through their eyes and I can't wait for Bailey to be big enough to enjoy it too. The day after Christmas Brent and Sandi rented electric Duffy Boats that we took around Sunset Harbor to look at all the Christmas lights. It was a lot of fun and the lights were pretty amazing. Clint got to drive our boat which I know he enjoyed, and after watching the boat almost get taken out by a much bigger yacht I actually felt somewhat safe!!

We ended out the weekend by attending Church to be a part of Rylan's baby blessing. This was our first time meeting the not so little guy and he is adorable. He and Bailey may have weighed the same at birth, but Rylan is chunking up and I guess our Bailey is working on her girlish figure already! Donovan did a great job with the blessing and I am so glad that we got to be there to celebrate with them. After the blessing we ate and visited with family and then it was time to head home to AZ. All in all it was a great trip and a great Christmas, thanks again Brent and Sandi!!

Three weeks ago today!

2008-12-17T21:09:00.004-07:00

Bailey is 3 weeks today and we are slowing starting to ease into a schedule, a schedule that changes almost daily, but we are working on it. She is a good sleeper (which hopefully will last), totally mellow and alert when she is awake, and a crazy girl when it comes time to eat. She goes from 0 to 60 in no time and her arms become weapons as I try to nurse her. We have nicknamed her Bailey, the Barracuda and we will continue to work on it! I really can't complain though, she is a great baby and has given us the best and craziest 3 weeks of our lives...Happy 3 weeks Bailey!

Ready to shop with mom and grandma (when my mom was still in town)

Smiling for the camera

Tired of tummy time!

Two Weeks Today...Oh how time flies

2008-12-09T21:14:00.007-07:00

Bailey is two weeks old today and I can't believe how much she has changed already! Last Tuesday we had a photographer come to the house to take pictures of our little girl (only 5 days old at the time) and they turned out great. Bailey did great for her first "real" photo shoot, she slept through most of it, opened her eyes for a few, and screamed a little when we put her in a cold room in just her diaper. She was a trooper and we have some great shots to prove it...Baby Gap here we come! I will post a few of them on the blog, but we are most likely going to use some of them for our Christmas cards so I can't put them all on display just yet.

Other then getting the pictures taken and heading off the the doctors office for her check-up we haven't done a whole lot around here. Trying to plan life in three hour blocks to work around feedings is a little difficult, but according to all my friends with kids it will get better in a few weeks so I will just hold out a little longer. Clinton went back to work on Monday and I dropped my mom of at the airport this morning so today was our first official 1/2 day on our own. Things are going well, but I will say that it sure was nice having other people around. Tomorrow is a new day, and Bailey and I will begin our adventure together of trying to figure this thing called parenting out (wish us luck)!

*Thanks to my MOM*

Nobody can even begin to prepare you for how your life will change after having a baby. I was prepared for labor and in control of what went on there, but once this little person was in my arms I quickly realized that I was not in control anymore. What do I know about being a mom? Thankfully I had my mom here for the last two week to remind me (usually in the midst of a break down) that I know enough and the rest will come in time. I am so greatful to be a mother, and I am equally greatful to have a mom who knows me the way I can only hope that I will know and understand Bailey one day. So thank you mom for everything you did these last two weeks and for teaching me (my whole life) how to be a great mom! I found this quote and used it to tell my mom we were expecting and I now know how true it really is...Mothers and Daughters become closet when Daughters become Mothers. I love you MOM!

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-30T15:13:00.003-07:00

We got to bring our little turkey home on Thanksgiving Day, and that along with the fact that everyone is healthy and doing well is something we are very thankful for! We have had Bailey for 4 days and she already looks so different so we wanted to put up a few more pictures for everyone to see. It has been nice being back at the house and so nice that we have my parents here to help us. Sleeping, pooping, eating, and crying is pretty much her life at this point and ours is trying to figure out all of that while still trying to get rest and stay sane (maybe that is more for me then Clint though). I could seriously just sit and stare at her for hours and can't believe how much I love her already. I am so thankful that Bailey is part of our family, and I am so thankful to be her mommy!

Ready for the ride home

Sleepy little girl

Wide awake and checking things out

Love those chubby cheeks

She's here!!

2008-11-26T10:14:00.007-07:00

Introducing

Bailey Holloway

She made her debut this morning (11/26) at 3:21am
Weighing 9lbs 1 oz

and 21 inches long

Mom and Bailey are doing great, and Dad couldn't

be more proud of his girls!

Little Ute in the Making!

2008-11-23T09:56:00.010-07:00

Obviously, as you can see the baby has still not come yet. I have decided that her and Donovan's kid are up there saying, "You go first," No, you go first," little does she know that all she has to do is pull out the old "I Triple Dog Dare You" and Donovan's boy would be here, but for now we will all wait! My parents flew in from Washington late Friday night in hopes of holding their granddaughter when they arrived, but she has other plans I guess. So in the meantime while we all wait I decided that it is never to early to let your children know where theirs alliance in college football teams should lie. It was rival week in college football and yesterday the undefeated Utah Utes faced the team from down south known to most as the Y. Yes, I do realize that I did not graduate from the U, but I did go there for a few years and my dad is an alumni...what can I say there is crimson in the blood. Kiara, a friend from our ward, let us come over to watch the game even though they are die hard BYU fans (thanks again). We had a great time and for those who watched you would agree that it was a great game! The Utes completed their season 12-0, ending with the huge win over the Y with a score of 48-24. What a great season to be a Ute, and I was glad that I was able to have others here to cheer with me. Now that all that the game is done and my parents are here I think it would be alright for our Little Ute to come out, but we will see. Hopefully she will be our next posting, but until then GO UTES!

Me and my Dad sporting the Utah gear!

(I had to borrow one of his, cause mine don't fit very well right now!)

Yes, this is how we really feel!

A Blog, a Baby, and a Boxer named Bronco!

2008-11-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

Let the Blogging begin! So after months of saying that I was going to start a blog so that everyone could keep updated on what was going on with us out here in AZ, I figured starting it two days before my due date was a great idea (because starting anything two days before your suppose to have a baby is smart, right)! I guess I will just say, better late then never! I have so much I could post about what has been going on with us since we moved out here, but for now I will make it somewhat quick and fill in the details later. In the last few months there are really just two words I can say that have been keeping us very busy...Baby and Boxer!

Clint (and I) decided that since we finally had a backyard big enough, three months before we have a baby would be a great time to buy a puppy. We have always wanted a dog and I know that it will be CRAZY with a newborn and somewhat trained puppy, but we decided that it was either now or much much later. So about three months ago we bought a boxer puppy from a local breeder and named him Bronco.

Bronco the day we brought him home

He is a hyper and stubburn puppy, but that face is just so cute how could you not love him! Bronco has been in puppy training classes for the last 5 weeks in hopes that he will beable to listen and behave when the baby comes and I am hoping that is the case but we will have to see. For now he is our kid and is sometimes a handful, but I just figure it is good preparation for what is about to come.

Now for the next word...BABY. As you may all know, Clint and I are expecting a baby girl on November 18th which is two days from now, but who's counting. We are so excited to finally meet her and hope that she comes soon, but until she does I will give you the most recent belly picture and you will have to wait just like us.

Taken today - 39 weeks & 5 days

Besides gaining weight and feeling like my belly is getting bigger by the hour, I have been busy trying to finish the nursery and other baby projects I decided to take on. Thankfully I have had a lot of help with those and will post all of the finished projects in the next couple of days. So I will end by saying welcome to our blog and please come again soon!