Giving It Up

I have to admit. I haven't been entirely truthful to Jack's pediatrician when he asks if Jack is off the bottle. I just can't help it. It is the two times a day where Jack will cuddle with me. He has always been a busy boy. I was so sad when he wanted to quit nursing at 4 months. This has been my little way to hold onto that.

Well, I am paying my dues now for lying. We are trying to get him to stop the morning bottle. and go for a sippy cup instead.

This is how he feels about it . . . And after the hour + tantrum every morning he eventually caves into a bit of juice in the sippy but still refuses the milk from anything other than a bottle.

Sigh . . .

Don't worry Jack, it makes me wanna cry too.

Please Meet "Shaq"

Jack is doing such a great job learning how to speak.

It is making life a bit easier with him now that he communicates a little more.

A few more smiles and a few less tears.

From both of us.

However, he isn't quite able to say his name.

It sounds more like "SHAQ" than "JACK".

It makes me laugh every time!

A Little Bailey Family Time

A few weeks ago we were able to spend some time with Jason's family. It was nice to see everyone and spend some time together. Jack sure loves playing with his Grandma and Grandpa Bailey, aunts, uncles, cousins and his new best friend Mia (Aunt Trisha's dog)!

The Iron County Fair

We spent a fun filled Friday and Saturday at my parents' cabin in Parowan so we could go to the highly anticipated Iron County Fair. It's kinda a tradition now.

This year we dressed up Jack in his "cowboy" attire . . . boots, hat, jeans, the whole nine yards.

Jack was big enough to ride in the train all alone!

Sniff Sniff

My baby is growing up . . .

. . . maybe he didn't like so much after all.

And we, of course, had to end the night with some fried food from the fair.

Here is Jack telling his PopPops all about it.

And this was how we spent the rest of that night . . .

Bailey Baby #3

. . . will be arriving in early March!

YAY!

I wish I had pictures to post, but my scanner is broken so I can't scan in the ultrasound pics.

This has been a rough pregnancy so far.

I am beyond grateful for the new addition to our family.

Sisters Weekend in San Francisco, CA

A few weekends ago my sisters and my mom and I went to San Francisco, CA for a four day trip. We had such a fun time. We had a weekend full of laughs, delicious food, entertainment and shopping!

Here are a few pics from the weekend. Wicked was soooo fun!

And this store was right up our alley . . . pink from carpet to ceiling with jewelry everywhere! We were all in heaven.

As we walked out of the store a woman tried to sell us some scented soap called Rockstar. She told us we would be like rockstars if we used it. Good thing Lauren was there to correct the lady . . . she said, "We don't wanna be rockstars - we wanna be Barbies!"

How true that is!

And of course, we had to ride the trolley's around.

Does this house look familiar?

Danny Tanner, Uncle Jessie and Uncle Joey?

It's the Full House house!

Chocolate covered bananas from Pier 39.

It was such a fun trip! Thanks mom and dad for making it all possible for us.

And lots of love to Jason who stayed home with Jack.

According to the text I received from Jason half way thorough the trip - I have "super powers" I am hiding from him since I take care of Jack and the house all day every day. He found out just how difficult it is to stay home with little kiddos!

Those "Mom" Days

You know those days? The days where you just feel . . . disappointment? Today has been one of those days for me. As I was running errands with Jack screaming in the back seat of the car at me to play the Wiggles, yet one more time, I was trying to pinpoint the exact cause of my frustration/disappointment. Was it this person or that person? Was it this situation or that one? Before I knew it I had come full circle and that big accusing finger was pointing right at me. Square in the face. I am disappointed in myself.

Please tell me I am not the only mom who finds herself thinking this.

I am a mother who has had and loved and lost a sweet son. I thought I had this "figured out." I thought I would have the love a patience of a saint because I knew how badly I wanted to have my children here. Yet, I find myself yelling at Jack as he dumped the contents of my diaper bag out of the cart and onto the floor of Target. Today I find myself begging for the time to pass so that nap time can come sooner. I find myself wanting to paddle his little bum because he spit chewed up corn dog and applesauce all over my shirt. And it wasn't even a pajama shirt - I actually got dressed today.

Jack is a typical boy. He has places he wants to go - people he wants to see. He wants it all on his terms and is a determined little guy. I become frustrated. Irritated. Disappointed in how I am feeling.

I know better than this. I know what truly matters to me as a mother and I find myself disappointed in the way I deal with things lately. I wish I could have more patience. I wish I would be less frustrated and irritated.

I wish that I could be the mom I dreamed myself to be. It's just hard on the days when you don't live up to your own expectations . . .

Jack's First Boating Trip

Saturday was Jack's first ride on the boat! Jason took him with my parents and Becca out to Lake Mead for a morning of fun in the sun. I wasn't able to go - but I was informed Jack did very well on the boat and was even silent! That is just bizarre behavior for Jack! Apparently he loved the mud and sand too.

Jack helping Pop Pops drive the boat.Jack and Becca
Jack playing in the mud

Cool Aunt Becca

Jack has been so lucky to have his cool Aunt Becca home from college for the summer.

She has spent lots of time with him and he loves his "Beba."

Here they are jammin' in the car with their cool sunglasses.

Jack's Time Out

A few weeks ago we were at my mom and dad's house for dinner.

Jack was acting up quite and bit and making dinner . . . ummm . . . un-enjoyable.

Jason decided it was time to put him in a time out.

Here Jack is in his first time out.And Jason explaining why he is in time out.
And here I am stuffing my face with food to keep from laughing. HA!

I'm not quite sure Jack understood the time out -thing, but we are making progress. I guess . . .

Gavin's Birthday Basket

I am back tracking a bit here. I

haven't been up to date on the blog lately . . . there is a good reason.

I promise. :)

This year we took Gavin's birthday basket to the hospital he was born at - like we do every year. I love being able to do this. I know it is cliche, but serving others truly helps when you are feeling down. It was so nice to see some of the people we love so much who helped take care of our sweet bug and know that we were doing something to help another family during a difficult time. Here is what Gavin's basket looked like when we took it.

Bailey Girls' Weekend

First of all, I totally copied this picture collage from my sister in law's blog. Thanks Trish . . . :) A few weekends ago I was able to meet up with the girls from Jason's family. We had a wonderful time in St. George seeing Tarzan at Tuachan, eating yummy carbs and getting pedicures.

I am so grateful I married into such a loving and kind family. We had such a nice weekend and it was a good little get-a-way for me.

Thanks Cindee for the fun trip!!!

PS - Jason even survived the whole weekend with Jack without too much trouble!

Happy Third Birthday Gavin

Dear Gavin,

Happy Birthday my sweet little bug! Today you would be three years old! I woke up this morning and looked at the clock. You were born at 10:01am. This morning I looked outside. It is slightly overcast, hot and even a little humid. Just like that day three years ago.

Three years . . . I can't believe it has been three years. Gavin, I hope you know that there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You have influenced me to be a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and person. Days like this are a good reminder of the things that are truly important.

I am grateful for my time with you. You were a miracle. I remember speaking with a physician after you passed away about your condition. He said that most children with the problems you had never make it through pregnancy or birth. Yet, we were given three months to know you. Although, sometimes I wish that you were given the miracle of a healing - I now understand that your three months and your fight to stay here were our miracle. I have learned that even when the Lord doesn't answer our prayers exactly the way we want, He grants us other miracles and tender mercies to bless our life.

So, happy third birthday! Jack and I went for doughnuts this morning and have cuddled on the couch watching Curious George (Jack's new favorite show). I wish you were here to join us. Maybe you are . . .


I love you with all my heart and I know your daddy does too. You are a special special boy who holds a very sacred and dear place in our hearts and family.

Have a happy birthday in Heaven.

Love,
Your Momma

Gavin's Birthday Party

We decided to celebrate Gavin's birthday just before Matt left for his mission - so it was a week or two early. Here are some pictures from the party.

It was a baseball theme this year! After cake and ice cream we headed over to the cemetery and released three balloons for his third birthday. It was so nice to have lots of family there to celebrate with us.
We all love to write messages on the balloons before we send them off.
Me and my momma.

We let Jack release the balloons. Here he is saying "GO!"

A New Summer Do

I love Jack's hair.

But summer in Vegas is just too hot for it.

So Aunt Lauren was kind enough to buzz it.
And we had a little fun too . . .

He will get used to it. :)

Happy 18 Months Jack!

I'm a little behind in posting about Jack turning 18 months - but here it is!

July 14, 2010 Jack hit the 18 month mark!

I just can't believe how time is flying.

He is so much fun and so full of personality.

He knows exactly what he wants and stays determined.

I sure hope that characteristic sticks around.

Even though it is difficult to deal with as a toddler, I can imagine that sense of determination will benefit him as an adult.

I just love him to pieces.

We decided to take Jack out for his "birthday" so we got Happy Meals at McDonald's and then bought this car for him.

He looooves it!
Jason even personalized his license plate for him.

So Long, Farewell

Today my brother Matt went to the Missionary Training Center to begin his mission. In a few months he will be headed to Mexico City, Mexico.

Here he is saying goodbye to our sister Becca.

Matt will be amazing. He is so intelligent and determined.

I will be offering lots of prayers on his behalf.

I will be missing him a lot too, however, I know this is a good thing.

Happy 8th Anniversary

Dear Husband,

Remember this day eight years ago?

It is the very best day of my life - because I married you.

These last eight years have been quite a journey, but you have always remained consistent.

I love you.

I can't wait for the rest of eternity with you.

Love,

Me

PS - We look like babies!!

This Is What Grandma's Are For

See this picture?

My mom sent it to me while Jack was playing at her house last week.

This is why Jack has a Grandma Cindy . . . cause his mom wouldn't have been so cool about it right now.