The First Encounter . . . With Santa

Jason's work had kids Christmas party tonight and invited Santa! Jack has been talking about "HoHo" for a few weeks now. He doesn't get it - but he recognizes the big man in the red suit with the white beard.

So, I got him dressed up and headed over the the party . . .

. . . and he screamed the minute Santa walked into the room. In fact, he made both Jason and myself stay in the picture with him. And he STILL cried!

Good thing Santa knows what he wants! :)

Decorating for Christmas 2010

We started decorating for Christmas this week. Here are a few pics of all the fun!

Jack insisted on helping Jason put up the lights on the house this year so we had to bundle him up for the occasion. You know, 55 degrees outside is pretty cold for us Vegas kids!

Here is a funny story about the candy canes: Jack kept messing with the candy canes so Jason told him not to touch because they are hot. Jack looked up at Jason, grabbed the candy cane and said, "No Dad. COLD!" There is no foolin' that kid!

A Look At Baby Boy #3

Today I went in for a check up on our baby boy. So far everything looks good and healthy. We couldn't ask for much more than that! This 3D picture is so cute of him! (I am 100% sure EVERY mom thinks her baby looks so cute in ultrasound pics - even though there is so much distortion. The funny things we moms do . . . )

I can't believe how much he looks like Gavin and Jack with the big forehead and cute button nose! That is a Bailey boy for sure!!

O-H-I-O

My Grandma Molly came to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving this year. Even though we were in Salt Lake City for the holiday - we made sure we were able to spend some time with her and show off Jack's Ohio State Buckeye gear!
I don't think my dad would have EVER worn matching clothes with us kids . . . but I guess grandkids are a different story! What a great PopPop!

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a really great Thanksgiving in Salt Lake City this year with Jason's family. We had to travel between the storms that were blasting them with snow and freezing temperatures . . . but we made it. It was a nice few days filled with fun visits, movies, good food and lots of laughs.

Jack loves "choo choo trains" right now - so when Grandma Bailey pulled this train out of the Christmas decoration boxes Jack jumped at the chance to play with it. Thanks to Uncle Craig and Grandpa Bailey for putting it together for him!
And I thought this picture was too cute not to post. Jack and his cousin Brigg had quite a fun time playing with Grandpa's IPad.

Update on Baby Boy #3

A few random pregnancy musings from my mind today:

I feel a little neglectful already as a mother to this baby. I seem to be keeping so busy with Jack and all there is to do with being a mom and wife that I haven't had time to write about this new little boy joining our family.

This pregnancy has been the most physically difficult yet. I was super sick until I hit about 18 weeks and I can tell my body is already beyond tired and we are only at 25 weeks! Three babies in four and a half years will do that to you, I guess! I have had to rest a lot more this time than I have before. Maybe it has something to do with chasing an almost-2-year-old around all day too?

We have been following the baby closely with our regular OB this time. For various reasons we have decided to not go to a perinatologist this go around. It has a lot to do with the nerves that it brings for me. However, if there is ever ANY question about the baby we will immediately go back to the perinatologist. So far everything looks good and the OB is keeping tabs on me and this little guy. Towards the end of the pregnancy we will start the bi-weekly monitoring. How grateful I am for doctors who understand and cater to my craziness! However, I am sure he will be so happy when I am done having babies! HA!

The more I have gotten used top the idea of another boy - the more excited I get. I am so happy Jack will have a little brother to play with. He needs it. I need it! I am not quite sure I will handle two babies at home - but I am up for the challenge.

Our baby boy #3 still remains nameless . . . we can't seem to even THINK of a name we like. Poor little guy. Oh well, hopefully we can come up with some ideas by the beginning of March.

I pray this baby is healthy and happy. I even pray that he can be calm. I know it is a lot to ask for, but I am happy to be able to be a mother again.

Nellis Air Show

Today we went with some friends to the Nellis Air Force Base air show. It was so much fun! We were able to see lots of air force planes, helicopters and tanks. Everything a little boy (and a big boy) loves!

It was great to get out and do something that we don't normally do. Jack had a great time running around watching the planes in the sky and playing with friends. Great way to spend a Saturday!

Bad Mommy

See that red mark on Jack's cheek?

It looks worse now.

And there is a nice blackish undertone to his eye as well.

I won worst-mother-of-the-day-award today.

Jack woke up early.

5:45am.

I was tired when I went to dress him on the changing table.

He was fighting me.

I turned my back for a second to pick up the pants I dropped.

During those two seconds he flung himself off the changing table and fell to the ground - hitting his face on the corner of his toy box as he fell.

I was a bad mom.

I know better than to turn from him.

He is a wild kid with absolutely no fear.

He cried.

So did I.

Happy Halloween

We dressed up Jack as a little devil for Halloween. I think he is starting to understand the whole "Trick or Treat" thing. And over the past few days he has sure learned how to appreciate "Nandy" or in other words "Candy."

Jack's First Disneyland Experience

We spent two days at Disneyland. I was somewhat apprehensive taking Jack to Disneyland for a few reasons. First of all, he hates his stroller. I can't get him to sit in it for more than five minutes. Second, he is in a tantrum phase right now. Everything is a battle. I was worried Disneyland may just be too much for him - but we decided to give it a try anyway.

I am so glad we did!

He loved it!

He wasn't scared on any ride (except for the Toy Story ride at California Adventure) and he made it through two days without naps or any significant tantrum.

Even Jason commented that this was such a fun trip - and he is not a Disneyland kind of guy.

For me, Disneyland is full of childhood memories. We went at least twice a year when I was young. I wanted Jack to have the same kind of experience. (You know how we do that to our kids? Force them to relive our childhood memories in the hope that they will feel the same?)

Anyway, I really was a great time and here are a few pictures in no particular order.

Jack and "pawhh" having a serious discussion about the fun time to be had at Disneyland

Jack seemed a bit nervous on the swinging Ferris wheel - but he was a tough guy and didn't cry!

Jack crashed every single night

James, Lauren, Grandma Cindy, Jason, Jack, Becca, Grandpa Dave and Me

Jack LOVES "Mouse" so we decided a shirt was in order

Jack and his Dad

Seriously, the trip was so much fun. I loved watching Jack see everything for the first time. Jason and I decided that season passes were in order next year. WOOHOO!

Favorite Things

These are some of Jack's favorite things: He worked so hard at lining them up on the stairs. Of course, his "bea" is a must have. That blanket is a necessity. Also, the "Ah-ah" (monkey) and the "OOOhhh" (elephant) have to be by his side when we rock him before bed. It's a funny thing since he is so insistent on having them piled on my lap, and then the first thing he does in his crib is throw them over the edge. The piggy bank is a fun toy that sings - and well, he thinks the noises the pig makes are hilarious.

Three Years Ago

Dear Gavin,

Three years ago today we did the hardest thing we have ever had to do. We laid by your side as you made your return to our Father in Heaven. I am sure there was great joy in your return to heaven - but we were left grief stricken and mourning your impending absence from our family. We knew we would miss you so much - but we also knew that we would see you again. We believe in eternal families. We know that you will be our son forever.

Today we spent the morning at the Temple and then we packed up to go to Disneyland with your brother Jack. We wish we were taking you along with us. But we will take you in our hearts.

Please know that we love you and we miss you. Please know that we are trying to stay strong so that we can all be together again. Days like today are difficult. It seems as though I relive and remember every moment. We are just so grateful for the knowledge we have and the love we share.

Love,
Momma

Missing Someone

My mother in law sent this quote to us:

Mother Teresa said,

"Missing someone gets easier every day, even though it's one day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the next time you will."

Although I never would have believed it could get easier during that first year after Gavin left us - I truly believe it now. It doesn't mean that the grief is gone or that he doesn't occupy my thoughts - it means that the thoughts I have are focused more on the positive and fun times we had rather than the pain of him not being here with us.

Today is a difficult day for us.

Tomorrow is even more difficult.

This day three years ago was when I realized that Gavin would be returning to heaven soon. That day feels like yesterday and also eternities ago.

I know I have said it before - but remembering that day brings back the heartache and the peace.

Through it all, I am grateful for my belief in a merciful God and the hope of joyous times to come.

Coke-Coke

Jack has an obsession with Coke-Coke (as he calls it). How can I blame him? I have an obsession with Diet Coke-Coke myself! Anything that isn't water, juice or milk is considered Coke-Coke to Jack.

So, last night Jason suggested we go to McDonald's get ice cream cones for family night. Jack thought this was a great idea and ran to get his shoes and wait by the garage door.

However, when we got to McDonald's this was the conversation that took place:

Me : Jack, do you want ice cream?

Jack: Ummmmm . . . no.

Me : You don't? What do you want?

Jack : Ummmmm . . . COKE-COKE!

So, Jack left McDonald's a happy boy with a Sprite in hand.

Pumpkin Patch

I have been telling Jack about the pumpkin patch for a few days now. We even watched "Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin" a few nights ago. I really thought he would love this place when we went for playgroup today. He still must be a bit too young. I think he had a good time - but instead of sliding down the slide and jumping in the jump house - he wanted to wander around the perimeter fence.

Go figure!

We still have a bunch of tickets for the rides, so perhaps we will go back this weekend and try it again.He insisted I climb up the slide and slide down with him. So - I climbed up the slide, pregnant and with him on my hip. Call me crazy . . . cause it doesn't even look like he had fun! And this little ride scared him. They had to stop it so he could get off because he was crying so hard. Is it bad that I laughed the whole time? It was just one of those classic scenes . . .

He did love climbing over all the pumpkins.

Maybe next year will be more fun for him!

October

October is a rough month.

I kinda anticipate it always will be.

So much of my thinking turns to Gavin.

He really is almost all I think about during this time of year.

I miss him so much.

Sometimes I still can't believe we did that.

It almost feels dream-like.

And then I have a moment of clarity.

A flash back.

And it all comes racing back.

Every muscle in my body aches and my head spins.

Because it DID happen.

The trauma, the pain, the joy and the peace.

All of it existed at the same time.

The highest of highs and the lowest of lows - all in a matter of three months.

It's not something you forget.

Especially this month.

I am just a mom.

And maybe more than a little impatient at times.

But, I love my boys.

All four of them.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

They have all taught me so much about what is truly important in life.

Sundays With Jack

See this face?

Pretty dang cute, huh?

Let me explain something about Sundays in our house right now. . . They are miserable.

Don't let the smiles fool you.

I just feel like all we do all day is battle Jack. Church isn't until 1:00 and that may sound good, but it is smack-dab in the middle of Jack's nap time. He doesn't get a nap on Sundays and I know that is the reason he screams and wrestles us all through church. Both Jason and I spend a majority of Sacrament meeting walking the halls trying to coax Jack out of tantrums. We chase him up the aisles. And even try walks outside. Nothing seems to appease him during that hour.
However, they say the two hours he spends in nursery . . . he is an angel.
Go figure.
All I know is Jason and I count the hours until bedtime on Sundays.
Please tell me I am not alone on this one!

Night Night

Today I heard Jack saying "night night" as I walked down the hall.

This is where I found him.

I say wherever he is willing to lay down - let him be.

My Three Sons

Today we found out that our new little baby is . . . another BOY! I really thought that we were getting a little girl this time - but I am so happy and so grateful for this third boy! I am happy that Jack will have a little buddy.

So far, everything looks healthy with the baby and that is what I was most concerned about. My knees were shaking as I waited for the doctor and I felt such a weight lifted as they went through the organs and noted that as of now, everything looks just the way it should.

There is nothing more humbling to me and nothing that makes my heart more full of gratitude than to know that I have been given another child to nurture and care for.

I am one happy, relieved and grateful momma today.

Ahh-Ahhs and NaNas

These are Jack's favorite jammies right now. They are new and when Jason pulled them out of the drawer the other night Jack ran up to him screaming "Ahh-Ahhs NaNas!" In other words - "monkeys and bananas!" - two of Jack's most favorite things right now.

Ever since that first night wearing his Ahh-Ahh and NaNa jammies he will look down at his arm, point to it and ask me "Ahh-Ahh and NaNa?"

I am finding reasons to do a load of laundry every day just to keep those jammies clean and a little boy happy.

Ahhhh, the things we mothers do to make our kiddos happy . . .