Racing Twinkies

The Big One

Today was Bailey's big day! We had all of the family over and one of Bailey's friends to celebrate The Big One (the theme of his party). Aunt Natalee made the most awesome cake ever. Bailey didn't know what to do with his own little cake. We expected him to be a big mess, but just got a little icing on his face. Others even ate his cake when Bailey was done with it.

Family Christmas

We all gathered on Dec. 28th to celebrate Christmas as a family. Here are several shots from that day.

Typical Sleeping Position

Hats

Dear Friends and Family,

I had every intention to write a letter to include in the Christmas cards this year, but that didn’t happen. This is a crazy time of the year! Christmas has become way too materialistic, focused on buying, giving and getting instead of Jesus Christ, so I am downsizing quite a bit. It still has kept me a little busy buying gifts. I’ve also been busy wrapping up 2007 finances and starting 2008 at work and getting ready for Bailey’s first birthday party! It’s hard to believe that it has been almost a year since he was born. Time flies by way too fast.

I have been anticipating making Bailey’s 1st birthday cake for over a year now, but after turning down Natalee’s initial offer to make the cake, I called her back to tell her she can do it. I enjoy decorating cakes, but I am extremely messy, so there’s no telling what the house would look like when all of the guests arrive. I HATE cleaning up the mess and washing all of the decorating utensils. Natalee LOVES making cakes any chance she gets. I’m sure it will be an awesome cake. I just hope she doesn’t spend a whole lot of time on it (another reason I don’t do many cakes).

Looking back on the past year, I am thankful for so many things. First of all, I’m thankful that the Lord gave us Bailey. He has been such a blessing. He is a very sweet little boy and I hope he stays that way! I'm thankful that he has been sleeping through the night since he was six weeks old. I’m thankful for Travis being a stay at home dad. We both didn't want Bailey to go to daycare, but I know that staying home with "the boy" is hundred times harder than what he was doing before. I’m thankful for all of my family and friends who have helped us out so much since Bailey was born. All of the baby things, new, used and borrowed have been so helpful. We're glad to have so many wonderful people in our lives!

It is amazing how much Bailey has grown in less than a year. Looking back at old pictures, he hardly looks like the same baby. We’ve definitely have had our share of memories: pushing up, rolling over, attempting food, sitting up, crawling, chasing the cat and now on the verge of walking. I’m glad to say this boy now eats just about everything - it just took three months to get it down. What a struggle!

I recently joined a Ron Paul meetup group. Bailey has gone with me to two meetings. Travis calls me a Paul-tard, but I don’t care. I truly embrace his message of freedom and liberty as well as having a smaller government. For Bailey’s sake, I fear the direction this country is going. It’s time to get back to a constitutional government.

I pray that 2007 was a good year for you and that 2008 will be an even better year for us all. I pray that you have a merry Christmas and blessed New Year!

Love,
Jaime

Then and Now....

(YIKES!!! 10 days to go!)

Diesel Engine

This is a new noise for Bailey. We aren't sure if he got it from his little tractor or Daddy's new (used) diesel truck. It's cute regardless.

Broken Bowl

Bailey broke his first glass kitchenware item today. It was my big mixer bowl that matches the small one shown with Bailey here. He pulled it off the bottom pantry shelf, so it fell less than 3 inches, but shattered upon impact. He wasn't scared, now Lindsey is missing the piece to the mixer set she is about to inherit.

Tea Party 2007

Today, on the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a grassroots fund raising effort is underway. As of this post $2.8 million has been donated. Today will most likely surpass the $4.3 million raised on Nov. 5th. It's sad that money is what gets the attention of the media, but if that is what it takes, Ron Paul supporters will contribute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsDlO2Lr_cg

Holiday Greetings from Travis and Family

That was the subject line to an email I recently received. What was attached was an "Elf Yourself" link, thanks to Natalee. Here's screenshot:

BTW - Travis has on a felt Elmo mustache. See the video for yourselves here: http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1436664666

Scrunchy Face

Table Hurdle

Fun in another box

Bailey had a great time playing with Mommy's mixer box and tearing up the styrofoam peanuts. What a mess!

Doors are Fun!

Sleeping on the Road

This is about the only time I can get a picture of his crazy teeth. He has three on top and two on the bottom.

Thanksgiving at Aunt Mindy and Uncle Chuck's House

Bailey had a great time with all of his cousins on Thanksgiving. He started out my climbing down with stair (with Mommy's help), then climbed up the stairs pretty much by himself.

Then he did about seven laps around the house.

Found a mirror.....

Then climbed up the stairs again, all by himself with a big crowd cheering him on at the top of the stairwell. I think we have a little distance runner or triathlete on our hands. He takes after his Daddy!

Fun at Grandma Dawn's House

Bailey loved playing peek a boo with Avery.

Bailey and Avery.

Bailey loved circling this table, trying to reach the bowl in the middle. Avery didn't know he was "cruising." She said "He's walking! It's a Thanksgiving miracle!"

Stickers

Stinky does this too when he has tape on his paws, but he wasn't very cooperative when I tried to get a video.

Fun in the Box

Mud Run

This year I participated in my 2nd Mud Run with a group of friends. For those who don't know what a Mud Run is, it is a 10K with lots of muddy obstacles. It was lots of fun. Maybe Bailey will be able to do the kids course in a few years!

Pre-race. Nice and clean!

Post-race.

Still Adjusting to the Time Change...

Little Adventurer

Bailey played underneath his saucer today. He likes to spin the chair around.

He also found another place to get stuck.

Where's the Memo?

Bailey evidently didn't get the memo about the time change. He is now getting up between 5 AM and 6 AM and getting cranky earlier in the evenings. The good thing is that it is forcing me to get ready for work earlier (I may even be on time!). I'm just soooo tired. Hopefully he'll get the memo soon!

Record Breaking Day for Ron Paul

What a day!

Because of a grassroots effort, Ron Paul has raised about $3 million in one day (as of this post), about to break Mitt Romney's daily fundraising record. It all started with http://www.thisnovember5th.com/

Help Ron out! He is the only candidate truly fighting for liberty. Our future and especially the that of future generations is at stake (aka Bailey).

Make a donation today to become a part of the Ron Paul Revolution!

BTW - I have some excellent pics of Mr. B to post... hopefully tonight.

Bailey Climbing to the Summit

We spent Saturday morning at Summit Climbing Gym doing a kids photoshoot for my firm. It was a lot of fun and Travis and I got to climb a little too. We hope to go back when Bailey is older (or we have a babysitter). Bailey had a blast and really enjoyed the company of so many kiddos.

At this point Bailey was ready to leave (second baby from the right).

Dress Up Fun

I went crazy the day after Halloween and got Bailey three costumes of different sizes. He'll have dress up fun for years to come!

He thinks he is cute!

Look at that monkey belly! You should see him try to crawl with that belly in the way. It is funny and sad at the same time.

How Cute!

I can imagine Bailey saying "M-o-m" as I show these pictures to his future fiance. Look at that big belly and cellulite booty!

Distracted by the Cat

Bailey loves the "Boing, Boing" sound when he catapults the monkey into the air. However, Stinky is more fun to play with.

Yard Project

Because of a lot of hard work on Travis's part and the help of a lot of great people (Gary, Roger, Darrell, Tony & James), we've had significant progress on the front yard. The footing for the retaining wall was poured a couple weeks ago and more stone was laid. The footing for the stairs was poured today!

Sweet Boy

Bailey and the Gecko

Bailey already has a great eye for spying little critters. He found this gecko in our kitchen! Travis caught it and brought it over to Bailey so he could check him out. This picture was taken a split second before he tapped the little guy on the back.

Travis and I thought Bailey killed the gecko! I wouldn't look at the gecko or this picture because I didn't want to see Bailey's first kill, but I have good news! The gecko was just temporarily knocked out. He was fine, so he was escorted out of our house when he got his senses back.

Trip to Lowes

Bailey helped Daddy pick out some wood to form the steps in the front yard.

Trouble!

He can fit between the couch on and end table on the other side of the couch. Not on this side!

Bailey - stuck!

Back to playing

Crawling through his kicking toy
I love that crooked little smile!
All knick-knacks and shelves are gone!