Bailey's Busy Day

Bailey had a busy day. First Austin came over to play. Here is Austin pushing Bailey around on the tractor.

Then we headed to First Monday Trade Days. That wore the boys out.

Then home to eat and attempt to take a nap. Here's a video of Bailey feeding himself. He is messy now but is on his way to doing it all by himself.

Later we went on a walk, then headed to the park. Austin loves to swing! Bailey loves the rocks!

Like Father Like Son

Those of you who know Travis know that he loves sandwiches. He typically eats two for lunch and can make a sandwich out of anything (hamburger helper, a rice dish, etc). Bailey seems to be following in his fathers footsteps.

Finger Painting.... Mommy!

This was Bailey's first time to finger paint. He wasn't too interested in putting the paint on paper. Painting his palette (paper plate) and Mommy was fun enough. Notice how he first paints on himself, makes a little noise then heads straight for my pants - twice!

Dancing to Caterpillar Music

Bailey is becoming quite the dancer. I hear that he now shakes his booty too.

As Tall as Daddy

Bailey Walking

I realized today that I've been talking about Bailey walking, but haven't gotten a video. This one is a little long and doesn't show how well he can walk, but it is amusing nonetheless.

When Bailey was beginning to take one or two steps he would end up playing this game where he would just crawl back and forth between Travis and I. He is doing that a little here.

Folding Clothes

Bailey helped Mommy and Daddy sort and fold the clothes before he went to bed.

Good night Stinky!

Rainy Day

"It's a rainy day, so cloudy and gloomy. What will we do today?"

"I'll just see what kind of new things I can get into. I found a drawer!"
"Ooooo. I like what is in here!"
"Now, back to the window. Is the sun out yet?"
"What a great pillow mountain Mommy made! I climbed over it 9 times in a row!"
"I love my kitty cat!""We had a great time today after all."

Bailey's Dissertation

Under the Coffee Table

He fits! I guess where there is a will there is a way.

Big Trouble

Future Computer Geek?

Bailey Update

Sorry, I don't have any pictures, but Bailey has had a great time lately with other little kids. We went to a playgroup on Friday and he had a blast, even though he was the youngest one there. Unfortunately, we had to leave early because Mommy had to go to work.

Today we stopped by the park. He had his first experience with playground equipment. He really enjoyed the slide and the swing. His favorite part was the pea gravel. He loved picking up the rocks and dropping them. There were plenty kids to play with and we got reacquainted with a mommy and two little girls who happen to live down the street from us. We'll definitely have to go to the park again soon, weather permitting, and I promise I'll bring my camera!

On Thursday night, we were excited because Bailey took four steps. Today he took twelve! He will be walking soon (very scary)!

Bailey went to the doctor around 13 months and weighed 20 pounds 12 oz. I was sure he was close to 22 pounds, so I was surprised that our little chunk is now a light weight (35th percentile). The doctor said that often happens so he isn't concerned. Bailey is 30 inches long.

Bailey also said what sounds like "Mommy" today. Check out the 3 second video for yourself.

Mommy?

What do you think?

Here's the full video. Yes, he is on the window sill.

Orange Peel Turned Harmonica

Earlier today I let Bailey hold an orange peel so that he could practice using some of his senses. He ended up dropping it on the floor. Hours later, he found it again. I looked over at him and this is what I saw.

Also, from what I hear from other mommies, Bailey seems to be quite the little talker. We just can't understand what he is saying. We are convinced that he speaks in full sentences in his own language.

We hear what we interpret as words and phrases, like "I do, "here kitty," "hey you" and "ma ma," but we aren't not sure if he is intentionally saying these words, if they are words at all.

Interesting

I won't put this in "interesting links" because it's in another language - German maybe, but I thought this blog I found was very interesting... from Switzerland!
http://switzerland4ronpaul.blogspot.com/

Also, the 4th quarter fundraising totals are in. Guess who has no debt and has more cash on hand than any other Republican candidate? I'm sure the news won't report this.

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp

Check out where Ron Paul's top donors work. Very interesting.

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.asp?id=N00005906&cycle=2008

Your vote counts, but it may not be counted

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/271.html

Bailey Camera Art

How this came out wasn't intentional, but I thought it was pretty cool. Look at the blue in that boy's eye!

Bailey and his Buddy...

Trying to pull everything out of our drawers.

Why our water bill has gone up?

Dancing with Dad

Bailey now does two diferent types of dancing: bouncing up and down and shaking his head from side to side. Here's the latter.

By the way, Travis says "I can't do it anymore. I'm getting dizzy." I cut the camera off too soon.

Fun with Drawers and Plastic Containers

Scooting around with two bowls

Oh, to be able to fit in a little drawer!

Up and Over - The Sofa Table

Chasing the Ball

Whose Bed Is It?

The toys too!

A Soldier's Perspective

Warning - contains language that may not be appropriate for youngsters.

Soldier's Perspective - Ron Paul vs Huckabee (youtube link)

Sign Wave

Bailey and I went to our first sign wave today. About 16 people joined us. Some had "honk for liberty" signs. We got 77 honks and Bailey had a great time with the kids!

Proud to be with Grandma

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