Christmas 2009

17 & 1/2-month-old Bailey celebrated her second Christmas in Boise this year. It was a busy 2 days. We had Christmas Eve at our house with my parents, the Kelso's, and Bob and Jason. It was a full house in our little condo--we can't wait to have a bigger house to entertain family a little easier. This translates directly into "having a basement or bonus room full of toys for the kids to play with." I had to work until 5 (but got to leave early at 4) so Nana and Julie did all the preparations for cooking. We had a spiral-cut ham, scalloped potatoes, homemade bread and salad. Unfortunately both TJ and I had started to get sick. TJ caught a cold from work, and I had some type of stomach bug. We made it through dinner, and after everyone left, we started watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. However, we both fell asleep on the couch and went to bed just as Aunt Bethany arrived.

Bailey was up early on Christmas- 6 o'clock- but not because she knew Santa had delivered presents. She was just up and ready to go, which was great, because we had three Christmas's to attend. We opened our gifts first thing, then on to Brit's for the Kemp's, then to the Bell's for the rest of the day. By the time we arrived at Nana and Papa's, Bailey needed a nap, so we had a delayed Christmas that began in the afternoon. Bailey actually helped open gifts this year, but she still didn't understand the reason we were giving gifts.

Even though we were sick, we had a great time hanging out with the family and seeing all the kids get so excited about their new toys. The day after we were still not 100% so we vegged on the couch and debated who's turn it was to change Bailey's diaper. Parenting is even tougher when both parties are sick!

New Ski's!

TJ gave me one of my Christmas presents about a week early as we were headed up to Bogus Basin the next day--new K2 One Luv skis and Marker bindings! They are last years model-discounted big on eBay. Sold out of Colorado and he didn't even have to pay for shipping! TJ's colleague Chris was going to Boulder for Thanksgiving so he offered to pick them up! He sure fooled me into thinking he was going to fix an older pair of skis that we had picked up. He even bought the $5 part and had it mailed here from Vermont! Pretty sneaky! Thank you so much TJ! I can't wait to test them out tomorrow!

Surprise!

What a great Christmas surprise this year. Papa arranged for Julie, Aiden and Mackenzie to drive up to Boise from Colorado for 10 days over Christmas break, and for Brian to fly in for the long weekend. TJ also knew, as he was to intercept the box of gifts I was going to ship to the Kelso family. A couple of weeks ago, TJ offered to ship the box for me. "Oh great!" I thought. One less thing I have to do--going to the post office with Bailey and waiting in a long line could be tough. So he took the box and brought it to my parents' house and hid it in the shed.

We had gone out to dinner last night with the Coughlin's and the Hirose's at the Arid Club for Christmas/Celebratory dinner, so Bailey stayed the night at Nana and Papa's. TJ and I went over Saturday morning to pick up Bailey and as I walk in, I hear kids' voices--kids that are not Magnus and Max. I thought, "who kids are those?" And then I realized it was Aiden and Kenzie! I couldn't believe it! I was shocked! I started to get tears in my eyes as I gave the kids' hugs. Bailey happened to be sleeping on Julie's chest, so she didn't jump up to say hi. I was in shock: "How did you guys get here?! Where is Brian?!" Julie and the kids had driven all day on Friday and showed up about 5pm and walked in and shocked Nana, who was cooking dinner. She just stood there, holding some butter, speechless.

It was a fabulous surprise and made our Christmas so wonderful to have everyone all together again. Our last family picture with everyone together was September of 2007.

Breakfast

Bailey and I enjoyed a nice bowl of Cheerios on Saturday morning. She wasn't interested in eating her own. She wanted mine. I was more than happy to share with her.

Happy Halloween!

Bailey's first "real" Halloween this year. Last year she wore a pumpkin t-shirt; this year she was a lion. We headed to Scott and Jenn's for a little bit of football (Vandals won!), a little bit of chilli and cornbread, and a little bit of trick or treating. Lots of kids were there at Max and Magnus' house: Max and Milo, Lucy and Mina, Josephine, Olive and Henry. It was crazy! We didn't bother with a candy bucket for Bailey, but she loved walking around in the dark. She did a good job of holding someone's hand while in the street. With so many people in our group - about 20 - she would look up and see who she was next to before she grabbed their hand. Next year I think we will let her get some candy! But mostly for Mom and Dad.

15-month doctor visit

Today we went to see Bailey's pediatrician for her 15-month well-baby visit. Many other kids were sick in the waiting room, as the flu and (H1N1) has come early this year, so we waited in another room.

Bailey was 31 inches long (75th percentile) and weighed 20 lbs 6 0z (15th percentile). She grew 2 inches and gained only one pound in 3 months! Which, apparently, is normal on the growth curve. Bailey checked out well in all area's!

Bailey got her flu shot today. Since this is the first year she is eligible to have the seasonal flu shot, she will have to get a second dose in 3 weeks. Hopefully she can stay healthy this flu season.

Big shoes, little girl

Bailey is 15 months old this week. She is so fun and we just love seeing what she'll come up with next. She has been into putting our shoes on her feet and-trying to-walk around. She can get a few steps before she comes out of them.

Bailey has been saying a few words. Besides the usual Mama and Dada, some others are:

"ball" (baaa)

"book" (booo)

"uh-oh"

"up"

"hot" (haaa) - while touching food cautiously with fingers spread

And her favorite noise to make is a quick, high pitched "mmhhh" with an inflection that makes it sound like she is saying "ok?" or "yes?" or "more?" Will try to post some video of that later.

First Owie

Bailey and Daddy were walking outside behind the condo a couple of weeks ago and Bailey fell and scraped up her knee. It was her first owie. Daddy cleaned it out and put a band-aid on it, but she took the band-aid right off. That night, she kept pulling up her pajama pants to look at her knee. And if you asked her where her owie was, she would gladly show you.

Bailey the Daredevil!

Look at the look on her face! She looks like she is up to no good! She has been climbing up on anything since Sept. 20th, after she took a spill at the zoo, which is kind of ironic. Climbing on the sit and spin, the couch, the first stair (to the gate), the bed, her Elmo car...anything!

Fun in the Water

Another warm day in Boise in September. Mid-80's on Daddy's birthday! Definitely above normal temperatures this week. Bailey went to the Market with Nana and played in the fountain at the Grove. Then back to Nana and Papa's to run through the sprinkler this morning. Bailey would run through, turn around, and go right back through. She stuck her finger in the hose and sprayed her face, only to smile and do it again. She is our water baby! We need to get her in some swim lessons!