Improved Dancing

Bailey loves to get her groove-on to "Happy Baby."

Bailey's First Christmas!

Morning

Brandon and I were awake before Bailey like little kids excited that it was Christmas day. I still have difficulty sleeping the night before Christmas; so much anticipation! And this Christmas was extra special with Bailey. Brandon and I made coffee and waited with excitement to go wish Bailey a Merry Christmas with the video camera.

Bailey was so sweet and puffy eyed and very excited about her rambunctious morning greeting from mom and dad. I would of liked to post the video but I got a little embarrassed thinking about people watching it--we can be a little silly at times.

Bailey has been playing with wrapped Christmas presents all month and she had no idea that there was anything better inside the shiny paper. She squealed with excitement as Brandon helped her open her first present.

Bailey got 3 Dr. Seuss books, stacking cups, and a Children's Bible with bible stories and pictures for us to read to her and to one day take to Sunday School.

Brandon got a new Clippers hat, a deck of cards with a picture of Bailey and Frani on them, and a clapper so he doesn't have get up to turn off his bed-stand light (lazy). The funny thing is, the clapper is a bit quirky and keeps turning off or on from coughs or us talking but never from clapping. It has been entertaining to us - but it's going back to Rite Aid.

Brandon got me a beanie, a hat, piano playing flashcards, a mug with a picture of us on one of our morning Saturday walks, and he got me a very special necklace. Brandon surprised me with a beautiful 1920s gold heart necklace with our initials inscribed on the back. Inside is a picture of us kissing on our wedding day and the other side has a picture of Bailey. I love the necklace and will always cherish it. One day, maybe Bailey will have it. Brandon has always been and continues to be a very thoughtful and loving husband. I am continually blessed by his love.

Afternoon

After a very nice Christmas morning we went to my parent's house where all my siblings were. We then did our family Christmas exchange. The kids have been drawing names the last few years to save on cost and time as our family keeps getting bigger. There are now 8 adult "kids" so our exchange is a lot more fun. Brandon had Michael this year and I had Tawnia. Brandon got Michael a gift card and did not want to seem insensitive so he wrote him a letter arguing why gift cards are the best and most personal gift you can give-it was funny. I got Tawnia a carry-on luggage bag that she is now using in the Cayman Islands. We got my parent's a Bailey calender that goes through her first year of life month by month. They love Bailey and will enjoy re-living the memories of her first year of life. My parent's continue to spoil their children, children-in-laws, and grandchildren. They always exceed our expectations and get us too much! But we are thankful for their generosity and we love them dearly. It was a lovely Christmas.

Evening

We then went to Palm Springs to be with Brandon's family. His grandparent's (mammer and papa) live there and so his mom, kenny (brother), Mike, (step-dad), Hollee (sister), Tim, Tank (nephew), and great grandma Mammer Jan were all met there.

Mammer, Papa, and Mammer Jan--------------------------- Hollee, Tank, and Kenny

We got a 5 generational picture. Bailey, Me, "Mammer Lee" (Brandon's Mom), great-grandma "Mammer Lynette, and Great-great grandma "Mammer Jan." If you have not noticed the pattern, all the grandma's on Brandon's mom's side of the family are "mammers."

It was really nice spending time with everyone. We do not get to see them that often so it is always nice to catch-up. It was also fun to see Tank and Bailey move about the room and play. They are only 7 months apart so it will be fun to watch them grow-up together. Brandon's mom always gets us very thoughtful gifts. She got us a few ornaments which depict what our last year looked like. For example, a little alarm clock which on every hour shows what the baby needs next; diaper change, food, nap, etc. It is cute and all so true.

Brandon and I were happy to spend Christmas with both of our families and enjoyed the busy day.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a mellow day. Brandon had to work all day so he could take Friday off. So, Bailey and I had a pretty normal relaxed day. I had all the Christmas shopping, wrapping, and baking finished so I could enjoy the day.

I was really happy to spend some great quality time with two of my best friends Jenny and Leann the night before Christmas Eve. We did however hang-out until 3 am so a lot of my Christmas Eve was napping with Bailey. I have not stayed up that late in like a year but the three of us have not spent time together in a long time so it was great having some quality bonding time.

That night we all went to my parent's house for dinner. It was a nice evening of yummy appetizers and tamales. Unfortunately, half of my family is sick with colds so everyone was feeling pretty sleepy and mellow but it was still a nice evening.

Christmas Train

Irvine Park has an annual tradition of decorating their train and the trail which leads to Santa Clause. The little train winds through the trees which are covered in lights and then you are dropped off at "Santa's Village" where there is hot chocolate and many more decorations. It is pretty exciting and being in the middle of a cold, dark, forest makes seeing Santa a bit more exciting; like a fairy tale.

Bailey was in awe of all the lights and children. She especially liked the glowing candy-canes.

Bailey was so brave with Santa this time around. I warned Santa that she screamed her head-off last time so he recommended that I turn around and back her up into his lap so she does not notice who is holding her. Then the elves shook some bells that caught her attention right away and my parent's snapped some pictures. Santa was great. He had the Kris Kringle "accent" and was very sweet.

We took some fun family shots as well. Can you tell we are related?

9 Months

Our small fry is still growing up much too quickly. She is learning so fast that she surprises me at least once a week. She crawls on her knees, stands in her crib, feeds herself finger-foods, dances (my favorite talent of hers), points, babbles like crazy, loves dogs and anything Christmas.

We take Bailey on walks after dark every day because she gets so ecstatic over the Christmas lights. She flaps her arms and legs, squeals, and points to them while looking over at you as if she is saying, "don't you see how cool that is!" It is so cute.

This is Bailey getting all cozy for her evening walk.

Poor baby has "impetigo" on her chin. It's a common infection babies can get from drooling, teething- all that fun stuff.

Bailey continues to be a fun, happy, and a very enjoyable little companion to have through out our daily lives. She loves it when Brandon gets home and they sing the routine "happy baby song." Bailey not only flaps her arms now but grooves to the beat by moving her head, shoulders, stomach-she's got rhythm.

Oh Christmas Tree

Brandon and I were really excited to get a tree this year because we did not get one last year and we knew Bailey would love it.
We went to Home Depot and picked out a beautiful 4 foot, $20 Noble Fir.





We strapped the tree to the top of the sturdy red Escort (even though it would have fit in the trunk); we wanted the whole experience.














Bailey was very "helpful" when decorating. She was mesmerized by the tree the first few days. She loved to touch the lights and ornaments but thankfully she is now over-it for the most part.














We had fun stringing popcorn and drinking hot chocolate.

Milestones

It was a big day for Bailey. I went in to check on her when she was supposed to be napping and I found her standing in her crib all smiles. She was so excited with her new discovery that she would not take a nap because she kept wanting to stand up. I understood her excitement so I brought her out to play and she went straight to the window and got up high on her knees.

When Brandon got home he was doing his usual singing and dancing to entertain Bailey and she started dancing to his singing! And she even shows off her clapping skills. She used to clap with her fists and on thanksgiving she started to clap correctly with her hands open and she does it all day long now.

Double Dos of Santa

Tustin has a yearly tradition put on by the Police Department of having a Santa in a car made to look like a sleigh with reindeer, come visit a different street every night and give out candy canes to the kids.

Bailey got a candy cane last night from my parent's street and tonight from ours.

Last Night

Michael, Tawnia, Caden, Ryan, Brie, and my parent's were there. Sadly Brandon was in class.

Tonight Bailey was not so happy to see Santa.

She was a classic baby hating Santa Clause.

To the Mountains

Over the weekend we visited Brandon's family. They live in the San Bernadino Mountains (near Lake Arrowhead). This was Bailey's first trip to the Mountains and we were so excited to take her. Brandon's dad and his wife Shawn are now living in Hesperia so we first visited them on Friday. It was great to spend a few hours with them and catch up. They are living in Brandon's late grandparent's house and the home is full of fond memories for Brandon.

Bailey playing drums with Papa Roy.

Once Bailey was out for the night we drove up the back-side of the moutain which is dark, steep, narrow, and really fun. I love moutain trips with Brandon-some of our best memories.

When we arrived we got Bailey settled and then talked with his mom, his step-dad Mike, and his brother Kenny until pretty late.

In the morning we were up early and with Kenny we went to Jensen's to get coffee and breakfast and then went on a hike to Strawberry Peak.

This is one of the highest points in the Moutnain range and it has an amazing view. There is a ranger tower which we climbed and a ranger stays in the very top to scout for fires. The guy was really nice and we talked with him for a while. On a clear day you can see Catalina, but it was early in the morning so the marine layer was still thick.

This is Kenny. We love spending time with him.

Brandon looking like a true moutain man.





Bailey's moutain roots coming out. She looks so funny-if you can't see, her spaced teeth and drool really helped the effect.





When we left on Saturday afternoon we went to down-town Redlands and got lunch with Chip and Courtney. I had never walked around the down-town area before - it was so cute and I really enjoyed it. We also went to our friend's Chad and Erica's coffee shop called Augie's. It is on 5th street and it is so cute and has a great atmosphere. And, they have great iced coffee with white mocha. So, if you are ever in Redlands, go to Augies, on 5th.

So Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Bridgman's had a very nice day and we're excited to have Bailey share in the holidays with us.

We slept in and loved hearing the rain! We bundled up and went on a nice brisk walk to Starbucks really enjoying the weather.

Brandon then put up a baby gate where our kitchen step is, and I started the cooking. We made stuffing, deviled eggs, and Brie en Croute. Bailey sat in her high chair and fed herself cheerio halves for the first time. I gave her cheerios for the first time yesterday and she really got a kick out of feeding herself.

Poor Bailey and Frani-they looked at us like we were imprisoning them. Even though the sick truth is that Frani could've just walked around through the other room...he shared in Bailey's pain.

The family met at my parent's house and we had a very scrumptious meal; all the fixings. It is crazy how large my immediate family is now. The six of us has now grown into 13 of us. Brandon, Bailey,Tim, Tawnia, Caden, Brie and Aunt Peggy have all been wonderful additions; oh and of course the dogs-Frani and Murphy, that makes 15!!
Michael and Tawnia began to move into their house yesterday which is about 1/4 of a mile from my parent's house. We all live within a mile of each other! I am so blessed to have my family so close and we all have a great time together.

Here is Bailey eating meat for the first time;turkey of course. We pureed turkey and gravy for her and she actually seemed to like it. She made a face at first but then seemed to enjoy it.

Brandon and I have been discussing how good the Lord has been to us. Giving us a beautiful daughter, a fun and loving marriage, a house, wonderful families, great friendships, the Wii got Tetris...I mean, I can go on and on. It is truly a day to be thankful to friends, family, and the good Lord.

A Weekend with the Benders

Over the weekend Brandon, Bailey and I drove up to Santa Barbara to visit Ricky, Keri, and Caleb (a.k.a "chubs") for Caleb's 4th Birthday party. We were lucky on our drive because staying coastal we had no fire traffic. We saw practically every fire burning from Socal to Santa Barbara from a distance-so sad. However, we had smooth driving and a sleepy baby.

Saturday we went to down-town Santa Barbara to get lunch and walk through some antique shops before heading to the Pirate Party.

The Bender's just moved into a beautiful new home right next to the ocean with new shops and parks. We drove through flower fields and strawberry fields before arriving at their home. Very beautiful.

Chub's birthday party was pirate themed and every child and adult had a costume on. I made Bailey's by cutting some pants and a onsie jagged, adding some black with a sharpie, and had a friend draw a skull and cross-bones on her shirt; it worked.

Sunday morning we went to Brit Merrick's church 'Reality' in Carpinteria. This is one of Brandon's favorite Bible teachers and so it is always a treat to visit the church. Unfortunately for me, the nursery was full and the cry-room was a little crowded and cramped with a very loud and playful Bailey, so I sat outside and missed the service.

After church we went to Vons, got some sandwiches and went down to the beach. It was a very nice and warm day in mid-november. But I am ready for winter.