The Bailey Family

Lilly and Sami

2012-01-26T11:12:00.001-07:00

12/31/2011

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-26T11:09:00.003-07:00

This year for New Years we had a packed house!!

First Mary and Kevin came to town.

Mary is so cute with her little, but getting bigger, baby bump.

I can't wait to meet Harvey in just a few short weeks!

Of course one afternoon we had to go to Culvers and use some more of our gift cards from Christmas!

New Years Eve we all got together at our house.

Mary took lots of naps with Lilly

Liam showing me his GUYS!

We were so excited that Lauren and Joseph were able to drive up from Arizona to come and stay with us!

We all played games and ate lots of yummy food.

Some of us played ROOT-beer bong.

Oh, how it brings back the good old high school years. Kevin had a pretty unique tossing style.

Of course Lilly was just her happy self, watching everyone else being crazy!

Lilly sure loves Sami, she's like a second Mom to her!

Finally the countdown!

Happy 2012!

We all ran outside banging pots and pans, popping streamers and lighting some sparklers!

Robin and Blake
And
Sami and Tyler

This is our 11th New Year together!!

Kreighton was in Colorado, so Liam had to be Sarah first kiss of the new year.

Nice one Ryan!

It was so fun seeing the Shumway's, even if poor little Claire was so sick and made this trip so stressful for her Mom and Dad. We can't wait to come and see you guys in Arizona sometime soon!

The Shumway MEN!

Us ladies... You can see Mary's belly a little better!

Jack and Ella had so much fun playing with their pal's and having a sleepovers!

Happy New Year!!

I hope that 2012 is even more exciting and better then 2011!

Lilly Fay 3 1/2 Months Old

2012-01-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

This little lady is so sweet and happy. She's such a joy to me! Love my little Lilly!

Bath time!

Lilly loves to take a bath in the nice warm water.

She's almost too big for the sink!

Lilly loves looking in the mirror and talking to herself.

Thanks for taking these pictures for me Sami!!

After her bath, I guess it really wore her out.

I didn't want to forget this picture. One night Ryan and I decided to try a little pony for Lilly.

I don't think she liked it! LOL!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-26T10:16:00.001-07:00

Christmas eve we spend relaxing around the house.

Ella helped me make some Russian tea cakes. So yummy!

Of course we had to make some candy cane cookies too!

Jack was being so silly all morning. He was so ready for Christmas

We watched a ton of Christmas movies!

That afternoon we drove down to Lisa and Jake's for Christmas eve dinner.

Lisa made the most delicious ham with all the fix-in's!

Thanks for having us Ballards! It was so fun, after all these years to spend Christmas together!

As soon as we walked in the door late that night the kids were ready to open their Christmas eve presents!

Ella was trying to "act surprised", since I let her pick out her jammies this year.

Jack was so excited for his Buzz Lightyear jammies!

Obviously Lilly didn't care. She doesn't even care about wrapping paper. I can't wait for next year, she's going to be at such a fun age!

All dressed and ready!

Daddy read from the scriptures and I read the night before Christmas

Every year when Santa comes to our house he always leaves his gifts out on display. However, since this year Christmas was on a Sunday he wrapped them so that we could wait to open them after we got home from church.

All ready to go to church

Lilly got excited about that

Babies first Christmas!!

We did let the kids get into their stockings before church, since we had time.

Ella thought Lilly would like to use her big candy cane to learn how to walk. Silly girls!

Church was so nice, lots of music and talk about our savior and the blessing of his birth.

It was very peaceful.

As soon as we got home the kids raced upstairs and put their jammies back on.

I found each of them sitting in front of their big Santa gift, waiting for us!

Ready, set, GO!

Ella got the American Girl Doll horse that she's wanted for years and more clothes for her doll too. Jack got a big remote control car, which he had told Santa he wanted every time he had the chance. Lilly just got a little toy and some frilly leg warmers.

I don't think that Jack's smile could be any bigger!

Ella was SO HARD to shop for this year! I'm glad she was happy with everything she got.

Opening gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Bailey
Grandma Sandy gave us a very special book. Ryan and I both teared up when we saw it. It will be a treasured book for our family.

Opening the presents they got for each other.

They are so sweet! I love that they love each other so much!

Opening the gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Orr

Jack was so excited to get some new movies and gift cards to McDonald's!!

My Mom MADE Ryan this scarf! Just want he wanted!

I guess this Christmas was a thumbs up!

Jack and Ella with all of their loot!

Jack HAD to be in Ella's picture too!

Lilly's first Christmas. She was just happy to see everyone else happy. Sweet dolly!

That evening Ryan cooked us the yummiest, most moist turkey ever!

Lets just say that he loves Paula Deen's online recipes now!

This is the only other picture I took that whole night!

I was too busy eating turkey I guess. I was so stuffed!

The Reed family came over for dinner and to hang out.

Most Christmas' in Utah we are alone and we've become so used to that.

It was so nice to have so many of our loved ones around us this year!

The next morning we all slept in late

I'm SO GLAD that Ryan had the two days after Christmas off too!

Ryan was amazing and got me a new coat for Christmas!

Well done sir!

We all went and got the kids happy meals at McDonald's and out to a movie!

It was such a low key Christmas. Exactly what I needed!

Visit from the Orr's

2012-01-26T08:51:00.002-07:00

Jack got quite the kick out of seeing Chris mouse sitting in a little sleigh on top of the cabbinets one morning.

It's one of Jack's most favorite things to do everything morning- race down stairs to be the first to find where Chris is hiding.

Looking pretty sneaky!

We were so happy that my brother Aaron and his family were able to come and see us one night right before Christmas!

(I'm sorry we didn't get any pictures with Jamie!)

We've got so many kids now! These are only 8 of the 14 (almost 16) Orr cousin's!

All grown up! 3 out of the 10!

Thanks for coming to see us. We love being able to spend time with your family!

See you this summer!

Christmas with the Oscarson's

2012-01-26T08:43:00.002-07:00

With Ella out of school (yeah!) and only a couple of day's until Christmas we had to make sure to do lots of fun Christmasy things! One evening we build some gingerbread houses... with graham crackers. Maybe next year we'll make them with real gingerbread!

The kids love it! So all of the sprinkles I sweep and vacuum up for days is totally worth it. :)

I had to put this picture in, he's smiling for me but can't take his eye's off his house! Hehehehe

Later that night we had Sami and Tyler come over to exchange some little gifts.

We love these guys so much. I don't know I managed to live without them!

They are always there to babysit, help with parties, hold my baby for me, take pictures, clean my house, fix the kids food, pick Ella up from school, always looks for good deals for us, and much more!But most of all they are our dearest friends. We love them both so much!

It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that Sami is that same little girl with the super long hair that would sit at the counter eating cereal in nothing but her underwear!

I wouldn't have ever thought that someday she would be one of my best friends!!

Love you Tyler and Sami! Thank you for all that you do for me and our family!

I love Jack's look of "I am so ready to open a present!"

First Lilly! I love hoe happy they are for her! Yeah, she's checking it out too..

The tool set Jack had been DYING for so he can be like Daddy!

Ella a bath set, very nice. She took a bath for 2 hours the next day!

Lilly wasn't so sure what was going on, looking a little traumatized.

I don't know if Sami planned it, or it was just by chance. Nice Kotex box Ry! :)

They know Ryan soooo well! Now he can play all of the old Nintendo games from his childhood.

Sami and Tyler are so generous and thoughtful!

I couldn't believe how much thought they had put into each person's gift!

I sure LOVE my apothecaries!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

All finished. Jack's looks like he's got grass with all those sprinkles!

Ella's, with gingerbread guards.

Lilly loves to stand. She's like her brother in that way. She's growing up way to fast!

We had a wonderful night! Thank you Sami and Tyler!

Grocery Store Santa

2012-01-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

So ready to move on from the Ugly Sweater party.

Yikes, I might never live that down.

So the week before Christmas Sarah told me that Santa was going to be at her little grocery store and that we should tag along.

I know my kids were excited and happy to go- I'm not sure that Santa was as happy. He seemed grouchy.

Ella took one look at him and then at me "Really? This is so not Santa"

I every year I think, this is the last year for her, but maybe, if I'm lucky I'll get one more.

The whole time we waited in line she stood with her purse, putting on lipstick and hair glitter.

She's growing up!

I'm glad she didn't pull on his beard, although I'm sure she felt tempted!

These boys sure are crazy! But so sweet too. Only a couple more weeks until they close on their house in Colorado and move away.

The best part for me, after seeing Santa was a table of yummy donuts and chocolate milk.

Jack was in heaven. He's addicted to chocolate milk.

We picked up and few things and as we made it to check out Jack ran and took a corner a little too fast and spilled some of his chocolate milk on the floor.

I grabbed some napkins and was telling him "don't come over here, you might slip" and Jack walked over, slipped and landed hard on his bum. His chocolate milk somehow flipping up and spilling ALL OVER HIS HEAD! Seriously, it was crazy how it happened. It was all on the top of his head and hair.

It was such a sticky mess.

But very, very funny!

Christmas is almost here!

Ugly Sweater Party (I can't believe I'm posing these!)

2012-01-25T17:19:00.001-07:00

WARNING!!!!

You may want to go to the bathroom before viewing these pictures- they are pee your pants funny!

At least to me.

Letting my FREAK flag fly!
In the middle of December we had our third annual Ugly Sweater Party
In no particular order.............

Heather and Luke

Jenna and Travis (and Lucy)

Kim and Craig

Sarah and Kreighton

John and Tiffany

I'm pretty sure this one looks a lot like their engagement picture!

Tyler and Sami (and Lilly)

Robin and Blake

Corey and Erin

Alissa and Seth

Lisa and Jake

RYAN

Us trying to be normal- although after these photos I'm sure you will not be able to look at us as being "normal" ever again!

Then on to opening all of the while elephant gifts. Always the most fun part of the evening!

Sarah really did want that tee shirt...

Everyone fought for Alissa's back massager!

One of the gifts that got the biggest laugh was the dollar store drug test!

Ryan's gift was a VHS tape that we got at DI.

It's an educational tape about seizures.

Of course Kim was the one who opened it and saw that it was from the VUV library!

Someone hadn't returned it, but taken it to DI.

The worst thing about it is that Kim was the UVU librarian for YEARS!

I bet she took it back!

Thank you to everyone who came!

Thank you for being willing to really get into it and laugh at yourself and be goofy!

We all tired our hardest to make these pictures look the crappiest and be the tackiest couples ever.

We succeeded! With flying colors! I have the BEST friends!

I don't think I've ever laughed that hard before!

Winners of the ugliest sweaters- First place John, Second place Tiffany and Third place Ryan

Until next year.................

Lilly- 12/03/2011

2012-01-24T15:14:00.003-07:00

I totally forgot to post this.

I wanted to document how cute it is when Lilly's tired and wanting to take a nap.

She always sucks on her two middle fingers (or whatever can fit in her mouth) and then she takes her other hand and puts it up to her nose!

Most of the time she likes to have a blanket to snuggle with, but if she doesn't, the back of her hand works just fine.

My sweet tiny.

Ella's School Christmas Concert

2012-01-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Can you spot Ella?

She's in the middle row on the far left.

She was so excited to be in the school concert!

Even though I had to park a half a mile away and walk/run in the rain, uphill with two little kids to see it.

It was totally worth it. I know it meant a lot to Ella that we came.

Each grade took a turn singing a couple of songs and then all of the children sang some together.

It was really cute. And even though I was sitting rather far away I could tell Ella was singing her heart out.

In fact she loved being in the concert so much I called the school to see if she could participate in the school choir. Unfortunately when I contacted the music director she told me it was only for 4th through 6th grades.

But then she asked who my child was- when I told her she said that since Ella was such a "sweet, darling girl" that Ella could join the choir a year early!

She was thrilled!!!

She can't wait for their next performance!

After the performance all of the classes got to watch a movie or do a fun activity since it was the LAST day of school before Christmas break! Yippee!!

Jack loved being at Ella's school.

I love his little dance and can't believe he actually let me video him doing it!

Jack's Surgery

2012-01-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

Jack and Ella the morning of his surgery

On December 13th 2011 Jack went in for his first every surgery.

It's something we've known about since he was pretty little and have been watching closely.

After meeting with more doctors and specialists we decided now was the time to take care of it.

The procedure he was had is called a hydrocelectomy.

Google it.

It's something he'll be embarrassed about someday I'm sure. ;)

The morning of -Jack wasn't nervous at all.

I was a little. None of my babies have ever had a surgery before. That's a tough thing for a Mom!

Ryan gave him a blessing and we drove to Primary Children's Hospital.

I love all of Jack's doctors and had a lot of faith in them and in hospital staff.

We ended up having a wait quite a while before Jack's turn.

There were lots of toys and things to keep him occupied.

Finally one of our doctors came and had Jack sit in and drive a little orange car.

Ryan and I followed until we got to a couple of large doors.

Then it was a quick kiss goodbye and Jack was off.

I hadn't realized what exactly was going on until the doctor had Jack give me a kiss.

It was kind of- oh, okay, this is it, alright. OH.

Ryan and I sat and waited patiently in the waiting room.

I wasn't too worried.

After about an hour they called to us and had Ryan go back to him. Since I had Lilly.

The doctors said everything went "textbook".

With it being an outpatient procedure we had to go over everything with the nurses.

I was so worried he would be in pain and sad and have to take lots of pain medications.

They all said the hardest thing for him will be staying down and not running and jumping and being the crazy boy he is!

We took the little guy home.

He only had a couple little stitches in one tiny spot.

He slept most of the first day and only wanted something for pain once.

What a trooper!!!

Boy were the nurses right!!

Keeping that kid down for three whole days was tough!!!

These were taken about a week after the surgery.

On the fourth day after the surgery when I told him he could play and jump again, he was SO happy!

I think that he jumped on the couch for a half an hour straight!

My crazy boy!!

(By the way, he IS wearing underwear! When I was downloading these, Jack asked me to cover them up!)

I'm so happy that's over with and I don't have to worry about it anymore.

And now all of Jack's man-bits are just as they should be!

Happy Birthday Tiffany

2012-01-12T21:10:00.002-07:00

Heather, Tiffany, Sarah, Lisa

Kim, Jill and me!

The first of December was Tiff's birthday.

A bunch of us ladies got together for a girls night to celebrate!

Of course I didn't take any pictures of the decorations or food.

Instead we took pictures like these.....

That's what a bunch of diet coke can do to ya.

We watched some movies and ate.. too much!

Of course the best part is all always the chatting and laughing!

I love each of you so much! You're my girls and I love that we can talk about ANYTHING!

My cheeks always hurt after girls night from all of the laughing!

Happy Birthday Tiff!! I hope it was a good one! Love ya!

Also that night Sami and her friend stopped by.

That dang Erin Thomas... making my baby laugh!

Lilly had only kind of laughed a couple other times, but Erin really got her busting a gut that night!

Erin sure is a nice girl, even Lilly thinks so.

Baby Lilly 3 Months old

2012-01-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

(Dark Pink sweater taken December 5th)

On December 6th (I'm still soooo behind on the blog!) Lilly turned 3 months old!

Time has flown by and yet at the same time it's hard to remember life without our little princess.

I remembered she was three months old while on the phone with my Mom-

Mom, remember when I took these? I took them all while I was on the phone with you!

She loves to talk, she sounds like an owl.

She smiles at everyone.

She is always happy.

She can roll over both ways.

She loves to have us sing songs to her.

She will grab your shirt or hair if she's feeling unstable, like a baby monkey.

She chews on her hands and her FEET all the time.

She has CRAZY hair.

She is very tall.

She is very skinny.

She loves when Jack dances for her.

She loves her big sister.

She loves her Daddy.

She loves her Mommy most.

She only cries when she's really tired or really hungry.

She LOVES getting her diaper changed.

She doesn't like having a dirty diaper.

She doesn't like to cuddle much.

She doesn't like to be cold.

She doesn't like to have Jack hold her. (He's too crazy!)

She doesn't like to have her finger nails clipped.

She dose not like binkies.

She is perfect.

Chris Mouse and Sibling Gifts

2012-01-12T16:37:00.001-07:00

I have seen so many things online and heard so many friends talking about Elf on the shelf this year, which I is funny since my family has had something like that my entire life. However, his name is

Chris Mouse.

I guess that Grandma should have tired to sell her Chris mouse idea way back in the 60's when she started do it for her family! A tradition that my Mom carried on when I was a little girl and now I have for my children.

One thing that everyone in my family knows it that Chris mouse LOVES fruit loops!
If you leave some out of the counter for him, he will go crazy!
It works with other sugary cereals too, but fruit loops are his most favorite!

The kids were SO excited to give it a try

Sure enough... the next morning Ella came down stairs to find Chris mouse hanging from the entry way chandelier! He had also made a huge mess of fruit loops, ribbons and wrapping paper all over the hall and kitchen! Ella said she really knew he was real after that, because there was no way that I would trash the house like that. ;)

Later that afternoon as the kids and I were out running errands they decided that they wanted to buy each other a little gift for Christmas- with their OWN money.

(Although I planned from the start that in the end I would pay)

We went into Target and excitedly started looking around for the perfect gift.

Ella quickly went to the matchbox car area and found a little something Jack would like.

Jack walked up and down the aisles unsure what Ella would truly love.

Finally he saw it, a Barbie scooter!

Earlier this summer someone STOLE Ella's scooter. Right out of our back yard.

As soon as Jack saw it he yelled "Mom! This is what I want to give Ella for Christmas!"

We were keeping our budget down to just a few dollars so I told him it was too much and he would have to find something else.

He then said "But Mommy, Ella is so sad that she doesn't have a scooter anymore. Take all of my money Mommy, every dollar I have, I want to give Ella a scooter."

It was so sweet!! My tiny little guy, willing to give every penny for his big sis.

I still told him no. (Although looking back I regret it, I should have just bought the scooter!)

He ended up finding something wonderful to give her that she really did love.

It was a great night, I'm so happy we did that. I love that they are old enough to pick out gifts for each other and knowing how wonderful it is to give to others.

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Girl

2011-12-15T22:17:00.001-07:00

The other night while I was putting Jack and Ella to bed, finishing some laundry and dishes and preparing for the next morning

(I feel like my life is so crazy right now!!)

Ryan and Lilly had some one on one time.
Look at the CRAZY hair!!! It's already so long that I have to comb it or it will get all tangled. No matter what I do it always sticks up like that too. She diffidently has ORR hair!

Lilly loves her Daddy. She loves talking to him and always smiles when she see's him.

Ryan, although he claims to not enjoy babies as much as toddlers, has loved spending time with little Lilly.

I often find him cuddling with her and giving her lots of kisses.

She's such a sweet baby. Always happy!

She loves to talk and talk.

This week she rolled over (from back to belly) for the first time.

She also laughed for the first time too!!!

I love my baby girl so much!

Santa

2011-12-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago the kids and I braved the crowds to run some errands

(along with getting my hair done! I colored it! It's so dark now, Ryan loves it!)

I thought that we might make a stop at the mall to look for one last, very special gift for Jack

and while there it was the perfect opportunity to go chat with Santa.

I was concerned that Jack might be a little timid again this year.

He did great! He told Santa he wanted a remote control car.

I'm happy that Ella still believe's, either that or she's letting me think she believe's.

Either way, I'm glad she was excited to go see Santa.

She asked for some things for her American Girl doll.

Lilly was just sweet.

I can't believe that Christmas is a little over a week away!

We've had so much going on these past few weeks, I don't feel at all ready!

I better hurry!!

Later that evening I caught Jack playing with Lilly's hair.

Even she can't escape Jack and his hair obsession!

3 Months Old

2011-12-15T21:56:00.002-07:00

No words necessary .....

First week in December

2011-12-11T22:11:00.001-07:00

One evening after dinner Ryan and I couldn't find Jack.

We don't know why he was down on the floor and how he fell asleep there.

Crazy kid!

Ryan wouldn't let me take a good picture.

Ryan started working again.

It wasn't our plan, but whatever goes to plan with us!?

He's doing real estate again and loving it!

He will continue to take classes and work towards getting his degree.

About a week after Thanksgiving we finally got all of our Christmas decorations and tree out.

Although it took a while to get it all set up.

Christmas is on it's way! I'm getting so excited!!

Thanksgiving Weekend 2011

2011-12-11T21:46:00.001-07:00

It felt like we had only been home a couple of days before we turned around and drove back down to Arizona! (Okay, it was 6 weeks!) The kids did great, as usual. In flagstaff we needed to take a break and let the kids get out and run around. We were looking for a park, but a KOA worked just as well.

The very next day was Thanksgiving day!

Sweet little Lilly!

We all went over and had Thanksgiving dinner at Andre and Melissa's.

All of the food was very good!

Thank's for having us over and cooking everything.

Jack and Jolie and Tori and Ella

Lilly took a nap while we ate.

After dinner we played some video games and hung out

Grandma and Grandpa with the grand-kids.

Lilly got sad.....

Ryan and his Mom- Sandy

Later that night Ryan and I- along with Justin and Katrina did some black Friday shopping. The boys came along this year to help with Lilly (I just wasn't ready to leave her yet!) and Katrina, since she's pregnant.

It was nice to have them tag along and push the carts for us! They were our protectors from the crowds!

It was Ryan's first time going black Friday shopping, he thought it was pretty fun actually.

Not nearly as many great deals as they had last year, which I guess was good for our budget and the small car we were driving in.

After shopping we ate so breakfast. These pictures were taken at 3am! We look tired!

We were sad that we didn't get to see much of anyone this trip- we were only there TWO days!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

On our way home Ryan insisted that we stop at one of the many shops that line the road along the Indian reservation. Can you tell he was just a little excited.

Jack was a little nervous about that dog sitting near the door. Jack didn't take his eye's off of him the whole walk back to the car. Even when walking down some stairs.

So then Ryan made all of us take a turn being an Indian couple. He made me be the man, he wanted to be the woman.

Heheheheheh! I love Jack's leg sticking out!

The day we drove home was Jack's actual birthday!

He's officially 4 years old! My big boy!

Late that night I ran to the grocery store to pick up some things and got Jack a little cake.

My one and only baby boy is 4 years old!!

Lilly 11/13/2011

2011-12-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

3 months old

The week before Thanksgiving

2011-12-10T19:18:00.001-07:00

Sarah, Sami and I went and saw the new twilight movie.

I always feel bad for anyone who sits near us. Most of the movie we were laughing and making jokes.
"Where did he get the sonic cup!?"

Until the end... we all became very quiet at the same time. Gorey!

Thanks for going with me ladies!!

Jack had been looking forward to getting his birthday card from Grandma on the farm, it probably came in the mail on the day of his party, but in all of the craziness we didn't actually go get it out of the box for a couple of days. He was so excited!!! I asked him "Are you rich!?" He then asked me "who's Rich?"
So cute!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

I love a nice clean baby! I can almost smell the baby soap just looking at these pictures!

She's starting to talk and coo all the time now! I love it! She's going to laugh any day now!

Jack opening his birthday card. I don't know how to turn it.. oh well.

Jack's 4th Birthday Party

2011-12-08T22:46:00.001-07:00

For the past six months if you asked Jack about his birthday at all he would tell you, he was having a SUPERHERO birthday party! He helped with all of the details.

We had all of his favorite foods, hot dogs, Gatorade, fruit, cookies, cupcakes, chips and especially watermelon!

He was SO excited!

We had all of Jack's friends over- including some new friends from primary!

I love little Lilly in these pictures. I'm so blessed to have such an easy going- go with the flow kind of baby!

I spent all week making each one of the kids their very own superhero cape! I think they thought that was a lot of fun!

We went outside to play some games.

They didn't go how I had hoped.... but I think the kids still had fun.

Time for cake!! I was so happy that (even with a language barrier) I was able to talk the lady working at the bakery to put together a batman cake at the last minute! I wanted to give her a hug I was so grateful to her!

Such a cute team!

Jack loved the game where everyone turns his picture into a superhero!

Presents!! I think that Jack asked about 20 times throughout the day when he could open his presents!

He got everything he wanted. Most of all LEGOS!

Two Months Old

2011-12-08T22:09:00.001-07:00

TWO months old! How did this happen!!

She has totally started sucking her two middle fingers, can roll onto her side, started taking a bottle now and then, will take a binkie and will smile at you all day long!

I love this little lady so much! I know the feeling of joy- it's snuggling my little baby.

Halloween 2011

2011-12-08T15:50:00.001-07:00

I said that Jack as going to be something different.

He just couldn't be a chicken. He just couldn't.

We were so lucky that Sarah already had a batman costume!!

Again, Ella wanted to be something scary. Not sure we'll ever do that again.

I tried to have Jack show me some of his best batman moves, but he became to embarrassed.

Of course, Ella (the drama queen!) had no problem getting into character!

We were so happy that Sarah and her boys were here in Utah so we could go trick or treating with them!

Lilly tagged along of course, she just hung out in the stroller.

The weather this year was PERFECT!!!

I don't know how many times I said that throughout the night.

But it really was! Just cool enough to wear a light jacket and not get cold at all!

Liam- the rootinest tootinest cowboy in the wild wild west!!

Ella and Ethan would run way ahead and we would have to call them back.

Sarah's neighborhood is the best! All of the kids got many, many full sized candy bars!

Poor Jack, those short little legs cant run as fast as the bigger kids!

Sami came along and somehow got the job of pushing the stroller. Thanks Sami!!

I thought these boys were so cute, I had to take their picture!!

Yep, you're seeing that right- LDS missionaries!!!

Some might think it corny, I loved it!!

Ryan is the best guy to stand in line, go shopping, or trick or treating with. He makes everything fun!

Our little goblins!

WOW! Scary!

Lilly must have seen something scary....

Ryan and Sami convinced Ella that to be a true vampire she needed to hang upside down like a bat!

She was pretty reluctant, but she was pretty pleased with how the picture turned out!

That was Ella's little Halloween shirt!

Lilly was a perfect angel, like always!

Even with me yelling at kids to slow down, watch for cars....

Love that stash!

Ok, so maybe I promised not to post this picture... ok, so maybe I lied. LOL!

Maybe Ryan's the rootinest tootinest cowboy in the wild wild west!?

As the evening wore on and it started getting dark Matthew and Jack were so sweet and stuck together!

They held hands all on their own. They are such good buddies! We will be so sad when they have to move away!

Finally home! The kids got tons of candy! (Not sure how that's all gone already!)

We had so much fun, listening to the bagpipes, watching the scary boys dressed all in black and scaring off the dog!

Happy Halloween!!!

The start of the holidays!!

10/30/2011

2011-12-08T15:30:00.001-07:00

Ella's School Halloween Party

2011-12-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

On Halloween morning Ella's school put on a costume parade.

We didn't do all of the make up and everything for the morning.

(She's trying to show her bright pink fangs!)

After the parade we all went to her classroom for a little party

Sister and brother

Ella's teacher is so cool!

She's also a wonderful teacher and love her dearly

Bath Time

2011-12-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

Jack thinks it's fun to take a bath with Lilly

My tiny girl

She actually really does like taking a bath!

New Spot

2011-12-03T10:31:00.001-07:00

Again, these were taken a while ago!

After Preston's birthday party.

I had been wanting to check out this spot for photography I had heard of for a while and that day it worked out to drive by it.

Of course, since I DID have my camera I couldn't just drive by!

These were all taken in less then 5 minutes.

It was always my intention to go back and take more, but life got crazy and we never did.

I'm thinking about going back when all of the trees are covered in snow!

Seriously, Lilly has some crazy expressions!

There was a family of deer in all of the trees, it was so sweet.

You know where I'm taking our Easter pictures this spring

Halloween Party 2011

2011-12-02T21:54:00.001-07:00

So what seemed like almost at the last minute Ryan and I decided to host a Halloween party!

(Thanks Sami and Tyler for all of your help! Taking pictures, setting up, running to the store, cleaning up and holding babies! We couldn't have had the party without you!)

Every time we have a party I never get around to taking pictures of all the little details.

I seriously threw together the decorations an hour before everyone get there!!

Ella- a vampire

Jack- a chicken

Lilly- a mouse

This was the first year that Ella wanted to be something scary (she's always been a pretty witch!)

I was very unsure about letting her. I guess this one year is ok. I'm not sure I'll let it happen again.

Jack was a chicken, although he hated every second of it. He wanted to be a superhero. But we already had this costume (Ella wanted to be a chicken when she was 3!) Lilly was a little mouse because I got her little ears and tail for 1.99 shipped! She was a pretty cute little mouse!

Lilly and Brielle!

I'm so happy that Lisa and I FINALLY have babies together!

Brielle is 8 months older then Lilly!

Jack loves the peach punch I make!

I think he drank half of it all by himself!

I laugh so hard every time I see this picture!!!

That morning Ryan was working (He's been doing construction/remodeling as a little side job!) when he got home he ran upstairs to try and figure out a costume.

THIS is what he came down as!! A pirate!!!!

Jake was a Brazilian surfer? I can't remember.

These guys.... so silly!

I LOVE Sami's costume!! So clever!!! Tyler was pretty cute too.

These boys love the Mario brothers so it was very fitting.

Sarah and I

I know, we really went out of our way to dress up. Cat ears and a witch hat.

Better then nothing I guess.

I finally caught the cookie thief!

I couldn't figure out where all the cookies were disappearing to. I hadn't seen anyone eating one.

That sneaky Liam!

Time to carve the pumpkins!

I got our pumpkins at Win-co. They were huge!!!

and just the right price for me- 2.50!

All of the MEN were in charge of the pumpkin carving portion of the night.

Except Sarah, Kreighton was out of town so she had to do the manly work.

The pumpkins were so heavy! I don't know how Ryan was doing that./ John and Tiffany!

Ethan, Ella, Avorie and Paige

Preston never lets me take pictures of him... I finally got just a couple

We did some practice trick or treating. They all were very ready and knew exactly what to do!

Liam, also known as the cookie thief!

Alivia and her crazy hair!

Ryan and I

After the sugar rush wore off we all watched monsters inc.

It was a lot of fun! Thanks to everyone who came and helped!

How many pictures was Sami in!?

Fall Pictures

2011-12-02T21:14:00.001-07:00

A couple of days after going on our hike up American Fork Canyon we drove up again to take some pictures of the kids.

8 year old Ella... I think that I will always think of her as being eight years old.

Such a sweet, thoughtful girl. She's my best buddy. So helpful and worried bout others. She's my sensitive one. Everyday I hate taking her to school and having to say goodbye, but get excited when it's time to pick her up. I live for Saturdays.

3 1/2 year old Jack.... A sassy, know it all stinker who likes to push my buttons!

With that said, I love being able to spend my days with him. Whenever I happen to go somewhere without him, I love it when I get home and he runs to give me hugs and kisses. He tells me I was gone forever and that he missed me.

We are growing out Jack's hair, trying out the surfer boy look.

I love this picture of Ryan holding Lilly.

His hands are huge compared to her! Little stinker woke up!

6 Week old Lilly- Always happy and cheerful. She started trying to suck on her two middle fingers! I pull them out and stink in a passy. I'm not sure that's going to work. Ryan also found that she likes to sleep with a little blankie near her face to rub her nose on. I am so grateful for this little angel!

Happy autumn everyone!!

6 Week old Lilly

2011-12-02T20:52:00.001-07:00

Sweet baby girl.

Okay, it's kind of way sad...

but LAST Christmas my sweet husband researched online for months and finally found and bought me....

studio lights!

Only problem is, I have no idea how to use them!

So they have been sitting in a box for almost a whole year, untouched.

When Lilly was 6 weeks old Ryan decided that HE was going to get the lights out and just- figure it out.

Which he did.

I helped of course.

I am the first to admit that I had NO IDEA what I was doing, but had to try them out none the less.

Here is what we got that night.

Not to bad for never reading anything or ever taking a class....

Taking the pictures at midnight totally helped with getting Lilly to stay asleep

I really LOVE the last shot with her in the elf hat!!

I also included a video shot on October 19th!!

Hike

2011-12-02T18:38:00.001-07:00

On a cool Saturday afternoon we tagged along with Sarah and her Mother in law for a little hike up American Fork Canyon. Ryan and I hadn't ever been up that particular trail before.

It was so beautiful with all of the bright colored leaves!

Lilly hung out in her stroller, enjoying the fresh air no doubt.

We came to this little spot where a bunch of leaves had fallen, the kids loved playing in them!

Our whole gang!
Looking at this picture of my kids reminded me of a picture from my childhood..
Which I just so happened to have on my computer!

I don't know how old I am in this picture, probably like 12.
That's all of us up till Jacob, who is the baby I'm holding! CRAZY!

I have always loved camping and being outside.

I'm glad that I get to live in such a beautiful place!

Perfect for camping.

Left Overs

2011-12-02T18:10:00.001-07:00

Lilly and Ella
First day back to school after our Arizona trip.
The trip from October.
We have since been to Arizona yet another time.
And there was all of Halloween and Thanksgiving and Jack's birthday.
I don't know if I've ever been this far behind in blogging.
That's what a third baby will do to ya.
So in an attempt to start trying to catch up, here are some random pictures from mid-October.

I LOVE all of her little expressions!

Sarah and her boys have frequented our house for dinner and us at theirs since they have been here.

The kids get rather crazy.

On this particular night Ryan had made his yummy RIBS! They are so good!

One night Sami and I were hanging out and she got a little carried away with the camera!!

Although when I went to go edit them, well, I just couldn't delete any!!

Some of my favorites

3. Are you the boogie man?

4. Whoo... she makes a sound like an owl!

5. AH! Yelling at Jack

9/10/11. Trying to climb away

12. Starting to get sleepy

13. Something a little scary again

15. Sneeze!

16. That sneeze was funny

18. Really starting to get sleepy!

19. Who me?

22. Aw, shucks!

26. Trying to escape

28. Deer in headlights

29. Super funny

The next morning I ended up taking a couple more... sweet angel!

Daddy had to get some cuddle time in too

We sure love this little lady!!

The Reed family moves to Utah

2011-11-07T20:15:00.002-07:00

The same day we got back from Arizona

(After a VERY long nap!)

Sarah and her boys came to town!

They are staying with Kreighton's Mom for a couple of months while Kreighton is settling into his new job in Denver, where Sarah and the boys will go after the new year.

We are so excited that they will live so close (I've never lived close to any of MY family before!) even if it's just for a little while.

So we had to go and see them and say hello!

Jack and Liam

It was as though they play together everyday.

Jack and Matthew especially play so well together and are already best buds and love going over to each others house.

Our whole gang.

I'm so glad you're here Sarah!

Let the fun begin!

(I just saw, this is my 1,000 post! Pretty crazy!!!)

Hit the Road

2011-11-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

One day Ryan decided now was the time to go on a trip to Arizona.

We packed up and left the next day!

Poor Jack, he threw up four times on the ride down.

That kid gets car sick so easy.

Especially over the bumpy road in northern Arizona.

Lilly doesn't look happy, but really she did great the whole way!

She only cried twice, but both times she was just extra hungry.

Of course Ella is a pro traveler.

This kid went on her first long car ride when she was only two weeks old.

I love that my kids can be so good in the car.

We didn't even have movies to watch, just listened to the radio, chatted and napped.

We took a long break in Page.

We got some lunch and found a place to stop off and let the kids run around.

Ryan took them to "look for dinosaur bones".

We had to rent a car again.

We seriously need a new car so bad it's not even funny.

In fact it's getting really, REALLY old...

After 11 hours we finally made it to Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Silly Grandpa, peeking threw the little window.

First time meeting little Lilly!

The main reason for us going down to Arizona was to have Lilly meet and Jack and Ella spend some good quality time with Grandma Sandy.

Ryan's Mom, Sandy, was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago.

She's doing really well and we are very prayerful and hopeful that Sandy has many more years of playing with her cherished grandbabies.

Grandma loves her grand-babies so much. I love to watch their interaction together.

As soon as possible everyone hopped into the hot tub.

Jack didn't do much swimming this summer, so he was a little out of practice.

He wore a life jacket and arm floats. Silly boy.

Ella is a great swimmer and the only one willing to jump in the now very cold pool!

Grandma and Grandpa with the kids

These guys are such pals!

Grandpa would sit outside for hours watching Jack ride his little bike all over the back yard.

I think, no, I know that Grandma held Lilly more then I did or anyone else the entire week!

Jack found this bike and loved it.

He could go so fast!

He whipped around corners so fast the back tires would skid out!

He would also gain speed before going over some rocks as a short cut

The kids had fun playing the wii

If they couldn't be in the hot tub!

Jack trying to figure out how to put together a little train set.

I'm glad he's a man who likes using directions!

(Ella and Grace!)

After spending the first couple of days just hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa we invited some friends over for Cafe Rio salads (Sandy's favorite!) and some swimming.

Riggs

He started getting better at the whole swimming thing.

Jack has been asking me almost everyday since we got back- can we got over to Taggy's house now?!

The Riggs, Bailey and the Shumway children

Justin and Katrina are so ready for another baby.

Good thing they don't have to wait too long! Their baby girl gets here in just a couple of months!

(The same time as Mary and Kevin!)

They both loved holding Lilly.

Justin was the one who got Lilly to smile for the first time!

These boys are so sweet! They make me laugh so hard

Ella being herself... bossy!

Grandma loved talking to Lilly and making her smile.

At one point we didn't know where the boys had gone.

Hehehehehehe!

They were up on the roof chatting.

Ryan sure has missed his BFF!

I'm so glad that Katrina is having another baby and that it's a girl!!

We always have fun together and are such great friends, I'm sure our girls will be too!

One morning I caught Ryan cuddling with Lilly.

He always wants to come off as being so tough, but almost every morning I wake up to him cuddling with her and giving her lots of kisses.

Lilly turned ONE MONTH old while in Arizona.

You can see she was as happy about it as I was.

She's getting way to big and grown up way too fast!

Midweek Sasha and her family were able to come and stay at Grandma and Grandpas too!

The kids were so excited to be with their cousins.

Ella and Tori got to share a room and loved having a sleepover every night!

One night they stayed up until 4am, little stinkers.

More hot tub time!

Ella and Tori are the best of friends.

They love each other so much and are always laughing and sharing secrets together.

Finally Jack wasn't afraid of the water anymore, although we made him keep wearing his arm floats.

He and Ella are my little fishies!

The weather was perfect the whole time we were there.

Not too hot most of the time.

I spent most of my time sitting outside watching the kids swim and holding my sweet baby.

These guys are too funny.

An Arizona sunset

I have the best friends ever!

Lauren and Katrina put together a baby shower for me while I was in town!

They did such an amazing job putting it all together.

The food was sooooo yummy!!

I wish that I had taken more pictures of all the little details.

It was the perfect opportunity to catch up with all of my girlfriends who I haven't been able to see in almost a year. I wish I had taken a picture of everyone who came!

Thank you Lauren and Katrina and to everyone who came!

You made my day!

Cousins!

Ever since Mary and Kevin got married my kids and the Shumway kids love telling everyone they are cousins now!

Thanks ladies, seriously you're the best!!

The Bullard, Shumway, Riggs, Scott, Offen and Bailey children!!

The next afternoon we were going to meet some friends at a park to let all of the kids play, but Sandy insisted that they all come here and swim. It was too hot out to do anything but swim.

Zach and Tori loved little Lilly!

They each took several long turns holding her.

Another evening we - Offen, Bailey, Shumway and Riggs families went out to eat at one of Ryan's favorites- Organ stop pizza!

After dinner Sandy invited everyone over for ice cream.

The whole time we were so worried about Sandy over doing things and feeling sick.

We are so glad that Ryan was inspired to come the week that we did.

Sandy felt great the whole week and was able to have fun and enjoy our time there.

Hanging out for the last time.

Thank you to all of our friends who made such efforts to see us and spend time with us while we were there.

And also for understanding that this was a trip to spend mostly with Grandma and Grandpa.

We feel so loved that everyone wanted to see us all week!!

On our last full day we went as a family to a buffet and fun center.

There were a couple of little rides.

Ella and Tori went on every single one!

I thought for sure Ella was going to throw up on the tea cups!

She didn't... although she looked a little green for quite a while after.

Jack couldn't go on as many rides as the girls and Zach.

He's still my little guy.

Although I think he thought he was pretty cool.

Riding without hands, that's what tough, big boys do!

Grandma held Lilly or she hung out in her stroller.

I am so blessed to have such good, easy going babies who can sleep anywhere!

Waiting for the go carts.

Even Ryan and his Dad had to get in on that action!

I'm not sure who won, but I know everyone had a good time.

I think it's funny that Rick got the YELLOW car!

Jack loved mini golf! He tried really hard the first couple of holes before becoming a little more lazy and picking up his ball and placing it where he wanted it.

Sasha loved holding Lilly.

Thanks for all of your help Sash!

The bigger kids took things a little more serious.

Ella got a hole in one!!

At one point I didn't see Jack anywhere.

He was playing in the sand.

yuck.

Jack got to play some arcade games while the bigger kids got to play laser tag.

It was Ella's first time ever playing laser tag, she said she loved it and played a couple of times.

How can a three year old feel too grown up for a train ride!? Stinker.

One last ride!

Ryan wants to get Jack a little motorcycle for Christmas because of this game. Jack loves it!

(Not going to happen!)

Soon it was our last day.

Ella missed a whole week of school when Lilly was born and then another whole week while we were in Arizona. We had to get back. Lilly loves talking to Grandma!

Justin and Katrina surprised us and stopped by for a few minutes to say good bye.

Love and miss you guys!

Later that afternoon saying good bye.

The kids were in the pool until the very last second!

Ryan with his family.

Danielle stopped by to say hello and meet Lilly.

We had so much fun hanging out with Sasha and Stacy!

Even just hanging out and chatting was the best time.

Thank you everyone!!! Especially to Rick and Sandy for having us.
We love and miss you guys!

We had so much fun, see you ALL again soon!
On the ride home the kids slept almost the entire way. We didn't get home until 9am! Poor Ryan was so tired! It was totally worth it though.

Conference Weekend

2011-11-07T13:10:00.002-07:00

Mary and Kevin drove down from Wyoming to celebrate Kevin's birthday and to go to a session of conference. They both loved holding Lilly. I know it made them that much more excited to have their own baby! Only a couple more months until Harvey gets here!

Great to see you guys! Hope you had fun!

This is what the rest of our weekend looked like.

I LOVE conference!

One Month Old

2011-11-06T23:31:00.003-07:00

Lilly is such a good sleeper. She can sleep anywhere.

Oh I love her so much!

All I wanted was to take some pictures of Lilly on her one month birthday.

But she was hungry.

Can't you tell?

Now with a full belly.

Those were Ella's jammies when she was a baby!

Lilly has the craziest hairline and swirlies!

Good thing she's a girl and maybe with it grown out it wont be as noticeable!

Lilly's such a great little sleeper, until you go to move her in any way that is.

Ella's School Carnival

2011-11-06T23:16:00.001-07:00

Ella's school had a little carnival a couple of weeks ago.

The kids got to play some games, win prizes and go on a little train ride.

Most of the evening we were waiting in line to get the kids faces painted.

They didn't mind so much since there were plenty of cookies, popcorn and cotton candy to snack on.

Three Weeks Old

2011-11-06T23:11:00.001-07:00

My sweet baby doll. Growing up too fast.

Ryan and I, every time we think of our sweet Lilly, feel so blessed that she's ours.

Another day of pictures, just for fun.

(These were all taken at different times throughout the day.)

I made her little bum covers. I thought they looked so small when I made them, but they were still huge on Lilly!

Totally Random end of September

2011-11-06T23:01:00.002-07:00

Three weeks old.

She looks so much bigger in her car seat!

Lilly's starting to take a binkie a lot better. She will NOT take a bottle.

I have had two thumb suckers already, I am going to see how it goes with binkies this time

Ryan wanted to help me take some pictures one afternoon.

I think he thought that it was easier then it really is.

The weather is getting a little cooler.

She doesn't really like hats.

The last week in September the kids had fun playing out in the rain, before coming inside to make some Halloween sugar cookies.

Jack loves holding Lilly.

Not sure why they are both shirtless!

One evening while Sami and I were chatting Sami noticed Lilly was just laying there listening to us and sucking her passy and well, just being cute. So Sami had to take some pictures of her.

Almost a month old!!

Family Time

2011-11-06T19:15:00.002-07:00

American Fork Canyon, Utah

One Sunday afternoon after church we took a family drive up into the mountains.

Jack has never fishing before and after seeing that Ryan had a fishing pool in the garage he asked about every ten minutes when he could go fishing.

As we were getting into the car, I threw some sweaters onto the kids in hopes of getting some pictures in all of the fall leaves. Fishing was a perfect incentive for smiling nice for me.

I still can't believe that I have three kids now! They are so sweet!

I ALWAYS wanted Ella to have a sister. I'm so glad that these girls have each other.
Lilly's only two weeks old in these

Ella, Jack and Lilly

Ryan is such a good Daddy!

He loves those kids and will do anything for them.

Finally time for some fishing!

Didn't catch anything this time.

What a beautiful place we live in!

On our way home we made one last picture stop, which I'm so glad we did

My favorite picture from the day

Two Weeks Old

2011-10-28T19:47:00.002-07:00

Had to get one without the bow.

Grandma on the farm isn't the biggest fan of bows on babies

The rest are with bows.

Since I love babies in bows

(Smile)

Two weeks went by way to fast.

With Ryan and I thinking that most likely this will be our last baby, I am trying to savor ever second even more then I already would.

I love newborn babies. I wish that Lilly would just stay a tiny one forever.

Oh, I just love squishing that face and kissing that double chin!

Is there anything better then the smell of a tiny newborn baby!?

She has the BIGGEST yawn!

This day we were just hanging out around the house, but the light seemed good, so we had to take some pictures of our tiny.

Ryan and I have truly been blessed.

Lilly, along with our other two babies, have all been perfect angels!

Almost never cries- with the exception of being very very hungry or very very sleepy.

Even then, her cry is so sweet and soft.

When she does really cry, it's so shocking to everyone around and we know something is defiantly wrong.

But again, that's almost never.

Jack decided to get in some pictures with Wi-wwy, as he calls her.

But only for one snap, two snaps was one to many. I guess it was for both of them.

We all love Lilly so much and feel so grateful that she is a part of our family.

Second Week

2011-10-28T19:29:00.001-07:00

Still trying to get pictures of little Lilly..........

She doesn't like to be naked...

SMILE

I love those juicy lips

Teddy bear

One in the bucket

She has the CRAZIEST hairline!!

It's too bad, she gets that from me. I have the same thing.

The hair on the back of her head swooshes one way while the hair in the front swooshes the other.

I sure LOVE my tiny!

Utah State Fair 2011

2011-10-24T22:36:00.001-07:00

The same evening that we had to take my Mom to the airport Sami and Tyler invited us to go to the state fair. After being cooped up for over a week I decided it might be fun to go!

First we checked out some of the animals.

It was so stinky. Lilly and I stayed outside most of the time and kept the cover over her car seat.

I tried posing the kids on some hay for a quick picture.

A man standing nearby offered to have his cow be in the picture with the children.

Jack did not like that idea. At all.

I love his mad/scared face and LOVE Ella's laughing/making fun of her brother face!

SO typical!

One without the cow

Eight years old

Three and a half years old

Sami and Tyler

Nice one... How did you do that through your pants?!

As we walked closer to where all of the carnival rides were the kids started asking if they would be able to go on any.

Their faces when they thought we were being serious when we said no.

We are mean parents

Jack really wanted to go on this car ride.

It sure whipped him around the corners.

It took a couple times around before his head didn't fly back!

Sami and Tyler convinced Ella that this ride wasn't a big deal.

I remember going on one as a kid with my Dad, who always insisted that I hold my hands up in the air.

I almost fell out. I would have had it not been for my Dad grabbing the back of my pants and yanking me back into the seat.

Ella was terrified. I don't blame her.

Priceless.

It looks like Tyler is screaming "Duh!"

Nice thumbs up Sami

Jack wanted to go on anything he thought he would be driving.

This particular ride you could control the up and down motion.

Jack stayed at the way top the entire time.

About an hour into our little adventure I decided that walking around a fair a week after giving birth was not the best decision I have ever made. Good thing there were lots of benches and I mostly just sat in the cool shade and snuggled my baby

Lilly- one week old

Again Sami and Tyler convinced Ella to go on another ride with them

Again she was scared.

I love that her eye's are closed!

More relaxing and more cuddling

Lilly looks so tiny!

My favorite picture of the day

I don't know how Sami did it, but she got Ella on that ride again.

She was scared the whole time, again.

Food from the fair

Our little family, minus the sleeping baby in her stroller

Finally Ryan and I couldn't take the constant asking, caved and bought the kids some cotton candy.

Look at that face, how could we say no!?

We ended the evening watching KC and the sunshine band!

Sami and Tyler didn't even know who that was and very few of the songs.

Neither did KC.

He had to start over singing the same song four times! He couldn't remember the words to his own song!

I guess he's getting old.

Thanks for inviting us along Sami and Tyler!

Coming Home

2011-10-24T21:29:00.002-07:00

(I am FINALLY trying to update this blog! I have NEVER been so far behind!)

After two days in the hospital I was so happy to come home.

These guys were pretty happy too!

I'm a Mother of three. There were days I never thought that would happen for me.

Ella and Jack are so wonderful with little Lilly and love her so much.

The day we came home was my birthday! Mom helped the kids make a banner and strawberry pies for me.

The best present I got was getting to sleep in my own bed!

Hello 29! One more year in my 20's!

Lilly's first bath at home.

She didn't like it. Which was weird. Now she loves being in the tub!

All clean! I love the smell of a newborn baby!

There's nothing better then kissing those cheeks!

Okay.

So I have been looking forward to having a baby and especially a baby girl so much, but most of all so that I could take pictures of her!

However Lilly had other plans!

EVERY TIME I have tried taking pictures of this little stinker she wont have it.

She wont ever stay in the positions I put her, doesn't want to be naked and wont stay asleep for anything.

I know a bunch of tricks and tips, trust me nothing was working.

So these are what I ended up with the first week home.

Stinker.

Alright. This one is pretty cute. Sweet tiny.

Hanging around the house.

That was Ella's bow!

Another day, another try at getting some photos.

Stinker!

Jack trying to steal the spoon!

Making Scotcharoos!

It felt like two days, but no, it had been almost two weeks.

Time for Mom to go home.

I actually felt okay this time.

Like I could do it alone!

Boy was I wrong.

In the following two weeks not one load of laundry was done, almost as few dishes. I think that Ella was late to school everyday and Jack never bathed.

This whole three kids thing threw me for a loop!

Mom, come back!

I love you, thank you for making the sacrifice of leaving your own family to come and take care of mine.

I'm so blessed your MY Mom.

Thank you!

Oh and laundry and dishes and bathing have been on a more consistent schedule from then on.

Somehow I'm getting the hang of things again!

Lilly Fay Bailey

2011-10-03T21:47:00.002-07:00

It took Ryan and I a long time to figure out what to name this sweet little girl.

I had been in love with a name for months, years.

But in the end Ryan just couldn't do it.

I know how that goes, that's what I went through with naming Ella.

So in the end we went with Ryan's first choice, Lilly.

A name I like very much as well.

Fay is Ryan's Mothers middle name and a good fit with Lilly.

Right after Lilly was born and everything was fine and I was able to hold her- it was the best feeling!

However I very quickly started getting the shakes.

A common occurrence after giving birth, even more after getting an epidural.

I had the same thing with both Jack and Ella.

Only this time it was much, much worse.

So much so that I couldn't even hold my new baby. I was afraid I was going to drop her!

My shaking went on for hours. Finally my Mom made the nurses give me some medication to help me stop.

I felt like I was having a seizure! It was very painful with all of my muscles tightening so much.

At one point I wasn't even able to breath! I scared Ryan so bad- he started yelling for nurses!

I'm glad that after 4 long hours I was finally okay.

They think that along with the regular shakes, the scare of me thinking I was losing Lilly at birth put me into shock. Not fun.

It wasn't until the early morning hours the next day that I felt okay enough and together enough to really hold sweet Lilly. I feel so blessed that in the end she and I were both perfectly healthy!

The first night my Mom stayed at the hospital with us.

She's so tiny and cute!

I could stare at her for hours!

I love a newborns squishy, chubby cheeks!

Thank you Justin and Katrina for the perfect little nightgowns!

I can't believe she's finally here!

At home Jack and Ella were anxiously waiting to hear when the baby was born!

They had to wait until the next morning to come and see her.

They each got to open a little present before coming to the hospital.

Jack was so happy about his big brother tee shirt.

Except if you ask him it say's good big brother.

Meeting for the first time!

First family photo!!!

Thank you Mom for all that you did and still do for me! I'm so glad you were here!

Thank you Sami for taking so many pictures!

(I didn't get a picture on here, but Sami and Tyler both came with Ella and Jack to meet Lilly!)

Ella was very excited and happy to see her baby sister. Jack was infatuated!

I wish so badly that I had taken more pictures... I always feel that way. I think I was just a little out of it still.

The Robinson family came to meet little Lilly.

Poor Alivia, she did not like here mama holding another baby!

Later that night Lisa stopped by.

We finally got a picture of her with Lilly!

Lisa is so wonderful! She brought me so many fun presents and a yummy drink!

Thanks for everything Lisa!

Lisa's Mom and sister also came to see us in the hospital!

The second night in the hospital Ryan stayed.

He cracks me up- he even brought his silky blankie!!!

Sleeping in the hospital is always so hard for me!

Good think Lilly was a great sleeper!

She's a good eater and pooper and hardly ever cries!

The next morning it was time to pack up and go home.

We feel so blessed and thrilled to have Lilly in our family!

Baby Bailey Birth Story

2011-09-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday September 6th at 10am Ryan and I drove over to American Fork Hospital for my induction.

I had never been induced before, but due to the fact that I have a hard time progressing once I go into natural labor it was the right choice for me this time.

By the time I got all set up with my IV and everything it was already the afternoon.

I did start to have some pretty good contractions and felt so much better after I had my epidural.

The proud Papa!
He was so great the whole time. He was there if I needed anything!

There were lots of hours of sitting around and hanging out.

Mom and Ryan with their laptops!

I was so glad that my Mom was able to come and be here with me.

I can't imagine going through labor and delivery without her and her support!

Lisa was also able to be there! (I don't know how there aren't any pictures of her!) I am so glad that we have such a close relationship and can be there for each other for such momentous days.

Finally in the early evening things started moving much faster!

I had the most amazing nurse!! I so badly wished she could have stayed through delivery!

Then, within one short hour I had gone from a 4 to 10!

Everything up to this point went picture perfect.

However right when baby was born we all knew something wasn't right.

She didn't cry and the doctor worked with her for a while before handing her over to nurses.

Soon more nurses came running in and baby still hasn't cried.

The doctor even looked over and asked... heart beat?

I just sat there... waiting and waiting to hear that first cry.

Ryan just stood there, not knowing what to do.

My Mom rushed over to me and leaned over whispering a quiet prayer.

That was the longest three minutes of my life!

Finally everyone said she was going to be alright.

After baby was born the doctor noticed a huge knot in the cord!

Most likely the cause of her trouble breathing as it probably tightened right as she was being delivered.
She probably had that knot for a long time.
We are very lucky. My doctor had just delivered a near full term still born with the same knot just the week before.
My whole pregnancy I had been worried. With my history of miscarriages and issues during pregnancy I wont ever let myself think.. this is really going to happen for me, I'm really having a baby. Not until I hear that cry and know that everything is going to be okay.
My heart sank when the thought crossed my mind, maybe this really wasn't going to turn out okay.
Thankfully everything did.

With some help from the nurses and some oxygen her APGAR score went from 3 to 9 in about three minutes

What a huge relief and she wont have any lasting affects and was perfectly healthy in every way!

It was so wonderful when I was finally able to hold her and know that everything was going to be alright.

The amazing Dr. Parker!!!
Our baby was somewhere in the 7,000's for births delivered by him!

Baby Girl Bailey

Born September 6th- 7:30pm

Weighing 7 pounds 4oz and 19 1/2 inches long

and PERFECT!!!

Ella's Big Day

2011-09-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of September Ella had the wonderful opportunity to be baptized a member of the

church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. It was such a special day and we are so proud of Ella and the choices shes made.

The night before we were lucky enough to have my Mom fly in from Wisconsin!

Ella turned eight back in June, but we waited until now for her to be baptized so that my Mom could be there for Ella on her big day and then stay and be here for when baby number 3 made her debut!

My Mom gave Ella a special necklace, with a matching one for my Mom to wear!

Ella and Sidney

Ella was baptized with two of her friends from church and the neighborhood, including her good friend Sid!

All dressed and ready

Although Ryan had been looking forward to this day just as much as Ella, he was still very nervous!

He did a fantastic job!

A special day for both of them.

Looking good in white!

All Ella had talked about over the summer was how much she was looking forward to being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. She spent every night this summer reading the bible and learning about our savior.

She really understood what it meant to be baptized and takes it very seriously.

She has such a strong testimony and is such a great example to her little brother.

We love you Ella!!

Grandma on the farm with Jack and Ella

We were so happy that my sister Mary and brother in law Kevin were able to come from Wyoming

and

My grandparents came all the way from Oregon to be there for Ella.

We were sad that none of Ryan's family were able to make it.

Ryan's Mother has been sick and unable to travel.

Jack and Ella

Ella was amazing. I know she felt the spirit and knew what she was doing was right.

She had the biggest smile on her face all day!

Jack kept asking when it was his turn, he wanted to be baptized too!

Our little family

I thought for sure being huge and pregnant that I would cry, but I only teared up twice.

The first time was as we all started singing the opening song- looking at my sweet little family and how lucky I am that they are mine and what a special daughter Ella is to me.

The second time was right as Ella walked out of the font. As I stood there with her towel and helped her dry off, the spirit was so strong. Along with my love for her.

After we all went back to our house for a luncheon to celebrate!

We were so thrilled that so many people were able to come and support Ella!!

Thank you all for coming!!

Included in our party was Ella's 3rd grade teacher!

It was so nice that she and her children were able to come and witness Ella's baptism!

She is an amazing teacher to Ella!

She was given some gifts- including her own set of scriptures and her first "real" CTR ring!

The rest of the day and weekend were spent hanging out with family and lots of playing games on Grandma's cell phone.

Mary making her famous apple pie, with Jack's help!

My Mom gave each of the children Wisconsin tee shirts. Jack wore his everyday for about a week!

(Playing wii with Mary!)

What a wonderful weekend!

There was so much excitement and preparation for Ella's big day.....

and

Baby Bailey was only two days away!!!

Last of the summer days

2011-09-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Ryan and I decided to take the kids out to the splash pad just one more time this summer.

With the new baby on it's way and so much going on I figured we needed to do one more fun summer thing.

Of course Lisa met us there too!

These sweet boys. I know I've said it before. They are so much more like cousins then friends. They will never know life without each other!

The girls having a little picnic. Trying to avoid the little boys.

Jack wanted me to take some pictures of his HUGE muscles!

Of course then so did Preston!

Summer is almost over.

Last week while dropping Ella off at school one morning she made it about five feet from the car before running back to see if there happened to be a jacket in the car. She was COLD.

Oh boy, before we know it snow will be on the ground!

I am glad that we were able to have so much fun this summer and really enjoy it.

The best thing about the end of the summer- BABY IS COMING SOON!!!

Birthday Surprise

2011-09-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

(Brielle got to tag along too!!)

Two weeks ago I was running errands and trying to clean the house.
Ryan came downstairs and told me that someone from the Relief Society had called and wanted to come over and meet with me later that night.
I thought that rather odd, seeing as they had already come to see me just the week before.
So I continued to clean the house.
Ryan was so nice and offered to help me do whatever I needed him to do and that I should go upstairs and get ready.
I told him that with everything I had going on, they would understand me being in sweats.
Looking back, I maybe should have taken him up on his offer!!
The time came for the ladies to come over, but when I answered the front door it wasn't anyone from church, it was Lisa and Kim!
They had come to take me out for my birthday!!
I was SO SURPRISED!!
They were nice enough to give me a few minutes to try and clean myself up and change out of those sweats!
Lisa, Kim, Sami and I met up with Tiffany at Olive Garden for some yummy dinner and then to a movie.
It was SUCH a fun night! Exactly what I needed!
Thank you for all of the wonderful gifts and cards!!!
You guys all know me too well!!!
Love you girls!!

First Day of School 2011

2011-09-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Before we knew it school was starting again!

Ella had been so looking forward to the big day.

After meet the teacher night and having the teacher over to our house for a little home visit

(her teacher is so awesome and always goes to each students house the week before school starts, just to get to know the children and their families!)

Ella couldn't wait to be in school and having fun!!

Ella jumped out of bed and got ready for school faster then she ever had before.

Some fun surprises were found down stairs

Breakfast first!

The kids love getting new backpacks every year!!

All ready for school!

Jack was so sad, he wishes that he could go to school too.

Next year PRESCHOOL!

Sweet kids, all grown up!

As soon as we got to the school Ella found some of her friends and classmates from last year.

I am so glad we decided to keep Ella in the same school. It will be a little more tricky to get her there and home then if she were to go to the school right around the corner, but we feel like Ella will really benefit from the consistency.

Sweet boy........

While Ella was at school Jack and I made some cupcakes to have as a special treat for when Ella came home

First day done!!!

That night we took the kids out to eat at one of Ella's favorite restaurants- Wingers- to celebrate the start of another great school year!

I LOVE all of these pictures of our sweet little girl!

She sure has grown up, especially over this past year!

Laptop

2011-08-31T20:38:00.001-07:00

Jack loves playing on his Daddy's laptop.

Quite often Ryan will set up a movie for him to watch of a kid website for him to play on.

Jack also really enjoys wearing Dad's headphones!

My sweet little man.