Vacation Bible School

Filed Under Singing, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old, VBS, Video | Leave a Comment

Bailey went to Vacation Bible School this summer at another church. It was actually a great experience for her. The theme was something like “Bee a Believer” with bumblebees. Every day they learned new Bible stories and memory verses. They did a craft and ate snack and sang songs and played outside. And of course each day when I asked her what the story was about, she said, “Jesus.” Duhhh. She did learn the phrase “God does BIG THINGS!” and it was so cute to hear her say that. I’m not sure how much of it she really understands yet, though.

The last night of VBS they had a celebration service for all the families to attend. On the way there, she kept telling me she was not going to sing the songs. This video is so “typical Bailey.” She is fake smiling for the camera and talking through clenched teeth. She is also trying to get me to turn around and face forward. That child- the world is her stage. Click on the link to watch the video, it’s funny-
On_the_way_to_VBS_Cele_Jun30_905pm

One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the puppets. The pastor took her backstage and let her see them up close. She had been obsessing about those puppets all week. It was the first thing she talked about every day when I picked her up. And apparently she asked her teacher all.the.time. when it would be time for the puppet show.

The classes took turns going out in the aisle to sing their songs for everyone. Obviously she went back on what she said and totally ended up participating. Bailey did a great job and it was so cute to watch her do all the hand motions she had learned that week. And the really bad singing voice is NOT mine. Mine is bad but I know better than to sing while holding a video camera.

Can’t leave out Taylor. He slept through about half of the celebration service, and it was LOUD. I wish I could sleep like a baby. That phrase makes so much sense. Once he woke up he was fascinated by all the kids running around. He keeps his eye on his sister. I think he knows she’s sneaky.

They also had popsicles and popcorn and stuff afterward. Bailey was twirling and somehow flung her pushpop up and it popped out of the wrapper and basically rained down all over her head. Oh what a sticky mess. I think this picture was taken about a minute before that happened.

Also bear with me as I attempt to add more video clips to this blog. We got a Flip video camera and I love it but lots to learn. I must be stupid because these are supposed to be easy!!

Purina Farms

Filed Under Outings, St. Louis, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old | Leave a Comment

We found another great place to go in St. Louis- Purina Farms! I can’t say that it’s something I would want to do more than once a year or so, but it was nice for something different. It’s basically a small farm and they specialize in dog and cat stuff so there’s a dog show, a building where you can see different dogs and cats etc. There is a big barn where you can watch a cow being milked, see chickens, sheep, goats, and other farm animals. Outside there are some fountains and picnic tables with umbrellas where you can get ice cream and other snacks. And there is an indoor part with learning exhibits and a gift shop. We did everything (at three year old speed) and it took about 2 1/2 hours. I’m sure you could make it last longer, but that was enough for us and we were ready for lunch by that time!

One thing I do need to point out- strollers are NOT convenient at this place. There are several big hills where the rams are really out of the way, or can’t bring the stroller to where we are sitting at the dog show, etc. We should have just done the Baby Bjorn or sling.

Bailey was a little skeptical of this cow. It was HUGE. Seriously- I forget how big cows are until I see one up close. This was the closest she would let us get for a picture.

Here we are at the cow milking place, waiting for it to start. We got a spot up front so that Bailey could actually see.

I tried to help Bailey milk the cow. She got scared but wanted me to do it. All I have to say is, it felt like a furry boob. Who would have known that udders are furry? I was so grossed out after touching it (so I’m NOT a farm girl, lol) and Jonathon snapped this picture right as I turned around. Nice, isn’t it?

I am NOT a dog person, but this show was really cool. They did lots of tricks, caught frisbees, ran an obstacle course, and had long jump contests into the pool.

Park Playdate

Filed Under Playdates, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old, Weather | Leave a Comment

My church moms group had a playdate at the park. It looked like it was going to rain but it was SO hot. (typical midwest humidity makes it awful sometimes!) So we got all ready to go, and Taylor wore a baseball cap for the first time. Of course on the way there it started POURING. The turnout wasn’t great, I think because of the weather. We spent most of the time under the pavilion.

The kids played in the puddles on the tennis court and ran around in the rain. I don’t know if you can tell how soaked Bailey is. She had started to dry a little by this point. Everyone left early and we stayed to play. She had the playground to herself which made it really easy to watch her and deal with Taylor at the same time.

Mother’s Day 2010

Filed Under Being a Mom, Holidays, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old | Leave a Comment

It came and went… nothing out of this world, but a nice relaxing day with just my family. My mom kind of refused to see me on Mother’s Day (except for at church) but that’s another story altogether. My husband cooked for me, and I got a Flip video camera which I LOVE! Few pictures of us before and at church-

My first Mother’s Day present/craft that Bailey made herself. Her Sunday School teachers put together this cute little flower craft for them to make. I almost cried when she gave it to me.

And the little girl who made me a Mommy!

Just About My Kids

Filed Under Being a Mom, Thoughts, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old | 3 Comments

I haven’t been spending as much time blogging lately, or reading, or doing any of those “me” things. In fact, some days I am lucky if I shower before noon. But I am so completely happy just being a mom of these two great kids. I love them more every day. Don’t get me wrong- Bailey can really be a stinker, and Taylor can have a horrible crying jag- but they are just the best things that have ever happened to me despite all that.

Bailey is really growing up to be a beautiful little girl, both inside and out. She does have her “terrible three” moments, but she is so loving. She tells me that I’m her best girl. The other day she made a horrible mess- it was so bad that I broke down crying- and she said, “It’s okay mommy, I will wipe your tears away.” She has a heart of gold and I hate to see her hurt. Some little girls left her out the other day when they were playing and I just wanted to let one of the girls have an earful. But she said, “Thats okay, I don’t want to play with you!” and went off and played animals by herself and had a great time. She is so independent and strong and oh my gosh, so stubborn. She is also crazy info fashion now. She loves to shop online with me and help me choose custom hairbows (we order from a few different ladies- if you want websites let me know- they are fabulous!) and put together outfits on the Gymboree website. She also sees things in the store and will say “Oh mom, I really need that purse to go with my popsicles outfit!” or something similar… A girl after my own heart. Sometimes I realize how much she is a small version of me, and it makes me smile and also makes me scared of the teenage years!

My little fashionista-

Taylor is quickly becoming the sweetest little boy ever. He has a smile that could light up a room. When he sees me, his whole body gets happy. He kicks his legs, flaps his arms, grins, and makes the sweetest little sounds. He is really putting on some chub lately (he was just over 12 pounds when I weighed him yesterday!) and he has the squishiest, most wonderful little legs. His belly is round and pudgy now too. He loves to be held and to watch the big kids playing all around him. He is so bright eyed and alert- everyone comments on this, and he’s been that way since the beginning. His new fascination is the dogs on the wall hanging by his changing table. He will squeal at the dogs and wave his arms whenever he sees them. Same with his dog mobile above his crib. I am starting to enjoy his personality so much. He has gone from floppy, fun to snuggle with newborn, to a “real” baby! He has deep blue eyes like his daddy and sissy, and looks so much like Bailey did at that age. I always look forward to him waking up because I know I will be greeted with smiles!

My sweet little man-

Taylor is 3 Months Old

Filed Under Being a Mom, Three Months Old- Taylor | 1 Comment

To my Honey Bear,

I can’t believe how much I love you. I have always been intrigued, yet skeptical, about having a son. I wasn’t sure if I would know how to love you, how to play with you, how to be a mom to a boy. Well, I’m learning. It’s been fun so far. I apologize if at some point in the future you have to teach me about cars and trains and tools and all that stuff. Your daddy will be better at the boy things. But I am just amazed at how completely different you are from your sister, and how I love you just as much in different ways.

I am a different mom to you than I am to your sister. You have been a much “needier” baby. You don’t like having a dirty diaper, whereas she never cared (and still doesn’t). You like to be held, you sleep in my bed, you love to be around people all the time and you are happiest when there is a lot going on and you can just sit and watch. You are definitely a lover, and you are outgrowing your constant fussiness and turning into a very pleasant and sweet baby. I can make faces now and get smiles from you a lot more easily. You look for me when you hear my voice, and you watch me when I’m across the room. You’re now doing tummy time a little better and you are close to rolling from your back to front!

You still hold your right hand up next to your ear most of the time. You have the deepest blue eyes. You take Mylanta every eight hours for your tummy. You are starting to get snug in some of your 0-3 outfits. You wear Size 1 diapers and have just entered the blowout stage. Pampers are not our friend. Your hair is growing in a little fluffier, but it’s still in a big patch on the top of your head for the most part. You have been sleeping in your swing at naptime for the last week or so. You like to have the tv on in the background so that it’s not too quiet. You went to the zoo for the third time today and loved riding in you stroller and looking up at me. You are just a joy for me and I am so thankful for you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I love you, my little Fuzzy Wuzzy.

Love, Mommy