Happy Birthday Bailey!

Bailey Elizabeth Foster joined our little family a year ago. It's so hard to believe that it's already been a year and my baby is one! It's been so fun this week remembering the time of eager waiting and then the day of her birth.





Bailey was our smallest baby weighing in at 5 pounds 15 ounces, but there was nothing little about her big spirit. Her big brother and sister could not have been happier or more proud of their little sister.





On Friday evening we had my sister and her family over for a little birthday celebration for our big one year old. Rachel helped me pick out decorations and Matthew and Steve put them up. Sweet Bailey surely didn't understand what was going on that day, but she certainly knew something was going on and she loved the streamers and balloons. She was actually pretty giddy about everything -- coudn't stop clapping and laughing.

Generally for our birthdays, the b-day gal or guy gets to choose her/his favorite meal for dinner. Well...Bailey eats very very little as far as solids go, but we recently discovered that she likes noodles. So, pasta it was. I made fettuccine alfredo and she loved it. YUM!

I know - there are four candles on the cake where there really should be only one, but I had a whole gaggle of children helping blow out candles. (We had to re-light and blow a few times). I was informed by my children and my nephews that there ought to be only one candle for every year of life. So, this was one candle for Bailey and three for her birthday guests.

Traditionally the birthday child gets her own birthday cake to mangle and eat. Up until very recently we really thought that Bailey would merely shove the cake off her highchair tray and be done. She did, very delicately, dip into the cake and even eat a bit of it. Go, girl!

Don't worry -- she's a Foster...she'll learn how to eat with the best of them. :)

She got an Elmo Live. I wasn't so familiar with this toy, but Bailey really likes Elmo from watching little glimpses of Sesame Street or Elmo's World dvd's that Rachel watches. It's really cute, but a little overwhelming, apparently, to a one year old. She was enthralled...and a little tiny bit freaked out. Little Sweetie was laughing hysterically and clapping one second, and then almost crying the next. After a few minutes she kind of got the hang of it and really liked it.

Aunt Becky and all the boys got her a new baby doll, too. It's darling and she loves it. She just kept kissing her new baby ... and poking it's eyes. (Isn't it funny how they do that? All of my kids have been obsessed with eyes of dolls and stuffed animals at this age.)

This year just flew by and it seems like just yesterday that Bailey came to fill her spot in our family. We can't imagine our lives without her. Her beautiful smile and laugh are contagious, (She has this big belly laugh that surprises people who have never heard it.) and she brings us so much joy. We love our little Bailey Babers so much and are so grateful she's ours!

Tagged -- Finally

So a while back -- a very long while back I was tagged on Facebook to write 25 random things about myself. I loved reading the lists of everyone else. I just didn't quite get to doing it then. I was tagged a bunch of times and had really good intentions, but yah, didn't happen. So, it's been too long to do it on fb, but figured I could post it here and resolve some of my angst about it. Here goes.



1. We sometimes make each other crazy, but I’m truly, fiercely in love with my husband. Sometimes I’m caught off guard and I get butterflies in my stomach.
2. I have 3 children for whom I would give my last breath.
3. My biggest fear is that something will happen to my husband and/or children.
4. I speak Spanish. I love it, but I’m really rusty.
5. I love to read – so much that I can become addicted and it’s almost a relief to be done with a book (even if it’s been a terrific book).
6. I can’t stand anything that’s artificially grape flavored – it literally makes my stomach sick.
7. When we were little, I told my little sister that a black witch lived under my parents’ bed. I would then hide under the bed and make noises - very blacky witchy noises.
8. I was on Romper Room when I was little, but I had no concept of it being televised. If I’d understood that, I’m sure I never would have done it, as I was neurotically shy at that age.
9. I don’t like my food touching. It used to be a lot worse. I would have to have every different food separate on my plate without any part or liquid from any part touching. I would go so far as to eat one or two items (separated), then wash my plate and then dish up the rest of the meal. I’m much better as an adult (especially after serving a mission), but I still prefer for the syrup to not get on the eggs.
10. I generally don’t like facial hair on most men. My husband knows my preference, but I secretly think that he’s super hot with a goatee.
11. I loved diagramming sentences in English.
12. I'm a very emotional person - especially when I'm tired. So, you know when you get married and everyone tells you to never go to bed angry? Well, sometimes we just have to go to bed and work it out in the morning after some sleep when I'm a little more sane. Poor Steve had to learn that the hard way.
13. Someday when my children are grown, my dream jobs would be to work in the children’s area of the library or to be the guy who fills business orders at Sam’s Club. (Shopping the store, stacking items on the big cart, checking off the list, wrapping the whole cart in plastic wrap… mmm…bliss.)
14. After my freshman year in college, I got booted out of the honors program. (I did pull things together and graduate with honors, though. Dumb ol’ eggheads, anyway…)
15. I have never gotten a speeding ticket.
16. I love Little House on the Prairie. My friends and I used to play it in my backyard. I still occasionally tune in and generally in the first few minutes, I can give a synopsis of the episode.
17. I am a true Aggie. I bleed blue.
18. I can wiggle my ears.
19. I’m an eternal optimist. Sometimes that stinks because it can lead to disappointment and frustration, but I like believing the best about people and that good things will happen.
20. I have had a good education and had some amazing experiences thus far in life, but I have probably learned the most important things from being a parent. Parenthood is the most difficult and heart-wrenching, yet joyful and rewarding thing I can imagine.
21. I love having a belief in a God who loves us, his children, as powerfully and personally as only a parent can.
22. I love to laugh.
23. I love finding a bargain. I very rarely pay full price for anything. Cheapskate? Maybe, but I like the thrill of the hunt.
24. When asked to tell about my most embarrassing moment, I have a hard time coming up with one. I’d love to say it’s because I’m such a graceful and put-together gal, but really it’s because I routinely do very embarrassing things. I do these things often enough that it’s desensitized me to a degree and I don’t often get that embarrassed. Sad, I know.
25. I'm slightly addicted to Diet Coke and chocolate. (Hey, at least I'm admitting it - even if I did minimize it with the word choice!)

Bailey vs. Food

Bailey fought a nap all morning long. At lunchtime, this is what happened. Now, this picture is noteworthy for several reasons. First - I don't care who you are - when a baby falls asleep in her food, it's cute. Secondly, and the real reason I snapped the photo, is that she was EATING!

Those who know our little gal know that she has an unexplained aversion to solid food. (I know, a Foster who doesn't love food??) Take a look at her sweet cheeks (and the rest of the sweet chubby package) and you'll see that she's definitely not starving. She just won't eat anything that is not, well, milk. She had a tiny stint last summer that she'd eat a little bit of infant cereal. I've no clue as to what changed, but she one day refused to eat it or anything else. I say that she refused to eat, but in our case, "refused" means , gagged, heaved, shuddered, choked, and ended up crying. Seriously, everytime we tried to give her anything from strained squash to banana, she would gag, choke, and shudder -- and spit out anything that defiled her poor lips. She will be a year old next month, folks. So the fact that this past week or so she's started to munch on crackers and bread is a big step. She'll be eating like a champ in no time!

Good Journey

When I was a young boy one of my favorite cartoons was He Man Masters of the Universe. I loved seeing Skeletor and his empire get defeated by the powers of good. I would, at times, stay home from school, because I was "sick", just to watch He Man. How thrilled I was when I found out that they were going to make a movie of my favorite cartoon. Sure the acting sucked, but the principles were true to the animated series. I loved it! However, one thing has stayed with me all these years. After He Man and his crew defeated Skeletor and the whole Grayskull clan, he would say goodbye to his earthly friends. Instead of the traditonal 'goodbye, see ya,' he said, "There are no goodbyes, only good journey."

Today my friend will be laid to rest in Hyrum. He was killed, serving our country in Iraq. I am sad that I will not be able to see him; sad for his sweet wife and children, but I am also hopeful because I realize that this is only part of the journey. What comfort I have in knowing that I will see my friend again. Comfort knowing that he is alright, comfort that his wife will be cared for, and comfort that I have the same promises with my wife and kids.

So Micheal, today I will see your mortal shell lowered into the ground. I will pause and reflect on your life, your patriotism, and honor you. Please know though, that I will not say goodbye - for there are no goodbyes, only good journey.

Pink School

When Matt was about three, he used to tell elaborate and detailed stories about his dear, dear friends Max and Hallie. These friends were amazing and always had adventures to recount. Unfortunately, Steven and I never had the opportunity to meet Max nor Hallie. They were tricky little stinkers and always happened to leave the room just seconds before we entered. Matthew never "played" with his imaginary friends, but we sure enjoyed hours of tales about their experiences and adventures. It was almost sad when Max and Hallie stories disappeared from our lives.
Rachel has hit the magic age of three and, happily, she is introducing us to new friends and adventures. When Matthew's school was under construction this past summer, Rachel informed us that the workers were building her a new pink school. Since then, we hear about her pink school almost daily. When Matthew comes home from school with stories of teachers and friends, Rachel also has stories of her teachers and friends. The most prominent figure is her teacher at the pink school. Whenever there is conversation of which Rachel has no knowledge or experience, we can always count on her trusty teacher to have had some experience that allows Rachel to join on in. To date, Rachel's teacher has had a baby (who's name is also Bailey), she's had surgery, a car accident, jury duty, and a myriad of other experiences.
About a week ago we were in the car running errands. Matt had gotten a Webkinz for his b-day and he was trying to think of a name for it. It was a turtle so he was thinking of green things to name it after. In the midst of my helpful listing of green things, Rachel told us the following:
"My teacher at my pink school - she got the very same turtle webkinz. She named hers Booger."
She then chuckled to herself shaking her head and rolling her eyes. That kooky ol' teacher...
So, we were never able to meet Max and Hallie, but I sure hope that we'll be able to make the acquaintance of Rachel's teacher from her pink school. It would be such a shame not to meet a woman with such a broad knowledge base and such incredible life experience. :)
Last night I was introduced to one of Rachel's classmates, Alissa Junk. So far she seems like a nice gal. I only hope she's half as wonderful as the teacher from the pink school.

Tea Party

Who doesn't love a tea party? Who doesn't love a tea party so much that you can't wait until you're dressed for the day and have your hair brushed to sit down to a lovely tea with mini oreos??

Rachel loves tea parties. She got this little tea set for her birthday and we have tea quite often.

When we sit down to begin, she designates roles -- decides whether we are fancy ladies or princesses. We then have very polite conversation using the fanciest words we can. It's pretty funny. She's a nut.

Not a Happy Meal...

Matthew had his birthday party with his buddies yesterday. Yes, his birthday was a few weeks ago, but with schedules, basketball practices and games, etc., we weren't able to do it until yesterday. The kids had a great time. (I'll post a few pics later). Unfortunately, Steve had to work and missed out on the raging party. By the time it was all over and we'd cleaned up a little of the HUGE mess, I was not in any mood to cook and create more mess to clean up. I called my sis and she packed up her kids and met me at McDonalds. So on the way to Mickey D's, I asked the kids what they wanted to eat - to make the whole ordering while trying to contain my children thing a little easier once we got there. Now I was feeling all footloose and fancy-free, so I told the kids they could have Happy Meals. A little explanation: we never get Kids' meals when we go out. First off, we seldom eat out. When we do break down and go out, we are connoisseurs of the Value Menu. Happy Meals or any Kids meals are a special occasion kind of thing. When I offered the Golden Ticket, I expected to be met with the usual excitement and thrill in the air. Rachel didn't disappoint. In fact, she cheered. Matt, however, assumed the 'I'm going to break this to you gently' voice and said, "Mom, I think I'd just like a 10 piece chicken nugget." Not picking up on his subtlety, I replied, "Are you sure? You can even get one of those big kid meals." Matthew then went on to explain that a Happy Meal just isn't enough for him. I believe his exact words were that "a happy meal is more of a snack" and that he "could probably do 2 or 3 happy meals." I took the news in a very grown up manner and ordered him the 10 piece nuggets. (He polished that off and then ate some of mine and Rachel's to boot.)
So, I did take the news very calmly...but really...I was flipping out!! My kid is getting too big! This whole turning 10 thing was hard enough for me and now he's too big for kids' meals. What the heck?!? He's supposed to be perpetually five years old and excited about getting a whole meal in one bag or box! He's supposed to be excited about the dumb little plastic toy!
I need a coke.