Bailey's First Christmas!!

This year was extra special for us filled with much meaning. Unlike other years where it was mostly about us, this year was all about Bailey, as every year from now on (and of course any other babies we have). Bailey was like my Christmas present that I have wanted for a little while now, so it was really unreal to have her here with us. We did not get each other gifts this year, with the economy, our bills from living and Bailey’s birth, the income difference with me staying home, and well just lack of money we decided to play it low. We really made an effort to cutdown everywhere. My brother, Farrin, Laurie, Tony, and I agreed not to exchange gifts ( I mean what do we need anyways, right!! We all agreed to go out to dinner together--spending time together is better than a gift, the only problem, we still need to do it!!!). On Christmas Eve Tony and I had a nice breakfast together and then headed to my parents for our traditional tamales, beans, rice, and all sorts of yummy food. It was a nice night, it was wonderful having my brother and sister there.

We woke up Christmas morning at like 8 am, OH MY Bailey had slept 8 hours in a row and so had I, thank you Bailey, what a great present for Mommy!! Bailey is an excellent sleeper, so usually she sleeps 6-8 hours in a row, I am very very fortunate!! We all hung out in the bed together, mostly Tony and I marveling at Bailey and her cuteness. Then we headed out to the tree where Santa had brought Bailey “binkies” (Thanks Santa for saving our ears!!). We had a special stocking made with Bailey’s name on it, Santa left her some bath toys, and other little things. Bailey also had MANY other gifts!! She got soo many things!! She got a Doggy named Violet that says her name and sings about her (programmable by USB cord), I think it is soo cool!!

We opened all of Bailey’s presents, then we headed over to my parent’s house! They were excited to see Bailey (as they are EVERY time :)!!) We had an awesome and huge breakfast and then opened presents. Bailey was spoiled this Christmas! So not only did she get all the above fun toys, but she got an exersaucer!! I am soo excited about this one, I have heard that children LOVE them and I hope for a break to get somethings done while she is happy and playing!

We then headed to my Grandpa and Grandmas home (Bailey’s Great Grandma and Grandpa) where we visited and enjoyed some time, we also visited her Uncle Steve and Aunt Stephanie later that day! Bailey got to visit her cousins there, she loves when Sierra and Elaina hold her! It is really neat that Bailey has her Grandparents Anderson soo close, Great Grandpa John, Great Grandparents Anderson, Great Grandparents Woodyard, all of who she has met!! Bailey also has many aunts and uncles who all love seeing her, and many people who have “adopted” her :)! It was nice having family time on Christmas, just hanging out. It was special having Bailey with us even though she was not old enough to really understand. Christmas is about family, about love, and being together, we feel blessed to have all of these things!!

Bailey we hope you enjoyed your first Christmas and can not wait for the years of fun times to come!! We are sure there are many memories to be made!

Candy Making

“My favorite food memory as a child would have to be my Mom making Christmas candy. My parents did not have a lot of money when I was growing up, so making christmas candy became a gift for everyone. Every year a couple weeks before Christmas she would make homemade fudge, english toffee, pralines, chocolate balls (which consisted of a very rich chocolate with the consistency of soft fudge rolled in coconut or nuts), and sugar cookies. I remember watching her make all these and wanting to help, taste, and roll the chocolate balls. The smells are what I remember most vividly, of cooking chocolate, the sugar boiling, of butter (I mean who doesn’t love this smell!), and tasting everything after she was done. Now, I have continued the make all this candy also, and every time I do, I remember when I was younger. That is the amazing part of food and our senses. I hope I can now share this tradition with my daughter and family.” (This is my exert on Gaby’s website, she asked us to write about our favorite holiday food memory; her website is: http://whatsgabycooking.com/ she has some awesome recipes so check it out!)

I got the chance to make candy with my Mom this year!! I was very excited. It was great to have a lot of help, because with Bailey who knows what would get done. We had a great time and accomplished a major load of goodies. We made English Toffee, Fudge, French Chocolate Balls, Spritz Cookies, and a batch of Gingerbread Men, and bears (for my Dad :)!) We had a fun day and took a break to go to lunch. I LOVE hanging out with my Mom, and with Bailey also!! Here are some pictures from our day:

Disclaimer: Baby did not receive any chocolate (my mom would be the last one to feed her that, LOL!!) She was interested in it all though!!

All I want for Christmas is "binkies" please...

We decided that Bailey needed to go and have her first Santa visit. My Mom, Dad, Tony, Bailey and I ventured to the Thousand Oaks Mall to visit Santa. We dressed Bailey up in her holiday dress, she was too cute!! Bailey was sleeping, so we woke her up just in time!! She was awake and alert. Santa asked what she wanted for Christmas and she said “binkies”, okay so we helped a little!! We had a great time watching her and then enjoyed a nice dinner at The Cheesecake Factory with my parents!! What a great way to start off the Christmas Season! I wonder if Bailey will make the nice list and get “binkies” for Christmas??

Check this out: http://family.go.com/santas-list/video/168423-cyndmarie/

What, No Baby??

Yes, the first time I went out without the baby!!! Tony had a Christmas party for his work, so we decided it would be the perfect opportunity for Bailey to stay with her Grandpa and Grandma Anderson. They were nice enough to come to our home, and let us have a nice dinner out before the party. Tony and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Piatti’s, I even had my first martini in I think about a year or more!! It was good! We then went to the party and had a great time out. It was great to have some couple time. It felt weird not having to think about taking care of Bailey! It was the first time since Bailey has been born that I actually put time into getting myself ready (and Bailey was NOT A HAPPY CAMPER AS THIS HAPPENED!!) It was really nice because I did not have to worry about Bailey at all. I trust my parents with her all the way! So when we got home we were soo happy to see Bailey! I guess she was a good girl for my parents, so that is a good thing!

Thanks Mom and Dad, we had a terrific time!!