Bailey Family

We're trying to teach the kids new responsibilities, cooking, cleaning, etc. (We always work on these, but we're trying to get them more regular so I have good help this summer and now.) Alee actually likes washing the dishes and doing the dishwasher, but she can't reach anything really (even with a stool) and last week I had to go through the cabinets after I found a mysteriously wet plate (the dishwasher always leaves our plates dry) and pull out all the dishes that Alee put away from one load that had been rinsed and loaded but not yet washed. -sigh- It's a work in progress...at least she meant well. Trying to cram in some field trips before next year when I'll be "grounded" (I love nursing my babies, but it does limit what I can say yes to.) Seth and his honors orchestra class performed for various elementary schools in the district (along with the band, chorus, and dance) to promote the arts available at the middle schools and high schools. ...

January -  We had just enough snow to see it and make 1 snowball. Alee's sense of style is just fantastic... Really, none of us is sure if it's summer or winter this month? We've celebrated birthdays about 4 times over this month! (We celebrated with Rob's family here.) My twins love ice cream cake (and are very particular about how they want it, so buying it easily (and cheaply) just isn't possible. I'm finally getting better at making them so they look and taste good. This one is red velvet cake (box mix altered to be awesome), home made ice cream (easier than store bought), and white chocolate buttercream frosting (homemade with lots of real butter). It was so very good. And of course, amidst the birthdays, we had exciting news that some are still adjusting to.... --- Finally put Natalie's Christmas present to use - she's getting better, but it was a rocky start (and I had to watch a YouTube video to refresh my archery kn...

We are calling him Theodore (right now). Don't embroider that on anything! Carolyn was "Emma" until the day she was born! Sometime soon I'll make a running list to the right of our full name ideas - you can always comment (although we do not guarantee that your opinion will make any difference)! :) For the video (bigger) on YouTube, click here !

I haven't done the casual family photos that I started in October since that first one in October! So,  here is ours for January: Wait...I've got a better one for you: In case that wasn't clear enough for you: I'm trying to take the pictures I wish I'd taken with the others (like a pregnant size progression). I'm not sure that's my best angle? (And I am happy at 2 months - I just forgot to smile!) Initial reactions  Huh? Aren't you too old?  I wondered what was wrong with you, why you were so tired. (tickled with joy) I thought you were done. That's wonderful! Congrats. The world needs another Bailey. Yea! Alee sobbed for 20 minutes! :( Details: Originally I was due July 22nd, but after the 12 week appointment (my first) they changed the due date to July 12th and declared me 14 weeks pregnant because of the baby's size in the initial ultrasound. To our surprise, the ultrasound technician was able to tell...

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm guest blogging the end of 2016, while Beth is doing piano lessons and prepping everyone to get back into the "real world" tomorrow. Time to switch the alarms back on... This first section is a repeat from the previous blog post , but it's in December, so I'm including it. We kicked off the month with the Governor's Carolighting. You can find more info on the DiscoverSouthCarolina page , and you can watch the full recording online on the SC ETV page . Natalie and Kaitlyn are in the choir that performed at the event, but only Natalie decided to participate. Natalie is the black/white dress, behind the Christmas tree dress girl. If you watch the recording, use the podium with the State Seal (bottom right of the photo) as your reference point. The State House was impressively decorated for the event. Beth and Uncle David were in attendance. The rest of us stayed on the usual (busy) Thursday evening schedule, but we watched it...