The arrival of Noah John

March 9th (my due date) came and went without a sign of labor. Lucky for me, I woke up on March 10h with contractions around 11 minutes apart. The got progressively closer and at around mid day my OBGYN suggested that I come in for a check.

Much to my dismay, I was only 2 centimeters dilated. My doc asked me to walk around the city, have lunch, see a movie to see if I was going to progress. Stephen and I had lunch at a little diner and by that time my contractions were only about 3 minutes apart. I went back to the OGBYN office for another check and within an hour I had gone from 2 cm to 3 cm and they felt that I was in active labor.

I was finally checked into the hospital at 5:30. I sat around for hours (not being checked, might I add!), received an epidural and waited patiently. My epidural ended up being lopsided and at around 8:20 I started to feel really uncomfortable. The pressure was intense and I could feel pain on my left side. Dr. Huang (not my personal OBGYN but the same Dr that delivered Esme) checked me and told me that I was 10 cm! My water still hadn't broke and at 8:27 they gave me a hand and ruptured it for me. Three minutes and 1.5 pushes later (literally!!), Noah John Bailey entered the world. He was perfect.

Not even the doctor could believe that he arrived so suddenly! Everyone told me the second baby would be quicker but I had no idea it would be this quick! Stephen and my Mom were in the room with me and neither of them could believe it either- within seconds Noah had arrived and I was a mother of two!

There was some concern that he may have had myconium in his lungs. Fortunately, it was a false alarm and we were told that he was fine. Ten fingers, ten toes and a beautiful grumpy face! When I first saw him I was a bit concerned because I thought he was really small. Not so much. At 8 lb 1 oz and 21 inches he was well above average! A full half pound lighter and inch longer than Esme Jean was!

His very first picture


His famous grumpy face.


Big boy


In an instant, all of the misgivings I had about having a baby boy melted away and I was in LOVE.


With Dr Huang


Daddy and Noah


Grandma and Noah


March was on track to be a record breaking baby month at Roosevelt Hospital. The 10th was a popular day to be born so Noah and I were sent to overflow rooms on another floor. They were only had one warmer and two babies so Noah shared the warmer (after his first bath) with a little baby named Hudson. Noah is the closer baby- he looks like a monster next to 7 pound Hudson.


The next morning, Noah received his first (and most imortant!) visitor- his big sister Esme! Previously, we tried to explain to Esme that she had a little brother coming but we weren't sure how much she really comprehended. She would point to my stomach when asked where the baby or her brother was but we were pretty sure that she didn't understand he was going to be a permanent fixture. It is amazing what children actually understand. It was like she knew she had to be gentle with him and was keen to give him kisses and cuddles.








Later that day we were moved to a private room that was more comfortable and had much better food and service. With a private room, Stephen was able to stay the night with me. We are very lucky to have such good friends and family to help us through this exciting time.

My friend Krystal and her daughter Savannah (Esme's best friend) drove my mom into the city once it was confirmed that I was in active labor. They were kind enough to keep her throughout the duration of my labor and until my mom was able to get back to our apartment. It wouldn't have been possible for my mom to witness Noah's birth without them and for that I will be forever grateful. My mom took care of Esme while Stephen and I were at the hospital with Noah. We couldn't ask for more. Thank you!

We were discharged from the hospital on March 12th and went home. Here are a few pictures of Noah at the hospital and on his way home for the first time!


Burrito baby


His going home outfit


Grandma and her babies


Ready to go


It was really fun getting five people into our little car. Somehow we managed and made it home safely.

A big thank you to my Mom and the Scott family for making the process so stress free. We owe you the world! xx

Esme at 14 months

This will be the last blog before the arrival of Esme's little brother. We know that she will be a wonderful big sister and will try to play nice with her baby brother...some of the time!

At 14 months, Esme is a very active and rambunctious little girl. She loves to dance, climb on things and make a mess! She is very particular about certain things (where some of her toys go) and definitely likes things her way. She is a dare devil with no fear and who knows no limits. Daddy and I definitely have a few heart attacks coming our way in this lifetime courtesy of this little girl. She is a very head strong little girl who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it. She has the most expressive little face and can tell a story just by moving her eyebrows.

Everywhere we go we hear the same thing: that kid should be in magazines! She is a gorgeous child with the personality to match. She may be a little spoiled but her outgoing personality and cheeky manner make up for it- she is a joy to be around. You know what I have always said about myself- I am spoiled but there are worse things I could be! Ez definitely takes a page out of my book in that regard.

At 14 months Esme can...

Say Hi, Bye, Kitty, touchdown, meow, bow (as in bow wow), up, no, mama, daddy, bubbles
She repeats words all the time...sometimes not the ones you want her to ;)
She can sign the words more and bubbles and is getting the hang of others (jump, ball).
Dance on command
Run
Climb like a monkey

At 14 months Esme...

Has 6 teeth- four on the top and two on the bottom.
VERY long hair (well past her shoulders)
Weighs 22 pounds
Is wearing 12 to 18 month clothes
Wears size 3 or 4 shoes

We LOVE you baby girl- thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter to our lives. You are our world!

Bye, Bye Binky

At 13 months old, Esme has finally given up her bink. I thought it would be difficult to get her to give it up (she was a HUGE fan of her bink!) but it overly easy. We went to bed on the 19th of January and when we woke up on the 20th I put it away. I had anticipated having to give it to her at night time for a few months but she fell asleep without it and it has been history ever since! Well done Peepers! I also tried to get her to give up bottles at this time but was less successful. The sippy cup of milk got tossed at me more than once. I think I will choose my battles and try that one another month.

My timeline is a bit out of order but I wanted to mention that Esme received a lovely box of Christening/Birthday and Christmas presents from her God father Michael and Veronica. They sent her tons of presents including a framed photo of her and her godfather, prints from our visit in September, an Octobubble Orchestra (an instant bath time favorite!), and a lovely comb set for her christening. She loved it all and is thankful to have such a thoughtful God father!

Some pictures of Esme with her Octobubble Orchestra






A video of Ez with her bath toy


Ezzy also received a special birthday/Christmas box from her God mother Abbie! Abbie sent her clothes, books, a framed picture and a super cool first kitchen toy! Esme loves the kitchen and knows all of the songs really well. If you sing one of the songs from the toy, she will run over and push the button that plays that song. She is one smart cookie!

When Ez was about 13 months we made a trip down to Philadelphia for Stephen's bell ringing and to spend some time with family in the area. Stephen had fun ringing the bells and we all had fun at Dick and Miriam's house.

The two towers that Stephen rung at




Here is a video of Ez at Dick and Miriam's house. She loved all of the toys they had! In this video she says hi, does the all done hand gesture and points out people.


Esme with Uncle Dick and Aunt Miriam


Dick and Miriam are always such gracious hosts and we are truly blessed to have them near by. We look forward to visiting them again in the near future.

Ez has been busy learning where parts of her body are. She has the nose down pat...sometimes she even sticks her finger up it- just to be clear!

Ez also loves to play with the kitties. She bashes them over the head from time to time but they are just happy to have someone to play with! Here is a video of her playing with Beans. She thinks it is hilarious!!

Post Christmas in Seattle

We spent an afternoon at the Imagine! Children's Museum in Everett with Michelle, Avery and Uncle James. The girls had a really good time and were so cute together- they really are the cutest little girls I have ever seen!

Esme discovered stairs on our trip to Seattle and was sprinting for the stairs at the museum every chance she got. She is a complete daredevil and isn't afraid of anything.







The water room was a definite favorite!


Notice the matching shoes? Great moms think alike!



Aves and Michelle (we are due two days apart for baby #2!)



While we were there, we met up with my Aunt Peggy for breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants! She brought Ez birthday and Christmas pressies and treated us to breakfast- she really is the best Auntie in the world! Grandpa John surprised us and showed up, too! We all had to drive through miserable snow to get there but we all made it safely!




We had an evening at Tiffany and Paul's house! We didn't get many pictures but Esme had fun racing around the house and proving to her god mother that she is a dare devil! Paul had passed a very important exam that day and Esme was infatuated with his balloons!


We spent some more time with Grandma Gale and Grandpa John. Grandpa John plays the drums and Esme was very interested. She has a lot of musical blood so maybe she will play something someday :)


Here is a video of her playing drums with grandpa


We also spent some time on the hill with Great Grandpa and Grandma. Here is a very sweet picture of Esme asleep on Great Grandpa Wil's chest.



While we were in Seattle, Aunt Megan had an engagement party! The party was abosolutely fabulous and it was fun to celebrate such a great couple. My closest friends have ended up with the best guys and I am thankful for that. I was honored to be asked to be one of Meg's bridesmaids and I can't wait. I will have four months to lose baby weight...at least it will motivate me! Ezzy stayed home with Grandma but was there in spirit! Here are a few pictures.



The prego friends (due two days apart) and the bride to be!


We had a great two weeks in Seattle with family and friends and look forward to returning in July for Megan and Justin's wedding!

Christmas Day

Christmas day is when the rushing around really begins! Stephen wasn't sure how we were going to fit all of the stops in but somehow we managed- I always do!

We woke up Christmas morning and opened presents with Grandma Julie and Brent. Ez scored some fun toys and some outfits! Mommy and daddy didn't do too bad, either!



After we were done there, we got in our Christmas finery and went over to celebrate with Grandpa Gordy, Papa Franz and Grandma Julie. Boy did Grandpa Gordy spoil his baby!



Ez decided to help Grandpa open his presents, too! This was a big frame to fill with pictures of her!


Ez got a snuggle and bottle with Grandpa


She even let Papa get a quick snuggle in!


After we were done at Grandpa Gordy's, we headed up to the Arlington area for dinner at Great Grandma Billie and Uncle Jack's house. Grandpa John, Grandma Gale were there, too.

Ez had a fun time playing with Sammy the dachshund! He loved her because she was happy to play tug-o-war with her!


We didn't get many pictures but we enjoyed a nice prime rib dinner and got to catch up with family that we don't see often. Great Grandma Billie had a lot of fun Christmas ornaments that would sing and dance that Ezzy loved. Mommy and Daddy made a mental note to stock up for next christmas!

Our last stop of the evening was at Grandpa Dave and Grandma Vicki's house. We didn't stay very long (Mommy was knackered!) but we had a nice visit and had enjoyed snacks!

Ez tried to share her snacks with Grandma and Grandpa!


It was a long day but well worth it! Afterall, family is what Christmas is all about! Thanks to all for your kind gifts and beautiful food! xx

Christmas Eve

I was able to celebrate Christmas in Seattle for the first time since 2006! That is because shortly after Christmas 2006, the love of my life flew me to England for New Year and I never left!

Even though we spent last Christmas in New York with a small amount of family, this was Stephen's first crazy American Christmas. Stephen is used to small, intimate Christmases in England as he has a small family (I think we just hit 10 members?!) so I knew my hectic celebrations were going to come as a shock to him!

We spent Christmas Eve at my Grandpa Wil and Grandma Mardine's house in Snohomish. It was a smaller crowd than usual this year (Stephen still thought it was huge!) but we had a beautiful dinner and participated in a gift exchange. There was an extra twist to this gift exchange and when nobody won the special prize (a $30 gift card to JCPenney), we all had a second chance. Stephen won and was extremely excited about it!

Here are some pictures of our Christmas on "the Hill."

Ez feel asleep in her high chair minutes before dinner was served.


Stephen would never miss out on food, though, and dug right in!


Grandma gets a snuggle with Ez


We decided dinner in her dress might not be the best idea so we stripped her down!


Next, it was present time!


Esme received a lot of beautiful clothes and fun toys but was drawn to the boy stuff.



We ended the evening with traditional family pictures in front of the tree.




Thanks to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa for hosting such a wonderful evening! The food was out of this world! xx