Pacy Down

As some of you know, we began to reduce Bailey's reliance on her pacifier shortly after Christmas time. Prior to the Holiday season she used it to chew on, hold, suck or just carry around whenever she pleased. Our goal was to rid usage before the end of January. So once life resumed to normal, we only allowed the pacifier for nap-time and bedtime. The adjustment went really well, minor if any resistance on Bailey's part. However, she was still very reliant on the pacifier during these nap/bed times. After some discussion with some friends who have gone before me, we started to debate if she was truly ready to part with it. So I teetered back and forth a bit as to whether or not the timing was best. Last week, I had decided that we could wait, and she could continue using it during her resting time.

Side track to our current toddler battle....throwing things. We have struggled with Bailey throwing toys, books, forks..... you name it. Our course of action, other than verbal instruction, has been to take the item away for 24 hours. Very effective...usually. However, I had not been doing that with her pacifier. She would throw it. I would give it back. She would throw it.I would give it back. (I Know.....it took me how long to figure this out?)

So, in the midst of Bailey's frustrated outrage (exaggerating a little), it dawned on me (as I was picking it up for the 3rd time) that she was using her pacifier to manipulate me. (Again, I.KNOW.) At that moment I decided we were done (at least for naps). So Bailey napped without her pacifier for 3 days. I mean really, if she is smart enough to pull one up on her mother, she is smart enough to find a way to get to sleep, right?! Due to my desire for sleep, I wasn't quite ready to part with it a night time, so we were still holding out.

Thursday night's Bedtime: Only one pacifier could be found. I am home alone with Bailey. Night time routine going really well. Carry Bailey in her room, reach to turn on the monitor, and it falls. The pacifier falls....and rolls....and rolls....and stops. In the midst of a pile of dust bunnies, under the crib, way in the back, behind a few things. OH. NO. Are you kidding?? Thursday night, home alone, tired. I don't want to army crawl under the crib, I don't want to get dirty, I don't want to move the crib and the rug, and the desk.....blah, blah, blah. So Bailey, who is really quite quick to process the probable outcome, "Bye Bye, Pacy." That is it, we are done. Prayers said, kisses given, light out. Pacifier is gone. Forever.

Nap and Bedtimes are still a bit rough. Crying every hour and a halfish, some calls for "Pacy." Overall, a surprisingly easy adjustment. I am excited for a normal nights rest. I am also hopeful she wants to resume cuddling soon, for some reason cuddling now begins a visit to Pout City?? But, after 18 months of using a pacifier for comfort, we are now Pacy free!! :) Yay, Bailey!

So our next "skill" to acquire is independent/alone time play. We have started with 10 minutes of play time in her room.... maybe more updates on this to come. :)

Snow Day!!

Our very first SNOW DAY!!!




Due to my lack of preparation, she has on 7 different articles of mismatched clothing, a size 7 boot (3 sizes too big), and can barely walk.....but boy was it fun!!

ENOUGH

Expectations. The very word can evoke a sense of failure, disappointment, and insecurity. I often set expectations, knowingly or unknowingly. Then more often than not they are unmet, unreachable, or inconceivable based on the situation. Sometimes my expectations are based on the norm, based on dreams, or on convictions. Lately I have found myself in this funk of personal disappointment. Be it my prayer life isn't "long enough," my daughter isn't physically strong enough, by marriage isn't fun enough, my friendships aren't deep enough.... but who is to measure.

I have been so focused on measuring "enough" that I haven't counted the many blessings that God has given me. I am striving to shift my focus. What has God done to bless me beyond my worth? He has given me the most wonderful man to grow old with, to challenge my faith, to complement my weaknesses, to partner in parenthood. He has blessed us with a beautiful, fun-loving daughter. I have family and friends who love me more than I deserve. Ultimately, he desires a relationship with me. The creator of the universe, the God who saved me from myself, wants me. ME. Shouldn't that be ENOUGH!

So I am challenging myself to be thankful in all I do, and put things into perspective. Everything I have, every relationship, each new day day, every material possession is an undeserved blessing. God is enough.

Goals of 2012

Each year, as the seemingly majority of America, I reevaluate, restart, and redo my list of goals. This year, rather than making a list of well intentioned goals, set myself up for failure, and throw in the towel January 2nd, I have committed myself to a manageable plan. A plan that allows me to make lists (something I cannot function without), and alter as necessary.

I have organized a list of things I hope to accomplish in the year 2012. The following is not inclusive, but a general overview:


Spiritual Goals:
Bible in a Year (Have been doing this in 6 months, but want to stretch it out)
Memorize 100 Verses this year (2 a week)
Find a church (have been searching for 4 months)
Complete our Personal and Family Mission Statements
Continue our prayerful search for mentors
Pray for ministry opportunities outside of home (ideally through our new church)

Relational:
Date night twice a month
Family/Friend visits once a month minimum

Motherhood/Parenting Goals:
Consistency in Discipline
Continue to add scripture to Bailey's heart training
Patience
Eliminate pacifier
Independent Play
Potty Training----maybe.

Homemaking:
Reevaluate our Menu Plan/Meal Budget
De-clutter: 30 items in 30 days at least twice this year
Evaluate and update Household and Emergency Binder
Compile a 3-5 day survival kit

Personal Growth:
Exercise 4 times a week
Read a minimum of 1 book a month



While the list is very manageable, I cannot succeed by taking it all on January 1st. So each week/month, I will be evaluating the list and chipping away bit by bit. With that said, the objective for January is the following:

8 Verses Memorized
Genesis and Job read (utilizing a chronological reading plan)
2 Date nights
1 Play date
Complete 1 Book
Exercise for 20 minutes 5x's week
Reevaluate food Budget

I'm Back......

Hello??? Anybody there?? It is my guess I am writing to my husband, and maybe 2 other people who haven't given up on me..... Thanks Mom and Rachel!

Given that my last post before my abrupt absence was a picture update, I thought a picture greeting would be an appropriate reopening post. Admittedly, she is growing more adorable each day!








These are just a few snapshots that reflect the joy, fun and adventure that Bailey has brought to our lives!

Our Darling

I am still amazed at the blessing God entrusted us with just over a year ago. We have seen his grace and mercy through the eyes of our beautiful daughter. With her laughter and joy, God's love has been so evident! We are so grateful for the joy parenthood has brought into our lives.


**Many thanks to Adam for capturing in photos the love and joy of our daughter!

Tissues and Tears!

You caught me, Mom!!Love the smirk!! Ornery Little Bug!
Clean up............."Oh, Dear!!"

Happy 1st Birthday, Miss Bailey

Well, This is it. Little Miss is turning 1. It is bittersweet, tearful, and exciting all the same. She has grown into an adorable toddler seemingly overnight. She laughs, dances, talks, signs, crawls, and brings a smile to our faces each day. Yesterday, We had the pleasure of celebrating with a gathering of our closest friends and family. It was a bittersweet, yet joyous occasion. I have been brimming with tears close to all weekend. Where has the time gone? Can I order a redo?



Little Miss thoroughly enjoyed her first Birthday Cake.....can you say YUMMY!!!Saying thank you to all the guests!
Seriously, tell me this isn't the most adorable and cleaver thing EVER!!! ("Happy 1st Birthday Bailey Michelle Towne, Love Erin and Andy")Family Pictures: Thank You so much to everyone for loving, supporting and influencing our Daughter. We are blessed beyond words to have each of you in her life. Thank You!

Full of Fun!

What an amazing and relaxing Sunday. For Michael's Father's Day celebration we ventured out to Ouabache (Wabash) State Park for an afternoon of exploring. We hiked (little difficult to do with a large stroller btw), played tennis, watched those swimming, and took the best paddle boat ride EVER!! Little Miss had the time of her life!!

Bailey - anxiously awaiting her ride 'round Kunkle Lake!


Little gal in a big coat (Sing it, Tommy Boy!)..... check out her little hand waving hello to you all!
Love You, Daddy!!!

Beautiful and Serene!


Thank you, Michael! You are such an amazing friend, husband, and father to our baby girl! Thank you for allowing us to celebrate with you!

Father's Day

To my dear Husband,

• 11 years ago: Our introduction was made, a friendship ensued, and your girlfriend I became.

• 8 years ago: You graduated from a boy into a young man; To college you went.

• 6 years ago: A bridge we crossed, a ring on my finger.

• 4 years ago: Two united as one.

• 2 years ago: Through loss we cried, we mourned, we questioned and together we grew.

• 22 months ago: New life was preparing to enter the world.

• 1 year ago: I watched as you were vulnerable and full of love, adoration, and wonderment. A FATHER you became.

I love that I have spent these last 11 years watching your transformation. I love the way I can hear you smooch our daughter 3 rooms away. I love the way you play peek-a-boo. I love your "Daddy-Daughter" time. I love the way you read aloud. I love the annoying wind chimes. I love being the mother of your child. I love your passion to grow. I love that you are striving to become a Godly Father to our daughter. Never have I loved you more. Thank you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!!

The "Uncle Andy"

The Front View:



The Side View:

While home for Easter, Uncle Andy taught little June Bug a new trick. When you have your mouth just so, and your tongue just so, and you flick your face just right....noises come out. So, in a valiant attempt to make this work, Bailey has been hitting herself in the face for the past two days. Who ever thought... The "Uncle Andy" ......... ADORABLE!

Thanks, Dear Brother!

Our Boppy has gotten smaller......right?

The Boppy: what an ingenious invention. I highly recommend one to all mothers-to-be! We used it for nursing, nap time, floor time and cuddle time. Even now Bailey likes to "recline" back while reading a book. However, our current dilemma is that the pillow has gotten smaller.......that is the problem, right??

Miss Bailey at week old. :) (Sunbathing for minor jaundice, not parental vanity! )
Little Miss at 9 months old..... a little wiser, a little bigger, and a little cuter! :)

"The Townhouse Trio"

Coming soon to a living room near you..............Presenting the "Townehouse Trio!!"

Michael and I love music, all kinds of music!! While I don't have a voice to be proud of, I still sing like there is no tomorrow! Seriously, singing in the rain, the shower, the kitchen, the bathroom, the inside, the outside.....Singing is everywhere. We make a song out of everything, and change songs that do exist. The other day, while driving in the car (and singing), Little June Bug began to "sing/babble." It was so funny....... She would hold out her "words" and just go. She would get loud, and then soft, then loud again. I was laughing so hard tears were coming out of my eyes. I sincerely hope she has been blessed with a passion for music. But for now, we will enjoy the "Song of Babble."

That's a negative, Mommy

We began implementing "Baby Sign Language" into our daily conversation with Bailey when she was around 6 months old. After doing some research, speaking with other mothers, and getting information from the library; we selected the words that we wanted to utilize. Things such as mommy, daddy, more, ball, eat, milk, yes, no, all done..... words that are used several times each day. While at times it felt funny and awkward, we decided to stick with it. What could it hurt??

Recently we have begun to see some comprehension through our "conversations" with Bailey. It is wonderful to know when she either wants more or is finished, is tired, or is just a "big girl" at the moment. However, there are days where everything is a "negative, Mommy." While we are a far cry from complete understanding, it has been rewarding to see the gradual progress. I know some of this is just common sense communication, like yes and no, but I am excited to see the progression of her communication abilities with signing.

But as of today: That's a negative, Mommy.......

9 Months of Joy

Our family of 3....growing bigger each day! (And a pic of my hair for those who requested).



Our little innocent one......Time has flown by the past 9 months. Our "June Bug" has made our life so joyful and full of life and love!




Here she is in all her adorableness....... looking as sweet as sugar.

Adam Boxell Photography

Baby Babbles

Our Little Miss has been babbling for months now. All of it just noise. Sometimes loud, sometimes soft, sometimes it comes out in the form of raspberries, sometimes just yelling. Noise......but the most joyful noise to our ears. Or so we thought.

Should you walk into this house this week, you will find two joyous parents!! Two weeks ago she uttered the word "Dada" for the first time. She said it with intensity, and repeated it until she had Michael's attention. Our hearts just jumped for joy at the sound. Saturday, she added "Mama" to her vocabulary. There is nothing better than to leave her sight and hear the sound of your daughter calling your name with her little arms reaching out to you. My heart just swells with love! My how the "noise" has changed! What began as quiet whispers has now evolved into laughter, song, and two of the most precious words ever spoken!

Picture Update

It is so hard to believe that Miss Bailey is now 8 months old. We have had an amazing journey!! After much prompting, here are a few pictures to update you all.


Family Picture after Bailey's Dedication


Bailey in her adorableness! (Yes, that is a TV Remote in her hand)


Seriously.....Tell me this doesn't make you laugh!

A day in the life.....

I truly have the best job in the world. I feel I am finally able to use my God-given gifts to their true potential! While I am very excited for the next stage in Bailey's life, I am thoroughly enjoying the laughter, self discovery and responsiveness this stage has brought! This schedule is to give you an idea of just how much fun I have each day!


6:00 am - Bailey Wakes. I pump while Michael and Bailey have some bonding time.
6:20-6:40 - Feed Bailey while Michael and I do our morning Bible Study.
6:45 - I shower while Michael feeds Bailey her morning cereal.
7:15 - Bailey and Mommy time while Michael starts to get ready for work.
8:00 - Michael leaves for work, Bailey takes a short 30 minute nap, I have some quite time for my personal devotions.
8:30 - Bailey wakes up and plays until 9:00. I spend this time cleaning the living room while she plays alone.
9:00 - Second feeding of the day.
9:30 - Play time. We usually do a mix of floor time, dancing and reading.
11:30 - Second nap of the day for Bailey. I take this opportunity to start laundry, do dishes, clean the bathroom, pay bills, start getting supper ready, and other housework.
12:10 - Michael and I share lunch together while Bailey sleeps.
12:55 - Michael leaves for work and Bailey begins to stir.
1:00 - Feed Bailey Milk and some veggies!
1:45 - Reading time and more floor time.
2:30 - Bailey plays in her high chair, walker and/or choo-choo train (a laundry basket with toys in it......we often "chug" along the house at rapid speeds while Bailey laughs hysterically.) I use this time to make supper and set the table.
3:15 - Bailey takes a short 30 minute nap while I continue supper preparations or more housework.
4:00 - Feed Bailey.
4:30 - Reading time in her Bedroom.
4:50 - I begin last minute preparations for supper while Bailey plays in her "Choo-Choo train."
5:25 - Michael comes home for the day.
5:45 - Supper time for Michael and I.
7:00 - Feed Bailey for the 4th time.
7:30 - Change Bailey into her pajamas and have some quite play time (no loud toys) We dim the lights and keep the TV volume on low if it is on.
8:00 - Read with Bailey.
8:15 - 8:30 - Bed time for Bailey.
8:30 - Unwinding, reading, straitening up the house a little.
9:00 - Time in bed reading with Michael.
9:10 - Lights out for me.
10:00 - Bailey wakes, we console her, back to bed.
12:30 - Bailey wakes, let her cry and she puts herself back to sleep. It takes me about 20 minutes to fall back asleep here....very frustrating!!
2:00 - Bailey wakes up, we console her for a bit and she falls back asleep.
4:00 - Bailey wakes up. Sometimes she needs a diaper change and then will fall back asleep, other times she just lost her pacifier and goes right back to sleep.
6:00 am.....we begin again!

Of course, this fluctuates from day to day....but we try and stick to this schedule as much as possible.

Cherished Moments

I thought I would share a few of our cherished moments from our most blessed Christmas season!


Bailey's second "Babies First Christmas" ornament.


Aunt Stefanie was in from Arizona! :)


My growing family!


Bailey after opening her present from Santa. Gotta Love Baby Einstein!


Preparing for our trip to Minnesota......Isn't she adorable!

Wonders of his Love

Joy to the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders and wonders of His love

One of my fondest Christmas memories is the Christmas Eve Service at my parent's church. We have attended for as long as I can remember. We have grown from the mere five of us to a group of 12 in a few short years. Although some of us were missing this year, most were there to celebrate the coming of Christ. Our hearts were all joined together in thanksgiving and praise.

While singing the lyrics to "Joy to the World," I was overcome with tears. Amid the candles, the songs, and the families rejoicing together, there we stood; this new family of three. I glanced over in time to see my husband kissing Bailey on the head. Words cannot describe how overwhelming a feeling. We were all gathered together to celebrate the birth of this small child, born to the simplest of people, in the simplest of settings, who died a disgraceful and humiliating death...... This small child allowed my life to be filled with undeserving wonder.

Lord, how can I thank you?