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!!

Tissues and Tears!

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

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!

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!

"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."