Thursday night I hugged Nolan extra tight before putting him in his crib, knowing that when I picked him up again in the morning he wouldn't be a baby anymore!
I truly cannot believe it's been a year since he was born.
It really does seem like yesterday that Justin and I were sitting on our couch, wondering aloud what our baby would look like, what we would name him, and what kind of personality he would have. Then, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity, he finally came, 3 days after his due date, on November 20, 2014.
I have been thinking a lot about that day, and replaying the moments I don't think I'll ever forget. The moment I felt my water break just after we had finally gotten into bed at midnight. Me going to the bathroom and coming out to all the lights on and Justin scurrying about packing last minute things into our bag and getting the number for the doctor. The quiet drive to the hospital (nothing like it is in the movies) where we just talked - about the future, our excitement, and how our lives were about to change. We couldn't believe we were finally about to meet our son. Then there was the very comfortable labor where we just rested and tried to get some sleep (thank you epidural!). Then came the pushing. Three and a half hours of pushing! And the doctor excitedly exclaiming "he's got a mohawk!" as he made his entrance into the world.
They put him on my chest and I instantly felt that all encompassing, didn't-even-know-you-had-it-in-you love that so many people tried to describe to me, but that I didn't quite understand until it actually happened to me. He was the most perfect thing I had ever seen and I couldn't believe he was mine. He's my son. I am his mom. It's incredible the love we both felt for this little human we had just met only seconds before.
He started nursing and I remember marveling at how natural it was, how he really just knew what to do (ya, that didn't last). They took him away to clean him up a bit and weigh and measure him while the doctor worked to stitch me up. I was so happy, even if a bit jealous, that Justin got to spend that first 45 minutes with him. I think Justin melted into a puddle on the floor when one of the first things Nolan did was reach up and grab his finger. The tender moment turned hilarious when about 5 seconds after being laid down Nolan peed straight up in the air. It was definitely a "that's my boy!" moment ☺. As for me, I don't remember ever being so tired and exhausted in my whole life. When they finally finished stitching me up they gave him to me but I was so weak that I couldn't even hold him. It broke my heart to have to ask them to take him back because I literally couldn't hold his weight. I remember crying because I felt like the worst mom in the whole world.
The weakness soon passed though and I felt overwhelming happiness and pride when I held him again. I'll never forget my mom walking into the room after we got settled. She took one look at Nolan and said, "he's the most perfect thing you've ever done." Truth.
We finally decided to name him Nolan Douglas Bailey. We actually settled on Nolan fairly quickly, but the middle name was a bit of a struggle. Justin wanted Douglas for his dad, and I wanted Michael for my dad. I always joke that Justin had to do some serious negotiating to get the Douglas in there (cooking once a week for a year, back rubs, that I could have my pick for the next son, etc.). But truthfully, I think Nolan Douglas fits him perfectly and I love it.
This picture is seriously my favorite! It was taken just as we were leaving the hospital. It's a little hard to tell because the outfit was a little big, but it's a BYU onesie that says "There's no crying in football" with a stretch Y. Appropriate attire since it was game day and we literally made it home just in time for the game ☺
And even though I'm far from perfect, and sometimes feel like I'm just meddling with this perfect little spirit that Heavenly Father has sent to us - I love being a mom. I love the joy that a child brings into a home. I love seeing the world through new eyes. I love being the recipient of a child's unconditional love. It's a wonderful feeling to be needed, and to know that your arms are the safest place in the world to this little person. I know this stage won't last forever, and I'm sure each new stage brings it's own energy and excitement. But I sure wouldn't mind if time slowed down just a little bit.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
It has been so fun to watch his personality develop. His likes, dislikes, and interests are changing all the time, but a few things have never changed: He has always loved being outside and has an infectious laugh. He never wants to miss out on the party, and will stay up as long as he needs to. Whether it's going to our softball games or movie night with my friends, he is a perfect angel well past his bedtime, then crashes as soon as the party is over. He always has his feet on something or someone. He's always been the best snuggler and will often just sit with you or lay next to you and fall asleep. He has always loved phones and bath time, is a total adrenaline junkie, and he is an amazing car traveler. Has the cutest eyes and smile, and the best hair! His cuteness always elicits comments and smiles and whispers wherever we go.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know what lottery in heaven we won that Nolan was sent to our family, because we certainly don't deserve him, but we'll take him! He is such a good, sweet tempered, patient, happy boy.
He is the light of our life and has brought so much joy to our household.
At his 12 month doctor's appointment Nolan weighed in at just over 21 lbs and is 29+ inches tall. He has 4 teeth that we know of (two on top, two on bottom), he doesn't usually let us look in his mouth #closedforbusiness. And he loves to brush those teeth! He is still obsessed with phones, remotes, computers, keys, and daddy's alarm clock. Swinging upside down by his feet, being thrown into the air, or twirling with daddy always make him smile and laugh. He doesn't really have an interest in walking, even though I'm sure he could if he wanted to. He likes to throw his food more than eat it lately, but is finally holding his own cup. It's pretty funny how he picks up his sippy or bottle full of milk, puts it in his mouth, and swings his head back like he's throwing one back, then slams it down like he just finished a pint. He's a fast crawler and loves being chased. You can hear his cute little feet and hands pounding the ground from another room. His current favorite things to do include pulling his socks off, throwing everything he can find in the bathroom into the tub, and shaking his head 'no.' He's very persistent and will use any tactic to get what he wants.
A trip to the park to play
Coloring! Ahh, he looks so big in this picture, like he knows what he's doing!
A tuckered out birthday boy
First up, opening gifts! We got him a new toy, a book, some slippers, and pajamas. And he loved the wooden puzzle cars from Gm and Gp Mathews and Aunt Mallory.
This cute piggy bank came from Gm and Gp Bailey! Justin might be more excited about it than Nolan at this point, but it's super cute. And Aunt Brianna sent a cute 'Keep Calm' onesie.
And the best part about a 1 year old's birthday? Eating (i.e. smashing) a cake!
Nolan was pretty funny with it. When we first set the cake in front of him he just kind of dipped one finger into the frosting and ate it, then all of the sudden he took one hand and dug it into the cake haha. After smushing it with one hand he remembered he has a second hand and the cake was toast. I think he had a good time with it haha!
I think he liked his new toy from mom and dad. It was so cute how he would press the button, then look proudly at his daddy like, "look what I did!"
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
After cake and presents we went out to one of our favorite restaurants, Spaghetti Factory! Nolan loves spaghetti so we figured he would approve of the choice :)
...of course he loved the mizithra cheese and meat sauce pasta. We knew he would, he's a Bailey!
He loved getting his own little ice cream with a candle in it! And he was even sung to!
To top it off he even got a balloon animal made for him!
On the way out we stopped at the model of old Trolley Square. Nolan loved watching the little trains go in and out!
How cute is this? They got him his own little pair of 'lounge pants'! We always talk about how important it is to have good, comfortable lounge pants for movie night and they figured Nolan needed in on that action too :)
I'm dying, so cute! Thanks Sara and Lis!
I truly cannot believe it's been a year since he was born.
It really does seem like yesterday that Justin and I were sitting on our couch, wondering aloud what our baby would look like, what we would name him, and what kind of personality he would have. Then, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity, he finally came, 3 days after his due date, on November 20, 2014.
I have been thinking a lot about that day, and replaying the moments I don't think I'll ever forget. The moment I felt my water break just after we had finally gotten into bed at midnight. Me going to the bathroom and coming out to all the lights on and Justin scurrying about packing last minute things into our bag and getting the number for the doctor. The quiet drive to the hospital (nothing like it is in the movies) where we just talked - about the future, our excitement, and how our lives were about to change. We couldn't believe we were finally about to meet our son. Then there was the very comfortable labor where we just rested and tried to get some sleep (thank you epidural!). Then came the pushing. Three and a half hours of pushing! And the doctor excitedly exclaiming "he's got a mohawk!" as he made his entrance into the world.
They put him on my chest and I instantly felt that all encompassing, didn't-even-know-you-had-it-in-you love that so many people tried to describe to me, but that I didn't quite understand until it actually happened to me. He was the most perfect thing I had ever seen and I couldn't believe he was mine. He's my son. I am his mom. It's incredible the love we both felt for this little human we had just met only seconds before.
He started nursing and I remember marveling at how natural it was, how he really just knew what to do (ya, that didn't last). They took him away to clean him up a bit and weigh and measure him while the doctor worked to stitch me up. I was so happy, even if a bit jealous, that Justin got to spend that first 45 minutes with him. I think Justin melted into a puddle on the floor when one of the first things Nolan did was reach up and grab his finger. The tender moment turned hilarious when about 5 seconds after being laid down Nolan peed straight up in the air. It was definitely a "that's my boy!" moment ☺. As for me, I don't remember ever being so tired and exhausted in my whole life. When they finally finished stitching me up they gave him to me but I was so weak that I couldn't even hold him. It broke my heart to have to ask them to take him back because I literally couldn't hold his weight. I remember crying because I felt like the worst mom in the whole world.
The weakness soon passed though and I felt overwhelming happiness and pride when I held him again. I'll never forget my mom walking into the room after we got settled. She took one look at Nolan and said, "he's the most perfect thing you've ever done." Truth.
We finally decided to name him Nolan Douglas Bailey. We actually settled on Nolan fairly quickly, but the middle name was a bit of a struggle. Justin wanted Douglas for his dad, and I wanted Michael for my dad. I always joke that Justin had to do some serious negotiating to get the Douglas in there (cooking once a week for a year, back rubs, that I could have my pick for the next son, etc.). But truthfully, I think Nolan Douglas fits him perfectly and I love it.
This picture is seriously my favorite! It was taken just as we were leaving the hospital. It's a little hard to tell because the outfit was a little big, but it's a BYU onesie that says "There's no crying in football" with a stretch Y. Appropriate attire since it was game day and we literally made it home just in time for the game ☺
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
This year has been all at once the longest and shortest year of our lives. I think we finally understand just how much our parents love us and have done for us. We have been exhausted, frustrated, anxious, and realized how much (or how little) patience we really have. But at the same time we've never been happier. Nolan brings so much love and joy into our home. There's more fun, more laughter, more smiles, and more silliness. We're enjoying parenthood and love observing each other in our new roles. Justin especially has shown time and again that he is a patient, forgiving, compassionate, thoughtful man, and a good husband and father.
And even though I'm far from perfect, and sometimes feel like I'm just meddling with this perfect little spirit that Heavenly Father has sent to us - I love being a mom. I love the joy that a child brings into a home. I love seeing the world through new eyes. I love being the recipient of a child's unconditional love. It's a wonderful feeling to be needed, and to know that your arms are the safest place in the world to this little person. I know this stage won't last forever, and I'm sure each new stage brings it's own energy and excitement. But I sure wouldn't mind if time slowed down just a little bit.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
It has been so fun to watch his personality develop. His likes, dislikes, and interests are changing all the time, but a few things have never changed: He has always loved being outside and has an infectious laugh. He never wants to miss out on the party, and will stay up as long as he needs to. Whether it's going to our softball games or movie night with my friends, he is a perfect angel well past his bedtime, then crashes as soon as the party is over. He always has his feet on something or someone. He's always been the best snuggler and will often just sit with you or lay next to you and fall asleep. He has always loved phones and bath time, is a total adrenaline junkie, and he is an amazing car traveler. Has the cutest eyes and smile, and the best hair! His cuteness always elicits comments and smiles and whispers wherever we go.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know what lottery in heaven we won that Nolan was sent to our family, because we certainly don't deserve him, but we'll take him! He is such a good, sweet tempered, patient, happy boy.
He is the light of our life and has brought so much joy to our household.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
At his 12 month doctor's appointment Nolan weighed in at just over 21 lbs and is 29+ inches tall. He has 4 teeth that we know of (two on top, two on bottom), he doesn't usually let us look in his mouth #closedforbusiness. And he loves to brush those teeth! He is still obsessed with phones, remotes, computers, keys, and daddy's alarm clock. Swinging upside down by his feet, being thrown into the air, or twirling with daddy always make him smile and laugh. He doesn't really have an interest in walking, even though I'm sure he could if he wanted to. He likes to throw his food more than eat it lately, but is finally holding his own cup. It's pretty funny how he picks up his sippy or bottle full of milk, puts it in his mouth, and swings his head back like he's throwing one back, then slams it down like he just finished a pint. He's a fast crawler and loves being chased. You can hear his cute little feet and hands pounding the ground from another room. His current favorite things to do include pulling his socks off, throwing everything he can find in the bathroom into the tub, and shaking his head 'no.' He's very persistent and will use any tactic to get what he wants.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Jeanni made sure Nolan's big day started off right with a chalk "Happy Birthday" written on the steps and a sign on the front door.
We are just so grateful for Jeanni and how much she loves Nolan and takes such good care of him. I have to say, I think Nolan has the whole Hobbs family wrapped around his little finger!! Jeanni's boys are his favorite pals and her husband, Dan, is always sad if Nolan leaves for the weekend before he gets to say goodbye. It's pretty cute.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
First up, opening gifts! We got him a new toy, a book, some slippers, and pajamas. And he loved the wooden puzzle cars from Gm and Gp Mathews and Aunt Mallory.
And the best part about a 1 year old's birthday? Eating (i.e. smashing) a cake!
Nolan was pretty funny with it. When we first set the cake in front of him he just kind of dipped one finger into the frosting and ate it, then all of the sudden he took one hand and dug it into the cake haha. After smushing it with one hand he remembered he has a second hand and the cake was toast. I think he had a good time with it haha!
I think he liked his new toy from mom and dad. It was so cute how he would press the button, then look proudly at his daddy like, "look what I did!"
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
After cake and presents we went out to one of our favorite restaurants, Spaghetti Factory! Nolan loves spaghetti so we figured he would approve of the choice :)
He loved getting his own little ice cream with a candle in it! And he was even sung to!
The boys being silly
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
My seriously amazing friends came over for our usual movie night and brought Nolan a birthday present! They are too sweet!
How cute is this? They got him his own little pair of 'lounge pants'! We always talk about how important it is to have good, comfortable lounge pants for movie night and they figured Nolan needed in on that action too :)
I'm dying, so cute! Thanks Sara and Lis!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Happy happy birthday to the sweetest, happiest little boy in the whole world! We love you Nolan!!
1 comment:
Happy Happy Birthday Nolan!
Loved this blog, made by eyes leak a little. We are also so in love with this little guy. It is so enjoyable to read all about his birthday and your emotions being a new mom. We love that you and Justin and such good parents. Makes us feel like we did a pretty good job raising him.
Nolan sounds alot like Justin in many ways. Especially the snuggly part and always putting his feet on things, ie especially my head in our bed.
We are super glad you liked the piggy bank. It took us some researching to find the right place to get it customized. It looks super cute.
We are also looking forward to eating spaghetti with Nolan and confirming his natural "Bailey" love for Old Spaghetti Factory and the mizithra cheese etc.
Thanks for another great blog post. Keep em coming, you are awesome!
Dad/Grandpa Bailey
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