Play Ball!

There was a lot of baseball going around in our family this Spring/Summer. We tried to make it to at least one of every one's games! Jon plays church league softball once a week. They usually play pretty late, so Gray and I made sure to go cheer dad on at one of the early games. Gray LOVES watching. He especially loves to watch the batters swing. He laughs almost every time!

Next was Cole. This was Cole's first year to play t-ball and not only does he love it, but he's awesome! It was so fun to watch him play and I'm pretty sure there's nothing cuter than those little baseball pants. I think Gray fell asleep so I didn't get a pic of him and his big cousin, but Cole and the little miss are pretty stinkin' cute on their own!

This was also Cruse's first t-ball season. I'm telling you, there is nothing cuter than watching these little boys run around the field! Cruse played great and was given the game token from the other team after the game for being an awesome player and a good sport. He was super excited and we were all so proud. The picture of Gray with Cade and Cruse makes my heart so happy!!!! We missed Cade play this season, but we will definitely be there to cheer him on this fall! I can't wait for Gray to follow in his big cousin's (and daddy's) footsteps and become a big baseball player. 

Remembering Smith

On April 29, 2011, Smith Randle Bailey was born. 2 years ago. And all too quickly, he was gone on May 10, 2011. 2 years ago. This year, we brought new flowers and Jon picked out a baseball to bring him on his birthday. (The little fire truck in the picture is from his first birthday last year. Can you believe it's still there?)

Gray was asleep in the car, so we walked over to the grave site just to two of us. We didn't stay long, but our time was sweet and somber. So many emotions fill my heart when I sit and reflect on the life and loss of my baby boy. I go through lots of "I wish I could haves" and "I should haves" but once I get control over my mind, I can reflect in peace about the joy my glorious child's life and death has brought me.

Smith made Jon and I parents for the first time. His fragile life and death have shaped every aspect of the parents we are today with Gray. Smith's life and death strengthened our marriage and restored my soul. It taught me so much about myself and so much about my faith. It taught me the Lord is always good. Even as tears stream down and sorrow engulfs my heart, He is good.

I love to see how Smith's short life touched the hearts of many. His life had such purpose and so did his death. The purpose may not always be clear or obvious and I may never be able to pinpoint it, but I can rest in knowing my God was, is and forever will be in control of my life.

I wish I had more time to get to know him.
I wish I could have held him before his last hours.
I wish I could have been more present.
I wish my body had not failed him.

But as I said before, when I can turn off my mind, I am reminded of the power of God's amazing grace.

It is by His grace that my heart was not hardened.
It is by His grace that I can proclaim He is good.
It is by His grace that I continue to put my trust in Him.
It is by His grace that I am set free.

Happy Birthday sweet angel baby. For you and the Lord have given me so much and I will cling to our love forever.

Team Smith

I know its been almost 2 months since I've posted on this little blog of mine (as I'm constantly reminded by my mother). Its been a busy summer, but I'm going to try to play catch up. First, I wanted to make sure I didn't pass over the March for Babies walk we participated in back in April. Last year, Jon walked with friends and family the day I was released from the hospital after having Gray. He walked in memory of Smith, our first born, just days after Gray was born. This year, I was excited to join Team Smith and walk with my family to honor both my boys!

 

I have to say a huge thank you to my friends and family who walked with us and for those who couldn't walk, but bought t-shirts and/or made donations to our team. We raised over $2,000 for March of Dimes so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! This walk is a family tradition we will continue to enjoy as a way to remember Smith and to support to work of such a great cause.

Walking with Gray, in memory of his brother was sweet. I felt so grateful for Gray's health and life and so thankful for God's work in my life through the birth and death of Smith. Both of my boys are true treasures from the Lord! And did I mention what an AMAZING FAMILY and FRIENDS I have?!?! If you're interested, we'd love to have your support for the March for Babies 2013!!!

gray's first birthday party: Part 1

Welcome to Gray's 1st Birthday Party!!! I decided on a vintage Mickey theme for his party because he LOVES Mickey Mouse and I wanted to keep it a little more baby. I had lots of help from my mom, sister and mother-in-law....thank you lovely ladies!!!!! So enjoy part one of our big boy's party in pictures.

(This was the invitation Nancy helped me make. She cut our the ears and red circles to I could assemble all the parts. The cream circle pulled out of Mickey's "pants" with all the party details and I glued the buttons on for the finishing touch! Loves how they turned out!!!!)

Mickey Oreo pops! Thanks Mom for your help with these little buggers:)

We had Firehouse Subs, chips, veggies, fruit kabobs and yummy dip!

Probably my only disappointment from the party was Mickey's droopy ears on the cake. I wanted it to mimic his invitations. Droopy ears aside, it was still super cute and tasted AMAZING which is the most important part anyway right?

Nancy made this amazing centerpiece for me!!!!! Can't even stand how much i loved it!!!

Present time! Our family and friends were so generous...Gray's a lucky boy.

I ordered this hat and bib off Etsy!!!! I have an entire photo shoot with this goodness that I will share soon.

Smash CAKE

He was a fan!!! After his first cake experience, we've learned our boy takes after his Mama. He LOVES him some SWEETS!!!

Is there any more?!?!

I will post more soon. We have so many pictures!!!!!!