Bailey and Chris

I sat here again debating what to write about.  I decided Bailey and Chris's relationship would be nice.  They made a really cute couple, had a great love story and spent a lot of time together.

As is the case with parents sometimes, I was one of the last to know Chris was dating.  I don't think it was a secret particularly but more so a guy thing where it never occurred to mention it.  For God sake... This is huge information for a mom!!!! How could he not share? Seemed like another one of those areas where my boys were withholding my motherly rights to know and get excited!  This is important in my world.  I want to know whose spending time with my boy and I sure would like to meet her!

First experience for me was a night Chris met Bailey at the movie theatre.  He didn't have a car or his night license at the time so I picked him up.  When the movie was over out he came alone, he left her in the lobby!  I sent him back in to wait with her telling him that wasn't proper.  He headed back in and waited for her mom to arrive.  

I tucked that one in the back of my head... We needed to have a little chat about watching out for Bailey and taking care of his girlfriend.  He needed a talk on being a gentleman...

Interestingly enough, he caught on pretty fast and I believe he learned and enjoyed how to protect, love and respect her.  They had a blast together.  

I personally liked that they went to two different high schools.  Something about it logistically made me feel like they appreciated each other just a touch more because there was a sense of anticipation in waiting to see one another after school and on the weekends.  I know they texted and chatter often but I felt they could concentrate on school easier without seeing each other in between classes, probably just my own wishful thinking.  Made sense to me though!

I wish I could remember the exact day I spent time with Bailey, I just don't recall specifically. I feel like I've known her for years.  She's a part of our family.  Her sister and parents are too.  Feels like a natural blend.  They've been here, we've been there and we've gone out together.  The Wind's always seemed to be taking Chris somewhere with them too.  I used to feel bad about the financial expense he must have added but every time I turned around they had another excursion planned and Chris was on the invitation list.  He was definitely not an inexpensive addition!  Being the socialite he was, Chris always wanted approval to go.  He usually got it.

Bailey and Chris juggled their schedules really nicely.  She had diving practice or personal training often and Chris had football daily.  He'd bring his homework and spend time at her house right after practice or she would come up for a couple hours after hers.  It appeared to me they were actually completing homework and they both got good grades so there wasn't a reason to curb the visits.

Weekends got a bit dicey as the football players wanted Chris's time too and this girlfriend thing wasn't the best from their perspective.  They made it known and objected to having their guy time cut.  There was Xbox to play and wings to go out and eat! Chris figured if he saw Bailey early then he could he get to his friends by eleven or midnight and spend time with them too.  It appeared to work out eventually.  Especially when his friends began dating too... Then they understood a little better.  Bailey needed her girl time too.  Chris wasn't the only one being tugged.

The two of them did all sorts of fun things around town.  Rode the kiddie rides at Hoffman's Playland, took day trips to Lake George, spent countless dollars at Sixteen Handles on expensive frozen yogurt, tried every Recovery Room in the capital district, dressed up and headed for proms, went apple picking, mini golfing, and bowling and took long walks around the neighborhood.  It was extraordinary to watch.  They were in love.

Chris was so proud when Bailey signed her letter of intent for the University of Tennessee. He asked if I would write him a note so he could get out early and be at Shaker for the press release.  Of course I said yes.  He text me from the school upon arrival excited he didn't miss anything.  He sent me a picture and told me to put the TV on (which I couldn't because we don't have one in the office).  He wanted the world to know he had an amazing girlfriend. He did for sure!  She's the best.

Bailey came over to see me last night.  She visits often and we love each other’s company. It feels good to have her in the house comfortable and relaxed.  When she's here I know for certain Chris is here too, we don't have to wonder who he might be visiting.  When we're together we know he's spending time with his mom and girlfriend and that's the best.

Thanks for reading.