Today was a special day where I remembered one of the greatest days ever - when I finally held sweet Taylor in my arms. We had pancakes this morning and then went to the library for the "Singing Zoologist". Followed that up with Dairy Queen, a nap, and then dinner out as a family - Taylor's choice of pizza! After she went to bed I took a trip down memory lane and watched this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k5lqlt-Pir4
Love you my sweet girl - I love the big sister you are to Josh. You always look after him and take such good care of him making sure he has what he needs (as long as it's not one of "your" toys that you want to play with;)). I love how smart, goofy, and joyous you are. I love your smile and giggle. I love your spirit. I love your green eyes that are rimmed in blue some days and I love taking care of and spending time with you. Here's to many more happy birthdays.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Taylor's Mirror Time
The other night after bath time, Taylor was looking in the mirror...
I think she likes what she sees...I hope she always does. Her daddy also likes what he sees; I think he, like me, may totally be in love with her.
I think she likes what she sees...I hope she always does. Her daddy also likes what he sees; I think he, like me, may totally be in love with her.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Fort
I have a friend from college who I respect greatly...even though I haven't seen or talked to her in over ten years she is such an inspiration to me even today. How can that be? It's through her blog. She and her husband are in full-time ministry with college students, she "stays at home" with her three sons (how does she do that?), and maintains a blog. In one of her postings she said that in the midst of the daily routine, she always tries to do something different. I get the idea that sometimes it's a big different and sometimes a little different. I'm trying to be more like that. I don't succeed every day, but at this point I count it "success" if I get something special/different done once a week. I'd like to share them/record them as they happen. So, a few weeks ago, I made this for Taylor:
We also enjoyed being a little secluded from Josh for a few minutes (although we could still see him):
I look forward to the day that Josh and Taylor make much larger forts together.
It only took a few minutes to execute and I have to remember how easy/simple doing some special can be instead of being caught up in the pressure of doing something BIG.
She doesn't totally get how COOL forts can be, but we enjoyed our afternoon snack in it (above you can tell she did want me to join her although she does look like she's humoring me in this pic):
We also enjoyed being a little secluded from Josh for a few minutes (although we could still see him):
I look forward to the day that Josh and Taylor make much larger forts together.
It only took a few minutes to execute and I have to remember how easy/simple doing some special can be instead of being caught up in the pressure of doing something BIG.
DJ Cutie-Pie
DJ Cutie Pie came to be when the hat that came with the purchase of last winter's coat was combined with sunglasses several months ago. She recently made an appearance in Portland
Taylor LOVES her hat and sunglasses and anytime she sees the hat, she'll chant "hat, hat, hat", and sign it by patting the top of her head. Love it. Love her. Don't know who's going to miss that hat more...me or Taylor.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Dallas Trip
So, I’m attempting this blog thing again – maybe I’ll get better at it now that I have more friends farther away :)
We’ve been in Portland for over four weeks now and slowly getting settled. Brian seems to really enjoy his new job – and they enjoy him; the perfect combo. The kids and I are getting into a routine of sorts. We’ve found Taylor a part-time daycare, but she doesn’t begin for another three weeks so we’ve had some extra time together – been good for all of us. I’m really going to miss her when she starts “school” again.
She’s been pushing us to potty train her. I’m going to have to get a couple of supplies, but I don’t think we’ll be able to hold her off much longer – without it becoming detrimental to the process, so hopefully by the end of the week we’ll be ready to go (if not sooner). If all goes well, hopefully she’ll be in good shape before she begins daycare.
This past weekend I drove the kids up to Dallas so I could have my post-baby check-up with my beloved doctor. I’m going to miss her so much, and if anyone ever needs an OB-GYN in Dallas, let me know – love recommending her. I even shed a few tears over our last appointment and have considered driving up once a year just to see her – as unrealistic as that would be; I should have one here “just in case” I know. The trip, to say the least was an adventure.
Taylor, Josh, and I left Thursday morning – swinging by Brian’s work so he could say goodbye; we were on the road by 10:15 and made it to south San Antonio for lunch – Chick-fil-A is such a great place to be with kids when you’re on your own. They always bring my food to me and most the time offer to get the high chair. They also tend to check-up on me to make sure I don’t need more drinks or anything. This time, they even helped me get the kids back to the car – maybe I looked completely overwhelmed. The stop took longer than I hoped – over an hour and a half due to long lunch lines, Josh wanting to eat, and Taylor wanting to play J but we did get back into the car and on our way…almost making it to Austin before J-man informed me he did not want to wait any longer to eat – McDonalds it was (also meant we hit more rush-hour traffic than I hoped). Taylor learned that Chocolate milk shakes are yummy…We stopped in Waco for dinner – yay for Chuy”s and finally got to the hotel shortly before ten; needless to say I was exhausted and without my wedding band (still haven’t found it and feel it’s lost forever and am glad that at least I have my engagement ring, but I do really miss that band).
Friday brought my first challenge (in Dallas) and Brian’s favorite story – he’s really upset he missed it, but if he’d been there, then it wouldn’t have happened... I was getting ready for lunch with a dear friend and her daughter. I was completely on time and decided to get the diaper bag together before I fed Josh (trying to maximize time between feedings so I could make lunch as long as possible). We had a connecting room in the hotel – living room on one side of the connecting door and the bedroom on the other – both had entry points from the hallway. All three of us were in the bedroom area. Luckily after my shower I decided to put on shorts along with my bra (I limited the clothes I was putting on just in case Josh spit-up while he ate; I didn’t want to have to change again). I went into the living room to get the room key and my wallet and as I got to the couch I heard a bang. My heart sank. I knew the connecting door had been closed from the other side by my adorable little daughter and that she would be unable to open it form the other side. I quickly explored my options…call the front desk for help or go into the hallway and see if I could get in from there (hoping my memory was wrong and I had removed the “deadbolt” and that I wouldn’t come across anyone in the hallway). I knew the hallway was the fastest option and the one I had to explore first, so I opened the door and saw a nine-year old boy standing with his back to me playing a game. I thought/hoped I could test the door fast enough – before he turned around or anyone else came out. Of course it took me longer to test the door than I wanted and the deadbolt was still in tact. As I turned around to get back into the living room, I saw the boy along with his brother, mom, and dad walking my. I apologized to the dad and quickly explained I was locked out by Taylor – I’d like to believe he gave me a “knowing, we’ve all been there, sympathetic” look…either that or he just thought I was an idiot J
My next move was to call the front desk and explain the situation. My favorite moment was when I needed to explain that I wasn’t fully dressed. They asked me if I could “hide” while they were there. I just figured I needed to suck it up and deal. I talked to Taylor through the connecting door while I waited for the “engineer” and she sounded a little upset. While I waited I realized that there were hand towels in the half-bath on my side of the room. I fashioned a very cute top by hooking two towels under my arms – I think the look will be on all the fashion runways J The engineer came and informed me he couldn’t open the connecting door and was going to have to go through the hallway. He opened the bedroom door as much as the deadbolt would allow, told me to talk to Taylor and ran down the hall. At this point, Taylor was sounding a bit more panicked. I got down on my hands and knees to talk to her at her level. It took her a minute or so but she managed to get so she could see me. I then saw her struggle a little bit with her arms, twisting her torso around. A moment later I saw her arm come through – with the bag of donuts in them…I guess she was more concerned about her breakfast than being stuck in the room without me. I’m glad she wasn’t traumatized J We made it to our lunch just a little late and had a great time catching up with a good friend and her daughter.
The rest of the day was uneventful…doctor’s appointment, a little shopping, no nap, quick dinner out and picking Brian up at the airport – I was so happy to know I wasn’t on my own anymore…as was Taylor J
The rest of the weekend was fairly relaxing. Had lunch with some good friends and came back to the hotel for naps. We then had a late dinner with our old neighbors – miss them so much. Sunday was church to see some friends and worship the way we miss followed by lunch with our old small group (and good friends). Three couples with four kids makes it difficult for conversation, but it’s so good to see everyone (adults and kids) interacting. Moments like that I’m missing down here so far, but am confident God will provide them in due time. After lunch, we fed Josh and hit the road. The trip back was a little faster/easier than the trip down minus the speeding ticket I received (I promise the speed limit sign read 65 and not 60…and the 3 signs we passed within a quarter of a mile would agree with me – the cop said that “all along there had a speed limit of 60”, yet just around the bend from where we were stopped read “65”…so incredibly frustrating! No, I’m not over my first speeding ticket yet).
So I wrote most of this in one day and then the last couple of paragraphs later…this last paragraph much later (we’ve now been here for almost 7 weeks). Hopefully I’ll be better about updating the blog, but I make no promises ;)
We’ve been in Portland for over four weeks now and slowly getting settled. Brian seems to really enjoy his new job – and they enjoy him; the perfect combo. The kids and I are getting into a routine of sorts. We’ve found Taylor a part-time daycare, but she doesn’t begin for another three weeks so we’ve had some extra time together – been good for all of us. I’m really going to miss her when she starts “school” again.
She’s been pushing us to potty train her. I’m going to have to get a couple of supplies, but I don’t think we’ll be able to hold her off much longer – without it becoming detrimental to the process, so hopefully by the end of the week we’ll be ready to go (if not sooner). If all goes well, hopefully she’ll be in good shape before she begins daycare.
This past weekend I drove the kids up to Dallas so I could have my post-baby check-up with my beloved doctor. I’m going to miss her so much, and if anyone ever needs an OB-GYN in Dallas, let me know – love recommending her. I even shed a few tears over our last appointment and have considered driving up once a year just to see her – as unrealistic as that would be; I should have one here “just in case” I know. The trip, to say the least was an adventure.
Taylor, Josh, and I left Thursday morning – swinging by Brian’s work so he could say goodbye; we were on the road by 10:15 and made it to south San Antonio for lunch – Chick-fil-A is such a great place to be with kids when you’re on your own. They always bring my food to me and most the time offer to get the high chair. They also tend to check-up on me to make sure I don’t need more drinks or anything. This time, they even helped me get the kids back to the car – maybe I looked completely overwhelmed. The stop took longer than I hoped – over an hour and a half due to long lunch lines, Josh wanting to eat, and Taylor wanting to play J but we did get back into the car and on our way…almost making it to Austin before J-man informed me he did not want to wait any longer to eat – McDonalds it was (also meant we hit more rush-hour traffic than I hoped). Taylor learned that Chocolate milk shakes are yummy…We stopped in Waco for dinner – yay for Chuy”s and finally got to the hotel shortly before ten; needless to say I was exhausted and without my wedding band (still haven’t found it and feel it’s lost forever and am glad that at least I have my engagement ring, but I do really miss that band).
Friday brought my first challenge (in Dallas) and Brian’s favorite story – he’s really upset he missed it, but if he’d been there, then it wouldn’t have happened... I was getting ready for lunch with a dear friend and her daughter. I was completely on time and decided to get the diaper bag together before I fed Josh (trying to maximize time between feedings so I could make lunch as long as possible). We had a connecting room in the hotel – living room on one side of the connecting door and the bedroom on the other – both had entry points from the hallway. All three of us were in the bedroom area. Luckily after my shower I decided to put on shorts along with my bra (I limited the clothes I was putting on just in case Josh spit-up while he ate; I didn’t want to have to change again). I went into the living room to get the room key and my wallet and as I got to the couch I heard a bang. My heart sank. I knew the connecting door had been closed from the other side by my adorable little daughter and that she would be unable to open it form the other side. I quickly explored my options…call the front desk for help or go into the hallway and see if I could get in from there (hoping my memory was wrong and I had removed the “deadbolt” and that I wouldn’t come across anyone in the hallway). I knew the hallway was the fastest option and the one I had to explore first, so I opened the door and saw a nine-year old boy standing with his back to me playing a game. I thought/hoped I could test the door fast enough – before he turned around or anyone else came out. Of course it took me longer to test the door than I wanted and the deadbolt was still in tact. As I turned around to get back into the living room, I saw the boy along with his brother, mom, and dad walking my. I apologized to the dad and quickly explained I was locked out by Taylor – I’d like to believe he gave me a “knowing, we’ve all been there, sympathetic” look…either that or he just thought I was an idiot J
My next move was to call the front desk and explain the situation. My favorite moment was when I needed to explain that I wasn’t fully dressed. They asked me if I could “hide” while they were there. I just figured I needed to suck it up and deal. I talked to Taylor through the connecting door while I waited for the “engineer” and she sounded a little upset. While I waited I realized that there were hand towels in the half-bath on my side of the room. I fashioned a very cute top by hooking two towels under my arms – I think the look will be on all the fashion runways J The engineer came and informed me he couldn’t open the connecting door and was going to have to go through the hallway. He opened the bedroom door as much as the deadbolt would allow, told me to talk to Taylor and ran down the hall. At this point, Taylor was sounding a bit more panicked. I got down on my hands and knees to talk to her at her level. It took her a minute or so but she managed to get so she could see me. I then saw her struggle a little bit with her arms, twisting her torso around. A moment later I saw her arm come through – with the bag of donuts in them…I guess she was more concerned about her breakfast than being stuck in the room without me. I’m glad she wasn’t traumatized J We made it to our lunch just a little late and had a great time catching up with a good friend and her daughter.
The rest of the day was uneventful…doctor’s appointment, a little shopping, no nap, quick dinner out and picking Brian up at the airport – I was so happy to know I wasn’t on my own anymore…as was Taylor J
The rest of the weekend was fairly relaxing. Had lunch with some good friends and came back to the hotel for naps. We then had a late dinner with our old neighbors – miss them so much. Sunday was church to see some friends and worship the way we miss followed by lunch with our old small group (and good friends). Three couples with four kids makes it difficult for conversation, but it’s so good to see everyone (adults and kids) interacting. Moments like that I’m missing down here so far, but am confident God will provide them in due time. After lunch, we fed Josh and hit the road. The trip back was a little faster/easier than the trip down minus the speeding ticket I received (I promise the speed limit sign read 65 and not 60…and the 3 signs we passed within a quarter of a mile would agree with me – the cop said that “all along there had a speed limit of 60”, yet just around the bend from where we were stopped read “65”…so incredibly frustrating! No, I’m not over my first speeding ticket yet).
So I wrote most of this in one day and then the last couple of paragraphs later…this last paragraph much later (we’ve now been here for almost 7 weeks). Hopefully I’ll be better about updating the blog, but I make no promises ;)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Taylor Update
Wrote this back on Sept 8, 2010...I enjoyed reading through it just now, so I thought I'd post for others (and myself later). Makes me realize how great this blog could be (for me) if I kept up on it. Will try a lot harder....oh and an update/spoiler...she did eventually start to walk - on her 19-month birthday and yes, her doctor did want us to get her checked out; she went through some therapy, but basically just decided she wanted to and could do it, so she did.
So, I really kind of stink at this blogging thing...maybe I'll get better; maybe I won't...maybe people will read it; maybe they won't....
Taylor turned 14 months old on Monday - can you believe it? I can't. She really does warm our hearts on a daily basis (as I'm sure all kids can do for their parents). She is finally having a desire to stand and is so proud of herself when she does (with our help). She has this amazing little wide smile and her eyes light out and sometimes she even goes "mmmm"...beyond cute. She is even taking some steps in front...on her own accord and will "walk with me" if I help. I hope to get that on video before she is off an running. She is trying to pull up and can get on her knees easily; she has begun to put one leg out (as if she was trying to get it under her), but she still has a little ways to go. She is getting stronger every day though.
It's weird - her not walking really hasn't bothered me. What bothers me is the 15 month lecture we may get if she isn't walking. The fact that I am dreading her 15 month check-up tells me I probably need to find a new pediatrician before then...maybe I'll start on that today. It's not that she's an awful doctor; we just aren't jelling like I would like. The 12-month check-up made me feel like such a failure and I don't think that's how I should feel when leaving. I also was confused and didn't know what to do - had a great idea of what I was doing wrong (in her eyes), but didn't have an execution plan. So frustrating. I mean, if Taylor was really behind across the board, I may be more concerned (and don't get me wrong; hind-sight being 20/20; there are some things I would do differently if given the chance), but she just hasn't had a desire to move....her scoots serve her well enough in her eyes (and man, she can scoot).
Am I rambling and all over the place yet?
From about 4 months or so Taylor has been a good sleeper. She cried when being put down but not for long and eventually is subsided. Well, a couple of months ago she started to cry again. Made me so sad and made bed-time and nap-time way less enjoyable. I missed my non-crying baby (I know, I have it so rough...the girl sleeps like 15 hours a day; who am I to complain if she cries for a minute or two when put down?) Well, a couple of weeks ago she stopped crying again (most of the time). In fact, last Friday night (10 days ago), she nursed, we read a story out of her Bible, said our prayers, and then I wanted to cuddle with her for a minute. Well, within a minute of us finishing up our prayers, she started to cry. Brian came in, picked her up, gave her a hug, we both kissed her goodnight, placed her in her crib and left the room - as soon as we were out of the door she stopped crying. Yes, our baby girl kicked us out of her room so she could sleep! She did that again 2 nights later. Amazing :)
So, I really kind of stink at this blogging thing...maybe I'll get better; maybe I won't...maybe people will read it; maybe they won't....
Taylor turned 14 months old on Monday - can you believe it? I can't. She really does warm our hearts on a daily basis (as I'm sure all kids can do for their parents). She is finally having a desire to stand and is so proud of herself when she does (with our help). She has this amazing little wide smile and her eyes light out and sometimes she even goes "mmmm"...beyond cute. She is even taking some steps in front...on her own accord and will "walk with me" if I help. I hope to get that on video before she is off an running. She is trying to pull up and can get on her knees easily; she has begun to put one leg out (as if she was trying to get it under her), but she still has a little ways to go. She is getting stronger every day though.
It's weird - her not walking really hasn't bothered me. What bothers me is the 15 month lecture we may get if she isn't walking. The fact that I am dreading her 15 month check-up tells me I probably need to find a new pediatrician before then...maybe I'll start on that today. It's not that she's an awful doctor; we just aren't jelling like I would like. The 12-month check-up made me feel like such a failure and I don't think that's how I should feel when leaving. I also was confused and didn't know what to do - had a great idea of what I was doing wrong (in her eyes), but didn't have an execution plan. So frustrating. I mean, if Taylor was really behind across the board, I may be more concerned (and don't get me wrong; hind-sight being 20/20; there are some things I would do differently if given the chance), but she just hasn't had a desire to move....her scoots serve her well enough in her eyes (and man, she can scoot).
Am I rambling and all over the place yet?
From about 4 months or so Taylor has been a good sleeper. She cried when being put down but not for long and eventually is subsided. Well, a couple of months ago she started to cry again. Made me so sad and made bed-time and nap-time way less enjoyable. I missed my non-crying baby (I know, I have it so rough...the girl sleeps like 15 hours a day; who am I to complain if she cries for a minute or two when put down?) Well, a couple of weeks ago she stopped crying again (most of the time). In fact, last Friday night (10 days ago), she nursed, we read a story out of her Bible, said our prayers, and then I wanted to cuddle with her for a minute. Well, within a minute of us finishing up our prayers, she started to cry. Brian came in, picked her up, gave her a hug, we both kissed her goodnight, placed her in her crib and left the room - as soon as we were out of the door she stopped crying. Yes, our baby girl kicked us out of her room so she could sleep! She did that again 2 nights later. Amazing :)
Oh, and something else she did then that I loved (and miss, because she doesn't do as much)...when she hugged you, she would say "hug"; well the g was silent, but you get the idea :)
Oh, How I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways...
I went to Central Market last week and the ways in which I love that store just jumped out at me (in no particular order)....
1) They have an annual hatch chile festival (and other cool things...)
2) They have a ton of different pre-cooked meals you can choose from (did this much more when Brian and I were just married)
3) They have knowledgeable staff members who can actually answer questions (and are around to answer them)
4) They have free samples
5) They have a great wine selection (again, with people to help)
6) They allowed me to take 2 buns out of a pack of 8
7) They ask paper or plastic
8) They give you ice at check-out so your meet doesn't go bad on the way home
9) They have an amazing selection of fruits and vegetables (and meat and seafood and baked goods and cheeses...seriously, they have almost everything).
10) They had these amazing hatch chile and asadero cheese burgers.
11) A lot of their prices are actually really quite good
There is only two problems with it - too easy to spend a small fortune because everything is so yummy and it's too far from the house to go on a weekly basis (which may actually be a good thing)...
1) They have an annual hatch chile festival (and other cool things...)
2) They have a ton of different pre-cooked meals you can choose from (did this much more when Brian and I were just married)
3) They have knowledgeable staff members who can actually answer questions (and are around to answer them)
4) They have free samples
5) They have a great wine selection (again, with people to help)
6) They allowed me to take 2 buns out of a pack of 8
7) They ask paper or plastic
8) They give you ice at check-out so your meet doesn't go bad on the way home
9) They have an amazing selection of fruits and vegetables (and meat and seafood and baked goods and cheeses...seriously, they have almost everything).
10) They had these amazing hatch chile and asadero cheese burgers.
11) A lot of their prices are actually really quite good
There is only two problems with it - too easy to spend a small fortune because everything is so yummy and it's too far from the house to go on a weekly basis (which may actually be a good thing)...
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