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)...
Friday, June 18, 2010
Taylor Update - really late!
Well, it's been forever since I've written about my little one. I'm even behind on my journal to her. I'm keeping notes in my phone, but I really need to sit down one of these days for a couple of hours and get it all recorded - before my phone loses it :)
She's been sitting up like a champ since January, but she has finally decided being at one place is not as much fun, so she has begun to scoot on her cute little toosh around the floor (she started this a week or two ago). Earlier this week she even got to a lay-down position from sitting up and really covered some distance. Gone are the days of me leaving her in the living room, knowing she will be at the same place when I get back (or leaving her on my bed while I get ready/clean). Brian and I really need to get more motivated on the "baby-proofing" thing...the living room is almost done; that just leaves the kitchen, formals, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms....yeah; we need to get on it.
Her two bottom teeth are almost completely in and her two front top teeth are getting really close - man, it looks like it hurts. We started on more "solid" foods after she was nine months old. That girl really loves her Cheerios. She gets all giddy when she sees the box or even sees us go to the pantry while she is in her high chair. She smiles really big and makes her excited noises (kind of guttural but nasal at the same time too). She has fed herself one, once, but for the most part waits for us. Okay, so she doesn't really wait for us - she'll pick them up (sometimes as many as 4 at a time, but normally only 1), and drop them in our hands. If we aren't paying attention, then she'll just reach toward us as much as possible. She will then reach her head as far forward as possible and open her mouth real wide; sometimes she'll even try to attack the Cheerio while it is still in our hands. Yesterday, there was one of the edge of the table, and she tried to eat it off of the edge! It really is one of the cutest things she does and melts my heart every time.
This morning I came into her room, and she was sitting up in her crib! First time for that, so her crib will be dropped down today at some point. When I went in there yesterday morning she was pulling on her bumper pads and I thought "oh, we are days away from her figuring out how to pull herself up"...I was right. The funny thing was that she had her back to the door and she kept on hitting her head against the top of her crib. Didn't seem to faze her, but it looked (and sounded) like it hurt.
Right now, she's on the floor playing; becoming the "taylornator"...she scoots herself to her box of toys and starts pulling. Today isn't so bad - she has only gotten 2 books, her giraffe stacking thing, her drum, and elephant train. She likes the music the drum plays, so she hits it every time it "times out" and then leaves it alone....mommy may be getting tired of that music :)
Taylor and I have had a busy week. On Tuesday we started our Father's Day project. I cleaned the kitchen floor and then moved our island and set her in the middle of it. I then got out scrap booking card stock and finger paint and away we went! I got two good footprints right off the bat, but it took me a little longer to get hand prints - she kept on wanting to close her hands. I got one of each hand (exactly one) and they are okay, but not great. I guess if Brian and I want a better one, we can make it the "fun Father's Day project" :) I'm putting this page in a scrapbook and plan on having Taylor (and future siblings if we have them) add to it each year until she's 18. I think it will be really cool (full disclosure....there is no way I came up with this on my own; I had to have gotten it from somewhere, but I don't know where - I hope I didn't steal it from any of you kind people :)) Hopefully I will have time to finish it today (or we are all in trouble).
She's been sitting up like a champ since January, but she has finally decided being at one place is not as much fun, so she has begun to scoot on her cute little toosh around the floor (she started this a week or two ago). Earlier this week she even got to a lay-down position from sitting up and really covered some distance. Gone are the days of me leaving her in the living room, knowing she will be at the same place when I get back (or leaving her on my bed while I get ready/clean). Brian and I really need to get more motivated on the "baby-proofing" thing...the living room is almost done; that just leaves the kitchen, formals, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms....yeah; we need to get on it.
Her two bottom teeth are almost completely in and her two front top teeth are getting really close - man, it looks like it hurts. We started on more "solid" foods after she was nine months old. That girl really loves her Cheerios. She gets all giddy when she sees the box or even sees us go to the pantry while she is in her high chair. She smiles really big and makes her excited noises (kind of guttural but nasal at the same time too). She has fed herself one, once, but for the most part waits for us. Okay, so she doesn't really wait for us - she'll pick them up (sometimes as many as 4 at a time, but normally only 1), and drop them in our hands. If we aren't paying attention, then she'll just reach toward us as much as possible. She will then reach her head as far forward as possible and open her mouth real wide; sometimes she'll even try to attack the Cheerio while it is still in our hands. Yesterday, there was one of the edge of the table, and she tried to eat it off of the edge! It really is one of the cutest things she does and melts my heart every time.
This morning I came into her room, and she was sitting up in her crib! First time for that, so her crib will be dropped down today at some point. When I went in there yesterday morning she was pulling on her bumper pads and I thought "oh, we are days away from her figuring out how to pull herself up"...I was right. The funny thing was that she had her back to the door and she kept on hitting her head against the top of her crib. Didn't seem to faze her, but it looked (and sounded) like it hurt.
Right now, she's on the floor playing; becoming the "taylornator"...she scoots herself to her box of toys and starts pulling. Today isn't so bad - she has only gotten 2 books, her giraffe stacking thing, her drum, and elephant train. She likes the music the drum plays, so she hits it every time it "times out" and then leaves it alone....mommy may be getting tired of that music :)
Taylor and I have had a busy week. On Tuesday we started our Father's Day project. I cleaned the kitchen floor and then moved our island and set her in the middle of it. I then got out scrap booking card stock and finger paint and away we went! I got two good footprints right off the bat, but it took me a little longer to get hand prints - she kept on wanting to close her hands. I got one of each hand (exactly one) and they are okay, but not great. I guess if Brian and I want a better one, we can make it the "fun Father's Day project" :) I'm putting this page in a scrapbook and plan on having Taylor (and future siblings if we have them) add to it each year until she's 18. I think it will be really cool (full disclosure....there is no way I came up with this on my own; I had to have gotten it from somewhere, but I don't know where - I hope I didn't steal it from any of you kind people :)) Hopefully I will have time to finish it today (or we are all in trouble).
I started this post on Friday, and it is now Saturday night. We dropped her crib down this afternoon; a smidge bittersweet. I love going into her room at night and giving her a kiss while she sleeps - especially on her cheek. I actually love kissing her cheeks and forehead when we lay her down at night. However, now she is so far down, I have to lean all the way over her crib, putting all of my weight on it just to reach her. I'm not sure the crib is built for that, but I may continue...we'll just see how much I can handle not getting those final kisses in.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pumpkin
It was bound to happen...it took ten-and-a-half months, but she has finally become attached to something besides Brian and myself...her blanket and "Pumpkin"....a little stuffed lion I bought her in December 2008....yes, 6 months before she was born. It was actually the first thing I felt "comfortable" in getting, but it was never-the-less tucked away, hidden in a closet for a couple of months before we felt comfortable looking at it daily, and then it found it's way into our beds and into our hearts. It was named Pumpkin, participated in pregnancy photos and eventually got a twin (in case something happened to it). So far, Brian and I are pretty good about not letting her have it out of her crib for more than a couple of minutes - when we pick her up in the morning or after naps she always catapults her body out of our arms to get either him or her blanket (or both). We let them snuggle for a minute or two and then back into the crib! We are even mean parents every once in a while and make her go to sleep without him - just in case there comes a time she needs to.
The blanket is a slightly different story...we rotate those as much as we remember too (every other week or so, but we know we should do it more frequently), so she seems to be okay as long as she has "A" blanket. We'll take a blanket with us to day care and church in case she needs a little help to calm down/sleep, but it's really cute to see her get all excited when we hand her her blanket after she has laid down in her crib. She flaps her arms and pumps her legs in excitement. She then grabs it with both hands and normally rolls to her side as she nuzzles her face into it. We love it!
Here last current "favorite" item is a little yellow ball. It has a cute little face, and jiggles a little when you shake it. We think it's the color that she likes so much, but we aren't sure. She will hold it for hours, passing it from hand to hand, and even pass it to us. She is such a good sharer, but I dread the day, she gives a toy to a little friend, expecting it right back and then getting mad when that doesn't happen! She will also play with our remote. Luckily, it has multiple settings, so we just change the setting every time she gets it so she doesn't actually change the channel or anything. We tried giving her a decoy remote, but she caught onto that one quickly and is not fooled.
We can't believe she'll be a year old in less than a month, but we are really looking forward to family being here to celebrate it with us.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cycling Junky
I should start by answering the question I always get; no, I don't ride, but I love the sport of cycling and I love watching it. As I type, I'm watching Paris Roubaix from a couple of weeks ago, and I have some comments. I don't know too many cycling enthusiasts, and I have to vent, so if you find this boring, please feel free to skip :)
First, I LOVE George Hincapie. He's American. He was on Lance's team for his 7 tour victories. He is a workhorse. He's one of the best American cyclist ever. He has won some races. He loves Paris Roubaix and wants to win it one day (and I must admit, when it rains, it is one of my favorites too). I cheer for him every year and every year he breaks my heart. This year, I knew it was lost when I heard for the thousandth time "I'm just hoping for some good luck". Really, George? After 17 years of riding this race, you don't realize you can't win on luck? I understand hoping not to have bad luck, but that is different than hoping for good luck. You've had your fair share of crashes and you've been successful (kind of; I believe you finished on the podium a few years ago which let's face it, is pretty darn good); I just wish after all of those years of being friends with Lance and riding with him, you would have gotten a little of his killer instinct. Here's to a great rider who will have to retire without winning the one race he wants to win (assuming something really crazy doesn't happen in the last hour of coverage, but let's face it...at this point in his career; top 5 would be good for him).
Second, Tom, Tom, Tom....I'm not sure who yelled at you more after this race; you or your manager? I mean, you must be kicking yourself. After last week's Tour of Flanders, you were right to feel good about yourself even though you came in second in Belgium's biggest sporting event (He's Belgian). I mean, you raced your best race (you could have done that day), and Cancellara was just plain better. Nothing you could do about it. Today? You got played. The announcers think you got fed up doing all of the work, so you decided to go to the back of the pack. Really, did Fabian do that good of a job of playing possum that you didn't think he would attack on a flat road that you felt you could go a good 20 men down in the line? Really? I mean, I know it looked like Fabian wasn't as good as last week, but still; he's Fabian Cancellara!!!!! He's one of the best cyclist in the world and even on a "bad" day can beat most people. He has said his roll model is Jens Voight and we all know Jens will attack early, often, and to inflict as much pain on others as possible. You don't think Fabian is beginning to do the same? You don't think that after he attacked so far out last week he wouldn't do the same? (okay, so he admitted, he didn't even attack; he just road a little faster, and you couldn't keep up, so then he kicked it up again. I'd hate to see what would have happened if he had actually attacked - for those of you who don't know; Cancellara got about 20 seconds on Boonen in one, SHORT hill...about 1 min of climbing)
Oh, Tom...I know you didn't sleep well after this race...and I'm sure you had some drinks, but do me a favor; I'd love to see you in the Tour this year, so can you please not turn to "recreational" drugs to make you forget this ever happened? I know you tend to like the good stuff, so just stay off of it, okay?
I guess that's all my thoughts for now....I'll let you know after I get to finish this race, if I have more thoughts, but just in case I don't and assuming Fabian wins....GREAT race Fabian. You are a classy guy; I love watching you race and I love watching you win. I hope you continue to emulate Jens, because we are all going to miss him once he retires and I hope you are the guy to replace him.
Ciao
First, I LOVE George Hincapie. He's American. He was on Lance's team for his 7 tour victories. He is a workhorse. He's one of the best American cyclist ever. He has won some races. He loves Paris Roubaix and wants to win it one day (and I must admit, when it rains, it is one of my favorites too). I cheer for him every year and every year he breaks my heart. This year, I knew it was lost when I heard for the thousandth time "I'm just hoping for some good luck". Really, George? After 17 years of riding this race, you don't realize you can't win on luck? I understand hoping not to have bad luck, but that is different than hoping for good luck. You've had your fair share of crashes and you've been successful (kind of; I believe you finished on the podium a few years ago which let's face it, is pretty darn good); I just wish after all of those years of being friends with Lance and riding with him, you would have gotten a little of his killer instinct. Here's to a great rider who will have to retire without winning the one race he wants to win (assuming something really crazy doesn't happen in the last hour of coverage, but let's face it...at this point in his career; top 5 would be good for him).
Second, Tom, Tom, Tom....I'm not sure who yelled at you more after this race; you or your manager? I mean, you must be kicking yourself. After last week's Tour of Flanders, you were right to feel good about yourself even though you came in second in Belgium's biggest sporting event (He's Belgian). I mean, you raced your best race (you could have done that day), and Cancellara was just plain better. Nothing you could do about it. Today? You got played. The announcers think you got fed up doing all of the work, so you decided to go to the back of the pack. Really, did Fabian do that good of a job of playing possum that you didn't think he would attack on a flat road that you felt you could go a good 20 men down in the line? Really? I mean, I know it looked like Fabian wasn't as good as last week, but still; he's Fabian Cancellara!!!!! He's one of the best cyclist in the world and even on a "bad" day can beat most people. He has said his roll model is Jens Voight and we all know Jens will attack early, often, and to inflict as much pain on others as possible. You don't think Fabian is beginning to do the same? You don't think that after he attacked so far out last week he wouldn't do the same? (okay, so he admitted, he didn't even attack; he just road a little faster, and you couldn't keep up, so then he kicked it up again. I'd hate to see what would have happened if he had actually attacked - for those of you who don't know; Cancellara got about 20 seconds on Boonen in one, SHORT hill...about 1 min of climbing)
Oh, Tom...I know you didn't sleep well after this race...and I'm sure you had some drinks, but do me a favor; I'd love to see you in the Tour this year, so can you please not turn to "recreational" drugs to make you forget this ever happened? I know you tend to like the good stuff, so just stay off of it, okay?
I guess that's all my thoughts for now....I'll let you know after I get to finish this race, if I have more thoughts, but just in case I don't and assuming Fabian wins....GREAT race Fabian. You are a classy guy; I love watching you race and I love watching you win. I hope you continue to emulate Jens, because we are all going to miss him once he retires and I hope you are the guy to replace him.
Ciao
Friday, March 26, 2010
Public Service Announcment
Let me start by saying, I'm not trying to sound harsh or ungrateful for all of those people who have helped us through our journey. I really appreciated every bit of encouragement I received - even the ones that didn't come across as they hoped. I also don't want to scare people off from saying anything at all; I just want to help explain how some people may feel/react to certain conversations. Also, please feel free to add anything to this that you think I've missed....
Having kids is a wonderful thing and gives unbridled pain. On the other hand, not having children can be one of the most painful journeys once can go through. As a dear friend of mine once said, there are two reasons people don't have kids....they either can't have them or don't want them (either then or down the road). With that knowledge, there is no reason to ever ask the "when are you going to have children" question. By extension....people have the number of kids they either want or can have, so don't worry about asking when they are going to extend their family; just because you've had one kid, doesn't mean you can have more....I guess my other thought here is that if you have to ask the above questions (because you don't know the answer), then you are probably not close enough to the person to ask the question in the first place and time will give you the answer to your question.
That's my general remark on that. Now, to get more specific....miscarriages, how to handle them, how to help people who have had them, what to say or not say. First, the "good" news...no one knows what to fully say or how the person who has suffered this loss truly feels. Even if you've experienced the same loss...each time is so different and each person is so different that there is no way you can 100% know where they are. So, here are some broad suggestions....probably the best thing to say is, "I'm sorry", "that stinks" (because it really does), "I'm here if you need anything", and "I'm praying for you".
Below are things not to say. Of course, not everything is going to bother everyone. There are actually things on this list that didn't bother me when they were said to me, but I know have really bothered others. I guess the point of this post is to make people aware how different statements can impact others and if you decide to embark on one of these very difficult conversations, make sure you are reading the body language of the one involved....that will be the best indicator of whether and how you proceed. General rule here....if they didn't tell you personally about their "situation", then they probably aren't ready to talk about it....nothing personal; it's just hard. Some people can and need to talk about it right away. Others need to digest it for a while. I was in that category. I felt betrayed by my body and I had a lot of fear as to what would happen and if I could/would have kids. I didn't want to be known as "the miscarry girl" and I felt less valued as a woman. I also didn't want to think about it all the time (even though I was) and in the moments I was doing well, I didn't want to be brought back down again. I also couldn't voice how I was feeling which made it very difficult to discuss. I was filled with pain, loss, emptiness, joy, and even hope. It was such an odd mixture of feelings; many of which I had never felt before and did not feel equipped to vocalize them (sometimes I still don't). I could only sum it up as "it sucked" and that I knew God was with me through it and would see me through it; that He wasn't giving me anything He knew I couldn't handle and that it would ultimately be okay. Of course, if someone had tried telling me all that I may not have handled it very well....
So, here are some things you don't need to say (with some anecdotes that will make you smile I hope):
Having kids is a wonderful thing and gives unbridled pain. On the other hand, not having children can be one of the most painful journeys once can go through. As a dear friend of mine once said, there are two reasons people don't have kids....they either can't have them or don't want them (either then or down the road). With that knowledge, there is no reason to ever ask the "when are you going to have children" question. By extension....people have the number of kids they either want or can have, so don't worry about asking when they are going to extend their family; just because you've had one kid, doesn't mean you can have more....I guess my other thought here is that if you have to ask the above questions (because you don't know the answer), then you are probably not close enough to the person to ask the question in the first place and time will give you the answer to your question.
That's my general remark on that. Now, to get more specific....miscarriages, how to handle them, how to help people who have had them, what to say or not say. First, the "good" news...no one knows what to fully say or how the person who has suffered this loss truly feels. Even if you've experienced the same loss...each time is so different and each person is so different that there is no way you can 100% know where they are. So, here are some broad suggestions....probably the best thing to say is, "I'm sorry", "that stinks" (because it really does), "I'm here if you need anything", and "I'm praying for you".
Below are things not to say. Of course, not everything is going to bother everyone. There are actually things on this list that didn't bother me when they were said to me, but I know have really bothered others. I guess the point of this post is to make people aware how different statements can impact others and if you decide to embark on one of these very difficult conversations, make sure you are reading the body language of the one involved....that will be the best indicator of whether and how you proceed. General rule here....if they didn't tell you personally about their "situation", then they probably aren't ready to talk about it....nothing personal; it's just hard. Some people can and need to talk about it right away. Others need to digest it for a while. I was in that category. I felt betrayed by my body and I had a lot of fear as to what would happen and if I could/would have kids. I didn't want to be known as "the miscarry girl" and I felt less valued as a woman. I also didn't want to think about it all the time (even though I was) and in the moments I was doing well, I didn't want to be brought back down again. I also couldn't voice how I was feeling which made it very difficult to discuss. I was filled with pain, loss, emptiness, joy, and even hope. It was such an odd mixture of feelings; many of which I had never felt before and did not feel equipped to vocalize them (sometimes I still don't). I could only sum it up as "it sucked" and that I knew God was with me through it and would see me through it; that He wasn't giving me anything He knew I couldn't handle and that it would ultimately be okay. Of course, if someone had tried telling me all that I may not have handled it very well....
So, here are some things you don't need to say (with some anecdotes that will make you smile I hope):
- Anything beginning with the phrase "at least". Really. Think about it. Can you think of a positive phrase that follows that? "at least you know you can get pregnant." Really? Yes, women across time have hoped to just get pregnant. I know some people take comfort in that thought; I was not one of them. I know there are lots of things that can make pregnancies go bad once they "begin", so I didn't find any comfort in this....In non-miscarry terms...at least they lived a long life, at least you got to say goodbye, etc. Although, these may be true and may help eventually; in the middle of the pain, they don't add much comfort.
- "you never know what God is protecting your child from later in life by taking him/her now". True, but still doesn't take away the fact that a little dream of that child's life is gone.
- "Everything happens for a reason, you'll see."
- "have you ever thought about how much it might help to get a dog." no, no one thankfully told me that, but it's happened to a friend.
- "don't worry; you'll have kids". No one knows that for sure and I always felt "desperate"/anxious when people told me that.
- "My friend Peggy Sue tried for years before they finally had kids" or many variations of that story. Some times that will offer hope; some times it will offer false hope. There are many happy stories of infertility issues resulting in beautiful kids, but there are also stories that don't. Those people find a different purpose to their life, but it's painful to get to that point and it's painful to be told how everyone else gets to that point.
- Frequent complaining about how awful pregnancy and/or kids are...we may hate being pregnant if we ever get there, but we really want to get there.
The last piece of this jagged little puzzle....what to do once they are pregnant (and it "takes" fully). Be patient with them....it's not a "normal" pregnancy. They may not be as excited as you'd like them to be...every time they go to the bathroom in the back of their mind, they wonder what they will find. Where you may find your frequent doctor's appointments a bore, they will quite possibly crave them; craving every opportunity to find out that everything is "normal" and that the little bambino growing in them is still okay. They may register for things later than you'd like and decorate later than you'd like, but ultimately they are doing it all at their pace - a pace they can handle and sustain as they walk the tightrope of growing excitement peppered by a slight fear created through their personal history. Oh, and please don't tell them to "take care of the baby"; trust me, they are doing everything they can to protect that little growth in them. They are also caring around the thought that although they (mostly) know they had nothing to do with the previous losses, they don't know if everyone else knows that too.
Okay, so this may not have come across as light-hearted and funny as I wanted it to. It's such a hard topic to write about with still some pain there for me. If anyone reading this is going through that long road. I'm here for you. I may not say everything perfectly (most likely won't), but if you need anything, let me know. In the meantime, I'll always be praying that your journey is as easy as possible and that you will feel God's loving arms guiding you through it.
Unswaddled and talking?
We finally stopped swaddling Taylor this past week - last Saturday night to be exact. I think Taylor has been ready for a loooong time; I think we weren't as ready. She always got her arms free in the first minute after being swaddled, but I think Brian and I kept doing it for a couple of reasons. First, we were afraid is was part of the "bed-time" routine and she wouldn't go to sleep without it (okay, that was one of my fears). I think we both liked the added warmth it gave her - we knew she wouldn't keep her blanket on her. My last fear was that her little legs would get through the bars of her crib, she'd get stuck in the middle of the night and of course get scared.
Well, let's go over these fears shall we...the first night we swaddled her, she barely made a peep and didn't make any noise after 60 seconds. Yep; that fear was dashed. Second fear...well, she doesn't keep her blanket on her, but she doesn't wake up in the middle of the night cold either, so I guess that was a needless fear. The last fear? Well, the first almost week went well. Her legs do get through the crib (Monday morning when I went in there her left leg and right leg were in different slats at the back of the crib. Her left was bent at the knee, so it was parallel with the wall under the knee (up and down). She was awake, but waiting patiently for me to come. I don't even think she was stuck - I got her leg out, but I have a sneaky suspicion she could have done that. Last night was a different story.....last night she screamed bloody murder about 11 o'clock at night. Both legs were elevated a couple of inches off of the mattress. Okay, not really off of the mattress, because her legs were in the middle of the room through the slats of her crib! She was on her side and distressed to say the least. I got her 'free' and held her for a minute...so thankful to be her mommy. I also quickly put the bumper pads on her crib. I know they are "evil" in today's world, but I think right now, I'd prefer to have the slats. She has no interest in pulling up on anything....she has no interest to roll over onto her tummy, so I think, in the meantime she is okay. Oh, I should say one thing about her movements. You can put her on a blanket in the middle of the living room, and she doesn't move much....in her crib, free from the swaddle, she scoots on her back all over that thing doing multiple 360-degree turns throughout the night. We never know where we are going to find her within her crib or which direction she's facing.
On the talking front....our neighbor said she's getting really close to "mommy" (nice to get an impartial "vote" on that). When she cries I hear "mommy" a lot. The other day when she was crying, I think I even heard "momma". Sometimes when she is blabbering, it sounds close to "mom" (that's what Tom identified thankfully - not the crying fit). Last Saturday while Brian and I were watching some basketball, Taylor was playing on the living room floor. I heard a lot of "aaaa" sounds...Brian thinks he may have heard a "daddy". We always thought she'd say "daddy" before "mommy", but we are doubting that these days.....I don't think either one of us minds which one she says; we are just so happy to be her parents and so happy she seems to be happy with us too :)
Well, let's go over these fears shall we...the first night we swaddled her, she barely made a peep and didn't make any noise after 60 seconds. Yep; that fear was dashed. Second fear...well, she doesn't keep her blanket on her, but she doesn't wake up in the middle of the night cold either, so I guess that was a needless fear. The last fear? Well, the first almost week went well. Her legs do get through the crib (Monday morning when I went in there her left leg and right leg were in different slats at the back of the crib. Her left was bent at the knee, so it was parallel with the wall under the knee (up and down). She was awake, but waiting patiently for me to come. I don't even think she was stuck - I got her leg out, but I have a sneaky suspicion she could have done that. Last night was a different story.....last night she screamed bloody murder about 11 o'clock at night. Both legs were elevated a couple of inches off of the mattress. Okay, not really off of the mattress, because her legs were in the middle of the room through the slats of her crib! She was on her side and distressed to say the least. I got her 'free' and held her for a minute...so thankful to be her mommy. I also quickly put the bumper pads on her crib. I know they are "evil" in today's world, but I think right now, I'd prefer to have the slats. She has no interest in pulling up on anything....she has no interest to roll over onto her tummy, so I think, in the meantime she is okay. Oh, I should say one thing about her movements. You can put her on a blanket in the middle of the living room, and she doesn't move much....in her crib, free from the swaddle, she scoots on her back all over that thing doing multiple 360-degree turns throughout the night. We never know where we are going to find her within her crib or which direction she's facing.
On the talking front....our neighbor said she's getting really close to "mommy" (nice to get an impartial "vote" on that). When she cries I hear "mommy" a lot. The other day when she was crying, I think I even heard "momma". Sometimes when she is blabbering, it sounds close to "mom" (that's what Tom identified thankfully - not the crying fit). Last Saturday while Brian and I were watching some basketball, Taylor was playing on the living room floor. I heard a lot of "aaaa" sounds...Brian thinks he may have heard a "daddy". We always thought she'd say "daddy" before "mommy", but we are doubting that these days.....I don't think either one of us minds which one she says; we are just so happy to be her parents and so happy she seems to be happy with us too :)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Experiencing Life
I'm struggling with this blog a little....I'm keeping a journal for Taylor and I have a hard time some days figuring out what needs to be here vs the journal vs both.....I know that means I tend to be a little heavier here, and I'm sorry about that. I hope this isn't a drag to read....
We are obviously all different people and we handle life differently. It's part of what makes this whole world so great. I think, like most people, I'm inherently nosey. I want to know what's going on, how people are feeling, and to make matters worse, I want to fix whatever problem they have (which may not be what my friend needs in the moment). I also want to be 'the one' people confide in and want by their side (again, I believe like most people). However, I also know that not everyone can be that person for everyone; there just isn't enough room and sometimes being the best friend you can be is to not be that person....to cheer/mourn from a distance, to let them know you are there if they need anything (and then really being there when they ask), to let them know they can share what they want, but they don't have to share anything (and that really is okay), and to ultimately let them "just be" - let them handle whatever they have to handle the way they need to handle it (because let's face it; there are few things in this world any of us can actually "fix").
I guess all this to say is if you are a friend of mine and you are having great joy or hardship in your life, I am here for you...waiting on the sidelines for when you need something. For example, if you've just had a baby (or you are about to), I may not be there in the first few days, but I'll be there as soon as the first (or maybe even second) wave of visitors have passed; that time when you are getting a little lonely, bored, and/or overwhelmed because you are all by yourself day after day and you are used to a little more interaction than that. If you are going through a hard time, then I'm also here for you...praying for you (whether I know what exactly you are going through or not), pulling for you, and waiting to see if I'm needed. If all you need is my prayers from a distance, I am more than happy to do that; if you need more I will do my best to be whatever you need - someone to talk to, someone to sit there quietly with, someone to scream/cry with, or anything else.
I may not always succeed at being the kind of friend I'm striving to be, but I hope, at the very least, all of my friends know how much they mean to me, how much they are loved by me, and how much I'm there for them.
In His perfect name, a "trying to be" humble servant.
We are obviously all different people and we handle life differently. It's part of what makes this whole world so great. I think, like most people, I'm inherently nosey. I want to know what's going on, how people are feeling, and to make matters worse, I want to fix whatever problem they have (which may not be what my friend needs in the moment). I also want to be 'the one' people confide in and want by their side (again, I believe like most people). However, I also know that not everyone can be that person for everyone; there just isn't enough room and sometimes being the best friend you can be is to not be that person....to cheer/mourn from a distance, to let them know you are there if they need anything (and then really being there when they ask), to let them know they can share what they want, but they don't have to share anything (and that really is okay), and to ultimately let them "just be" - let them handle whatever they have to handle the way they need to handle it (because let's face it; there are few things in this world any of us can actually "fix").
I guess all this to say is if you are a friend of mine and you are having great joy or hardship in your life, I am here for you...waiting on the sidelines for when you need something. For example, if you've just had a baby (or you are about to), I may not be there in the first few days, but I'll be there as soon as the first (or maybe even second) wave of visitors have passed; that time when you are getting a little lonely, bored, and/or overwhelmed because you are all by yourself day after day and you are used to a little more interaction than that. If you are going through a hard time, then I'm also here for you...praying for you (whether I know what exactly you are going through or not), pulling for you, and waiting to see if I'm needed. If all you need is my prayers from a distance, I am more than happy to do that; if you need more I will do my best to be whatever you need - someone to talk to, someone to sit there quietly with, someone to scream/cry with, or anything else.
I may not always succeed at being the kind of friend I'm striving to be, but I hope, at the very least, all of my friends know how much they mean to me, how much they are loved by me, and how much I'm there for them.
In His perfect name, a "trying to be" humble servant.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Taylor Update
So, I'm stuck at work....my Excel has just crashed for at least the 4th time today. I still have roughly 4 hours of work I probably should do (we'll see how much of it gets done if this computer keeps on acting up), but while it takes 20 minutes for Excel to "recover" my documents, I figured I'd type a little Taylor update....
Taylor was a little clingy last weekend (8 days ago), which is a little unusual for her. I do know that there is an age where they get clingy and want their mommy all the time, but I'm not sure what age that is. On Sunday she slept a lot and was a little moody when she was awake, but overall she was her fairly happy little self. Well, Sunday night at about two in the morning she yelped out. Brian went in to check on her (she typically doesn't make a peep at night), and he felt she was warm and took her temperature - it was relayed to me to be a 98.8 degree fever. I, being the semi-comatose one still, decided that was not a big deal and sent them on their way. Brian rocked her for a minute or so to help her calm down and then put her in her crib (awake). We didn't hear another word until I went to get her to feed her at seven the next morning. At this point, she felt really warm to me, and I took her fever....99.8 by now. She also was whimpering the slightest bit. I thought, hmmm, could my baby girl be getting a tooth? Sure enough she had her lower front left one! It's amazing how chill she was - it was basically completely out of her gums by this point. We decided Tylenol was in order and we sent her to "school" with it. By Tuesday morning she was again her normal self.
At the end of last week however, she started getting a little moody and a little clingy. She is also very specific as to how she likes to be held. Not sure this is an issue or something to "fight" over. I'm sure one day I'll regret it, but at this point, if it's no big deal, and she wants to be held in a different way, I will adjust. Brian and I are thinking more teeth are on their way, but we really aren't sure. All we know is that she doesn't feel great, it's been a little harder for her to fall (and stay) asleep, and we really just want her to feel better! Hopefully the teeth will make their appearance soon so we will all understand what is going on and she can be her happy self again.
In other news, she finally allowed us to film her giggling. That girl can be stingy with her giggles - she'll be giggling up a storm but once the phone or camera comes out she just looks at you like you are crazy - gotta love her! Well, Saturday night she started to giggle while the kissing monster (me) was attacking, and she actually kept it up while we got it on film! We can't wait to share it with others :)
I guess that's most of the update. She's been eating some food lately - not a fan of the apples or carrots, but peas don't seem to be too bad. She really enjoys avocado and sweet potatoes. I think we may try Mango next, but pretty soon we'll have to start combining flavors - we'll see where that ends up.
Taylor was a little clingy last weekend (8 days ago), which is a little unusual for her. I do know that there is an age where they get clingy and want their mommy all the time, but I'm not sure what age that is. On Sunday she slept a lot and was a little moody when she was awake, but overall she was her fairly happy little self. Well, Sunday night at about two in the morning she yelped out. Brian went in to check on her (she typically doesn't make a peep at night), and he felt she was warm and took her temperature - it was relayed to me to be a 98.8 degree fever. I, being the semi-comatose one still, decided that was not a big deal and sent them on their way. Brian rocked her for a minute or so to help her calm down and then put her in her crib (awake). We didn't hear another word until I went to get her to feed her at seven the next morning. At this point, she felt really warm to me, and I took her fever....99.8 by now. She also was whimpering the slightest bit. I thought, hmmm, could my baby girl be getting a tooth? Sure enough she had her lower front left one! It's amazing how chill she was - it was basically completely out of her gums by this point. We decided Tylenol was in order and we sent her to "school" with it. By Tuesday morning she was again her normal self.
At the end of last week however, she started getting a little moody and a little clingy. She is also very specific as to how she likes to be held. Not sure this is an issue or something to "fight" over. I'm sure one day I'll regret it, but at this point, if it's no big deal, and she wants to be held in a different way, I will adjust. Brian and I are thinking more teeth are on their way, but we really aren't sure. All we know is that she doesn't feel great, it's been a little harder for her to fall (and stay) asleep, and we really just want her to feel better! Hopefully the teeth will make their appearance soon so we will all understand what is going on and she can be her happy self again.
In other news, she finally allowed us to film her giggling. That girl can be stingy with her giggles - she'll be giggling up a storm but once the phone or camera comes out she just looks at you like you are crazy - gotta love her! Well, Saturday night she started to giggle while the kissing monster (me) was attacking, and she actually kept it up while we got it on film! We can't wait to share it with others :)
I guess that's most of the update. She's been eating some food lately - not a fan of the apples or carrots, but peas don't seem to be too bad. She really enjoys avocado and sweet potatoes. I think we may try Mango next, but pretty soon we'll have to start combining flavors - we'll see where that ends up.
The Superbowl
So, evidently I'm not very good about updating this every time I think of something....I know I need to put a Taylor update up here soon; hopefully I'll get to it this week, but until then, let's talk about the Saints!
Brian and I never thought in a million years we would see the Saints in the Superbowl - let alone win it. We also never thought that if the Saints defense only had one turnover against the Colts that it would be close - let alone they would win by 14 points. I thoroughly enjoyed the game and even got a little teary-eyed at the end of it. Like most people, one of my favorite moments was at the end of the game when they showed Drew Brees with his son pointing everything out to him and obviously getting teary-eyed himself. The picture in the paper was almost better - his wife standing next to him wiping away tears. One of those perfect moments you rarely get to witness.
Drew Brees has had such a heavy burden these past four years. The city really does revolve around him and the Boys....my parents have said on numerous occasions how excited the city is after a Saints victory and how amazing Mondays can be. Drew Brees has handled this burden with such class and grace. However, I hope we don't place him on too high of a pedestal - the higher the pedestal, the easier it is to fall. He deserves the accolades he is getting for being the amazing person he seems to be, but we must all remember that he is still human and therefore prone to human error (or bad days).
Sadly, when I hear of an athlete, actor, or politician falling from grace I am rarely surprised - I feel these instances are no longer the exception, but the rule. That being said, Drew Brees falling would surprise me, but none of us our immune to falling. We must be ever-viligant and always willing to ask ourselves the hard questions - am I putting myself in the best possible position? Am I subjecting myself to temptation that I may not always be able to pass? and Even if I am able to pass tempation up, am I with people who truely care about me, will help me through those doubts and will make sure nothing gets "spun" in an inacurate and painful light (painful to my family)? Are people trying to make me fail or are they helping me to succeed on a daily basis? These can all be difficult questions - some scenarios are black and white while others are varying shades of grey.
The last thought I have is on my wonderful home town. New Orleans has always had a special place in my heart made even more so when I came to Texas and realized a couple of things....All Saints Day and Ash Wednesday are not national holidays, not every place has the amazing culture and history that New Orleans has, and no place can come close to the food! Okay, so I may have known the food thing before I left, but I never fully appreciated it. Most of the restaurants there are locally-owned and therefore just a better experience then some National Chain. Don't get me wrong, there are some National chains I love, but the family-owned experience is just a little more personal. Now, I love this city, and it went through a heck of a lot with Katrina. I realize that it is also still recovering from Katrina, but this is a process that we all knew could take up to 20 years - the city was built over a couple of hundred years and isn't going to be rebuilt in 4. I just wish people would stop saying it is recovering or rebuilding. I don't think those comments help the city. My fear is that when people here that, they think it's not open for tourism and they make plans to go elsewhere. We all know that the Quarter was barely affected by the storm and floods. We also know that the reduced population and tourism closed a lot of restaurants for a time being, but I would be willing to say that almost all of them are open again and if they aren't open by now, they probably wouldn't be. I just wish the City of New Orleans did a better job of broadcasting how "open for business" they are. How it is still one of the best places to visit in the world and that regardless of the last 4.5 years, you can have the time of your life and an experience liek none other. To continue to recover the city needs money...and tourism is their #1 way to get that money, so please go visit it. Go learn first hand what makes that city so unique (or re-learn) and bring your friends while your at it :)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mommy's Special Time with Taylor
I laid awake last night from 3 to 4 a.m. worried...
You see, Taylor and I have these special moments - on days I work it happens twice a day and on days I'm home five times. It's mainly just the two of us. Some time she flirts with me and some times she is all business. Sometimes one leg/foot is up by my shoulder while the other is laying perpendicular to it. Sometimes she tries to grab my hair or strap, sometimes she touches my chin, lips, and nose, and sometimes she just keeps her hands still. 99% at the end of these moments, Taylor is grinning from ear-to-ear. Most the time these days it only takes about 6 minutes or so, but when we travel and she's overwhelmed, she takes liberties and the opportunity to be close to me and stretches the time up to 20....I allow it when I know it is needed. The time I'm talking about? When I nurse her. It's some of the most special moments each day. The world slows down and I am providing her something that only I can...nourishment that has been created just for her to meet her needs.
I laid awake worried that these moments were going to end before I was prepared...I know they are going to end one day and I know it will be very hard on me when they do, but I also know that if they happen "naturally" it will be slow and hopefully therapeutic and easier on the two of us than the "band-aide approach" I thought I was facing. Deep down I knew I did not have "just a cold". I also knew that drugs would be needed - most likely antibiotics. What I did not know was whether I could still nurse if I was taking antibiotics. All needless worrying (which I knew at the time). Needless not only because I knew God was in control and that worrying wasn't going to change the outcome (what I kept telling myself during that hour), but also needless because, yes this cold is not a cold, and yes I have to be on antibiotics, but luckily for me I can still nurse while on antibiotics. Crisis averted and onto many more days of being able to take care of my baby girl in the way that only I can - a happy, peaceful mommy once more.
You see, Taylor and I have these special moments - on days I work it happens twice a day and on days I'm home five times. It's mainly just the two of us. Some time she flirts with me and some times she is all business. Sometimes one leg/foot is up by my shoulder while the other is laying perpendicular to it. Sometimes she tries to grab my hair or strap, sometimes she touches my chin, lips, and nose, and sometimes she just keeps her hands still. 99% at the end of these moments, Taylor is grinning from ear-to-ear. Most the time these days it only takes about 6 minutes or so, but when we travel and she's overwhelmed, she takes liberties and the opportunity to be close to me and stretches the time up to 20....I allow it when I know it is needed. The time I'm talking about? When I nurse her. It's some of the most special moments each day. The world slows down and I am providing her something that only I can...nourishment that has been created just for her to meet her needs.
I laid awake worried that these moments were going to end before I was prepared...I know they are going to end one day and I know it will be very hard on me when they do, but I also know that if they happen "naturally" it will be slow and hopefully therapeutic and easier on the two of us than the "band-aide approach" I thought I was facing. Deep down I knew I did not have "just a cold". I also knew that drugs would be needed - most likely antibiotics. What I did not know was whether I could still nurse if I was taking antibiotics. All needless worrying (which I knew at the time). Needless not only because I knew God was in control and that worrying wasn't going to change the outcome (what I kept telling myself during that hour), but also needless because, yes this cold is not a cold, and yes I have to be on antibiotics, but luckily for me I can still nurse while on antibiotics. Crisis averted and onto many more days of being able to take care of my baby girl in the way that only I can - a happy, peaceful mommy once more.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Taylor and the ER
The last few days have been "exciting" around the DeLatte household....Wednesday night, Taylor felt a little warm; she'd been congested for days, but this was the first time she felt warm - she had a low fever (99.4), and I was glad I was spending the next two days at home. She was in a good mood Thursday - slept a lot but played too, and was pretty much her normal self. She had a 99.9 degree fever in the afternoon, and kept grabbing her nose, but other than that she was fine. That night things changed. She woke up about 2 in the morning and Brian got there before I did - she was really warm, and we discovered our baby girl had a 101.9 degree fever! She was miserable, so Tylenol was given immediately. She was able to go back to sleep after daddy rocked her a few minutes.
We decided with the weekend coming, we'd cut the 48-hour "fever" window short and get her into the doctor. She was diagnosed with a bi-lateral ear infection, and two hours later, the two of us were home - isn't it amazing how long it can take to get a prescription filled? She was sleepy, but a trooper. She took her meds and a nap, and I thought that was that. Okay, so this is where I became sloppy mommy...because she missed one of her naps while waiting for her drugs, when she spit some of the amoxicilian out onto her sleeper, I thought "I'll let her sleep and change her after she wakes up". When she woke up; I decided not to worry about it...it wasn't too bad and I could change it that night. She took anothe rnap after she ate at 4, but woke up about 5:15 unhappy. I rocked her and she fell asleep...then the phone rang and she woke up. About this time I noticed her breathing was REALLY fast - I did breathe counts and got to 60/min two minutes in a row. Brian was on his way home from work and the doctor said that if her breathing got over 60/min, then to go to the ER. I called my parent's because I was right on that threshold, and I knew my sister was over there...I figured I'd get 3 pretty good opinions done in one call. In talking to my dad (I think), we decided to go to the hospital; Brian came home and we turned around to go to the closest hospital - Lake Pointe.
We had to wait a couple of minutes as they helped someone else (but the nurse did come out to make sure Taylor was okay). While waiting to be seen, Taylor decided she needed to use her diaper - and then some, so at this point she had medicine on the front of her shirt and some glorious yellow on the back...and in my rush to get out of the house, I didn't get an extra outfit - man did I feel bad! 3 hours later (and after overhearing a VERY funny conversation between an "emergency" patient and a doctor - she wanted an x-ray to see if her foot had an infection) we had our diagnosis...in addition to the bi-lateral ear infection, she also had RSV and pneumonia created by the RSV. We get to do breathing treatments 4 times a day along with an additional antibiotic!
Her happy disposition has returned today and she played a lot and slept some - I think her albuterol gives her some extra enery (I know it does to me). Hopefully she'll continue to improve, and we won't have any more scares for a while. I know it was a few tense moments for all of us yesterday and I'm so happy to have such a loving and supportive husband and family (not just mine, but his too).
We decided with the weekend coming, we'd cut the 48-hour "fever" window short and get her into the doctor. She was diagnosed with a bi-lateral ear infection, and two hours later, the two of us were home - isn't it amazing how long it can take to get a prescription filled? She was sleepy, but a trooper. She took her meds and a nap, and I thought that was that. Okay, so this is where I became sloppy mommy...because she missed one of her naps while waiting for her drugs, when she spit some of the amoxicilian out onto her sleeper, I thought "I'll let her sleep and change her after she wakes up". When she woke up; I decided not to worry about it...it wasn't too bad and I could change it that night. She took anothe rnap after she ate at 4, but woke up about 5:15 unhappy. I rocked her and she fell asleep...then the phone rang and she woke up. About this time I noticed her breathing was REALLY fast - I did breathe counts and got to 60/min two minutes in a row. Brian was on his way home from work and the doctor said that if her breathing got over 60/min, then to go to the ER. I called my parent's because I was right on that threshold, and I knew my sister was over there...I figured I'd get 3 pretty good opinions done in one call. In talking to my dad (I think), we decided to go to the hospital; Brian came home and we turned around to go to the closest hospital - Lake Pointe.
We had to wait a couple of minutes as they helped someone else (but the nurse did come out to make sure Taylor was okay). While waiting to be seen, Taylor decided she needed to use her diaper - and then some, so at this point she had medicine on the front of her shirt and some glorious yellow on the back...and in my rush to get out of the house, I didn't get an extra outfit - man did I feel bad! 3 hours later (and after overhearing a VERY funny conversation between an "emergency" patient and a doctor - she wanted an x-ray to see if her foot had an infection) we had our diagnosis...in addition to the bi-lateral ear infection, she also had RSV and pneumonia created by the RSV. We get to do breathing treatments 4 times a day along with an additional antibiotic!
Her happy disposition has returned today and she played a lot and slept some - I think her albuterol gives her some extra enery (I know it does to me). Hopefully she'll continue to improve, and we won't have any more scares for a while. I know it was a few tense moments for all of us yesterday and I'm so happy to have such a loving and supportive husband and family (not just mine, but his too).
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Christmas and Six Months Old!
I keep on thinking of things to write about, but I also kept on not finding the time to write. ...let's see how much we can catch up on.
Taylor's first Christmas was in New Orleans. It was my parent's year to go to Florida to see my sister and company, so we were able to have our own special Christmas with them on the 23rd before they left. Taylor got a nifty umbrella stroller, safari train, and the first installment to her college fund! It was really cute to see her "open" her gifts. She would take the paper in her hands (we had to start it a little), and pull. Also at Gramma and Poppa's, she opened a gift from me - a really cute, little giraffe called "Sophie". It's made of rubber and found it's way into her mouth in seconds - love at first sight on both ends.
We then moved onto Brian's parents that afternoon. On Christmas Eve, Brian's whole family came over - grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins, sister/brother-in-law, etc....it was a little overwhelming for Taylor, but she handled it like a champ, and slept through most of it. We ate (Brian of course cooked) and exchanged gifts...first with his extended family and then with his immediate family after. Taylor got so much stuff - lots of toys (bouncing cow, stacking cups, hiding giraffe thing, shopping cart cover, etc); she is so loved. Christmas day came and we went to Brian's cousin Jennifer's house...she and her hubby did a great job of gumbo, turkey, and all the fixin's! Again, Taylor was a champ - played, cooed, and slept when needed. The last stop of the day was a good family friend's house...once again she slept again, but the rest of us had a great time eating, exchanging gifts, and catching up.
On the way back, we dropped Brian off in Shreveport for the A&M bowl game with a couple of his friends and then the fun began! Taylor fell asleep and slept until we got to about 30 min from home - right when the car needed gas and it happened to be time for her to eat. I pulled over to the Starbucks parking lot - it was big and pretty empty so I could change her diaper, feed her, and have a warm place to sit her up before we took off agin - the coffee wasn't a bad idea either! However, when I took her out of the car seat, I noticed a little yellow on the front of her onesie...and then I noticed there was a whole bunch on the front of her onesie! I'll spare all the messy details, but I will say it was one of the messiest changes ever and as she slid all over the backseat, it was a precarious one too! After my coffee, we finally made it home...a little exhausted.
The next week was great - I got to spend the week home, and Brian didn't work as much as normal, so we all got lots of time together. We decided to take this week to start solid foods with Taylor - we began with rice cereal...four days into it, she didn't love it, but she didn't hate it either. We then moved to bananas; the first day was a little rough, but then she decided she loves them! She started to dive for the food off of the spoon - very cute. This morning we did carrots for the first time - not a winner, but hopefully in the next 3 or 4 days she'll grow more fond of them. We think we are trying avocados next and then we'll see.
Taylor turned six months old this past week (Wednesday). We can't believe it's been six months already, and it has been an amazing six months. She had her wellness check yesterday, and it went well; she did get 5 shots and she's been a little clingy today, but no bad side effects, so I'm feeling pretty blessed right now. I also don't mind the clingyness everyonce in a while; it's nice to cuddle. So, the results of her six-month check....her length is in the 25th percentile, her weight is also in the 25th percentile, but her head is in the 75th - 90th! I don't think her head is that much larger than the rest of her, but I guess I am wrong :)
That's all for now; hopefully I won't have so many topics to cover next time....
Taylor's first Christmas was in New Orleans. It was my parent's year to go to Florida to see my sister and company, so we were able to have our own special Christmas with them on the 23rd before they left. Taylor got a nifty umbrella stroller, safari train, and the first installment to her college fund! It was really cute to see her "open" her gifts. She would take the paper in her hands (we had to start it a little), and pull. Also at Gramma and Poppa's, she opened a gift from me - a really cute, little giraffe called "Sophie". It's made of rubber and found it's way into her mouth in seconds - love at first sight on both ends.
We then moved onto Brian's parents that afternoon. On Christmas Eve, Brian's whole family came over - grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins, sister/brother-in-law, etc....it was a little overwhelming for Taylor, but she handled it like a champ, and slept through most of it. We ate (Brian of course cooked) and exchanged gifts...first with his extended family and then with his immediate family after. Taylor got so much stuff - lots of toys (bouncing cow, stacking cups, hiding giraffe thing, shopping cart cover, etc); she is so loved. Christmas day came and we went to Brian's cousin Jennifer's house...she and her hubby did a great job of gumbo, turkey, and all the fixin's! Again, Taylor was a champ - played, cooed, and slept when needed. The last stop of the day was a good family friend's house...once again she slept again, but the rest of us had a great time eating, exchanging gifts, and catching up.
On the way back, we dropped Brian off in Shreveport for the A&M bowl game with a couple of his friends and then the fun began! Taylor fell asleep and slept until we got to about 30 min from home - right when the car needed gas and it happened to be time for her to eat. I pulled over to the Starbucks parking lot - it was big and pretty empty so I could change her diaper, feed her, and have a warm place to sit her up before we took off agin - the coffee wasn't a bad idea either! However, when I took her out of the car seat, I noticed a little yellow on the front of her onesie...and then I noticed there was a whole bunch on the front of her onesie! I'll spare all the messy details, but I will say it was one of the messiest changes ever and as she slid all over the backseat, it was a precarious one too! After my coffee, we finally made it home...a little exhausted.
The next week was great - I got to spend the week home, and Brian didn't work as much as normal, so we all got lots of time together. We decided to take this week to start solid foods with Taylor - we began with rice cereal...four days into it, she didn't love it, but she didn't hate it either. We then moved to bananas; the first day was a little rough, but then she decided she loves them! She started to dive for the food off of the spoon - very cute. This morning we did carrots for the first time - not a winner, but hopefully in the next 3 or 4 days she'll grow more fond of them. We think we are trying avocados next and then we'll see.
Taylor turned six months old this past week (Wednesday). We can't believe it's been six months already, and it has been an amazing six months. She had her wellness check yesterday, and it went well; she did get 5 shots and she's been a little clingy today, but no bad side effects, so I'm feeling pretty blessed right now. I also don't mind the clingyness everyonce in a while; it's nice to cuddle. So, the results of her six-month check....her length is in the 25th percentile, her weight is also in the 25th percentile, but her head is in the 75th - 90th! I don't think her head is that much larger than the rest of her, but I guess I am wrong :)
That's all for now; hopefully I won't have so many topics to cover next time....
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Meeting Santa
I don't remember the first time I met Santa and I know Taylor won't remember yesterday. However, I do know that this is a tradition we began that one day will mean something to her. I remember getting my picture taken with the "Santa" down the street. He was a neighbor that always put up lights, and in his backyard (it was a corner lot that wasn't fenced in), Santa sat, ready to find out what you wanted and ready to take a picture with you. The year I remember, my picture ended up in the newspaper. I still have that paper clipping some place. I know Taylor will one day remember having her picture taken with Santa. I also know that she will keep at least one of those photos. This year was obviously for Brian and myself, but still fun and magical in it's own way.
Brian had a long day yesterday - left before seven and didn't get home until almost 11 that night. However, he took time to have lunch with his girls and to see Santa for the first time with his daughter. This was a special Santa - clear, warm, blue eyes with a full, natural, white beard. We felt lucky when we found out that Santa's camera was broken, and we were able to take pictures with our own camera - this meant they were free and plentiful. We got a few good pics of her staring at this bearded man, taking him all in and a couple of her smiling at us. I think that moment is something Brian and I will cherish for years to come.
Obviously, this Christmas will be cherished by us for years to come simply because it is Taylor's first. However, two years ago was a Christmas full of sadness and last Christmas was full of hope and fear. This Christmas is full of joy and love and wonder - joy for having Taylor in our lives, love for all she gives to us, and wonder for how amazing she is - how did we ever create something so special? We know it is only by the grace and mercy of God and we pray everyday that we allow Him to do His work on her through us. Merry Christmas to all and may this Season give you joy, peace, mercy, hope, and love.
Brian had a long day yesterday - left before seven and didn't get home until almost 11 that night. However, he took time to have lunch with his girls and to see Santa for the first time with his daughter. This was a special Santa - clear, warm, blue eyes with a full, natural, white beard. We felt lucky when we found out that Santa's camera was broken, and we were able to take pictures with our own camera - this meant they were free and plentiful. We got a few good pics of her staring at this bearded man, taking him all in and a couple of her smiling at us. I think that moment is something Brian and I will cherish for years to come.
Obviously, this Christmas will be cherished by us for years to come simply because it is Taylor's first. However, two years ago was a Christmas full of sadness and last Christmas was full of hope and fear. This Christmas is full of joy and love and wonder - joy for having Taylor in our lives, love for all she gives to us, and wonder for how amazing she is - how did we ever create something so special? We know it is only by the grace and mercy of God and we pray everyday that we allow Him to do His work on her through us. Merry Christmas to all and may this Season give you joy, peace, mercy, hope, and love.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Rolling Over, Sitting Up, and Just Plain Cute!
Taylor has been a busy girl this past week. On Thursday, Brian stayed home with her while I went to the office. He has been working so hard lately, he wanted some extra time with his baby girl. After her 10 o'clock feeding, I was surprised to get a call to let me know that our little girl had rolled from her back to her front for the first time! She's done it a few times with help, but it was the first time all on her own...I'm still waiting to see if with my own eyes, but as long as it happens within the next week or so I'll continue to believe she did it without help. If it takes longer than that, then I will become suspicious of "daddy". Overall, I was a little sad that I missed it, but I was really happy that Brian got to have a special moment with Taylor. I am blessed to spend half of my time at home with her and I get so many special moments with her, it's nice to share them.
Yesterday was another milestone! After her 7 o'clock feeding, Brian helped me out and played with Taylor. I've been working a lot lately and have been really tired, so I wanted a little bit more sleep and Brian obliged. However, I'd only been laying in bed for a few minutes when I got a call from the other room - I needed to hurry up and see our Baby Girl sit all on her own! She sat up for a minute or so at a time - long enough for us to get pictures, and she has continued to do it today! She is such a blessing and after marveling in her greatness, I went back to bed :)
Last night we went to friends and she charmed them all as she always does! She cuddled and smiled and giggled with the other girls there (and most importantly she slept once she was tired). Two of them are expecting in the spring, and Taylor can't wait to meet her new friends, but until then she enjoys all of the attention!
We're in our homestretch of this special Christmas season. We can't wait to get to New Orleans and show her off to family (and hopefully a few friends) and I'm sure there will be lots of memories and stories to share....
Yesterday was another milestone! After her 7 o'clock feeding, Brian helped me out and played with Taylor. I've been working a lot lately and have been really tired, so I wanted a little bit more sleep and Brian obliged. However, I'd only been laying in bed for a few minutes when I got a call from the other room - I needed to hurry up and see our Baby Girl sit all on her own! She sat up for a minute or so at a time - long enough for us to get pictures, and she has continued to do it today! She is such a blessing and after marveling in her greatness, I went back to bed :)
Last night we went to friends and she charmed them all as she always does! She cuddled and smiled and giggled with the other girls there (and most importantly she slept once she was tired). Two of them are expecting in the spring, and Taylor can't wait to meet her new friends, but until then she enjoys all of the attention!
We're in our homestretch of this special Christmas season. We can't wait to get to New Orleans and show her off to family (and hopefully a few friends) and I'm sure there will be lots of memories and stories to share....
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