Four and counting....

Today Derek and I hit our FOUR year mark. We cannot believe how fast the time has gone by. You could say that I was one of those typical girls that day dreamed about my future husband when I was younger...little did I know that he was sitting a few rows behind me in church. I still laugh that Derek and I went to church, mutual, school, hung out on weekends, and went to volleyball games together and there was never anything more than friendship between us. It wasn't until he came home from his mission with a little taint of southern twang in his voice that I instantly became intrigued. It didn't take long for us to know it was forever. We dated a total of five weeks (and that is being generous) before we got engaged. Three months later we got hitched. What can I say..when it is right, it is right.

We are very excited tonight to share our special dinner with Jane. She has been so much fun this past month with her little personality developing. Next week we are actually leaving her for a night with my sisters for a little getaway. It is my first time leaving her and I am a little freaked out. I would love to tell you where we are going, but Derek has planned everything and he is not telling me a single detail.

Needless to say I am completely in love with this man. He has made me the happiest person in the world. I never would have put us together when we were younger, but now I could never imagine my life with out him. I guess Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Oh and a special shout out to Bruce and Cherryl for letting us share our special day with them. You guys are amazing and have been such a good example for us!

add a little flavor???

Derek and I are trying to get Jane to take formula. She was been a spoiled breast fed baby her whole life, and now her mommy would like a break. I am attempting to only feed her three times a day, and supplement with formula and baby food for the rest of her feedings. Well, Jane can't stand her formula and we really need her to start taking it. Does anyone know any tricks??? I am not exactly sure what to do.

Look at those Chubs

Our little girl went to her nine month appointment. I cannot believe that it has already been none months. It has been the longest and fastest nine months of my life. Jane loves to walk everywhere; that is if she is holding my hands. If we set her on the floor to crawl she starts crying and usually doesn't stop until she is on her feet again. I am all for the early walking.

Look at those impressive chubs on her. I know it may not look like alot, but i have worked dang hard to get my baby that fat. I have decided that I probably have the fattiest milk, but you throw in Derek's metabolism and no one could gain weight.

Jane is just showing off her mad standing skills.

So Jane put up some impressive numbers, in her standards, if you compare her to any other baby her numbers look ridiculous.

Head: 17.5 cm (60%)
Height: 26.25 inches (10%)
Weight: 15 lbs 14 oz (6%)

We know she is little but her mom is short and dad is super skinny. She has her genes working against her. She will thank us someday though.

Playing with her daddy while we were waiting for the doctor.

As a treat for getting shots, Jane got a cookie at her Aunt Michelle's house. She loves her sugar.

...and the army goes rolling along

Derek's little brother Travis graduated from AT last month and we all headed down to Sierra Vista to go visit. I was presently surprised at how well Jane did on the trip down. I was a little nervous, because who likes a screaming baby. The picture above is Jane showing off her new face. She has been doing her "O" face for like a month now, she does it whenever she is excited or surprised. Awe, we love this little girl.

While waiting for Uncle Travis Jane had so much fun playing with her cousin Beckham. Beck didn't think is was so much fun, as you can tell by his face, he thought she was attacking him every time she got really excited. Take note of the special camo bow that I made Jane just for this special occasion. This girl really does have a bow for every outfit.

We ended up staying over night at the base between family day and the graduation. We really didn't feel the need to drive home three hours and then back the next day. Jane loved snuggling in mommy and daddy's bed in the morning.

Her special red, white, and blue outfit for the graduation. She always has one handy in her closet.

Derek, Michelle, Beckham, Travis, and Steve after the graduation. Is that not the cutest outfit that Beck is wearing. This family is definitely army strong!

Our little family.

This is the best hat for Jane, so true, so true!

All bundled up while we were walking to the airport to drop Travis off.

Jane and Uncle Travis playing.

We really did have a fun time all together. Travis is heading to California, and we are excited to go visit him this summer after Derek's training in Utah and his trip to Germany.

Jane also just turned nine months. She is getting so big! Her doctor appointment is this Friday and we are hoping she will hit 16 pounds. Still no teeth, and we are starting to get a little concerned.

The house is coming along, I am almost done painting downstairs and will post pictures soon.

Eight Months

I thought my time in high school and college went fast, but since having Jane time has just flown by. I cannot believe that my baby girl is 8 months old. we went to the doctor last week and Jane weighed in at 15 pounds! May not seem like alot, but I have worked so hard to get her there.

Jane was playing with her dad on her slide and the static got to her hair.

Jane's new favorite thing is to stand up now. She loves holding on to our hands and walk around the house. I am sure she feels like such a big girl.

Grown-up land

Life has been a little crazier than usual for the Taylor household. To make the holidays even more busy we decided to move right smack in the middle of it. We made the move out to QC and are adjusting to it. Derek loves it, but i could use a little more convincing. The house is absolutly wonderful and we have tripled our living space. Painting and organizing are slow coming but it will all get done soon enough. We are feeling a little bit closer to being grown ups.

Our beautiful Jane is now almost eight months, and we cannot believe how big she is getting. Even though today the a lady at Fry's asked me if she was three months old, my daughter is a little small for her age. She sits up and loves to stand; chomping down baby food, which is a relief now that I know I do not have to nurse forever. Jane loves to be able to crawl around and visit with her new friends.

Jane loves to snuggle with her army bear during naps. She loves even more bing in her crib instead of the pack-n-play that we had set up at the apt.

Hanging out with dad and showing off her smiles.

Christmas morning consisted of Jane eating her presents instead of unwrapping them.

Jane was super excited to get our Christmas tree. Derek told me it is not a real Christmas without a real tree. So two days before Christmas we finally got it done.

I can't wait to put up pictures of the house, but that probably won't happen for another few months.

Thank You

I wanted to give a special thanks today for our military men and women. I have always been so proud of this country, but it wasn't until I married into a family that is all in the Army that it hit me how much of a sacrifice it really is. I am so proud of Derek, his brothers ( Matt, Brent, Bryan, Devin and Travis), and our friends that proudly serve this country.

I still remember when Derek and I were engaged and he asked me how I felt about him joining the military. It really didn't come to much of a surprise, and I was proud that he would be so selfless. Being in the military has been no picnic, with alot of ups and downs. Tears have been in plenty, but I have also been blessed. I never would have been able to handle Derek being gone with out the support of my family; especially my sister in laws Jennie, Brittany, Natalie, and Michelle.

Thank you again to all of you willing to make the sacrifice to keep our country free.