A special Thanks...

TO THESE TAYLOR MEN IN MY LIFE!

Six Months in a Snap

Two Weeks (..and a broken arm)

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four Months

Five Months

Our little man hit the six month mark. This chubber is coming in just over 16 pounds. I looked in Jane's baby book and she didn't hit that weight until she was nine months. My two children have been night and day in difference. Andrew really is the love of my life. This happy boy brings a new level of joy into our lives. I look back and cannot believe how fast his little life has gone. Jane loves him just as much as we do. I was worried that she wouldn't like him when I was pregnant. This little boy cannot get a break from his sister because she is always trying to kiss him and help with everything.

Today I was thinking about being a parent and my children. I realized that I never would have predicted how happy I am with them in my life. My family is my world, and I would not want my life any other way.

Meet Our Andrew

Here I am ready and willingly ready to leave for the hospital at 5:50 am on Wednesday. Thrilled that I am getting this boy out of me, I was definitely running out of room and he wanted out.

8:30 am: we are all scrubbed up and ready to head to the operating room. I was getting slightly nervous about it, but talking with Derek and Megann helped calm me down some. We were able to get special permission from the hospital to let Megann come and watch the c-section. It was alot of fun having her there with us.

Here is our little guy.
Andrew Derek Taylor
8 lbs 4 oz
21 inches

How did I carry such a big baby...I will never know. We couldn't believe how big he was; nothing compared to our little Jane who showed up at under six pounds. Everything went great with the c-section, except when he came out they noticed something wasn't quite right with left arm. Some how his arm got behind his back and when they pulled him our his humerous bone broke. He is taking it like a champ.

What I love the most about this picture is that you can tell how big Derek is smiling even with his mask on. He was finally able to bring Andrew over to me after they did his initial check and cleaning.

First time I was able to look at him. Love at first sight if you ask me. Look at his little lip sticking out. This kid already makes great facials.

The doctor fianlly came in today and was planning on putting a cast on his arm. Sadly the smallest cast mold they had was to big. Instead they put a splint down his arm and wrapped it with an ace bandage. It is nice and secure.

Our first attempt at a family picture didn't go quite so well. Jane had a hard moment. We will keep trying.

The Christmas Season

I have found it hard this year to get into the spirit of Christmas. Probably because I am worrying about the baby and am trying to get everything on my list of 'to-dos' done before he comes. Not to mention my best friend Jane who is always at my side needing something. I haven't had alot of time to ponder or even think about the greatness of this holiday. Today though that all changed for me.

Jane and I were on our way home from her Doctor appointment and we decided to stop by the dollar store to pick up a few things. Like most trips to the dollar store we finally made it to the register with over twenty items in the cart that we just absolutly needed, instead of the three items we came to get. There was an older lady in front of us checking out and I couldn't help but over hear her and the cashiers conversation. The lady was paying with change because she didn't get paid until tomorrow. As she was counting she realized that she came up short, she could only put a dollar on her debit card because she only had about four dollars left in her account. She decided that she just needed to put one of her five items away and do without. Once I realized what was going on I looked in my wallet for some cash; when I realized that I didn't have any I decided to pay for the whole purchase. I looked at the cashier and said "I have this" as I gave her my card. The older lady didn't even realize what I was doing, she was busy looking for some more change. When she looked up and realized I had paid for her purchase she started crying and thanking me over and over again. I told her it was not a problem and that it was only five dollars. As she walked away I told her to "have a Merry Christmas," she was barely able to squeak out " Have a wonderful New Year." I realize that the $5.42 purchase may not have been alot to me, but it made the difference to this stranger. How grateful I am that I was able to feel the spirit and help someone else in need. I hope someday I can sit Jane down and tell of how this is a season of giving and service, not one of presents and greed. Just another reminder to me how I need to be a servant in the Lord's hand and do his will.

A Special Day

This might seem like an ordinary Sunday for most, but it was the most wonderful for me. Jane has finally hit the 18 month mark and went into nursery at church. Yes, I can finally sit through primary and do my lesson without the 'Jane' distraction. It has been especially nice since Derek has been gone on Sundays.

Here is some of our Sunday morning together. Jane loves to look at books now and pretend to read them. She just got out of the shower and is looking a little crazy with the hair.

This is where Jane spends most of her time when Mommy gets ready -- in the sink. She likes to brush her teeth, and play/get into everything on the counter. She lost my power brush the other day and Derek found it days later in the shoe bin in our closet. The price I pay to keep my daughter entertained.

October

Out our way is the most adorable little Farm. Ok it is actually quite large and we loved going there this year. There was great food, rides, petting zoo -- all for the kids. Jane's couldn't get enough of the 'bumble bee' ride. Poor Derek took her on it again and again. Just thought we would share some of the fun pictures we took together.

My favorite place on the farm was the sunflower patch. Only in Arizona can you enjoy beautiful weather and flowers in October.

Jane's two favorite things in life: her Dad and candy.

Roaming through the pumpkins, finding her favorite.

This picture pretty much explains my life right now. Jane always wanting to be picked up, and my belly growing bigger everyday. The two things I see the most!!

The Halloween pictures are a little out of order. By the end of our ward trunk or treat Jane crashed pretty hard. Sadly, we still dragged her to one more Halloween party.

Our growing family. The little guy was a pumpkin, with the help of his Mom.

Jane was the cutest little lady bug. Her favorite part of the costume was her red shoes. She loves them, and I don't blame her. She never got the concept of getting candy from people, but there is always next year.

Boy oh BOY!

Just in case you haven't heard--we are having a BOY!