Taylor Rogers

Taylor's blog is moving!

2010-02-03T14:33:00.001-08:00

I am going to combine Taylor's blog with an existing blog of mine, so from now on, all Taylor and soon-to-be-Carsten news will be on that blog, which can be found here, on Inside Shauna's Head.

Growing and Growing!

2009-11-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

I can't keep up with Taylor's growing. Honestly, I can't! Every time Trask and I think we have stocked up on pants and shirts that fit Taylor, the next time we go to put on those pants or that shirt - BAM! It's too small.

From age 2 to age 3, sweet Mister Taylor grew 3.5 inches that whole year. But then again, he was a tall 2 year old. At his 3 year appointment in August of this year, Taylor measured 39.5 inches tall.

However. When Taylor woke up and came out of his room from a nap yesterday, Trask and I both thought he looked so much taller. I got out the pencil and marked his height on the wall and measured, only to learn that since the middle of August (3 months!), Taylor has grown 2.25 inches!

No wonder all his pants are too small, and his sleeves are too short! He has been so busy growing, and we just can't seem to keep up!

Now I kind of want to put batteries in the scale to see how heavy he is!! Or do I!?

cold + flu season

2009-11-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Despite our tremendous efforts to stay germ-free this season, Taylor has caught a bug. I am sure it'll only be a matter of time until he shares it with his Mommy and Daddy. We've been working super hard to keep me healthy during this time in my pregnancy.

He's been sick since Monday evening or Tuesday morning, and missed school on Tuesday and again today. He's super bummed about missing out on class and his friends, and probably his girlfriend, and I feel so bad for him.

He's had a low-grade fever, and now a cough, congestion and sneezing. He keeps telling me he's not sick and it's just allergies. He also keeps telling me sorry that he is sick - breaks my heart that he's apologizing for being sick.

You wouldn't be able to tell Taylor is feeling crummy based on his behavior. He's been a sweet guy the whole time, and his spirits are high. This helps. It's hard to keep him resting and to keep him inside, so for now, he's been tying up his bike (inside) with dog leashes. This makes me laugh because my sister used to tie everything up when she was little, too, and it's just too weird to see that he is just like his Aunt Karlie! Booby traps everywhere!!

Another thing that is keeping Taylor occupied is this old camera that my Grandpa gave me when I was in 5th grade, while I had a photography mentor. I have had it kept up high, but Taylor is getting a kick out of playing with it, so it provides hours (yes, hours) of entertainment. Last night we found a roll of film in it and Taylor was boggled as to what film was! Makes me feel old!

Keep Tay in your thoughts as he gets over these germs. We appreciate it!

silly kid!

2009-11-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

Taylor picks sayings up really easy, and for the past 6 months or maybe longer, he's been saying "what's up, my nerd?". A phrase he picked up from the show The Office. More specifically, from Todd Packer on The Office. It always gets us laughing because he can't say nerd very well, or chooses not to, and nerd comes out sounding like "dird". Too cute.

This morning he mixed this saying up a bit and was saying "what's up, my dirty fella" and something about "nerdy fella" and "dirty thirty". Who knows. I love hearing the things that he comes up with! This kid has a great imagination and a knack at getting people to laugh, or making them feel super awkward, or better yet, both!

grrrrreat

2009-10-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

I think it goes without saying what Taylor is going to be for Halloween this year - a sweet and sometimes fierce tiger! He had his mind made up for months before Halloween that he was going to be a tiger, and I am pretty surprised he hasn't changed his mind.

Today Taylor had his preschool Halloween party and he was excited to dress up, and to see all his friends in their costumes, too. I stuck around the classroom for a bit this morning to take pictures, all the kids looked so cute.

Taylor will pull his tiger costume out again on Halloween night while we go trick-or-treating with his cousin McKenna in their neighborhood. Afterwards is a Halloween party, and just as important - the Ducks are playing USC at Autzen. I so, so, so wish we were going to the game, but know we'll have a great night anyway, and the TV will be on the game, or I'll be sneaking off to check the score...

Happy Halloween from Taylor, and his black cat, Shadow!

Taylor's Hat

2009-10-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

My amazingly talented and awesome Etsy friend Amber, of Confessions of a Crochet Addict, made this amazing hat for Taylor and his huge head this summer, and we are LOVING it during this fall weather we are having!

If you want the coolest hats, scarves, cat toys, stuffies and more, you better go check out Amber's shop, and tell her that Taylor and Shauna sent you!

Amber, thanks again SO much for being so awesome. You're the coolest.

and...

2009-09-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

Taylor is going to have a little brother!

The ultrasound went terrific last night. We had the NICEST technician I could have ever hoped for, and my kiddo behaved. Both kiddos behaved. The one in my tummy cooperated so we could tell he was a boy, without any doubt, and my sweet Taylor was patient, cooperative and really enthusiastic about seeing the baby on the screen.

Taylor's first reaction when he saw the baby, even before we knew if it was a boy or a girl, was, "oh, the baby's so cute!", accompanied by a lot of cooing and baby noises.

We had the technician tell Taylor what the baby was, and then let him announce it to us. He proudly stated, "It's a little brother!" and we couldn't be more excited! I had thought before he announced it that I had identified a boy part, so I was pretty proud of myself when Taylor announced the news.

Now Taylor, Trask and I have the daunting task of naming this fella... wish us luck!

Oh, yeah, and for the record... in the room during this ultrasound, after we find out that I'll be the only girl in the house, Trask states to Taylor: "Mommy will deserve many, many more pedicures!" I love it!

little brother or little sister?

2009-09-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

We are so sorry it has been so long since we've updated this blog! We meaning, me, Shauna, I suppose.

Taylor is doing GREAT in preschool and I think we've just been getting used to a new routine, and succeeding with it, so far! Taylor has made some cute friends in his class and he always tells me he had a great time. He has a certain girl in his class that he thinks is cute. Well, not just cute, but "really cute!" I had no idea it would start so early! He even told her when she walked up to him last week that he liked her pants. Flattery goes a long way, but I'm not sure what that means in preschool. He seems pretty smitten, but not sure if it's reciprocated or not. I don't think he even cares. Just wants someone to love!

Today Taylor will start his third week of preschool. I can't believe it. He is really enjoying show and tell on Thursdays, and I love hearing the kids sing their songs together before school is out. It's so cute, my eyes water up every single time. We have a ever-growing stockpile of art that Taylor has created, and I don't see it slowing down any time soon, so we are more than happy to share. Please let us know if you'd like a part of a Taylor Daniel masterpiece.

This evening is the BIG ultrasound appointment and Taylor gets to come, along with Trask and Nana (Gail). The appointment is at 5 this evening and already we are prepping Taylor that it may not be a girl. He has been insisting it's a baby sister since the first day he found out I was pregnant, and having a little brother doesn't even seem like an option he is going to consider. Time will tell! I am going to see if the ultrasound tech will whisper the baby's gender to Taylor so he can announce it to the rest of us, having a special job. Really bummed my mom can't be at the ultrasound, too, but I am planning on trying to take a video of some of the ultrasound for her. Love you MOM!

I was dreaming of the ultrasound all night last night and one dream told me that it would be a girl, and it would be born March 2nd. We'll see what happens. All I know is that last night it was so hard to sleep, almost like waiting for Christmas morning.

We all hope that everyone is doing well and that we can visit soon. We send out our hugs and kisses and we'll update the blog when we know more about this sweet baby.

Love,
Taylor, Trask and Shauna

Taylor Rogers, Shoe Tester

2009-09-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I just got home from Nike with our friends Julie and Audrey, and we had a blast. Audrey is a tester of size 5 children's shoes for Nike and brought Taylor along to be a tester for the children's size 12 shoes. LUCKY KIDS!

It was so cute to see Audrey and Taylor trying on shoes together! (About 8 pairs or so). Once they were on, they'd get to run across the room and around the table. Taylor practiced his mad jumping skills and it was just a blast to watch.

With every pair of shoes, Taylor was asked questions about them, like how they felt, how they made him feel, if they hurt, if they were too loose, etc. His response to many questions were that the shoes were "snazzy, squishy, perfect, awesome and great." He liked almost every pair he tried. And they ask the parents if they are easy to get on, if the laces are too short/long, etc. It was so much fun!

At the end, Taylor did a bit of coloring and then got to go to a shelf of shoes and pick out a pair. The pair pictured in the post are the ones he ended up choosing. LOVE THEM! We are excited to do some more shoe testing in November.

I'm going to go and try to fit my big feet into his new shoes while he's napping now...

first day of preschool

2009-09-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Taylor's first day of preschool, and the verdict is in. He LOVES it!

Trask and I took him to school in the morning, where we got there a little early. He made friends with the other boys waiting for the door to open, and kept telling everyone we only had to wait 3 more minutes. He wasn't shy one bit, and by the time the teachers came to unlock the door and greet the kids, Taylor was halfway in the door.

The first thing Taylor did was hang his jacket on his special coat hook in the hallway. Then his teacher did a quick head check for lice, and then he washed his hands (swine flu prevention). After greeting his teachers, he wanted nothing more than to just go to his classroom.

Trask and I followed Taylor into his classroom, but I doubt that Taylor cared or noticed. He was ready. We took a few pictures of him and told him I would pick him up at 11:30 and he gave us hugs and sent us away without looking back.

I made it all the way until the end of the hall, leaving the building when the tears started. I'd love to chalk it up to pregnancy hormones, but I know that I would have cried without the help of the handy hormones. They weren't tears of sadness, but of happiness, and disbelief. He's growing up so fast, but he's such a great kid, and so beyond ready for preschool!

We drove home, Trask left for work, I dried my eyes and ran some errands, solo, for the first time in 3 years. I felt lonely, and kept looking at my phone to check the time. When it was time to pick Taylor up, I brought our dog along with me in the car. I walked down the hall and waited with some of the other parents. When it was time to go, I saw Taylor lined up, waiting for a parent before he could leave the classroom. His sweet face lit up, he gave me a huge hug and away we went, picking up his coat along the way.

I tried to get information about Taylor's day from him, but he's very much a boy, and I am sure he was still letting everything soak in. He loved it, he said, and he played and had fun and sang his ABC's and played tag outside and sat in a circle and learned how to cough into his arm. Slowly he's telling us more and more, but whenever you ask him something, at first he just says, "I played and played and played and it was fun, fun, fun!"

I can't ask for a happier first day of preschool for this sweet, growing boy! He's so ready for tomorrow!

Mister Amazing

2009-09-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Taylor's first day of preschool and boy is he ready! We had a nice weekend full of fun, and today we're getting the house ready for the week and just spending some mommy and son time together.

Trask and I took Taylor out to breakfast yesterday morning and then out to Forest Grove to walk around downtown and let Taylor get his energy out. Of course the camera was with us (thanks, dad!) and Taylor cooperated with a few pictures. He's at that stage where he thinks a tiny piece of his soul will disappear if we take his picture. (okay, not really, but he acts like that!)

We hung out around Pacific University (makes me want to go to college AGAIN), and then went to a feed/pet store and fell in love with a puppy, walked around downtown, ate lunch and just played all day. It was so much fun.

Well, back to chores, as Taylor is reminding me. He likes to 'supervise' more than participate. Smart boy. I'll fill you all in with pictures tomorrow on how the first day of preschool goes!

it's almost preschool time!

2009-09-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

You guys, Taylor is doing amazing getting ready for preschool! His excitement and enthusiasm puts me at ease, and now I am just so excited for him to learn and love school. Getting him ready for school makes me miss school so much, do other parents go through that or am I just strange?

Last week Taylor and I volunteered in the classroom, helping the teachers get the classroom ready for the school year to begin. Taylor took to it RIGHT AWAY and played on the playground with classmates and Teacher Pam while I was in the classroom hanging posters and putting together paper packets and such. I peeked out the window at Taylor to see him picking a flower and giving it to his teacher. My eyes welled up with tears seeing such a sweet thing, and they are welling up now just typing this.

It was fun to watch Taylor interact with the kids and teacher, and to see him come inside for a snack, sit in a circle, wash his hands, etc, all without needing me. This totally put me at ease. He is going to do fine. There may be some tears from him on the first day or so, but I know that he is going to love school. He starts this Tuesday. In five days. I am not sure where my baby went, but he's growing up and going to school! I couldn't be more proud of him.

Looking at his school schedule, my heart smiles with joy to see that there will be a holiday and spring singing program. I can't even begin to express how happy that makes me, along with ordering Scholastic books, preschool t-shirts and seeing something about a Thanksgiving feast at 10:30 am. This is going to be such a fun school year.

Tonight is Open House at the preschool. Taylor gets to have his picture taken for his choice time heart and he gets to pick out his coat hook. Trask is coming along with us, so it'll be fun for the whole family. Can't believe I am getting all choked up about a coat hook...

We'll keep friends and family posted on Taylor's adjustment to preschool and all the other things that has been keeping us insanely busy.

We love you all!

three year check up

2009-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Taylor went to his 3-year check up on Monday and was a great boy. Doctor visits are tricky for 3-year olds. Like they would ever choose to go in a room, get in their undies and sit on the table.

Taylor did fine except for when he had to be on the table. I remember when he was a baby, he loved playing with the paper, but that trick doesn't work to distract him any longer.

Taylor weighed in at 40 pounds (90-95th percentile) and measured 39-1/2 inches tall (95th percentile). His doctor said he'll be big and tall like his daddy in no time, if not taller. My gosh! I wonder when Taylor will be my height. Probably when he's like in 5th grade.

Taylor and I have had a busy week, and today we've decided to stay home and clean. He is a big fan of helping me out, so has been using wipes to clean the fridge and the floor and whatever else he feels like, the dog included. We've been working with putting away our toys before we go on to other toys, but when he starts picking up, he gets distracted and just keeps playing with the ones he's supposed to be putting away, which is fine with me.

Not much else is going on. Just getting ready for preschool and also for our annual Suttle Lake camping trip. Taylor is super excited for it this year. We'll see how he does in the tent, last year was rough!

We hope everyone is having a great week.

bigger + bigger

2009-08-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day for Taylor!

We're going on a picnic with his preschool teachers and classmates (returning and new) today at 11:30. Taylor seems to be very excited for this, and that makes me excited for him. I can't believe my baby is growing up, and growing up so quickly. I will edit this post later and let everyone know how the picnic went. Please pray that I have dry eyes and can semi-control my insane hormones.

On another note, Taylor has HUGE feet. The lady at the shoe store was shocked that Taylor is now in a children's size 11 and he just turned three. But then she looked at Trask. And looked down at his feet. Suddenly it all made sense to her. Beasts. Cute beasts. Needless to say, the tens that Taylor was wearing were a BIT snug! (why do I always do this to my kid?!). Taylor got 3 new pairs of shoes in one day. Sounds like how it used to be for me, long ago!!

We'll also have to go school clothes shopping for the big boy, as he's outgrown all his pants during the summer, and somehow I can't see Trask being okay with Taylor wearing manpris (capris for men - duh). It's never going to slow down, is it? This is why we have more children, isn't it? I think I'm finally catching on.

Aside from the preschool picnic that we've been looking forward to, and shoe shopping, Taylor got to play with his Aunt Summer and Cousin Liam yesterday when we went over there to bring Summer hot chocolate and keep her company. That little Liam is such a blessing, and Taylor adores him. It's comforting to see him be okay with me spending a lot of time with a baby, and being so patient. We'll see how that goes when it's HIS little brother or little sister in my arms. I can already tell he's going to be an enthusiastic helper.

Okay, off to get ready for the preschool picnic!!

PS: The preschool picnic was great. Taylor was super shy of the teachers at first, but he got warmed up and loved playing with all the kids on the playground. He eventually warmed up to the teachers and actually let them talk to him. He's excited for preschool, where Teacher Susan told him they have a train unit, a bug unit and a dinosaur unit. All things Taylor told Susan that he loved.

he {hearts} outside

2009-08-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

We had the best weekend. It was full of perfect weather (not too hot) and lots of time outside together.

Saturday we took Taylor a little ways past Gales Creek, over by Timber, and let him go fishing. We found a perfect little spot. By perfect I mean it was safe, secluded and pretty. I do not mean to portray that there were any fish even near the area. There were none. We did see water skippers though.

Taylor didn't care that there weren't any fish. He had his pole ready in seconds and the bobber in the water, casting and reeling it in, over and over. And the fish net. Oh the fish net. Taylor was in heaven. I sat in my camp chair and took pictures while Trask and Taylor 'fished' and skipped rocks and then proceeded to throw huge rocks into the water. Taylor eventually ended up walking across the creek with Trask, with his converse and jeans on. This was after Taylor swore he just wanted to dip his toes in. Yeah right.

After some fishing, we went to Summer's birthday party get-together and had a great time. It was nice to spend the evening with family (and love on the sweet baby!!). Taylor and McKenna were wound up beyond belief, with extra energy to spare, so they did a good job at keeping one another entertained. A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SUMMER (AUNT SISSY!) - we love you so much!!

Sunday (yesterday) was another fun day. We took Taylor hiking on part of the Forest Hills hiking trails, off of Skyline. It was perfect weather and the hike was beautiful. We walked a long ways, and Taylor was perched on top of Trask's shoulders for most of the trip. Lucky. We'll definitely be there again next weekend if the weather isn't too hot, it's a great way for us to get out and play.

Taylor and I are starting off this week not feeling so great. I am feeling super dizzy and just plain sick, and Taylor keeps telling me he feels sick. So we plan on laying low. I am not sure if he's really sick, he seems fine, I think he just likes to copy me.

Have a wonderful Monday!!

professional toy tester

2009-08-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Taylor is now a professional toy tester. His first toy he has been given to review is Play Toys' Activity Bus, and it's awesome! Note that you don't need to be fully clothed to play with it!

Read me and Taylor's review here.

We can't wait for another opportunity to play with another great toy!

updates from a three year old.

2009-08-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Did we really not blog at all in July?! So sorry! Last month was amazingly busy, and Taylor was busy tending to me and my all-day morning sickness like a champ.

Taylor is three. I didn't even get a birthday post done. But he's loving being three, and reminds everyone around him that he's getting older.

His newsletter came for preschool, and the waterworks for me began. There are so many fun activities we are going to do with the teachers and students before school begins. Hopefully this will be a good way to ease my anxiety about it, and for Taylor to make some friends before class. His first day of preschool is September 15th. Right around the corner. I can't even believe it. He is so excited to go, we have to keep reminding him that he has to wait a little while longer.

Taylor has a new cousin!! Baby Liam was born on Taylor's due date, July 29th, at 6:04pm. Summer, Aaron and McKenna, as well as Liam are doing great. Liam is a sweet little guy. I guess he's not little. He was born 9 pounds 13 ounces and was almost 22 inches long. Big boy, but so very sweet, and still seems so tiny when you're used to playing with a giant 3 year old.

Taylor has spent his days rolling down grassy hills, eating a ton, playing with friends, riding his bike with training wheels, going to the fair and gagging because the animals were too smelly, coloring pictures in his journal and swimming.

We'll be better about the blogging, now that I am feeling a bit better.

Happy August!!

structural engineer

2009-06-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

We have always known that Taylor was a thinker. And a processor. He likes to figure out how everything works, and isn't happy until he fully understands, assembles and disassembles anything. He has been this way since a very young infant. Always quieter, observing and testing. And now, after playing with wooden blocks with Taylor for 3 uninterrupted hours this morning, it's confirmed. This kid is going to be a structural engineer.

Favorite Taylor quote this morning: "Mom, this is the biggest, strongest bridge I have ever, EVER seen".

I adore my sweet, little nerd.

Note: I used to work with engineers. Taylor will be one of the rare gems with a dashing personality, rugged good looks and a super powerful brain. Most engineers, in my experience, are not blessed with all 3 qualities.

Sorry to all the engineers I just offended out there.

birthday countdown + summer time

2009-06-23T07:28:00.001-07:00

Taylor is on the birthday countdown, it seems. Each day he asks how much longer, and then reacts like we just told him the big day is tomorrow. Little does he know he has to wait a whole month!

We can't believe that our little boy isn't so little anymore. Well, was he ever really little?! It's hard to remember that time when he was tiny. We couldn't be more proud of the quirky, curious, joking and teasing, treat-sneaking boy that he is growing into.

The other day we found Taylor just staring at himself in the mirror. Usually we find him making funny faces at himself, but this time, he was just staring.

We asked what he was doing.

His response? "I'm trying to find a mustache!"

Taylor recently got a full-sized bed, thanks to dear friends who are moving out of the country. Since he has been in his super huge, super cool and super comfy bed... he has been sleeping through the night. You heard it folks. The kid just needed more room. I KNEW IT and so many people told me that that wasn't the reason he was waking up, but it has to be. I love it when I am right, it's so rare these days. Sleeping at night is a great thing, I missed it. Glad to have it back!

Taylor starts Happy Hearts Preschool in September, and couldn't be more thrilled. Somehow he already has the concept of Summer Break, even though he doesn't have anything to take a break from yet. We told him to do something the other day (like put his shoes away or something) and his response was, "But it's summer-time!" What?! How is that even relevant!?

Taylor has spent his 'summer break' playing with the neighbor boys downstairs, his amigos (ages 9,8 and almost 3). He's been frequenting the zoo (the sandbox at the zoo in particular). The playgrounds have been destinations, as well as walks to hunt for bugs.

Everyday he wants to go to the 'swimming cool' (pool) to go swim, even in the downpours of rain we've recently had. Thank goodness today is supposed to be warm, it'll be a 'swimming cool' day.

Taylor has also been more than excited about the impending birth of his newest cousin, Liam, and is patiently, or not-so-patiently awaiting the time when Aunt Summer goes into labor. He's ready to have another baby to play with! And he has been making me laugh, because he keeps telling me he has a baby in his tummy, too. I am not sure when he is due. I will keep you all posted.

Taylor gave Trask a terrific Father's Day weekend. On Saturday we took him to Oceanside and spent the whole day playing. The weather was perfect and fun was had by all. We even took the dog! Taylor's main goal was for me to build the sand castles and for him to demolish them. He also combed the beach looking for treasures to put in his beach wagon. His treasures he coveted include seagull feathers, a rope and a couple rocks, just to humor us. He also had a couple girls nearby to flirt with, bringing them some of our peanut butter cookies. He sure knows how to make a girl smile.

On Sunday we ate Krispy Kreme donuts and spent a good portion of the day at Smith Barry Barns picking raspberries and a few strawberries. Taylor ate a bunch of green blueberries and loved 'em. We're waiting for them to turn blue before WE go back! After that we went to family's house to go celebrate his cousin Rylan's 2nd birthday. Fun was had by all!

Our summer is continually packed, with play dates and outings for Taylor and I during the week, and then family filled adventures during the weekends. It's been crazy!

We'll leave you at that, for now. Thanks for dropping in to see how Mister Taylor is! We hope to see you all soon!

first time bowling

2009-06-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

Taylor went bowling with his cousin Rylan today and he had a BLAST! Rylan is practically a professional, but this was Taylor's first time.

Taylor bowled 3 games, and used bumpers. Sometimes he'd use the ramp and other times he would just push the ball down the lane, and after grass grew and paint dried, it would maybe hit a pin or two!

Taylor's Bowling Games:
Game 1: 59
Game 2: 69 (with a spare!)
Game 3: 54 (with a strike!)

Bowling was a HIT and he'll be going again soon! He was excited when he knocked down one pin, so when he got his strike, it was the same reaction he had when he got a gutter ball. Looks like he's not going to be as competitive as his Mommy. That's a good thing!

He loved playing with his cousin, Rylan. Between bowling, playing tag and just running aimlessly, it was a great afternoon for this toddler.

Thanks for introducing bowling to Taylor, Uncle Chad, Auntie Eileen and Cousin Rylan!

PS: Totally hard to believe that there's 11 months between these kids. Rylan is growing up so fast, he'll be taller than Taylor soon!

Thanks, Grandma + Paul

2009-06-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

Taylor just received the best gift he could have ever hoped for in the mail yesterday... tickets to Day Out With Thomas (DOWT), which we'll be going to the last weekend in June.

Taylor is so excited, he can hardly contain himself. I am not sure why we decided to tell him so early that we'd be going to Hood River for DOWT, but we did, and he certainly hasn't forgotten! It is going to be a blast, and actually, we are looking forward to it, too. We know that every little boy in Portland will be there, but the crowd will be totally worth it!

Taylor wants me to write: "Thank you Gram and Paul! I love Thomas the Train!"

Did we not know that before?! But really, thank you so much, Paul and Gram, we really appreciate the thoughtful gesture - we promise to take loads of pictures!!

sand man

2009-05-28T08:46:00.001-07:00

We need to live closer to the beach - Taylor and sand - total BFF.

hero.

2009-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Someone is growing up WAY too fast. Can you guess who? It seems like everyday he is changing, learning, sassing and growing! He wakes up each morning looking older than when we put him to bed!

I couldn't be more proud of the sweet boy that he is! My heart melts when he sits next to me and says 'I love you so much, Mom' or 'you're my best friend'. This kidlet is a wild, but sweet little piece of Heaven.

The fashionable cape that he is wearing was made by BabyPop, and it has a lightning bolt on the back - too stinkin' cute! I would highly recommend BabyPop for any of your superhero needs.

Sauvie's Island

2009-05-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we went to Sauvie's Island with Taylor to go play in the water and lay in the sand. The weather was PERFECT and there was a great breeze, making the day just that much better. I did a lot of lounging on the blanket while Taylor and Trask played in the sand and water. I then hear this conversation my 2 guys are having with this 10-11 year old boy...

Boy: Your kid is cute.

Trask: Thanks. He likes you!

Taylor is splashing him and laughing a lot.

Boy: How old is your son?

Trask: He'll be 3 in July.

Boy: I see he's mastered the cross-eye.

speechless.

I couldn't stop laughing. Taylor had his glasses off while he was playing in the water, and yes, he had in fact, mastered the cross-eye.

monkey

2009-05-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

Turns out, Taylor likes to climb trees. Are we at all surprised? No, no we aren't.

Great picture taken by Julie at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse on Friday.

Thomas on the Brain

2009-04-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Thomas the Tank Engine first entered our home a little over a year ago. At first it was fine, because it was just by way of the TV on Saturday mornings. I was worried at first because Thomas kind of drove me crazy, and I was bound and determined that I wouldn't have a Thomas-obsessed son. I had heard stories of this maddening obsession and I was a wee-bit terrified. Plus Thomas's big eyes kinda freaked me out.

Well, the TV show was a hit, and Taylor ate it up like candy. I was grateful that it was only on on Saturday mornings though. What a relief! Until the first Thomas the Tank Engine DVD found its way into our home. The floodgates had opened. Thomas was in the house.

My friend Marie warned me of this Thomas Epidemic, but I didn't listen. Well, I did, but I was in denial, and had the 'it won't happen to us' syndrome. It did. Marie was right. I should have taken her warnings more seriously.

First it was one DVD, and then another, and then 'oh, just one more'. Well, now we have a home full of Thomas DVDs, but it doesn't stop there. Taylor received some Thomas trains and tracks from a handful of family members over the holidays and at first it was awesome. Taylor was engaged in the trains and it kept him busy for an hour at a time - a little piece of heaven for a parent. BUT then things got out of control. Train tracks are scattered from one end of the house to another, and definitely not intact on the train table (that would make too much sense). There are train cars under the couch, hidden in toy bins and in the car (because he can't leave home without the green engine, Percy). What happened to keeping it all on the table to play with it, where things are contained and it's organized chaos? I'd like to know what happened.

Well, it happened. Taylor has been so exposed to Thomas that he's starting to talk like him. You know how they talk, right? They use grown up words and have accents and they are just kind of strange. So, anyway, the other day Trask said something to Taylor that just didn't sit right with the 2-1/2 year old kiddo. Taylor's response to Trask was hilarious, and went like this:

"Dad! You are making me CROSS!"

Come on, who says that? Thomas the Tank Engine lovers do. And it cracks me up that the word 'cross' left my son's mouth. Trask didn't really have a response to Taylor's statement, so perhaps I'll borrow that phrase the next time I need to get the last word in!

And in case you were wondering, Thomas has now invaded bath-time. Taylor now has a boat (can't remember the boat's name) for the bathtub that carries Thomas. So now Taylor constantly wants a bath. He's had 3 baths in the past 24-hours, I kid you not.
Thanks Thomas.

So what am I going to do now? I am going to expose Thomas the Tank Engine to every young child in our family and get everyone hooked so I am not alone. Is that mean? I kind of don't care.

my heart

2009-04-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

So, when I found out I was pregnant on November 18, 2005, I was ecstatic and a little nervous. On March 2, 2006 when we found out we were having a little man, I couldn't have been happier. But when I went to the hospital on July 21, 2006, I was ecstatic, happy and way nervous - what was I getting myself into? I was scared. But when Taylor entered this world Saturday, July 22, 2006 - the world was forever changed, and we were, too.

I love this boy. I love him with all of my heart.

His temper can be ridiculous at times, his requests can be off the wall, he talks in his sleep about kissing cats, and his sweet tooth is incredibly scary and real, but you know what... he is the kindest, most caring and thoughtful child with a great imagination and thirst for fun and desire to make everyone laugh. I love this kid!

Taylor Daniel Rogers... Mommy and Daddy sure love you!!

*incredible picture taken by Julie Flood.

shopping for siblings

2009-04-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Taylor has been asking for a baby sister for a few months now. And he's getting really persistent about it. He always asks for a baby sister when we are in Target. Unaware of the choices and options when I was pregnant with Taylor, I chose labor. Perhaps next time will be different and I'll just add a child to the shopping list. Anyway...

No matter what, Taylor always insists he wants a sister. Until today.

Today I asked him if he wanted a little brother or a little sister and he answered with an enthusiastic "brother!" And then he said, "Come on, let's go get him!" I then asked where we were going to go get a brother. His response: "Fred Meyer."

mustache

2009-04-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

He takes after his mama... not quite sure if that's a good thing or not. I am sure we'll find out soon.

not a napper?

2009-04-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Taylor keeps cheating me out of naps - each and every day. He just doesn't nap. Until today.

After asking him if he was sleepy and him exclaming that we only 'sleep when we see stars'... look at what happened. The kid is so tired that he has fallen asleep while sitting on the couch, and yes, he's snoring! Loudly.

I wonder how long he'll be asleep...

I love seeing his precious face while he is sleeping. I love this little man with all of my heart.

wait, what?!

2009-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Taylor: Mom, the noodles are terrible.

Me: What? The noodles are terrible, or on the table?

Taylor: They are TERRIBLE. Like, yucky, Mommy.

Me: Sorry.

steppin' it up a notch

2009-04-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Look here, at the cutest boy on the block. Here he is just really in his element, loving life and making jokes. Oh wait, no, not right now. He's mad. Very mad. He's mad it's still raining and the sun won't come out. Hurry up, summer, get here fast.

But here he is loving on his girlfriend, Audrey. Love always calms him down. Isn't she a babe!?

*Picture taken using my dream camera, that really belongs to Julie, but she let me play with it, because she trusts me, and she shouldn't!

sweet. wait, what?!

2009-03-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Taylor has been a ham this morning. A ham with a side of silly. A heaping pile of silly.

Taylor keeps telling me that I am 'Super Cute' over and over and over. It was making him laugh so hard each time he'd say it. So, does he mean it, or is he telling a joke?

He then points to me and says 'Making you laugh, Mom, making you laugh'. I still don't get it. Is he mocking me?

Mister Taylor

2009-03-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I ran into a friend from freshman year at UO, Julie, and we reconnected. She lives up here with her husband and darling daughter and they live close, so I couldn't be more thrilled. Taylor adores Julie and her daughter, and I am so happy we ran into one another.

Julie is an amazing photographer and has a great blog and website you should check out! She took these pictures of Taylor last week and we had a blast. She did so well and you can't even tell that Taylor was running away from the camera 99% of the time!

Thanks, Julie! I love the pictures and we can't wait for another playdate!

preschool

2009-03-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

This morning we are going to sit in on a preschool class with Taylor. He'll start preschool in September. I can't believe my baby is growing up. And what will I do with 2 hours twice a week by myself?

We'll let you know how the visit goes when we get back!!

[sweetheart]

2009-03-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

I need to take all these blog posts and have a book made of them. I just have to, because it's too easy to forget all the cute and crazy things that Taylor encounters. I will always remember this though, on my own, no book needed - today he did something I'll remember for a long time.

Taylor wrapped his arms around me and gave me a huge hug and said 'I so excited you're my mommy.'

Tears! I love my sweet boy.

lunch-dating cousins

2009-03-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to have a lunch-date with Summer and McKenna on Saturday after Taylor's gymnastics class. The kiddos had a great time and Summer won Taylor over by buying him an ice cream sundae. Not that he didn't love her more than anything already - ice cream sundaes never hurt. Thanks for a great day, Aunt Sissy and McKenna! We love you both so much!

Can you tell how much Taylor adores McKenna?! He can't take his eyes off of her for a second!

he [hearts] fire trucks

2009-03-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

Is there a kid out there that isn't fascinated by big, huge, red fire trucks? I doubt it. Taylor sure loves them!

Saturday after having lunch with Summer and McKenna, Trask and I took Taylor down the street to go see a few fire trucks that the Forest Grove Fire Department had in the parking lot of a shopping center. It was all set up for the kids to come see the firefighter's gear and climb in the trucks.

Taylor was in heaven! He got to climb all over one of their newest fire engines. He steered the steering wheel, he pushed buttons, he took it all very seriously, too, of course. He hopped in the back and hung out there for awhile, too. He was so happy! All the dials, gages and knobs were so shiny and pretty - he was so intrigued. As was I, but for other reasons. [we all know how much Taylor's mommy loves the fire fighters].

A big THANK YOU to the great Forest Grove Fire Fighters. We adore you.

Taylor's message to you all

2009-02-27T11:09:00.000-08:00

have a great week-END

sassy

2009-02-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

A quick thought:

I think Taylor has our roles reversed. I have been asking him 'why' and he keeps answering 'because, Mommy, because'. Hmmmm.

monday morning

2009-02-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I spent the morning at the park since it's so sunny out. Note that it's sunny, but NOT warm. I am ready for both, but really won't complain if it's just sunny. We have missed our friend the sun.

Taylor actually sat still for a picture. Perhaps it was because he was strapped into his stroller. He is wearing a super cute hat that was made for him by Amber, one of the sweetest Etsian pals ever, who is from Portland, too! Isn't the hat cute!? Here's her shop, you better go check her out! She's amazing, and super nice. Killer combo.

Tay had fun at the park until he had to go potty, and then we discovered the bathrooms are closed for the winter. What?! So we had to get back in the stroller and run home quick so he could go potty. After we got home and he went, we hopped into the car and went back to the park to play, with an empty bladder. Tay only wanted to stay there for like 3 minutes. Of course.

Taylor will check back in soon. He's off to play with the dirt in the flower pots on our back patio.

becoming a man.

2009-02-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

Taylor and I were at the park playing today. He made friends with a sweet little girl his age and they played and played. Then Taylor decided to run laps around the play-structure on his own. The little girl began to cry, a lot.

I then have this conversation with Taylor:

Me: Taylor, your friend is crying.

Taylor: Yep.

Me: Can you go ask her if she is okay?

Taylor: Nope. She's fine.

See? He's such a boy.

potty talk

2009-02-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, sorry we've been slacking on blog posts, but the whole Rogers Family had the stomach flu all last week - it was bad. But while we were all sick, we still had Taylor in undies and were working on potty training. This kid is doing great!! And today marks a very big day - Taylor POOPED ON THE POTTY like a champion! He told me he had to go and we went in and he took care of business. Impressive business. So impressive I wanted to take a picture and show you all. But I didn't. I just texted the picture to Trask.

We are going to celebrate pooping in the potty with riding our bikes in the house and chocolate cake - both requests from Taylor himself. He knows how to party. And he knows how to potty!

quick check-in

2009-01-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

We all have a very busy day today but we wanted to check in to say that Taylor is doing GREAT! Yesterday he was accident-free ALL day, even during his nap!! He hasn't been in a diaper since Wednesday. We've now set the timer for every 45 minutes and it's working like a charm. Each time we put him on the potty, he goes. He's doing so well and we couldn't be more proud. We even did some errands yesterday with him and he went in public potties and still no accidents. He's getting the hang of this. And you know what - this thrills us. Perhaps potty training is his 'thing' since sleeping through the night isn't, as well as being an easy newborn - nope, perhaps this is his feat!

We get to have the Koehler Family over this morning for a surprise visit we just found out about yesterday, and then we are going to visit with some family and then Trask and I are going to the Trailblazer game together, so Taylor will have fun with Nana and Pampa this evening. I know he's just so excited to see Byron and Ayden today. He has been talking about Byron a TON lately, so we're all super excited. Who wouldn't be?!

Lots of love, and thanks for all the encouragement for Taylor. We read him the comments and he gets proud!!

Oh, and wait, we still can't wait to all meet PARKER, my friend Marie and Josh's sweet new baby, born on January 29th around dinner time. Go check out Marie's blog to see the most perfect baby in the world. Taylor is ready to play with Parker, and we are, too. Oh yeah, and with his parents.

potty training update

2009-01-29T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I told you all that I'd be back with an update. I only have time because Trask is home and is helping me out. I am so grateful to have his help and a bit of a break! Potty training is just as much training the parent as it is the kidlet - it's hard work!

Taylor has been doing wonderful!! I found the BEST blog article about potty training and have been executing her tips and methods - and it works!! Please see Kay's (of My Precious Kid) blog post on potty training here, and pass it around, it's so helpful. I just love that Kay is local to Hillsboro, too, I feel like having her near gives me added support. She's been an angel answering all my questions talking to her through Twitter.

Taylor is only wearing undies, all day long. He prefers a t-shirt and undies only, so that's what we are doing for now. I set the timer for every 30 minutes, and when we hear the BEEP, we dance ballroom style down the hall to the potty and he goes. As soon as I put him on the toilet, he goes. We haven't had a time yet where I put him on and nothing comes out. He's doing great.

We had only 2 accidents so far today, and both of those weren't huge, and that was before I was timing. Now I don't have to ask him every 5 seconds if he has to go potty. It's been really great. He's not always excited to sit on the potty, but he does it and we make it as fun as we can, without backing down and caving in.

Taylor has not pooped today. I am nervous for that part. Who knows what will happen. I guess at least he gives a warning (grunting) when it's time to do that, so if I hear that or see him pushing I will just take him to the toilet. Right? Is that how it goes?! Sheesh.

At the same time I am phasing out the sippy cup. He is drinking out of a glass now and is doing great. I am not taking it away completely, since this is a huge change as it is, so if he requests a sippy I'll give him one, but he's done good so far and could care less that the sippy cups are gone. I do have to save them for the car rides though and errands, just in case!

Just wanted to check in and give a Taylor update! A big shout-out to Nana for coming by to give Taylor a 3-pack of Thomas the Train undies. He's in heaven!!

Honestly, check out the article... and please share your stories and tips! I'd love to hear any ideas!

in training

2009-01-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

Wish us luck, we're in the midst of potty training, but not with diapers, but with big boy undies!!

We will keep everyone updated.

like sasquatch

2009-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just like our friend the giant Sasquatch, Taylor has been increasingly impossible to capture on film. Impossible. He turns out to be a blur. Or I get the back of his huge head. Or I get his feet flying towards my face. Or his hand over the lens. It's tricky.

Please bear with us while our blog lacks Taylor pictures. I managed to capture him in a tiny bit of the camera frame here. So this is what you can feast your eyes on, for now. I am hoping he'll hold still eventually. Perhaps I'll just have to take pictures of him sleeping and put eyeball stickers over his closed eyes. That'll fool everyone.

two and a half

2009-01-22T16:30:00.001-08:00

Today Taylor turned two and a half!! It's so weird to me that he's already half-way to three. He's growing so fast, I feel like each morning he wakes up taller, and he has the jeans that are too-short to prove it, he's going through clothes like nobody's business.

Today is a big day, as we started researching preschools for Taylor. Preschools. Can you even believe it? I can't. Not one bit. He turns three in July, so he'll get to start preschool in September. Holy Moly.

We found this preschool that we are really excited to check into. The teacher is super nice and the school seems like so much fun. It's called Happy Hearts Preschool. I think we'll go check it out soon with Taylor and see what it's like. He'd be there Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11:30. I don't know what I'll do with myself! I have stayed home with him for forever. I know he'll love it though, I just know he's going to love school and gobble it up.

On to other things Taylor has been up to... hmmm. Where to start?

When Taylor has done something naughty and we're trying to tell him no or talk to him he likes to try to distract us. Usually he says one of two things. First, he says, in a real exasperated voice, 'I am so fast, I am so fast.' The other distraction phrase he uses is, 'I am crazy, Mom, crazy.' Sometimes these phrases work, other times they do not. It's a gamble.

Taylor likes to wake up in the morning demanding to watch football. This is the first thing he says to me when he wakes up. I sometimes imagine him saying, 'Good morning, Mommy, you look lovely today' but almost always it's: 'Moooooommy, I wanna watch some fooootball, mease.' (mease is how he says please.)

Taylor knows all of the characters from The Office by heart. He can look at the DVD cover and name them off. He also thinks that Trask works at The Office with Jim, Dwight and the rest of the gang. He also always wants to play ping pong, and loves to practice his kung-fu moves (compliments of Kung Fu Panda) with flying air kicks at the traffic driving by or at plants, or at me and Trask. He kicks very hard.

Happy two and a half years, Taylor Daniel, it's been a pleasure. You're a treat - hysterical, sweet, loving, thoughtful and random. You are so loved!

gym

2009-01-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

We just signed Taylor up for 4 weeks of gymnastics class (jumping, balancing and tumbling) at The Gym Nest in Hillsboro. We can't wait, and are pretty confident that Taylor is going to LOVE it. It's on Saturdays, so Trask will be able to come along and watch Taylor do his thing! I will be sure to get pictures. Classes start February 21st, so we have awhile. In the meantime, we'll practice our somersaults and jumps, and oh, listening skills.

Google Eyes Update

2009-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

We took Taylor in on Monday for another eye check up with Dr. Mary DeFrank of Hillsboro Eye Clinic (we love, love, love it there!!). Taylor did awesome! He could read the pictures great, even the smallest ones, and when they did the depth perception test, he did great and cooperated.

The doctor said she is so happy with Taylor's eyes. He is using his bifocals more and more consistently. His eyes are completely straight at a distance, too! She was so happy with his progress. We don't have to go back until June (6 months). At that appointment we'll have his eyes dilated and they'll check his prescription to see if it is the same, or if we need to increase or decrease it.

We were so proud of Taylor - he did a great job. He always has so much fun at that office - they are wonderful. If you are looking for a wonderful eye doctor, please contact us, because we found her. Well, we were referred to her by our pediatrician, so WE didn't find her, but she's ours!!

whiz kid

2009-01-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

Potty Update - Taylor is doing great with potty training! He's really excited about it, and we have lots of dry diapers between potty trips!! Taylor has even let us know when we are out in public that he has to go potty, and is just doing awesome. He still isn't there 100%, but he's off to a wonderful start!!

Go Taylor!!

waiting for the train

2009-01-05T18:21:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday last week Taylor and I rode the light rail train, Max, to go into downtown Portland to visit Trask for lunch and to play at his office for a bit. It was such a fun day!!

Taylor was super excited to ride the train, and loved almost every minute of it! He doesn't like when the train stops at the other stops, he gets nervous that we are going to get off the train. He always seems to make friends on the train, too, and this trip was no exception.

When we got off the train at PGE Park downtown, Trask was there to meet us. Taylor was so excited when the train stopped and he saw his daddy outside waiting for us - he ran the whole way to get to him and climbed into his arms, after charging at his knee caps.

We went to lunch at Tropical Smoothie Cafe and watched a bit of the Beaver game on TV. We then went to Trask's work and visited some of his co-workers and played with 2 of the dogs that were in the office, Astro and Sasha.

Taylor and I rode the train back home together. He loved going through the tunnels, and loved seeing the cars driving next to us on the freeway. He's so much fun on the train - it's a good way to spend time when we don't have much planned and it's gross outside.

Taylor hopes you all will join him on a train ride, he's always looking for more train-fans.

thank you, Byron + Ayden

2008-12-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

Taylor got a surprise in the mail this week and we couldn't be more thrilled. Out of a cute box hopped this cute little sock-eating monster that Taylor has named 'Oh'. This cute little guy is a present from Taylor's best bud Byron and his little brother Ayden, and was made by their babely fox of a mom and my sweet lady friend, Jill. Isn't she amazingly talented?

So... we just wanted to send a big SHOUT OUT to the Koehler Kids for such a wonderful monster, he's a super cute and welcomed addition to our home. Thanks Ayden, Byron and Jill - we love you all!!

Hugs,
Taylor and the parental units

holidays 08

2008-12-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

Taylor has been a busy guy lately with all the holiday fun that our family has been having.

Despite the fact that Taylor was terrified of Santa this year, Santa didn't hold a grudge, and treated Taylor to a full stocking and some fun goodies under the tree. Taylor is thrilled with the digital camera that Santa brought him, and he's been quite the photographer, documenting everything in his room by making it pose so he can take a picture.

Taylor's wildest dream came true this holiday season - he is the proud owner of a Thomas the Train wooden train set and a train table. (We had high hopes that the tracks would fit on one of his tables, but nope, so of course he needed a train table!). This train set has been a miracle. Once we had a child that ran from toy to toy to toy every five minutes, but Thomas holds his attention for a very long time. The first night he had his train set he was up until eleven playing and refusing to go to bed. Now when he wakes up he asks to play 'Tommy, right now'. Love it!

Our family hopes that the holidays were wonderful for all of our family and friends, and may 2009 bring much happiness, laughter, peace and cookies.

conversation with Taylor

2008-12-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

I was unloading groceries in the kitchen when Taylor comes up to me and hugs my legs and looks up at me sweetly. I knew he was up to something, and this is the conversation that followed...

Mom: Hi Taylor

Taylor: Hi Mom. Make cookies?

Mom: We can bake cookies, let me finish putting the food away.

Taylor: Oh God!

This kid really loves his cookies.

Taylor {hearts} Snow!

2008-12-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's bitter cold here and it's not warming up anytime soon, and I think that that thrills Taylor! He is especially liking how windy it is, too. It's about 24 degrees outside with a wind chill factor of about 15 degrees. Brrrrr.

He played outside in the snow with Maddie until his cheeks were nice and pink and now is nice and warm, napping in our bed. I guess winter is here, right!?

Parents of the Year - Maybe Next Year

2008-12-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

I think Trask and I are in denial about Taylor's growth. He has grown over an inch in the past 8 weeks, and I guess we forgot that his feet grow, too. Here's the story...

Taylor and I were shopping at Ross with my sis-in-law, Summer, and we started looking at shoes for McKenna since she had out-grown all of the ones she had. I asked Summer what size she wore and Summer said 8-1/2 or 9. I was shocked. Tay, who is taller than Kenna, wears (or so I thought) an 8. I started laughing at McKenna's adorable, big feet.

And then I felt Taylor's toes in his shoes while he was sitting in the cart. And then I realized I was a DUNCE! His toes were right on the very edge, and he wasn't even standing! Ugh - mean Mommy! So, I told Summer, well, he must be an 8-1/2 then, I will go find him shoes tonight with Trask at Payless or somewhere. Boy, I felt bad for Taylor's poor piggies, no wonder he was always asking to take his shoes off. Duh, Shauna, duh.

So Trask and I took Tay to go get some new shoes. They really have slim pickin's when it comes to boys shoes that aren't dumb. They had nothing in an 8-1/2. Then we had the lady measure his foot to make sure we were doing it right - and we weren't. The kid is in a 9. I failed! So now I am the one with the bigfoot child. I can't wait to tell Summer this, since I was laughing so hard at my niece. (I swear I am a good Auntie!)
But good news, there were 2 decent pairs of shoes in a size 9, and it was BOGO, so extra luck.

Well, off to go cry now as I put away in storage all his awesome size 8 shoes - he had tons.

Taylor, next time your toes are about to pop out of the ends of your shoes, don't just ask for them to come off, slap mom and dad across the face a few times, then we'll get it.

Christmas Tree Hunting

2008-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to go pick out our Christmas tree - at Plumper Pumpkin Farm, of course, on Old Cornelius Pass Road. We love it there!

This was Taylor's first year WALKING around on his own, with all the freedom in the world. Last year he was in the backpack, but there was no chance we were packing his 37 pounds on our backs!! He was happy to be on foot, helping us find the perfect Christmas tree. (We are a Noble family, both the Noble tree type and just plain noble).

After we found our tree, we sent Trask to go tie it to the roof of the Subaru while Taylor and I played. Taylor went down a 40 foot long tube slide, three times. Please note this is the child that refuses to go down slides at the park. He loved that slide. We also petted some goats, cows, calves, bunnies and looked at the pigs. Taylor loved the cows. As soon as we were done and heading to the car, that's when it started to rain. PERFECT TIMING. Yay. We seem to do this every year.

Taylor decided since he wasn't allowed to carry the saw (such mean parents, huh?!), he would pretend to saw down trees with a stick. This kept him busy for a long time.

We somehow decided it would be fun for Taylor to have some cooled-down hot chocolate on the way home in the car. And there was hardly any left, but Taylor still managed to wear a lot of it on his face! He was a wreck when we got home. Lesson learned. He looks like such a grown up, I can't stand it. Where did our baby go?!

So the tree is up and decorated and we're ready for the holidays. We hope that everyone has a lovely holiday season and that you are blessed in every way.

foreman of lemon drop studio

2008-12-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Taylor loves to supervise me while I am working on etsy orders at the desk. He climbs right up and makes himself comfortable, and gives suggestions from time to time. And you know what, sometimes he has good ideas, and other times I don't understand a single word he says.

I had to document his 'help', so here he is, watching me, lounging on the desk, taking up about 95% of the desk. I am thankful he leaves me 5% - he's so generous.

{Cousins: Taylor and Rylan}

2008-11-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

Taylor got to hang out with his 18 month old cousin Rylan yesterday morning and he loved it. Taylor thinks that he is Rylan's big brother, always showing him how to do things, tattling on him, bossing him around (nicely) and ruffling up Rylan's hair and calling him a 'good boy'. Taylor loves all the attention he gets from Rylan and loves the fact that Rylan laughs at his every move, and copies everything that Taylor does. Who wouldn't love that?!

too polite?

2008-11-25T10:30:00.001-08:00

Once when Taylor and I were shopping at JoAnns, we were looking at all the goodies next to the line to pay. I stopped and was looking at ribbon (a weakness), so when someone came up behind us to get in line, I told them to go ahead, we were still looking. Taylor must have been paying attention, because now when we are in line (anywhere), whenever someone joins the line behind us, Taylor waves them ahead, saying "go ahead, go ahead." What a gentleman. I will have to teach Taylor selective manners, I suppose.

a cousin dinner-date

2008-11-24T07:43:00.001-08:00

If Taylor had it his way, he'd spend every waking minute with his cousin McKenna - he loves this girl so much!! When they are together he always has to be touching her in some way, whether he's playing in her curls, holding her hand, yanking her around, tickling her, whatever, he has to touch her at all times. I love how much they love each other. It warms my heart. Here are the cuties dining together in Taylor's room at his table. They are too young for candlelight, but they'll get there. Or is that weird having a candlelit dinner with your cousin? You're right, it just might be too weird. Hooray for cousins!!

(**Note the cloth napkins - very classy!!)

growing up

2008-11-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

Taylor has recently become very fond of his little gray Caribou backpack, and wants to take it everywhere. This is a special backpack because it used to be my diaper bag when I was his age. He used it last weekend when we stayed in Astoria. It held his blankie, clothes, stuffed animal and other treasures quite nicely. He is always so proud to wear it, and I just think it's so sweet. Looking at this picture today makes it look like he's ready for school though, and that makes me want to sob. Give me time, I am still adjusting to the fact that he can walk and talk. They don't stay babies very long, do they?

flashback

2008-11-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Wow. I found a few old pictures of Taylor in a file on the computer that somehow strayed from the pack. Enjoy the flashbacks. He has grown and changed so much. And I just know when he wakes up this morning in an hour or so he is going to look even bigger!! Enjoy.

Halloween 08

2008-11-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Let me just tell you that this was a very special and fun Halloween! This is the first year Taylor really understood the idea and loved every minute of the entire day. How awesome!

In the morning we read Halloween stories at Styledbaby for story time and had a blast. It's so nice to see the kiddos every Friday, they are a blast. After story time Taylor and I ran a couple errands, nothing that noteworthy. He was dressed up already in his costume though, as a UO Football Player. It was pouring down rain and I thought his black smudges under his eyes would wash off, but hip-hip hooray for the mascara I used under his eyes, the smudges stayed put! (And it stayed DRY for the trick or treating that evening - yay!).

Trask had been out of town on business for 3 days and came home at about 1:15 in the afternoon on Halloween - Taylor and I were beyond thrilled. Life is not the same when Trask isn't around, let me tell you. When daddy got home we helped him unpack and then carved pumpkins. Well, we didn't carve faces, I guess we just gutted them so we could play with the insides, and I collected the seeds so I could roast them.

We headed over to McKenna and family's neighborhood in Banks a little after 5 to get ready to trick or treat. McKenna was the cutest Little Bo Peep I have ever seen! The kids really got into the trick or treating, it was so much fun to watch them. I was proud of my kidlet's manners and saying thank you after every house. He's such a sweetheart.

Trask and I did make-shift cheap costumes last minute for ourselves, of course. He was Mr. Rogers, and wore my maternity sweater, a dress shirt and tie, and some awesome canvas shoes, and oh, a side-part in his hair. He made a great Mr. Rogers. Wait, he IS Mr. Rogers. Hmmmm. And I was a pirate. I had a bandanna on my head, a striped shirt, and tall argyle socks (argh-yle) and put on some big earrings and a patch, although I couldn't wear the patch for long, it was messing up my vision. I did put on a fake mole for extra points. Does that count?

After trick or treating we played some fun games and munched on goodies - and a good time was had by all!

We hope everyone had a safe, happy Halloween. None of our candy is left, what a great way to start November.

Saturday was Spooktacular!!

2008-10-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday was lovely outside and was the perfect day for Spooktacular at Jenkins Estate in Aloha. We went last year, too, and had a blast.

Taylor was pumped to go this year and show off his UO Duck football player costume. I asked if he was excited to get another pumpkin and he told us no. All he wanted to see was the tractor that gives the hayrides.

At Spooktacular we went on the hayride, and picked out a small pumpkin. We ate some food and played some games with Nana, who was working the event. Then it was Taylor's dream come true, Nana went on a tractor ride with him (so he got to ride TWO times) and Trask and I stayed behind and enjoyed 10 quiet minutes to ourselves. Oh yeah, and I got my face painted like a cat, but our camera ran out of memory, so we didn't get a picture of that. (phew!).

Anyway, we can't wait for Halloween on Friday. What is everyone else going to be this year?!

he's peeing - in the toilet!

2008-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Taylor has shown a real interest in using the big boy potty lately, and not just encouraging us to use it. Today he has wanted to sit on the potty 4 different times, and each time he has gone, too! He loves getting rewarded with goodies, and likes to call Nana and Grammie after each success. And 3 of the 4 times when we took his diaper off so he could go potty, he was dry. I am hoping perhaps we'll be diaper-free during the days by Christmas. Maybe?! Go Taylor, Go! We are so proud of this big boy, obviously, since we're posting his bathroom behavior and activities on the Internet.

Make that five for five - he just did it again!

will he ever sleep?

2008-10-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

While we were blessed with a wonderful son, a hilarious prankster, a sweetheart of a boy, we were not blessed with a sleeper. That is just how it is. We have been consistent, firm, tried many different things, read many books, established a predictable routine, but truth be told, Taylor still isn't a great sleeper.

How many times has he slept all through the night, you ask. Less than 10, we answer. Yes, less than 10. In 27 months. Jealous? Yeah, I didn't think you would be.

Taylor and I are both feeling sick lately, so that means extra-bad nights, which I totally understand. He feels like poop, can't breathe and keeps coughing and wheezing and snoring - I wouldn't be able to sleep either. Oh wait, we don't get to sleep anyway, that's right.

The poor kidlet came into our room every 20 minutes or so from 10pm until 2am. Trask is more tired than I am, I am guessing, but still, it's so exhausting! I am sure we'll be passing this cold around from family member to family member for awhile, isn't that how it always goes?!

looking back

2008-10-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today Taylor turns 27 months old. He has grown up so much, but I still see him as my little baby boy. I don't think anything will ever change that, even when he's forty. This boy is my heart and my everything. I would be lost without him. To put it simply, my dreams came true the moment I met him.

crazy eyes

2008-10-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yet another picture with Taylor's glasses off, showing off the crazy eyes. That is all. Just wanted to share.

smart!

2008-10-21T11:42:00.001-07:00

I asked Taylor who he wanted for President and he looked me in the eyes and replied: 'Mommy for President. Mommy Shauna.'

I promise you he thought of this on his own, he doesn't take bribes yet, much to my dismay.

he makes us proud

2008-10-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Taylor is dedicated to helping with the energy crisis, and his latest thing is to make sure that all the lights are off if we aren't in that room. We do this anyway, but if I step out of the kitchen to go to the bathroom and come back, he has turned the light off. He's not a waster, no he isn't. I try to explain to him that I was going to be right back in the kitchen but he just looks at me and frankly says, 'Lights off, Mommy, lights off!' Right. I forgot.

Pumpkins!!

2008-10-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went with my mom and Taylor to the Lakeview Farms pumpkin patch in North Plains and LOVED every second of it. The weather was perfect and fun was had by all! It's just the neatest place. You get to ride a train into the pumpkin patches, and then ride a boat back to the farm. Sharks and dragons jump out of the water and it's just such a fun place.

Taylor helped pick out a pumpkin or two, and thought he was pretty cool wearing his boots. He also loved the petting zoo, giving plenty of love to the kittens, pigs and goats. I was excited to find some great gourds, too.

We'll definitely be back next year - awesome!! Stay tuned for my roasted pumpkin seed recipe - delicious!

Taylor's Mischief...

2008-10-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Taylor vs. Burt's Bees Baby Powder

yes, it was a FULL bottle. I just KNEW it was too quiet in his room! Silly boy!

first full, understandable sentence

2008-10-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Taylor has been able to put a few words together for awhile now. (It is usually to form demands of one sort or another), but last night while Trask and I were chasing him and tickling him throughout the house he yelled 'Get on the bed!' He ran into our bedroom and climbed onto the chair and hopped on the bed. He knows we always give him huge tickles there and do some jumping and rough-housing, as if it were a wrestling ring. It was so cool to see my little guy say such a big, clear sentence, and of course, it was another demand. Sheesh!

finally!

2008-10-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

We have finally approached one of my favorite phases in a toddler's life - the 'what's this?' phase!!

Taylor needs to know what everything is, and believe it or not, I love it! I love coming up with answers, especially when I don't know what he is pointing to. I am also looking forward to the 'why?' phase... but this will keep me busy for now.

Taylor-Speak

2008-10-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

So it's really funny when Taylor says 'Snuffy', so of course, we had to make him say it for the camera for the whole world to see and hear. He's a good sport!!

you're how old?!

2008-10-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

Ask Taylor how old he is and you'll get this answer: 'I twenty-six'. He certainly has aged quickly.

his 'smile' face

2008-09-30T16:10:00.001-07:00

This is the face we get when we ask Taylor to show us his smile face...

Does he look happy or what?! I love it!

Taylor's Sleeping Crew

2008-09-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's Taylor's Sleeping Posse. He needs these 3 fellas to join him when he goes to sleep each night. They all have a specific place in his bed and he must have all of them for a splendid night's sleep.

Meet "Meowkie"* the leopard cat, "Roarie"* the bear we found at an antique shop, and "Tay Tay"* his siamese cat puppet. They are pleased to meet you.

*Yes, he named all posse members.

Taylor's Eyes

2008-09-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Taylor's eyes are doing great in his bifocals and the doctor was pleased to see how well they are working! So we'll go back in December 19th to check and make sure all is still well. This is really the most wonderful eye doctor, ever!!

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers for Taylor's eyes - I appreciate it more than I could ever say.

Love,
Taylor and his crazy eyes!!

times like these...

2008-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Taylor has very much been two this past week - lots of tantrums and testing the limits, trying to see what he can get away with. However, it's moments like the ones we had this morning that make everything worthwhile. Taylor and I have been the best of buds today, and he's just been a perfect Little Man. We've wrestled, jumped on the bed, made a blanket fort, sang songs and now we're going to have noodles.

I love him more and more everyday, and I need these sweet moments like this morning to get me through the terrible twos, tantrums and meltdowns.

I love you, Taylor Daniel Rogers, you are my heart.

Best friends forever - Mommy

funny boy

2008-09-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Taylor keeps us laughing, always. He is starting to put words together in understandable sentences and it always cracks me up what he decides to say. Lately he says 'Come here' a lot, as well as 'I see you' in a creepy, sing-song voice. 'Hold me, Mommy' is another phrase I have been hearing A LOT of lately. How can I tell him no?!

Taylor has also been up to a lot of late-night mischief lately. He's been coming into our room while we are asleep and just staring at us as he waits for one of us to wake up. He rests his head and arms on the mattress and just stares, then starts poking, then smiling and then stares some more. He totally wants to play. Scoundrel. So we just stick him back in his bed and he's out... for awhile, and then we repeat.

However the other morning I woke up and went out in the living room and found 2 of his 3 stuffed animals that he has to sleep with EVERY night out on the couch, and the pillows on the couch all askew and crazy. What in the heck was he doing out in the living room in the middle of the night?! Who knows, but he and his stuffed cat puppet (so creepy) and his stuffed leopard were having some sort of midnight fun on the couch.

Ugh. My son is such a strange kidlet. (Of course, look at his parents!!).

Just wanted to share some of Taylor's latest shenanigans.

Taylor's eye appointment is tomorrow morning. This is the appointment where they are going to check to see how he is doing with his bifocals and decide whether the kidlet needs surgery or not. Please keep us in your thoughts. I am hoping bifocals were the answer we were looking for!!

loving tractors

2008-09-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Taylor is so much a boy, in everything he does, and his love from tractors is something fierce and well, intense.

He is comfortable on a tractor and takes it very seriously. He loves to ride on his Pampa's tractor with and without an adult. When he wakes up in the morning he needs to talk about Pampa's tractor. A lot. Funny how he remembers the tractor but not the things I tell him not to do, repeatedly. Selective hearing develops quite early, huh?

When he saw this tractor at the zoo, he went a little nuts. Yes, he did get super protective of it, and yes, he threw a grade-A tantrum after he had to get off and let other kids have a turn. It wasn't so much the anger doing the talking, we'll say it was the passion that was screaming and crying. I love that he likes things with such intensity, and it's extra fun in public!!

I love my tractor-lovin' kid!

best friends + cousins

2008-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Taylor got to play with the love of his life on Saturday. The love of his life is his cousin, McKenna Reese. She also happens to be his best friend. It means the world to me that these kidlets are so close and have one another. Aren't they cute?!

a new favorite

2008-09-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

I really don't think it's possible to pry a piece of corn on the cob away from our son - he's really into corn lately, and on the cob only, of course. He takes this very seriously, needing to eat every single kernel of corn off of the cob before it can be taken away. Meticulous corn eater - that's our boy. He thinks he's just too cool eating it by himself.

good boy

2008-09-15T16:15:00.001-07:00

Taylor told me to tell everyone that he slept through the night last night. He went to bed at nine and woke up this morning at five thirty, and slept another hour in our bed. Finally, a nice night's rest! Thank you, Taylor.

And here's a little flashback of what he used to look like sleepin'... so sweet, so small!

PS: Jill, please let Wade know that Taylor still asks for him, and still calls him Puppy.

Suttle Lake 08

2008-09-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our Suttle Lake 08 Camping Trip. It was a lovely camping trip, and it's always an adventure with a two year old. We'll save the stories for another post. I can say this: we are so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I count my blessings daily, and they are always a part of that.

Taylor decided to take a dip in the cold lake - but it didn't seem to bother him one bit. Who wouldn't want to swim when you have neon green aqua socks though, come on...

We camped with: Aunt Janelle, Katie, Nick, Aunt Michelle, Ryan, Jenn, Scott, Amanda, Gram and Paul, Grammie and Aunt Karlie. There were pups there for Taylor to play with, too, although Maddie stayed home. Taylor played with Lily the pug puppy, Shelby the sweet black lab and little Diesel, the jack russel. It was so much fun!

Taylor got a little homesick on Saturday night, so we packed up camp a few days early, but we still loved every moment at Suttle Lake, playing Aggravation (and losing to Michelle, as always), playing Rummy with my cousins, learning Texas Speed from Karlie and playing Nertz with Trask and my mom and sister. Taylor also got to go on a boat ride with the guys on Nick's new boat. Lucky kid. On the boat he ate Doritos, had guy talk and made fart noises with his mouth (and other parts) along with my cousin Ryan. A dream come true for boys.

More later - we promise!

a little walk

2008-08-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I just got back from a little walk around our home to find kitties, bugs, and kids, oh, and airplanes. We found 3 of the four things we were after.

I took some pictures of the sweet boy while we were outside. He decided to be a ham, again. I love the new head tilt while smiling.

He has been doing pretty good today. The Zyrtec is making him tired today. He did have a little barf-fest last night around midnight, but has been fine since then.

Enjoy the pictures. Who does he look like more... me or Trask? Let us know what you think!

diagnosed

2008-08-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the doctor's office with Taylor - they wanted to see him, thank goodness.

Turns out, he's allergic to amoxicillan and won't have it ever again. Yahoo. I feel so much better now knowing what is going on with my kidlet.

To treat the reaction he'll be on Motrin around the clock, Zyrtec 2 times a day and Orapred (steroid) once per day for 10 days. The Zyrtec may make him sleepy, but the steroid will make him hyper, aggressive and hungry. Oh my Lord! This is going to be interesting! I feel like he going to use his steroids as an excuse to be extra violent and sassy. Yikes.

On top of everything, he has a virus too, giving him a low fever, snotty nose, cough and diarrhea. However, we got the OK to go to Suttle Lake, so life is very good.

There's your update!

is this a joke?!

2008-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

So my poor kidlet's rash just keeps growing and growing and growing. I am calling the pediatrician again today, with the risk of being called 'that one mom'. You know the one, the one who calls about everything. I am becoming her. But you know what, it's worth it - it's my child. And I tend to get a little worried seeing more pink spots on his skin than I do rashless spots of white. He's a cute leopard.

Here are some pictures of my sweet leopard. Note - he isn't itching at all, so we are to assume he's not in any pain. However, he has started a low-fever yesterday and today. Ugh.

I really hope he's better for Suttle Lake in a few days.

PS: Check out his eyes without his amazingly thick and powerful bifocals - Mr. Magoo Googlespiel.

we've missed you...

2008-08-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Obviously we haven't been blogging lately, and we're all terribly sorry about that. We just stopped by to post a FLASHBACK picture on a Saturday afternoon. Taylor is covered from head to toe in rashes from a reaction to his antibiotics, and yes, the rash is even all over the palms of his hands. I had no idea that was even possible. There is very little of his body that isn't rashy, the poor thing. We were told that he'll live, and that he is okay, and that despite the looks of things, he does not have leprosy as I had diagnosed. There goes my future as a nurse or doctor. Oh well. I suppose I'll just stay home.

We get to go out to our friends' house in Scappoose this evening, so that's where we'll be. We'll leave you with a picture of little Taylor though. It's a real little Taylor. He's about 5 days old here. Precious, eh. And look, no rashes. I may have to go take some pictures to document the rash, for the sake of the blog, not for my entertainment.

Have a great Saturday!

Hugs,
Taylor, Trask + Shauna

Taylor

2008-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Family and Friends - This cute little sassy thing is finally on the mend and seems to be better now! His appetite is back, although he keeps requesting popcorn and chocolate all the dang time. The antibiotics are helping the fluid behind his ears and he seems a bit less irritable. He is working on getting his 2 year molars in, so he's a bit on edge, but life is much better now. Thank you to everyone for the nice comments, for checking in on him, and for the prayers. You are all wonderful and we love you all. Thanks!

...and back from the doctor

2008-08-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

The doctor wasn't sure what was up with Tay. He has some fluid behind his ear, which may be an infection, so he gave him some antibiotics. (Tay's first Rx). He isn't too worried about his lack of eating and said he'd eat when he is hungry, as long as he is still peeing and crying tears, he's fine. So that's that. We'll pray that he's on the mend :)

Love you all.

to the doctor we go...

2008-08-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

And we're off to the doctor today at 11:45 - Taylor just isn't getting better, and still isn't interested in food, so it's time to see Dr. Davidson. We'll give an update when we get back from the doctor.

Thank you everyone for the good thoughts and prayers for Taylor, we appreciate it very much.

Oh, and PS: Taylor seems to be doing great with his bifocals so far. No accidents or big spills as of yet, and he's had them for a week today! Go baby, go!

prayers

2008-08-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys. Please keep our sweet Taylor in your prayers this evening. He has been sick for a long time off and on, and it's still around. He has a fever of 101.7 with motrin in his system and has been puking tonight. I feel bad for the kid. He hasn't wanted to eat ANYTHING for four days, only liquids. My heart goes out to the poor kiddo. I am hoping some prayers will help speed his recovery. We thank you all so much, and wish many blessings to you all.

Hugs,
Shauna

bifocals for the lad

2008-08-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

We picked up Taylor's bifocals today from Hillsboro Eye Clinic and so far, so good. I notice him looking down more when he takes a step down from something, and he doesn't seem to mind them. So all in all, good news. Now we'll see if they do the trick. I am hoping and praying that this is the solution!

Taylor has been feeling a tad under the weather lately but is hanging in there. He has a nasty cough, and he hasn't wanted to eat anything at all today. I am trying not to fuss over him too much. I made him take a nap with me today in my bed and that felt great. I have been sick, too, so we both needed our rest and beauty sleep.

He had a really rough night last night trying to get to sleep. He was beyond tired and couldn't calm down, just lots and lots of crying and and nothing would stop it. So we took him on a drive in the country. I love living up here. We're 15 minutes from Portland and 15 minutes from the country, it's just perfect. The drive was a loud one for some of it, but eventually Tay calmed down and fell asleep. He woke up as we pulled back into our apartment but when we got him out of the car he was fine and in a good mood, like nothing happened. We then got him to fall asleep. Phew. I am blessed that Trask wasn't on a business trip and that we could handle that together.

Taylor's out on the back patio now saying 'hi' to all the neighbors. I am going to go out there with him and play in the little miniature sandbox.

Tay sends his loves!

not to jinx it, but...

2008-08-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

...Taylor has slept through the night for three nights in a row. Three nights in a row, guys! This has NEVER happened in his 2 years of existence. Trask and I are not sure what to do. If he doesn't sleep through the night tonight I'll know it's my fault for blogging it. Cross those fingers and toes.

Taylor's Peepers

2008-07-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Taylor had his eye appointment and dilation this morning (appointment was one hour and forty-five minutes!). His left eye is still turning in at near distances, and he is VERY, VERY farsighted. He also has an astigmatism in his left eye.

The doctor is strengthening his Rx a bit, and adding bifocals. We are hoping that this works for him. She is giving him 2 months. If his eye is still turning in, it will have to come to surgery, as after bifocals, there isn't any other options for him. Even after surgery he will still need glasses, which comforts me because I am so used to him in glasses, it wouldn't be the same!

So I guess we'll wait and see. The clinic is cutting his lenses and he should have them soon. His poor eyes are huge from dilation, so we're hanging out at home in the dark since the light is really irritating him. The doctor and technician are so wonderful with him and such a blessing, despite his sassy demeanor today. He did not want his eyes fiddled with.

I am grateful Trask could come. His next appointment is Thursday, September 25th, so we'll know more then. The doctor said getting used to the bifocals will make Taylor more clumsy (is that possible??), so I am really nervous about the stairs, playground, etc.

Anyway, there's the update.

bugs!

2008-07-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I just spent 45 minutes outside looking for bugs. Once we found some ants, we were in business! This kid loves bugs. Loves them! His Nana got him a bug vacuum for his birthday, and last night he caught his first spider! Very exciting. When we were done looking at him we put him outside in the flowers. Taylor even said good bye, and then proceeded to bother his web.

While we were outside on our bug search we found dragonflies. Taylor wasn't too sure about them, and thought they were birds. So he started clapping his hands and yelling 'hey, bird!' over and over. (That is his bird call that he frequently uses on our patio when birds fly by - it never works). He also thought the butterflies were birds, too, and flies. So I am guessing anything with wings will be called a bird for awhile.

I had to peel him off the sidewalk to come inside after 45 minutes. He needed a diaper change and I needed to get the house straightened up before we go have dinner at Aunt Michelle's. Wait, I still haven't cleaned. Better go do that now.

Taylor sends his love and special bird calls. Later we'll discuss his new move, the "gator chomp". Just for you, Skye and Joe!!