Giraffe Pictures for Will, Lynn and Walter

Callie's cousin Will loves giraffes and he loved looking at all Callie's "guys" in her crib. At one point during his visit, he asked me if he could hold her toy giraffe. That giraffe was the very first baby present I received (from Lynn and Walter) and it was a very emotional gift for me. It made it even more real that I was finally going to have a baby. When I was sick or sore because of the pregnancy, holding this little giraffe made me feel better and reminded me of what I had to look forward to. Now I see this toy as a symbol of God's promise that he has good things in store for us, tender miracles in soft and cute forms. Here are pictures of Callie in her giraffe outfit with her special toy. Thanks again Lynn and Walter!

(notice the leaf on her bottom)

not the best expression but I love how she has her hand on his little ears!

My Funny Daddy!

Yesterday morning, I got out of the shower and heard all kinds of silly noises coming from Matt. He and Callie were having a great time making faces and motor mouth sounds. Callie was completely absorbed and was smiling about as big as we have seen so far. She is just starting to smile as a response to something or someone. I can't wait until she is laughing. Here are some Daddy-love pictures.

Six Weeks!!!

Yesterday marked six weeks of out of womb experiences for Callie. I can't believe it has been six weeks already. And at the same time, she looks so big to me, I feel like it has been six months. She has grown so much and she is learning many new things daily. We have weighed her on our scales (with us holding her) and she seems to be 11 lbs already. Her 0-3 clothes are fitting very well now and she fits in size 2 diapers. I hope she doesn't grow too fast because Becky, Mom and I have all bought her and Brighton lots of matching outfits for our family time in July. We didn't count on Callie being such a chunk! Besides growing, Callie spends less time sleeping now and more time flailing about discovering things with her hands. One night, she discovered her left ear and pulled it so hard that she made the most adorable face while she tried to figure out who was doing that to her and why they wouldn't stop. And I am constantly wrestling those hands away from her pacifier because she loves to grip it and fling it. Some of Callie's favorite things right now are Mommy and Daddy, ribbon, looking out bright windows, "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and riding around on my chest in the baby Bjorn. Her dislikes include being held while someone is talking on the phone or typing on the computer (which is why I haven't blogged in a week!), getting her diaper changed, pajamas that take too long to button and the blue booger snatcher. Her sleeping habits are improving. I have seen a huge difference this week. She now goes to bed between nine and ten and sleeps through the night with only two fairly quick feedings. She sleeps until seven or eight in the morning. Hopefully this will last more than these few days because I am thoroughly enjoying the predictability and extra sleep. I have been able to paint this week and soon need to start working out and learning new routines for jazzercise. But I am trying to take it a little at a time and not stress or create unrealistic agendas. I am completely content to hold Callie and sing "Fee Fie Fiddly-I-O" as much as she wants me to. And I am trusting that God will give me the time I need to do the things I need to do to make extra money for us.

Here is a picture of Callie's first home bath when she was just three days old.


Now, here is Callie at six weeks. (Her acne is clearing up, even though it doesn't look like it in these pictures).



Her hair is not as red as it appears in these pictures, either. And here is a little of what the boys are up to--squirrel watching (when they aren't babysitting their sister, of course!)

Sister Reunion!

Becky, Jon, Will and Brighton arrived Sunday afternoon for a three day visit. It was the first time Becky and I had seen each other in five months and her first time to meet Callie. It was a very busy and exciting three days! Sunday was full of family and friends. Steve, Dreama and Michelle came over to eat with us and to see Becky & co. and meet Brighton. Mom and Dad were there, so I got to spend Mother's day with both my mom and mom-in-law. And later that day, Rebekah, Griff, Charlotte and Norah came over. It was rainy on Monday so we spent the day at the aquarium and then went to Abuelos for dinner. Scott and Michelle joined us there. Then, on Tuesday, we met at Panera for breakfast then drove to the ocean front to let Will play on the beach playground and to walk on the boardwalk. Everyone left Tuesday evening after eating NC-stlye BBQ (a Taylor obsession). I was very sad to see the visit end. I have been looking forward to it for so many months. But at least I know we will all be together again in July. That isn't that far away. The next four posts include some of the highlights from the last three days.

My First Mother's Day!!!

I have waited four years to celebrate Mother's Day and it was a perfect day! I got to spend it with so many of my favorite people! We ate, played with bubbles, talked a lot and then ate again. Thank you to Mom, Dreama and Michelle for helping out so much in the kitchen. And to Mom and Dad for helping us get the yard ready for company.

SHARING!

Will and his new girlfriend, Charlotte (3 yrs.)

The Park

On Sunday evening, the Taylor/Spiers/Schumacher clan all walked to our neighborhood park. I don't have pictures of Will going down the twisty slide at warp speed, flying off the end, landing in the mulch on his back, coughing out a mouthful of dirt and then running to do it over again. But here are some other pics of the kids enjoying themselves.

This is Callie's idea of a good time!

Matt taught Will about honeysuckle.

Brighton + Callie = BFF's

Becky and I are determined that no matter where we live, our girls will be close friends. This will be especially important if neither of our girls get a sister. If you are fortunate enough to have a sister then you know that sisters are the ultimate best friends. But cousins can be a close second!

Meeting for the first time!

I think things will go better between them once Brighton is through teething!