Arizona

Note: As you can see, this was written some time ago, and there are no pictures. I have tried MULTIPLE times to upload photos, but no dice. Sorry.

I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since we got back from Arizona for our Thanksgiving visit with Michael's side of the family. (Of course, when I remember that I subsequently spent a week each in Oakland, San Diego, and Fresno traveling for work, that does seem to explain why the time has flown by so fast).

Before Christmas has passed, I thought I should post about our wonderful trip. Sorry it is so short, but Susan does a good job recapping the trip here.

Anyway, Michael's parents flew us down on Tuesday (my mom and Michael picked me up after I got off work and we went straight to the airport). We got in late, and the next day went to Michael's Aunt Cathy's and Uncle Bob's house (BTW, Michael has new fewer tan SIX Uncle Bob's. You will have to ask him about it sometime). We hung out and then went to see the newest Harry Potter movie. I haven't seen them all, but this was definitely my favorite.

Later that afternoon, Michael's brother David's family arrived from Utah (wife, Angela, and three boys Josh, Ammon, and Lincoln). Then Cathy's kids came over for dinner, and it was great to get to know Michael's cousins better (it was the first time I met most of them).

The next day (Thanksgiving!) the Bragonje clan headed over to a nearby park to tire out the boys before dinner. The whole family got in on the fun, playing baseball, volleyball, and soccer at various times.

Friday we went to this awesome train park that all the kids LOVED (and the adults got in a rousing game of softball), followed with dinner at Pipes and Pizza, a favorite restaurant of Michael's dad, Brent (he LOVES organ music). It was a fabulous day.

Saturday, Michael and I went to the Phoenix Zoo with his parents and his Aunt Cathy, who volunteers there. I think my favorite part was seeing Michael play with the animals at the petting zoo. I need to get that man some sheep or goats.

Saturday evening, we went to Michael's cousin's daughter's wedding. Everyone had a great time, and then Brent was kind enough to take us to the airport after the reception (and my mom was kind enough to pick us up later that night, despite the multiple delays to our flight!).

We had a fabulous time, and are so appreciative for Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bob's hospitality, and Brent and Susan's generosity.

Long-overdue ultrasound pictures

How is that for reassuring--a thumbs up!

Proof positive that she's a she.

My little alien baby. ALMOST a peace sign.


And our darling girl's profile.

Our Utah Trip

Back at the end of July, we went to Utah to visit family. It was a fantastic trip, and hopefully will be repeated before too long. Here are some highlights (and by highlights, I mean the only pictures that I remembered to take:

Penelope getting ready for a hiking trip with Michael. She knows she is about to go somewhere super fun...

An apron I made for Camryn. All by myself.

One of the two stuffed bears I made for Tamsin and James


Camryn with one of said bears


James! What a sweet boy!

At the park with Michael's brother, Dave

The girls were so popular with the kids at the park. It was pretty cute. Dave's family was there, too, but somehow I don't have any pictures of them.

My friend Kim and her adorable girl, Avilynn. We got to hang out at Ikea, which everyone knows is the REAL happiest place on earth.

It was a great trip. We got to see lots of family, we went to the annual Taylor Family Reunion, I swam in the frigid Provo River, Michael went on lots of fun hikes with the girls and my brother Steve, I got to spend some quality time with my amazing SILs, and I got to visit with some of my very best friends from college. Hopefully, we'll make the trip out next summer with our new arrival!

How Michael is like Danny DeVito...

Michael is my very own renaissance man. Since moving out here in May 2009, Michael has worked as a commercial painter, technical writer, Census supervisor, jury foreman, quail farmer, and my private contractor.

The above should tell you that Michael has been understandably busy. Following are just a few of the projects he has been working on.

Replacing the retaining wall in the front yard:


Raising quail (including building their multi-level hutch):

Taking an ash bath--their favorite pastime

Checking out their digs

The "fruit" of his labor

Tending the dogs:



Raising vegetables in our garden (actor portrayal):

Tearing down and replacing our siding and windows:


Ripping out our brick hearth and wood burning stove:

(Thanks Dad, Colin, Nathan, and Nate Ashby for helping Michael remove the stove!)

Next on the agenda: painting our house!!!

We have brought in a contractor to scrape down our popcorn ceilings and re-texture them (it was soooo much cheaper than we expected, and he had all the equipment for re-texturing), and as soon as he finishes, Michael will have yet another project to tackle when we get back from our Thanksgiving trip to Arizona (thanks again, Brent and Susan! We can't wait!!!).

What a talented man I married!

Halloween

I know it's been 3 weeks, but here are the pictures from Halloween. We went as a pumpkin and a farmer.


And, yes, I matched a 14-month baby. And, yes, we were two of the only adults dressed in costume at our ward Halloween party.

Can you believe this baby?

I am in love with little Wy.

Wyatt Cooper Taylor

Isn't that just the greatest name?

Welcome little one! You are coming into an awesome family, with an amazing big brother and two fantastic parents. Not to mention the bestest aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Welcome to the Family!

The newest little Mr. Taylor arrived today, just before 2 pm, weighing in at a respectable 6 lbs 9 oz. and 18 1/2 inches. Baby and mama are both doing great. Go here for some great pictures.

Michael was TOTALLY right

It's a girl!

And it looks like I WASN'T jumping the gun when I bought the most precious rosebud tea set last Monday. Or the gobs of fairy tales, Beatrix Potter, and Madeline books.

When I go in for my 20 week ultrasound I will have them double check. I still don't QUITE believe it (although the woman said she was very sure).

Now accepting any and all name suggestions...but they have to go with the middle name Louise.



Baby's first profile shots to be posted later.

Summer Reading List

What books am I currently reading?

Childbirth Without Fear - Grantly Dick-Read
Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally - Janet Balaskas
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth - William Sears
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - Gwen Gotsch
Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene - Ingrid Bauer
Infant Potty Training: A Gentle and Primeval Method Adapted to Modern Living - Laurie Boucke
Sign with your Baby - Joseph Garcia
Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason - Alfie Kohn

As long as I can finish them all by February 17th...

Tamsin Linda Taylor

The newest addition to the extended Taylor Clan is little Tamsin. She made her grand entrance on Monday, July 12th, weighing in at 7 lbs. even, 19 1/2 inches. She is daughter to Karl and Megan, little sister to Camryn, and niece to ME!

Isn't she sweet? I love that contented sleepy smile, and at only a few days old! I am bummed that I have to wait another 2 weeks to meet her, but I am super-duper excited! I compulsively check her mom's blog to see more pictures and videos, and Megan has been very obliging to Tamsin's adoring fans.

I think she is perfect.

Welcome to the world, little one! Make yourself at home.

And Then There Were Two

On Saturday, April 24, 2010 we adopted another rescue, Phoebe (our Earth Day baby!). Phoebe is an English Black Lab/German Shepherd mix, and she simply delightful. She is such a different puppy than Penelope, but they sure love each other. Phoebe is extremely smart and inquisitive, and she is our little darling. She loves to be cuddled and held like a baby (and thrown in the air like a baby!), and is extremely docile. She loves to rough house with her big sister, though, and Penelope looooves to play with little Phoebe.

We had been talking about getting a second puppy, but I thought that it would be too much right now. When I was leaving the Town of Loomis Earth Day celebration, though, the dog rescue was just setting up. Thy had two little lab puppies, and I knew I was a goner. I called up Michael, and he brought over Penelope to take a look. Phoebe immediately stood out to us, and we decided to add her to our family. She was about 12 weeks when we got her (putting her exactly 6 months younger than Penelope, with a birthday of approximately February 12, 2010), and such a little rolly-poly thing. She loves to howl when she is lonely, and instead of whining, she chirps like a bird when she wants attention. It is pretty adorable. And her ears have started sticking up (the German Shepherd in her). Here is a picture (of her looking uncharacteristically regal) and video of Phoebe (in which she engages in her favorite activities of scratching, hiding, and forcing her Mama to use Blair Witch videography):