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...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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):
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):
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Puppy Story
Because we were now (sort of) homeowners, Michael and I decided we couldn’t wait another day to get a new puppy.
Literally.
We closed on Friday, October 9th, and Saturday morning, we went to pick up our new puppy. Michael had found a woman who had rescued a litter of puppies, and Michael and I went to meet her to see if we would take one home with us. While we hadn’t made up our minds to bring one home with us, when we met Penelope, we knew she was the one for us.
Penelope is a Black Lab/Border Collie mix. Born August 12th, she and her littermates had ear infections and were covered in fleas when they were rescued. She was the smallest of her litter (which was one reason why we chose her), but she was also the sweetest. When we held her for the first time, she was so calm and affectionate, we just knew we had to add her to our little family. So we adopted her, bought her a crate and some food, and headed to our new home. Of course, having a new puppy has made settling in a bit difficult, but are so glad we got her.
Penelope (Penelope to me and Michael, Penny to her other family, and Sweet Pea when she is being unbelievable cute) quickly made herself at home with us. Everyone told us we were “in for it” because she would be smarter than we are. Luckily, she hasn’t formed any destructive habits, but she really is SO smart: she figured out how to open the screen door in about 30 seconds, and has already learned Sit, Down, Come, Go Potty, and Off. (I just wish babies were as easy to potty train. I mean, if a 3-month puppy can learn to hold it, why not a 3-month baby?)
Our Sweet Pea LOVES other dogs. Her best doggie friend is Marley, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever/Poodle mix. Despite being about 10 times as big as she is, they love to play chase and wrestle with each other. It is pretty hilarious. And seeing an 8-lb. puppy “dominate” a 70-lb. Goldendoodle is pretty side-splitting as well. Not to mention a wee bit inappropriate.
Some of Penelope’s favorite activities are chewing on her favorite toys:
playing fetch:
and learning new skills:
What she loves most, though, is to be snuggled and to have her tummy rubbed. And of course, she never chews on things she is not supposed to, like dirty socks, shoes, throw pillows, the carpet, or our “new” couch (to be fair, throwing a squeaky her way quickly redirects her taste for chewing into more appropriate channels). And while she is a delightful lap dog now, I’m afraid what is going to happen when she is 60 lbs. and still wanting to be carried around.
In the mean time, we are loving every minute of puppy parenthood. It has been teaching us important parenting skills, which we understand will transfer to people-parenting: getting up in the middle of the night (largely Michael’s duty, for which I am eternally grateful); having eyes in the back of our head; consistency; keeping our house puppy-proof (plastic bags and small objects are No-Nos for both puppies and babies, I understand); and, of course, bragging about her to complete strangers and showing pictures to anyone who will look.
Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bragonje for the delightful package. Penelope has LOVED her toys (especially the Almond Joy!).
And thanks also to Andrea, for all the great toys and treats, and for letting us descend on you every weekend for doggie play dates!
Literally.
We closed on Friday, October 9th, and Saturday morning, we went to pick up our new puppy. Michael had found a woman who had rescued a litter of puppies, and Michael and I went to meet her to see if we would take one home with us. While we hadn’t made up our minds to bring one home with us, when we met Penelope, we knew she was the one for us.
Penelope is a Black Lab/Border Collie mix. Born August 12th, she and her littermates had ear infections and were covered in fleas when they were rescued. She was the smallest of her litter (which was one reason why we chose her), but she was also the sweetest. When we held her for the first time, she was so calm and affectionate, we just knew we had to add her to our little family. So we adopted her, bought her a crate and some food, and headed to our new home. Of course, having a new puppy has made settling in a bit difficult, but are so glad we got her.
Penelope (Penelope to me and Michael, Penny to her other family, and Sweet Pea when she is being unbelievable cute) quickly made herself at home with us. Everyone told us we were “in for it” because she would be smarter than we are. Luckily, she hasn’t formed any destructive habits, but she really is SO smart: she figured out how to open the screen door in about 30 seconds, and has already learned Sit, Down, Come, Go Potty, and Off. (I just wish babies were as easy to potty train. I mean, if a 3-month puppy can learn to hold it, why not a 3-month baby?)
Our Sweet Pea LOVES other dogs. Her best doggie friend is Marley, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever/Poodle mix. Despite being about 10 times as big as she is, they love to play chase and wrestle with each other. It is pretty hilarious. And seeing an 8-lb. puppy “dominate” a 70-lb. Goldendoodle is pretty side-splitting as well. Not to mention a wee bit inappropriate.
Some of Penelope’s favorite activities are chewing on her favorite toys:
playing fetch:
and learning new skills:
What she loves most, though, is to be snuggled and to have her tummy rubbed. And of course, she never chews on things she is not supposed to, like dirty socks, shoes, throw pillows, the carpet, or our “new” couch (to be fair, throwing a squeaky her way quickly redirects her taste for chewing into more appropriate channels). And while she is a delightful lap dog now, I’m afraid what is going to happen when she is 60 lbs. and still wanting to be carried around.
In the mean time, we are loving every minute of puppy parenthood. It has been teaching us important parenting skills, which we understand will transfer to people-parenting: getting up in the middle of the night (largely Michael’s duty, for which I am eternally grateful); having eyes in the back of our head; consistency; keeping our house puppy-proof (plastic bags and small objects are No-Nos for both puppies and babies, I understand); and, of course, bragging about her to complete strangers and showing pictures to anyone who will look.
Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bragonje for the delightful package. Penelope has LOVED her toys (especially the Almond Joy!).
And thanks also to Andrea, for all the great toys and treats, and for letting us descend on you every weekend for doggie play dates!
Oh, the Burdens and Benefits of Homeownership
When Michael and I graduated at the end of April, we moved out to California, where I was starting my new job. My parents were, of course, thrilled and begged us to come grace their home with our presence. We agreed, of course; my parents have done so much for us, so how could I deny them this one favor?
After a few months of this domestic bliss, we found out that Michael would have to wait longer than expected to begin the CHP academy. My mom tactfully suggested that we begin looking for a place of our own (I guess the prospect of an interminable, er, indefinite stay was too much of a good thing…?). We began looking in earnest for homes in the area in August, with the help of Pat “The Pitbull” Gallagher.
Toward the end of August, the perfect home came on the market. It was on a quarter-acre, 4 bed/2 bath, and it was right in the town of Loomis. Oh heaven!
Alas, the realtor presenting the home on behalf of the bank kept postponing when it would be shown, and *poof* it was suddenly pending. What treachery was this?
We regretfully turned our sights in other areas (Roseville and Rocklin, of all the unholy places), fearing that a home in Loomis was beyond our immediate reach.
Well, after another month of looking, offers, and disappointment, Our Home came back on the market! It came on the market on a Friday (September 18th), we went to (finally) see it that evening, and put in an offer right away.
Because it was a bank-owned, we only had one shot. We couldn’t do the typical back-and-forth, and we knew there was a ton of interest. After much consideration, we put in our offer, and the bank came back the following Wednesday with a counter: $10 less that they would pay toward the home warranty. Seriously. The bank’s counter amounted to a lousy ten bucks.
We, of course, accepted, and we closed Friday, October 9, 2009.
And just like that, we were homeowners. Or at least saddled with an enormous debt for the next 30 years.
We figure that, with our 20 percent down payment, we own the master bedroom and bathroom free and clear. But we do have a few guestrooms mortgaged, if anyone is so inclined to visit!
{Pictures will follow soon, I promise…}
After a few months of this domestic bliss, we found out that Michael would have to wait longer than expected to begin the CHP academy. My mom tactfully suggested that we begin looking for a place of our own (I guess the prospect of an interminable, er, indefinite stay was too much of a good thing…?). We began looking in earnest for homes in the area in August, with the help of Pat “The Pitbull” Gallagher.
Toward the end of August, the perfect home came on the market. It was on a quarter-acre, 4 bed/2 bath, and it was right in the town of Loomis. Oh heaven!
Alas, the realtor presenting the home on behalf of the bank kept postponing when it would be shown, and *poof* it was suddenly pending. What treachery was this?
We regretfully turned our sights in other areas (Roseville and Rocklin, of all the unholy places), fearing that a home in Loomis was beyond our immediate reach.
Well, after another month of looking, offers, and disappointment, Our Home came back on the market! It came on the market on a Friday (September 18th), we went to (finally) see it that evening, and put in an offer right away.
Because it was a bank-owned, we only had one shot. We couldn’t do the typical back-and-forth, and we knew there was a ton of interest. After much consideration, we put in our offer, and the bank came back the following Wednesday with a counter: $10 less that they would pay toward the home warranty. Seriously. The bank’s counter amounted to a lousy ten bucks.
We, of course, accepted, and we closed Friday, October 9, 2009.
And just like that, we were homeowners. Or at least saddled with an enormous debt for the next 30 years.
We figure that, with our 20 percent down payment, we own the master bedroom and bathroom free and clear. But we do have a few guestrooms mortgaged, if anyone is so inclined to visit!
{Pictures will follow soon, I promise…}
Monday, September 7, 2009
Happy B-Day Melly-Sue!
Yesterday was Melinda Sue Brinton Taylor's birthday. This belated post (our Internet is spotty and unreliable) is devoted to her.
For a more wonderfully-written post, please go here. I promise I will not be too repetitive.
I first remember meeting Melinda before she was even dating Stephen (and they are perfectly matched, let me tell you). My best firend Janice actually gave her a ride home from a big MESA (Middle Eastern Studies-Arabic) dinner that she had attended because she was interested in the Middle East (Janice and I was graduates of the program). It was a fairly uneventful trip, apart from the little mishap involving a rental car and too tight of a squeeze. I'll just say that was the first, and only, time Janice ever opted not to get rental insurance.
I next met her in a Turkish class we were both in. She is a fan of languages, and apart from her fluency in Armenian, has studied a bit of Arabic, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and French. I then recall sitting in front of her in Sunday school, little thinking that she was making eyes at my brother. I sure am glad she was interested, however, because they really are so well-suited for each other! And wasn't she a beautiful bride?
For a more wonderfully-written post, please go here. I promise I will not be too repetitive.
I first remember meeting Melinda before she was even dating Stephen (and they are perfectly matched, let me tell you). My best firend Janice actually gave her a ride home from a big MESA (Middle Eastern Studies-Arabic) dinner that she had attended because she was interested in the Middle East (Janice and I was graduates of the program). It was a fairly uneventful trip, apart from the little mishap involving a rental car and too tight of a squeeze. I'll just say that was the first, and only, time Janice ever opted not to get rental insurance.
I next met her in a Turkish class we were both in. She is a fan of languages, and apart from her fluency in Armenian, has studied a bit of Arabic, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, and French. I then recall sitting in front of her in Sunday school, little thinking that she was making eyes at my brother. I sure am glad she was interested, however, because they really are so well-suited for each other! And wasn't she a beautiful bride?
Melinda is certainly very accomplished. She served a mission in Armenia, taught English in Ecuador, and is a wonderful little seamtress. She also recently finished her Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). However, her most recent accomplishment is this little guy:
So happy birthday Melinda! I am so glad you are part of our family!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Megan!
Megan is married to my oldest brother Karl, and is the beautiful mommy of Camryn (Karl married up, for sure. Megan has this delicate, fairy-like face, and the most gorgeous long, slender arms, legs and fingers).
Her virtues are not merely superficial. She is amazingly funny and witty, especially when she writes. She certainly has a rare gift (peruse her blog here to get a taste of her talent. Becky is trying to convince Megan to submit her writings to a magazine, and I wholeheartedly agree). She is an avid reader and lover of the Arts, making her Humanities major a perfect fit for her.
Megan is from beautiful Portland, OR, and has a twin sister, Katie {Happy Birthday to you, too, Katie}. She has a major crush on Paris and all things French and spent a semester abroad there.
Another of her talents involves the ability to clean and organize. She is the best housekeeper and keeps things spotlessly clean (an example to us all, I'm sure).
Perhaps her most remarkable talent, however, is her ability to tolerate us Taylors. She certainly has civilizing effect on us. Regardless of our other virtues and flaws, Taylors are best taken in small doses. Yet she just spent an entire week with us here in California and did beautifully. I loved our visit, Megan, and only wish they were more frequent!
Happy Birthday Megan! I am thrilled to wish you another happy year, filled with all things delightful.
Her virtues are not merely superficial. She is amazingly funny and witty, especially when she writes. She certainly has a rare gift (peruse her blog here to get a taste of her talent. Becky is trying to convince Megan to submit her writings to a magazine, and I wholeheartedly agree). She is an avid reader and lover of the Arts, making her Humanities major a perfect fit for her.Megan is from beautiful Portland, OR, and has a twin sister, Katie {Happy Birthday to you, too, Katie}. She has a major crush on Paris and all things French and spent a semester abroad there.
Another of her talents involves the ability to clean and organize. She is the best housekeeper and keeps things spotlessly clean (an example to us all, I'm sure).
Perhaps her most remarkable talent, however, is her ability to tolerate us Taylors. She certainly has civilizing effect on us. Regardless of our other virtues and flaws, Taylors are best taken in small doses. Yet she just spent an entire week with us here in California and did beautifully. I loved our visit, Megan, and only wish they were more frequent!
Happy Birthday Megan! I am thrilled to wish you another happy year, filled with all things delightful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
